The Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek with Tour of Nepal
The Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek offers an unparalleled journey through one of Nepal’s most remote regions, blending rugged natural beauty with a cultural odyssey into Tibetan-influenced villages and ancient monasteries. Known for extreme trekking conditions and high-altitude passes, this 29-day expedition is ideal for experienced trekkers ready to face some of the Himalayas’ most secluded paths and high passes over 5,000 meters.
Key Highlights
– Phoksundo Lake: This turquoise lake, Nepal’s deepest, is cradled within Shey Phoksundo National Park, with ancient monasteries and a breathtaking waterfall (167 meters high) nearby.
– High Passes: The trek involves crossing nine challenging passes, including Jungben La (5,550 meters), the trek’s highest point, and Numa La, Baga La, and Niwas La passes, offering sweeping views of the Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa, and Annapurna ranges.
– Shey Gompa: A pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhism followers, this ancient monastery offers spiritual solace and architectural marvels amid harsh mountain landscapes.
– Remote Culture and Villages: The trail leads through isolated hamlets and Tibetan-influenced villages like Dho Tarap and Saldang, where travelers can experience indigenous lifestyles, taste traditional foods, and witness authentic Himalayan culture.
Trek Facts
– Duration: 29 days, covering approximately 4-9 hours of trekking daily.
– Accommodations: Mix of tea houses and camping.
– Permits Required: Includes Shey Phoksundo National Park, Lower and Upper Dolpo Permits, ACAP, and TIMS card.
– Best Months: May-June and September-October when conditions are favorable and views unobstructed by snow.
Here’s a unique breakdown of each day of the Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek, highlighting the experiences and expectations for each leg of the journey:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
– Overview: Arrival in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your trek representative at the airport. You’ll be transferred to your hotel and settle in for the night.
– What to Expect: After checking in, there will be a casual gathering at 6:00 PM to meet your fellow trekkers and trek guide. This will be the time for a brief orientation where the trek details will be shared.
– Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Eco Home).
– Meals: No meals provided this day.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
– Overview: Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage and preparing for the trek. You’ll visit ancient temples, stupas, and sites like the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and the Durbar Square.
– What to Expect: The day will involve sightseeing with local guides and time to gather any last-minute trekking gear. The experience will give you a deeper understanding of Nepal’s diverse culture before heading into the wilderness.
– Accommodation: Stay in Kathmandu Eco Home.
– Meals: Breakfast provided.
Day 03: Flight to Nepalgunj
– Overview: Early morning flight to Nepalgunj, a gateway to the western region of Nepal. After landing, you’ll have some free time to rest and adjust to the new environment.
– What to Expect: Nepalgunj serves as a regional hub, and this transition day allows you to rest while adjusting to the warmer climate before continuing your trek.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge.
– Meals: Breakfast provided.
Day 04: Flight to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
– Overview: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, which is the starting point of your trek. From here, you’ll begin the trek towards Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region.
– What to Expect: The day’s trek will give you your first taste of the landscapes of the Dolpo region, passing through terraced fields and small villages as you make your way to Dunai.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge in Dunai.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot
– Overview: Today’s trek will lead you to the village of Tarakot, a historical and scenic location.
– What to Expect: The trail follows the beautiful Barbung Khola and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek is moderate in difficulty but rewarding with views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range and rural life along the way.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge in Tarakot.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 06: Trek to Laina Odar
– Overview: From Tarakot, you’ll trek to Laina Odar, a high-altitude camp site.
– What to Expect: As you gain altitude, the landscape shifts, and you’ll pass through villages and barren lands, catching your first glimpse of the rugged terrain of Upper Dolpo. The trail will take you through isolated hamlets and through forests, providing opportunities for glimpsing wildlife and experiencing local culture.
– Accommodation: Camping at Laina Odar.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 07: Trek to Dho Tarap
– Overview: Continuing on, you will make your way to Dho Tarap, a high-altitude village at the heart of Dolpo.
– What to Expect: Dho Tarap is surrounded by spectacular mountain views and is one of the highest human settlements in the region. As you trek through open valleys and cross narrow trails, you may witness the Tibetan culture that is predominant in this area. You’ll also start experiencing the effects of the altitude.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge in Dho Tarap.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 08: Acclimatization Day in Dho Tarap
– Overview: This day is dedicated to acclimatization to help your body adjust to the high altitudes before moving on.
– What to Expect: You’ll spend the day exploring the village and surrounding areas. You can visit ancient gompas (monasteries) and interact with the locals, learning about their lifestyle and customs. Light walks are also encouraged to help with acclimatization.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge in Dho Tarap.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 09: Trek to Numa La Base Camp
– Overview: Begin the challenging ascent to the Numa La Base Camp, preparing for crossing the high-altitude passes.
– What to Expect: The trail will become steeper as you head toward the base camp. The scenery is magnificent, with views of the snow-capped peaks and glacial rivers. The day’s trek will be challenging as you approach higher altitudes.
– Accommodation: Camping at Numa La Base Camp.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 10: Cross Numa La Pass and Trek to Danigar
– Overview: This is the first of the high passes you’ll cross. The Numa La Pass sits at 5,309 meters and is one of the more physically demanding days of the trek.
– What to Expect: Crossing Numa La, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. After reaching the top, you’ll descend to Danigar, where you can rest and recover.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge in Danigar.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 11: Cross Baga La Pass and Trek to Baga La Phedi
– Overview: The trek to Baga La Pass is another challenging segment, with a steep ascent and high-altitude conditions.
– What to Expect: After reaching Baga La, you’ll descend toward Baga La Phedi. The pass is often open from April to November, and the views are stunning, with vast expanses of the Himalayas unfolding in front of you.
– Accommodation: Local Lodge at Baga La Phedi.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 12-15: Trek to Shey Gompa, Crossing Kang La, Neng La, Nang La, and Mola Passes
– Overview: Over these days, you will cross several of the toughest passes, including Kang La, Neng La, and Nang La, each offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below.
– What to Expect: The trekking will be intense, with narrow ridgelines and steep ascents. At each pass, you’ll experience awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and deep valleys. After crossing each pass, you will descend into valleys or head toward the next camp.
– Accommodation: Camping or Local Lodges in the respective areas.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 16-20: Continue Trekking through Upper Dolpo
– Overview: These days will continue the trekking through the most remote and scenic parts of Upper Dolpo.
– What to Expect: The trek will pass through ancient monasteries, remote villages, and lush valleys, giving you a chance to interact with locals and experience their unique lifestyle. These are some of the most untouched and unexplored parts of Nepal.
– Accommodation: Camping in various locations.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 21-28: Cross Remaining High Passes and Reach Jomsom
– Overview: As you approach the end of your trek, you will cross the last of the high passes and make your way toward the village of Jomsom in the Mustang region.
– What to Expect: The final days of the trek will include some tough but rewarding sections as you reach the Annapurna region, home to one of the most stunning trekking areas in Nepal. The final leg will take you to Jomsom, where you will catch a flight back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
– Accommodation: Camping and Local Lodges.
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 29: Return to Kathmandu
– Overview: After the long trek, fly back to Kathmandu from Jomsom. You’ll have time to relax and reflect on your journey.
– What to Expect: Arriving in Kathmandu, you can either enjoy some leisure time for shopping or sightseeing or prepare for your departure from Nepal.
– Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
– Meals: Breakfast provided.
This itinerary ensures a balanced progression, with ample rest days for acclimatization and the opportunity to explore one of Nepal’s most remote and challenging trekking regions with Tour of Nepal.