At a Glance

3
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip Code SGUDT025
Trekking Team Group Trip Style
Trip Style Treks of Great Himalaya Trail
Trekking Team Group Facts
Duration 25 Days
Trekking Team Group Facts
Maximum Altitude 5500m
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip Start Kathmandu | Airport
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip End Kathmandu | Airport
Trekking Team Group Facts
Transport Private
Trekking Team Group Facts
Price US$ 4945 per person

Trip Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek to Shey Gompa offers an opportunity to visit mystical land where centuries old Buddhist and Bonpo traditions, with shamanistic influences, are still an important part of daily life. The visitors will have unforgettable impression during visit to the villages and gompas and interact with the local people. The landscapes are more desolate in comparision with the Dolpa Circuit. The settlements here are even more isolated and pure.
Upper Dolpo is a restricted area which needs special permit to visit. Maximum 250 foreigners can enter into Inner Dolpo each year which makes the trek very special and exclusive one.
The trekking brings you to Shey Gompa, considered as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It is very miraculous place which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year. They make a kora (circuit) of the Crystal Mountain, Dolpo’s version of Mt Kailash.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is quite arduous hike. One has to cross three high passes—Kang La/ Ngadra La (5375 m), the Shey La (5000 m) and Jeng La (5110 m). These passes have long ascends and descends. Moreever, you stay above 4000 meters for a long time. The unforgettable landscapes, magnificient views from the passes and the unique culture of the local people make your trip memorable. If this is too long for you then  try Mustang trek

Who should attampt Upper Dolpo Trek – Great Himalayan Trail trek?

  • Individuals who are physically fit and prepared for challenging trekking conditions.
  • Those who are flexible and can adapt to potential flight cancellations and extended trek durations due to weather conditions.
  • Experienced trekkers who are comfortable crossing multiple high passes and navigating extreme weather in remote areas.
  • Adventurers who are content with basic accommodation and simple food options along the route.
  • Enthusiasts of Tibetan culture and the Bonpo religion, as the trek offers rich cultural experiences.
  • Nature lovers who appreciate stunning blue lakes and traversing high mountain passes.
  • Trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in a less frequented region of Nepal.

Trip Highlights

  • Shey Gompa and upper Dolpa trek on the Great Himalayan Trail
  • Trek to remote Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain
  • Trek across three high passes over 5000m
  • Trek to Saldang Village home to Tibetan salt traders

At a Glance

3
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip Code SGUDT025
Trekking Team Group Trip Style
Trip Style Treks of Great Himalaya Trail
Trekking Team Group Facts
Duration 25 Days
Trekking Team Group Facts
Maximum Altitude 5500m
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip Start Kathmandu | Airport
Trekking Team Group Facts
Trip End Kathmandu | Airport
Trekking Team Group Facts
Transport Private
Trekking Team Group Facts
Price US$ 4945 per person

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Trip Itinerary

  • Full Itinerary
  • Outline Itinerary

Departure from home

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted with a traditional warm welcome by our airport representative. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel, where you’ll receive a brief orientation about your travel package. In the evening, enjoy a delightful welcome dinner featuring local cuisine.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Hotel
Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing

Your first day begins with breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley, starting with a visit to the renowned Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched on a hill, this ancient and enigmatic shrine offers stunning views of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath, with its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire, attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the world.

Next, you’ll visit Pashupatinath, the revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This iconic temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus in the Indian subcontinent. Nearby, you will witness the cremation ceremonies by the Bagmati River, where bodies are ritually burned to ashes.

The tour continues to Patan Durbar Square, a mesmerizing showcase of traditional Nepalese architecture. Here, you’ll explore centuries-old temples and palaces, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.

Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Day 03

Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the domestic airport for a short flight to Nepalgunj. On the way, you’ll see beautiful mountains and enjoy the amazing landscape. Nepalgunj, the largest city in the western Terai, is about 10 kilometers from the Nepal-India border. You’ll spend the night in a local hotel.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Hotel
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 1 Hrs
Day 04

Flight from Nepalgunj-Juphal (2475 m), walk to Chhepka (2838 m)

You will take an early morning flight to Juphal, which takes about 45 minutes from Nepalgunj. During the flight, you’ll see beautiful views of the landscape and terraced villages. Juphal is the main airport in the Dolpo region, located high above the Thuli Bheri River. After exploring Juphal and its surroundings for a bit, you will start your trek to Chhepka, which takes about six hours.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Hotel
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 10 km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 400m
Day 05

Chhepka (2838 m) to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) 6 hours

Today you will trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar. The trail winds through a beautiful pine forest and has many ups and downs. Along the way, you’ll meet local people. Some parts of the path are very narrow, while others have impressive steep rocks. After walking for about four hours, you will pass the village of Rechi. From there, it takes another two hours to reach Chunuwar. This is a fascinating place to visit. You can meet an Amchi, a doctor trained in traditional Tibetan medicine. They use medicinal herbs and techniques like pulse and urine analysis for diagnosis.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 10km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 300m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 100m
Day 06

Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) 3 hours

Today you will hike to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake. The trail includes some long and steep climbs. On the way, you can see the spectacular Phoksundo (Suligad) waterfall, which is 167 meters high. From the pass, you will get a view of Phoksundo Lake. The path then goes downhill and follows the river until you reach Ringmo. Ringmo is a village where people practice Bonpo, an ancient religion related to Buddhism.

Ringmo is on the shore of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, an alpine freshwater lake and the deepest lake in Nepal. Phoksundo Lake is located in Shey Phoksundo National Park and is known for its stunning beauty.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 3-4Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 8km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 700m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 200m
Day 07

Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m), free day

Today is a free day to explore this amazing place and to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Use this time to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the changes in the environment. Staying active, even on a rest day, is important for the rest of your journey.

Phoksundo Lake is a stunning alpine freshwater lake, the deepest in Nepal. Located in Shey Phoksundo National Park, it is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and beautiful surroundings. The lake is a sacred site for both Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion, adding to its serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 100m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 100m
Day 08

Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) to Chunemba (3639 m) 5 hours

Today’s trail is very exciting. You will enter the restricted area of Inner Dolpo. The path climbs up to a ridge where you can see the beautiful Ringmo Lake and the snow-covered Norbung Kanga mountain. After that, you will gradually go down to the lake’s northern shore. The trail then leads you through a wide valley, crossing some streams and offering splendid views of the snow-capped Kanjirowa Himal.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 8Km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 100m
Day

Chunemba (3639 m) to Snowfields Camp (4400 m)

You will walk northwest through scrub and briar, entering the mystical land of real Dolpa. As you head north, the valley becomes magical, and you’ll pass a small campsite marked by beautiful mani stones. Following the path to the right, you’ll reach a small intersecting valley with a rocky river. You’ll climb through the rocky trail, crossing the stream several times by rock-hopping, wading, or using wooden bridges. After about an hour, you will finally arrive at Snowfields Camp, a name given by Mattheissen.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 12km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 800m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 100m
Day 10

Snowfields Camp (4400 m) to Shey Gompa (4310 m) via Kang La (5375 m)

Today’s trek starts early in the morning. You will climb a steep, slate-covered trail toward the pass, taking about 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit of Kang La, also known as Nagadra La. This high pass into Inner Dolpo is decorated with cairns and prayer flags. The north side of the pass is often covered with snow, making the descent a bit challenging. The initial descent is steep and takes about 45 minutes, then continues for another 3 hours until you reach Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is a small village with a few houses and a monastery, often called the spiritual heart of Dolpa.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7 hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 12km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 1000m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 90m
Day 11

Rest day Shey Gompa (4310 m) to explore around

Today is a relaxed day. It’s a rest day to explore Shey Gompa, a stunning village. You can visit Tsakang Gompa and the impressive Kagyupa monastery of Tsa Kang. Take time to explore the village and its surroundings. It’s also beneficial to stay active even on a rest day to help your body and mind adjust to the new environment. This will prepare you well for the rest of your journey.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 9Km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 300m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 300m
Day 12

Shey Gompa (4350 m) to Namgung (4430 m) via Shey La (5000 m)

Your trek in Inner Dolpo continues as you journey eastward into another narrow valley, ascending to the summit of Shey La, also known as Gelu La (5000 m). From this pass, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the arid Tibetan Plateau to the north and Mustang to the east. Descending northward, you’ll reach the pastures of Namgung, where you’ll find a few stone houses and a gompa.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 12km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 700m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 800m
Day 13

Namgung (4400 m) to Saldang (4060 m)

Today’s hike is brief but scenic. The trail winds high above the Namgung Khola before descending sharply into Saldang village, situated near the Nepal-Tibet border. This area is frequented by yak caravans. Saldang itself comprises five distinct villages and is the largest settlement in Inner Dolpo. The local residents lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, especially during the warmer months when they take their yaks and sheep to the highlands. The more affluent families employ Drokpa nomads to manage this pastoral work. You may encounter a Drokpa camp in the vicinity.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 6-7Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 10km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 300m
Day 14

Saldang (4060 m) to Sibu (4200 m)

You will trek southward along the Nagaon Khola, passing through terraced barley fields, which are the primary crop for the locals. Along the way, you’ll traverse a small village nestled among these terraces. The trail is adorned with numerous mani walls, chortens, and several gompas.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 10km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 140m
Day 15

Sibu (4200 m) to Lagmo Che (4570 m)

Today’s trek starts by crossing the river near the village of Raka. You then enter a spacious, uninhabited valley. After about two hours of walking, the path veers away from the river and ascends steeply to a meadow at approximately 4570 meters, which serves as a grazing area for yaks. This place is Lagmo Che, the base camp for climbing up to Jeng La.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 8km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 300m
Day 16

Lagmo Che (4570 m) to Tokyu (4209 m) via Jeng La (5110 m)

Today’s trek begins by crossing the river near the village of Raka. From there, you enter a large, empty valley. After about two hours of walking, the trail turns away from the river and ascends steeply to a meadow at around 4570 meters. This meadow serves as a grazing area for yaks and is known as Lagmo Che, the base camp for climbing to Jeng La.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 7-8Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 12Km
Trekking Team Group Ascent
Ascent 500m
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 400m
Day 17

Tokyu (4209 m) to Dho Tarap ( 4080 m) 2 hour

From Tokyu, your trek continues to Dho Tarap. The trail descends into the Tarap Valley, offering opportunities to visit several gompas and culturally rich sites before reaching Dho Tarap itself. This village is nestled among stone houses beneath the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, known for its distinctive chorten. Women here wear striking headpieces made of beaten silver, called ‘tikpu’, adorned with turquoise, amber, and zee stones. Men often sport red woolen braids in their hair, reminiscent of the Khampas from eastern Tibet. Similar to the Kali Gandaki Valley on the other side of Dhaulagiri, this area is known for its strong winds. Beyond the village, Yak Kharka offers a quieter respite from the wind.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 2-3Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 5hrs
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 1450m
Day 18

Dho Tarap (4080 m) to Sisaul (3750 m) 4 hour

Today’s trek is brief, allowing ample time to explore Dho in the morning. Departing from Dho Tarap, you’ll pass numerous mani walls and small chortens along the way. The trail descends alongside the Tarap Khola, where you’ll notice a gradual shift in the landscape. Sparse bushes begin to appear, lending a touch of greenery. Just before reaching Sisaul, you’ll ascend a small pass, after which the valley narrows. A short descent brings you to Sisaul, where a convenient campsite awaits next to a tent-hotel.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 4-5Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 9Km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 300m
Day 19

Sisaul (3750 m) to Laina Odar (3370 m)

You’ll trek to Laina Odar, mostly following the river valley. The landscape offers opportunities to admire the beauty and possibly spot blue sheep or even a snow leopard. It takes about three and a half hours to reach Nawarpani from Sisaul. The trail descends gracefully, carved into the rock. Beyond Nawarpani, the scenery becomes greener, passing through occasional pine forests. You’ll spend the night at Laina Odar.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 7-8Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 12km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 300m
Day 20

Laina Odar (3370 m) to Lingdo (2391 m)

Today’s trek leads you from Laina Odar to Lingdo. The trail winds through forests nestled among steep cliffs adorned with pine, spruce, fir, juniper, and cypress trees. It takes approximately three hours to reach Laisicap. Here, you’ll cross the Thuli Bheri River via a suspension bridge before descending for about 45 minutes. The path then gradually slopes downward, offering impressive views of the landscape along the way. Continue walking until you arrive at Lingdo, a small village inhabited by the Magar community who follow Buddhism.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 8Km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 1000m
Day 21

Lingdo (2391 m) to Dunai (2140 m) 5 hours

Today’s trek is a gentle one. You’ll begin through rugged terrain, reaching Byasgar village in about two hours. From there, you’ll hike alongside the Thuli Bheri River to the charming town of Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. This large village is home to both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Dolpa Kendriya Gompa, a significant Buddhist monastery in the area.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 5-6Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 10km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 200m
Day 22

Dunai (2140 m) to Juphal (2475 m)

The trek to Juphal is short and pleasant. After a 45-minute walk, you’ll arrive at a beautiful stupa marking the entrance to the village of Dunai. Inside the stupa, you can admire important Buddhist paintings of mandalas and figures. Continuing on, it takes about three and a half hours to reach Juphal, passing through the bridge in Shey Phoksundo National Park. Along the way, you’ll traverse Kalagaonda village via a small path through fields of barley, wheat, peach, and apricot trees before finally reaching Jhuphal. Take some time to explore the area. On the route, you can also visit Dangiwada, a Hindu village.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Lodge
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B L D
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 3-4Hrs
Trekking Team Group Distance
Distance 6Km
Trekking Team Group Descent
Descent 300m
Day 23

Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

In the morning, you’ll take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, enjoying breathtaking views as you pass through mountain valleys. Later in the day, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Hotel
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Trekking Team Group Time
Time 30Min
Day 24

Day at leisure/ reserve day in case of flight cancel/Hotel

Today in Kathmandu is leisurely, with the entire day free for shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing. This extra day serves as a contingency for inclement weather, allowing ample opportunity to explore Kathmandu before heading to the airport for your return flight.

Trekking Team Group Accomodation
Accommodation Hotel
Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Day 25

Drive to Airport for Return flight

Your last day in Kathmandu is yours to enjoy as you wish. Some may choose to shop, while others may prefer exploring the city’s cultural sites. Our local guide can recommend the best shops nearby. Farewell! Our airport representative will accompany you to ensure a smooth departure from Nepal.

Trekking Team Group Meals
Meals B
Back to home

Cost Include

  • All transfer in private coach
  • Flight ticket round trip to Juphal
  • Camping accommodation in most of the place
  • Conservation permit
  • National Park permit
  • Special Dolpo Permit
  • 3 meals during trek
  • Insured-equipped guide
  • Insured- equipped porters
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with BF
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu with entry fee and guide

Cost Exclude

  • Lunch and dinner in the city
  • Drinks and bar bill
  • Tipping
  • Personal insurance
  • Any other things not mentioned
  • Additional costs due to illness, rescue, force majeure, changes of flight and itinerary

Tailor made Journeys

Your journey, your way - This itinerary can be tailored to your desire.

You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. Like your personal architect creating your one-of- a-kind home, our Travel Specialists will execute the trip of a lifetime. It’s all up to you – logistics, pace, budget, dates, performances, visits, explorations, meals and lodging are hammered out down to the finest customized detail. Please fill in our tailor-made request form.

Private Journeys

Customize the departure dates suitable for you

If you do not want to join a group then you can also make this a private trip with your friends and family one at your own schedule. Considering this, Trekking Team Group organizes private journeys as well. Please choose your own departure date.