28-Day Upper Dolpo Trek from Kathmandu to Phoksundo and Shey Gompa
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you will receive a short briefing about the trip. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a detailed discussion of the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later in the day, you will review trekking permits and equipment with your guide. The evening is free to explore Thamel.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft)
Today, you take a scenic domestic flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore this lively border town, including its local markets and surroundings.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Nepalgunj
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Duration: ~1 hour
Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,502m) and Trek to Dunai (2,850m)
Fly early in the morning to Juphal, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Begin trekking through terraced fields and villages, following the Bheri River to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Flight: ~45 minutes | Trek: 2-3 hours
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m)
Cross suspension bridges and trek through walnut groves and small settlements. Enjoy views of Kagmara Peak while following the Thulo Bheri Valley before reaching Ankhe.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat (3,500m)
Today's trail involves multiple ascents and descents through forests and along riverbanks. Continue climbing to Sulighat, passing grassy hills and narrow trails.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)
Hike along the Pungmo River, passing cedar and birch forests before reaching Ringmo Village. A short walk brings you to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal's most beautiful alpine lakes.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake
Enjoy a rest and acclimatization day. Explore Ringmo Village and visit a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Spend time taking in the serene beauty of Phoksundo Lake.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (3,507m)
Follow a rugged trail along the western shore of Phoksundo Lake, crossing meadows and valleys before reaching Phoksundo Khola.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402m)
Trek through a glacier valley with magnificent views of Chamlang Peak 6 and 7 and the Kang La Pass region.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 11: Cross Kang La Pass (5,360m) to Shey Gompa (4,500m)
A challenging but rewarding day crossing Kang La Pass, offering panoramic mountain views. Descend to Shey Gompa via alpine meadows and river crossings.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 12: Acclimatization Day at Shey Gompa
Visit the historic Shey Gompa (1655) and admire the massive gold-plated Buddha statue. Explore Crystal Mountain and learn about the ancient Bon-Po culture.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gonpa (4,800m)
Climb through rocky terrain toward Saldang La Pass before descending to Namgung Gonpa, home to the historic Namgung Monastery.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek from Namgung Gonpa to Saldang (3,903m) via Saldang La Pass
Cross Saldang La Pass (5,200m) and descend to the prosperous village of Saldang, an important trading hub of Lower Dolpo.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 15: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m)
Walk through remote valleys, crossing rivers and villages before reaching the ancient Yangze Gompa, an important Bon-Po monastery.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 16: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m)
Retrace the route back through Saldang and Namdo Village, passing chortens, mani walls, and monasteries before reaching Sibu.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 17: Trek from Sibu to Jenga La Phedi (4,900m)
Follow the Nam Khong Khola and ascend toward the grazing meadows below Jenga La Pass.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 18: Cross Jenga La Pass to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m)
Cross Jenga La Pass, enjoying dramatic views of the north face of Mt. Dhaulagiri, then descend into Tarap Valley to Tokyu Gaon.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 19: Trek from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap (4,040m)
Descend through open valleys and marshlands to reach Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village practicing Bon-Po and Chaiba traditions.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 20: Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap
Explore Dho Tarap Village, interact with locals, and learn about their unique lifestyle, religion, and traditions.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3,800m)
Descend through juniper forests and open meadows to Tarap Khola, camping at Kamakharka beside the river.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 22: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m)
Enter narrow gorges and cross streams, following challenging trails to Khanigaon.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 23: Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m)
Pass through Lalberi Village and forested gorges before reaching Tarakot. Visit Sandul Gompa near the river confluence.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 24: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,850m)
Retrace the trail along the Bheri River back to Dunai.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 25: Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,502m)
A short scenic walk along the river and through villages brings you back to Juphal airstrip.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
Day 26: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Take a morning flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and relax.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 27: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Enjoy a free day for shopping, relaxation, or optional sightseeing. In the evening, join a farewell dinner celebrating the successful completion of your Upper Dolpo Trek.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 28: Final Departure
After breakfast, a Marvel Treks representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
