‘Adventure in the land of elusive Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep within ancient Bon-po culture’

Highlights:

"Adventure on Nepal Far Western Himalaya to Upper Dolpo on least explored areas Remote farm villages of Yak herders on old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route to Tibet Explore hidden and scenic country of Dolpo and towards Crystal Monastery of Shey Country of ancient Bon sect of pre Buddhism where Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep dwells

From green alpine forest of firs-pines to arid and barren terrain over Kang-la at Shey Monastery

Breathe-taking scenery of dramatic landscapes of valleys, hills and mountains Walking into interesting Dolpo villages and old monasteries within Far West Himalaya”

Trip Facts:

Introduction:

Upper Dolpo & Kang-La Pass Trekking, an adventure into Nepal’s wildest areas located Far North Western Himalaya, due to its remoteness isolated from rest of the main towns and cities of Nepal which makes this journey one of the most interesting walking away from main flow of trekkers.

Upper Dolpo & Kang-La Pass Trekking, a fascinating trip in the hidden country of Himalaya where you can experience adventure of a lifetime experience walking into inner and then to Upper Dolpo crossing high and scenic Kang-la pass to reach our ultimate destination at Shey Gompa in the shade of Cyrstal Mountain.

The Far Western Himalayan region of Upper Dolpo areas was exposed to the world by anAmerican author Peter Mattessian in his classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ published way back in early 1980’s followed by great motion pictures called Caravan later changed to ‘Himalaya’ produced by joint venture French and Nepal.

Truly a country where you will be impressed from the start to an end following the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan trail of Dolpo and Tibet heading into beautiful country of coniferous forest of blue pines, spruce and juniper towards beautiful turquoise Phuksumdo Lake and visiting Ringmo village.

Then heading over high Kang-la Pass to Shey Monastery with impressive and exciting time around its wilderness of pristine environment, then heading towards Jhupal and Dunai taking a high route over several passes to reach at scenic Dho-Tarap valley and its interesting villages of Tokyu and Tarakot.Finally walk ends with a scenic drive back to Jhupal for panoramic and sweeping flight to Kathmandu with transit at Nepalgunj city airport, then reaching at Kathmandu with awesome memorable time and adventure on Upper Dolpo & Kang-La Pass Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Trip Dossier:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300m via respective airlines.

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport received by our staff and transfer to your Hotel, where our guide gives briefing of Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking / Camping, do's and don'ts and other necessary information.

Day 02: Morning half day tour of Kathmandu world heritage sites afternoon fly to Nepalgunj.

After your first night in Kathmandu, morning with half day guided sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu at places of interest, Kathmandu valley and the city steeped with historical monuments listed as World Heritage Sites.

Afternoon transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping scenic flight to Nepal Far South West to land at Nepalgunj city, within warmer sub-tropical climate, the areas of Indian influence as it lies close to the border of Indian states UP (Utter Pradesh).

On reaching Nepalgunj airport transfer to your hotels within city areas afternoon time to explore Nepalgunj city of Indian influence culture and traditions due to its closeness with Indian border. 

Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then walk to Dunai 2,140 m - 04 hrs.

Early breakfast for another short flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, at Jhupal join with our trekking staff and trek to Dunai for overnight stop, walk leads through interesting farm villages and farm lands with views of snow capped peaks in the distance, few hours of first day nice and pleasant walk reaches your at Dunai for overnight stop in local nice lodge.

Dunai, headquarter and administrative town of Dolpo district, an interesting place to explore in the afternoon to observe Nepal Far Western Nepalese cultures and custom of both Hindu and Buddhist religion with fascinating cultures.

Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

From Dunai, morning walk leads past market place and then cross a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and over a ridge top above Phuksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak.

After an easy walk, our route heads downhill past farm villages with walnut trees close to Dhera a small cattle herders settlements, from here short climb towards Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu tribe.Walk from here on downhill into forested area to reach our first overnight camp at Chhepka, a small farm village.

Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

After Chhepka which is close to Ankhe village morning walk starts with short climb and descend into forest to reach by the river bank, and then climb leaving the forest behind and then on downhill back into forested area, which leads upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek leads further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phuksumdo National Park.

Day 06: Trek to Phuksundo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Morning walk leads to our first destination and highlight around Phuksundo Lake after walking past Pungmo Khola (stream) valley following Pungmo Khola downhill through pine and birch trees to reach upper side of Phuksundo Khola.

After a short break walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin culture with mud plastered chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls of Bon sect and Buddhist religion.

From here a short walk to Phuksundo Lake for overnight camp near the shore of scenic and turquoise colored Phuksundo Lake.

Day 07: Rest day at Phuksundo Lake for local excursion.

A perfect spot for rest day, here enjoy beautiful views of dramatic country with its beautiful landscapes including Kagmara peaks, here with time to explore Ringmo village of immense interest located close to Phuksundo Lake.

Day 08: Trek to Phukshundo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

From here morning walk leads to higher areas of upper Dolpo region which is restricted only for few visitors (obtaining special permits and extra fees beyond Phuksundo Lake of Lower Dolpo).

Our route leads to our main highlights of this marvelous journey, as walk follows to contour around rocky ledge over a river bank on unsteady path to reach west side the lake through a summer pasture which opens into a wide plain of Phuksumdo Khola for overnight camp by the shore.

Day 09: Trek to Phuksundo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs.

Morning trek begins on a good path leading north above Phuksundo Khola then walking up on hill slopes, after a steep uphill climb reaching at ridge top with grand views of wide green valley and looking over Kang-La pass which leads to our destination at Shey Gompa.Our overnight camping set on a nice green summer pasture near the base of high Kang-la pass within complete isolation and wilderness.

Day 10: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m -06 hrs.

Morning walk starts heading to our main destination at Shey Gompa high light of this great adventure after Phuksundo Lake, walk continues to a climb on stone and rocky path to cross over Kang-la pass at above 5,350 meters / 17,655 ft our highest point of the adventure.

The pass offers spectacular views of beautiful landscapes with snow clad peaks includes Mt. Dhaulagiri towards east, after an enjoyable scenic moment a long descend to reach the bottom by the river, then across cattle herder camps towards Buddhist prayer monument Chhorten and Mani.From here a nice walk leads to our final destination at Shey Gompa located beneath Crystal Mountain regarded as a Holy Mountain with an old monastery nearby.

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

A beautiful place for rest day in this isolated and remote region of Himalaya one of the most hidden place away from modern civilization in the harmony of complete wilderness with tranquil environment, explore this amazing areas and visit old Shey Gompa also called as Crystal Monastery. More information of this areas well described in famous 1980's classic novel 'Snow Leopard' by American author Peter Matthiessen.

Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.

From this magnificent spot, our journey continuous heading into a wall canyon, as the trail meanders towards Sela or Gela-la ridge top at above 5,094 m high, rewards you with views of beautiful landscapes with Dhaulagiri peaks, then on downhill into grazing area with pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for overnight stop.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.

After a stop at Namgung Gaon, walk on dusty windswept trails  leading to a steep uphill towards our overnight camp at Saldang, another impressive large village of High and Upper Dolpo region, situated on higher side of a plateau.

Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.

From here, morning walk follows Nang Chu River all the way with few short ups and down and then passing Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran, a cattle herders settlement to reach our overnight camp at Chagoan village with an old Rapa Gompa of pre Buddhist religion and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m - 06 hrs.

Morning walk towards southern areas around Tarap valley within Tokyu and Dho Tarap villages, walk leads to reach at Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing on the same trail following a river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m - 06 hrs.

After nice stop around summer pasture area, morning walk follows a river for short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists since hundreds of years till present times.

Our route leads close to old Trans Himalayan salt trade route and Caravan trails of Nepal and Tibet, and from base of Jyanta-la pass, morning with steep climb to reach a high pass with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here long descend walk to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village for overnight camp.

Day 17: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.

After a steep climb, morning an easy walk for hours to reach at Tokyu Gaon for overnight stop, this is one of the most charming and interesting village within Dolpo region, consist of more than ten villages with nice tended farm fields houses includes an old monasteries.

Day 18: Trek to Dhotarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Tokyu Gaon, morning starts on downhill towards Tarap Chu towards wide green valley, this is one of the scenic valleys with many Sheppard’s temporary settlements of Yaks and Sheep, walk continues to our overnight camp at Dhotarap, near interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar people.

Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

From here a long descend walk to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo at about 20 k.m extends following Tarap Chu River most of the way that joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village.

Walk leads past Langa views of beautiful cascading waterfalls then heading due south following the trail to Sisaul and f Kesila around Yak herder camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.

Today walks leads to Tarap, a marvelous valley where our route enters into a narrow gorge with some vegetation bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol near a large overhanging cave, around this area might spot some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals like elusive Snow Leopard as well.As walk progress reaching a confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola streams, overnight camp is made near the river after a long day walks of six hours.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Morning walk leads through smaller farm villages and then into a small wooded area, along the bank of a river all the way to Tarakot, a large and interesting village with an old historical background.

Tarakot with an old fortress known as Dzong in Tibetan and Kot in Nepali guarding the village from outsiders, Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located on a junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is made.

Day 22: Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

After an interesting and exciting time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads of the adventure takes you back at Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj city.

Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on a wider trail with few short uphill and downhill walks towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here a jeep rides to reach our end of the journey at Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj with last overnight within Nepal Far West Himalaya around Dolpo.

Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Morning as per the flight time to Nepalgunj, board in a small aircraft either Twin Otter or Dornier plane a swift short flight brings you into low warmer areas at Nepalgunj, and then connect with another scenic flight of 50 minutes to reach back in the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu.At Kathmandu airport a short drive back to your hotel with rest of the day at leisure.

Day 24: Free day as contingency with time in Kathmandu for individual activities.

A free day in Kathmandu, reserved in case of flight delay at Jhupal, on this day enjoy with individual activities and shopping with options to join in tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur.

Day 25: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

Today as per your international flight time, our staff transfers you to airport for final departure from the country of Himalayan Wonders, Nepal.

Departure

15 April to 09 May

05 Sept to 29 Sept 01 Oct to 25 Oct

Price

Contact us for the special Price 

Price includes following services:

1. Accommodation sharing twin at Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on Bed & Breakfast basis. 
2. Airport transfers in Kathmandu& Nepalgunj. 
3. Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with applicable entrance fees. 
4. Internal flight Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Dolpo and back with applicable airport taxes.
5. Transfer of staff and equipment to / from Dolpo. 
6. Trekking & camping arrangement backed by Sherpa Guide, cook team and porters / animals on full board basis. 
7. Applicable Trekking Permit & National Park Fees. 
8. Insurance for Nepalese crew.

Our price does not include followings:

1. International flights to / from Kathmandu. 
2. Nepal entry visa fees. 
3. Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Hotel. 
4. Travel, Medical and Personal insurance. 
5. Rescue evacuation in case of emergency. 
6. Personal clothing and personal trekking gear including sleeping bag & down jacket. 
7. Expenses of personal nature, i.e. tipping, laundry, bottled drinks, bar bills etc.
8. Any expense for early returning member due sickness, injury or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service. 
9. Extra expense occurred due to unexpected circumstances like cancellation of internal flights, floods, strike etc.