25-Day Upper Dolpo Natural Retreat & Himalayan Adventure

25 Days Round trip from Tribhuwan International Airport Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 25-day immersive journey through remote Upper Dolpo
  • 02 Scenic flights through Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Juphal
  • 03 Trek through the rugged landscapes of Dolpo
  • 04 Visit the spectacular turquoise Phoksundo Lake
  • 05 Explore traditional Ringmo village and its unique culture
  • 06 Cross the challenging Kang La and Jeng La mountain passes
  • 07 Explore historic Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain region
  • 08 Discover Saldang and traditional Tibetan-influenced Dolpo villages
  • 09 Experience the distinctive culture and monasteries of Dho Tarap
  • 10 Explore remote Himalayan settlements, valleys, forests, and alpine landscapes
  • 11 Opportunities to observe traditional agriculture and local village life
  • 12 Extended trekking through one of Nepal's most isolated regions
  • 13 Cultural exploration and leisure time in Kathmandu
  • 14 Experienced trekking guide and dedicated support team
  • 15 A unique combination of high-altitude adventure, Buddhist heritage, and remote Himalayan culture

Escape into the pristine wilderness of Upper Dolpo on an immersive 25-day natural retreat through one of Nepal's most remote Himalayan regions. This journey combines challenging trekking, ancient Buddhist culture, traditional villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, and peaceful moments in nature.
Begin in Kathmandu before flying to Nepalgunj and Juphal, then trek through the rugged landscapes of Dolpo. Discover Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village, cross the spectacular Kang La Pass, visit Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain Shey Ri, and explore traditional villages including Saldang, Namdo, Sibu, Tokyu, and Dho Tarap.
Along the route, experience ancient monasteries, Himalayan traditions, remote settlements, high mountain passes, and the natural beauty of the region. Time for exploration and reflection at Phoksundo Lake, Shey, Saldang, and Dho Tarap adds a peaceful dimension to this demanding adventure.
The journey concludes with your return to Kathmandu, followed by a cultural exploration and leisure day before departure. Designed for travelers seeking peace and an authentic connection to nature, this premium Himalayan experience offers an opportunity to step away from modern routines and reconnect with body, mind, and soul amid the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 25 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Dolpo, Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park
Languages English, Hindi, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival & Trip Briefing

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Attend a detailed trip briefing covering the Upper Dolpo trekking route, logistics, altitude, weather, permits, and preparation for the remote Himalayan journey.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and settle into your hotel. Use the evening to rest and prepare for the flight into the remote Dolpo region.

3
Day 03

Juphal to Dunai

Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and begin trekking toward Dunai. The trail introduces you to the rugged landscapes and traditional settlements of the Dolpo region.

4
Day 04

Dunai to Hanke & Ankhe

Trek through increasingly remote Himalayan terrain toward Hanke and Ankhe. Follow mountain trails alongside rivers and through dramatic valleys surrounded by rugged landscapes.

5
Day 05

Ankhe to Somdu

Continue trekking from Ankhe to Somdu through remote valleys and forested sections. Experience the changing scenery as the trail gradually gains elevation.

6
Day 06

Somdu to Phoksundo Lake

Trek toward the spectacular Phoksundo Lake, one of Dolpo's most iconic natural landmarks. Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and the first views of the lake's distinctive blue waters.

7
Day 07

Phoksundo Lake & Ringmo Village

Spend the day exploring Phoksundo Lake and the traditional village of Ringmo. Discover the area's unique Himalayan culture, architecture, landscapes, and surrounding natural beauty.

8
Day 08

Phoksundo to Kang La Base Camp

Leave Phoksundo and trek toward Kang La Base Camp. The trail enters higher and more rugged terrain as you prepare for one of the trek's major mountain passes.

9
Day 09

Kang La Pass to Shey

Cross Kang La Pass and continue toward Shey. Enjoy spectacular high-altitude views before descending toward the culturally significant Shey region.

10
Day 10

Shey Gompa & Crystal Mountain

Explore historic Shey Gompa and the surrounding Crystal Mountain landscape. Learn about the area's Buddhist heritage while enjoying its striking Himalayan environment.

11
Day 11

Shey to Namgung & Saldang

Trek through remote mountain terrain toward Namgung and Saldang. Discover traditional settlements and experience the distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture of Upper Dolpo.

12
Day 12

Explore Saldang & Traditional Villages

Spend the day exploring Saldang and nearby traditional Dolpo villages. Observe local architecture, agriculture, monasteries, and everyday life in this remote Himalayan community.

13
Day 13

Saldang to Namdo & Sibu

Continue along remote mountain trails from Saldang to Namdo and Sibu. The journey offers expansive views and an opportunity to experience the isolation and traditional character of Dolpo.

14
Day 14

Sibu to Jeng La Base Camp

Trek toward Jeng La Base Camp through increasingly high-altitude terrain. Prepare for the next day's pass crossing while enjoying the surrounding alpine landscapes.

15
Day 15

Jeng La Pass to Tokyu

Cross Jeng La Pass and continue toward Tokyu. Experience dramatic mountain scenery before descending into the valleys and settlements beyond the pass.

16
Day 16

Tokyu to Dho Tarap

Trek to Dho Tarap, one of Dolpo's most culturally distinctive valleys. Explore the surrounding landscapes and traditional settlements on arrival.

17
Day 17

Dho Tarap Exploration

Explore Dho Tarap, its monasteries, villages, and surrounding valley. Learn about local traditions and the unique cultural heritage preserved in this remote Himalayan region.

18
Day 18

Dho Tarap to Serkam

Begin the return journey with a trek from Dho Tarap to Serkam. Follow the changing landscapes as the route gradually moves toward lower elevations.

19
Day 19

Serkam to Tarakot

Continue from Serkam to Tarakot through scenic mountain valleys and river corridors. Enjoy the transition from the high alpine environment toward greener and lower terrain.

20
Day 20

Tarakot to Dunai

Trek from Tarakot back to Dunai, retracing sections of the lower Dolpo route. Take time to appreciate the landscapes and communities encountered along the journey.

21
Day 21

Dunai to Juphal

Complete the trek from Dunai to Juphal. Arrive near the airport and prepare for your return flight from the remote Dolpo region.

22
Day 22

Juphal to Nepalgunj

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and settle into your hotel. Enjoy some time to rest after completing the main trekking section of the journey.

23
Day 23

Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Relax and recover after the extended Himalayan adventure.

24
Day 24

Kathmandu Cultural Exploration

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Kathmandu's cultural heritage and historic sites. This leisure day provides time to experience the capital before your international departure.

25
Day 25

Departure

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your international departure. Complete your Upper Dolpo trekking journey with memories of remote Himalayan landscapes, villages, monasteries, and mountain passes.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tribhuwan International Airport 5 cities · 25 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 24 nights' accommodation according to the itinerary

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj

  • Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek where available

  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal and return

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Juphal

  • Experienced licensed trekking guide

  • Trekking support staff and required porters

  • Upper Dolpo special trekking permit

  • Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit

  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, where applicable

  • Local government and conservation fees, where applicable

  • Full-board meals during the trekking section

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

  • Drinking water and basic tea/coffee during trekking days

  • Accommodation and meals for guide and porters

  • Guide and porter insurance, equipment, and allowances

  • Ground transportation required for included itinerary transfers

  • Trekking route coordination and logistical support

  • Basic first-aid kit and emergency assistance coordination

  • Kathmandu sightseeing assistance on Day 24

  • All applicable government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Nepal

  • Nepal visa fees

  • Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage

  • Personal expenses and shopping

  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing

  • Sleeping bag and trekking poles, unless specifically provided

  • Bottled water, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and premium beverages

  • Meals and accommodation outside those specified in the itinerary

  • Extra hotel nights caused by early arrival, late departure, delays, or itinerary changes

  • Helicopter evacuation or emergency rescue costs

  • Medical expenses and personal medication

  • Additional accommodation or transportation caused by flight cancellations or weather delays

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, drivers, and support staff

  • Wi-Fi, charging, phone calls, laundry, and other personal services

  • Entrance fees for sites not specifically included

  • Any costs arising from circumstances beyond the operator's control

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuwan International Airport
Tour start
Tribhuwan International Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 25 days finish where they began, in Tribhuwan International Airport.

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