24-Day Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal with Shey Phoksundo and Shey Gompa

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your flight.

In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine while receiving a briefing about your upcoming trek. Stroll through the lively streets of Thamel, where colorful shops, cafes, and culture set the perfect tone for your Himalayan adventure ahead.

Visit some of the Kathmandu Valley's heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, or Swayambhunath. In the afternoon, your guide will check your gear, go over permits, and answer any last questions. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu. Meals: breakfast.

A short morning flight takes you to the hot, flat plains of western Nepal. The rest of the day is free to relax before the mountain flight.

Stay: hotel, Nepalgunj.

Meals: breakfast.

The flight to Juphal is a short, scenic mountain flight. From the airstrip, you walk downhill for about 2 hours along the Thulo Bheri River to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. Stay: camp or guesthouse.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Follow the Suli Gad River through forest and past small settlements. The trail has a few ups and downs, and you enter Shey Phoksundo National Park along the way. Walking time is about 6 hours.

Stay: camp.

The trail climbs gently through pine and cypress forest, with views of the gorge below. You pass waterfalls and suspension bridges. Walking time is about 5 to 6 hours.

Stay: camp.

You climb to a ridge, and your first view of the turquoise lake appears, with the waterfall below it. Descend to Ringmo village, a Tibetan-style settlement with whitewashed chortens and mani walls. Walking time is about 5 hours.

Stay: camp by the lake.

Rest and let your body adjust. Visit Ringmo village and the 900-year-old Thashung Gompa, or walk along the lakeshore. Light activity at this altitude helps acclimatization more than sitting still.

Stay: camp by the lake.

Follow the trail along the cliff edge above the lake, the section leading into the restricted Upper Dolpo area. The route continues up the Phoksundo Khola valley to a quiet riverside camp. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.

A steady climb into higher, barren country. Camp is cold and exposed, so rest and drink plenty of water to prepare for the big pass tomorrow. Walking time is about 5 to 6 hours. Stay: camp.

The hardest and most rewarding day. Start before dawn for the climb to Kang La, the trek's highest point, with views across the Dolpo plateau. A long descent follows to Shey Gompa. Walking time is about 8 to 9 hours. Stay: camp near the monastery.

Spend the day at the 'Crystal Monastery,' founded in the 11th century. Meet the monks, walk the pilgrim circuit, and enjoy the stillness of one of the most remote places on the trek. Stay: camp.

Cross Sela La (5,095 m) and descend into the valley beyond, with wide views over dry, high-altitude terrain. Walking time is about 7 to 8 hours. Stay: camp.

A more comfortable day, passing the Namgung monastery and walking along the Nang Chu valley to Saldang, one of the largest villages in Upper Dolpo, with terraced barley fields. Walking time is about 5 hours. Stay: camp.

A day hike to Yanjer Gompa, with time to meet local families and see daily Dolpo-pa life before returning to Saldang. Stay: camp.

Walk through a string of small villages, past yak herds and fields. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.

A gradual climb up the valley to the foot of the next pass. Camp early and rest. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.

Cross Jyanta La (5,220 m) early in the morning, then descend into the Tarap valley. Dho Tarap is a large, fertile valley with Tibetan- and Bon-influenced villages and monasteries. Walking time is about 8 hours. Stay: camp.

Follow the Tarap Chu River downstream through a narrowing gorge. The trail drops steadily, and the landscape slowly turns greener. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.

Continue through the gorge and forests, crossing the river several times. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.

The final full day of walking brings you back to Dunai. Enjoy a celebration dinner with your crew before driving to Juphal. Walking time is about 6 hours.

Stay: guesthouse.

Take the morning flight out of Juphal and connect to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Transfer to your hotel. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu.

Free day to rest, shop, or sightsee. In the evening, join the farewell dinner. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu.

Our representative will drop you at the airport for your flight home.