Jomsom to Upper Dolpo Trek

Jomsom and Dolpa are some of the remote places in the world, yet they have significance for the tourists who value beautiful landscapes. They are different from each other in terms of culture. The people of Dolpa, living in a higher altitude, roam from one place to another, on the other hand, the people of Jomsom spend a luxurious life, according to a Himalayan Standard. The trekking trail takes you to an isolated place but inhabited by the people who practice Bon Religion. It also takes you to the Phoksundo Lake which has a religious significance. The cultures that you see being practiced are the Bhoriya culture and the Thakali Culture.

Dolpo/Dolpa region is one of wonderful trekking destination for tented camp holidays. Dolpa region is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and cultural explorers. The famous SheyPhoksundo National Park is located in Dolpa region. Trekking Experts offers this exclusive tented camp trek to Upper Dolpo region from Jomsom. This is newly developed trek by Trekking Experts to taste you the different route to explore Lower Dolpo region. Jomsom to Dolpo Trek is a combination of Annapurna region and Dolpo region. Unlike normal route to Dolpo, you won’t repeat same trekking trails. You’ll start trekking from Jomsom; the headquarter of Mustang district and ends at headquarter of Dolpo district.

Region
Nepal
Duration
28 days
Level
hard
Max Altitude
5400m
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
April, May, September, October
Starting From
$ 5325
Nepal New Generation Trek offer 2+10 People
Brief Introduction

This exclusive Jomsom to Dolpo Trek offers you unique experience of nature, culture and beautiful landscapes. Mustang and Dolpo is a land of ancient trading routes arcing across a timeless landscape, distant from the modern world. You’ll follow the off-the beaten trekking trail and it will bring you through Yak caravans traversing the barren terrain, medieval fortified villages clinging to mountain slopes, several passes and at its heart the mystical Bon Kingdom.You’ll get golden opportunity to explore SheyPhoksundo national park, Phoksundo lake and ancient DhoTarap Village. In Ringmo, the village close to the lake, you can experience Bonpo culture, based on a century old religion which is a mystique mixture of Buddhism and animistic believes. The trail offers wonderful adventure, encountering interesting places, people, villages, valleys and serene forest of pines, oaks and rhododendron, the trek passes many gigantic mountain ranges and over the Numala pass at 5,400m till you’ll reach the Phoksundo lake at Ringmo village in the “Phoksundo National Park”.

Trip Highlights Upper Dolpo
  • Upper Dolpo trek through parts of Nepal that very few trekkers ever see.
  • Visit 800-year-old Shey Gompa (monastery) also known as Crystal Monastery – made famous in the book The Snow Leopard by author Peter Matthiessen.
  • The Shey Phoksundo National Park & its wild animal species.
  • High altitude passes -  Kang La Pass & Saldang La Pass
  • Rugged high altitude desert-like and barren landscapes and striking valleys - Dho, Saldang and Tarakot.
  • Views of Dhaulagiri and other enormous Tibetan peaks.
  • The crystal clear turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake (3612m).  
  • Forever smiling faces to soften your heart and warm your soul.
  • Trek through parts of Nepal that few visitors ever see.
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1 Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350 m / 4,430 ft and transfer to Hotel  
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal New Generation will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Nepal New Generation’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nepal New Generation. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:Dinner
Days: 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (9,00m) Duration: 6-7 hours.  
Today we travel to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway, a trip of around six to seven hours. Upon reaching Pokhara we can relax or take in some of the sights.
Days: 3 Pokhara - Kagbeni (Alt 2810m)  
After very early morning breakfast, as per your flight time, hotel will provide you vehicle to transfer to the airport which we will have already arranged and co-ordinate with because your guide and staff already will be at Jomsom. Then, you’ll fly northwest from Pokhara toward the great portal between the snow-covered peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will enjoy the well-raised massifs of more than 8000 meters, and the deepest gorge on this planet. On arrival to Jomsom you will meet tour trekking crew. Your porters will pack up your baggage and start first day of trekking to Kagbeni. It will take about three hours to reach Kagbeni. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 3 Hours Walk
Days: 4 Kagbeni - Yak kharka ( alt3478)  
After breakfast at Kagbeni, you’ll start trekking towards to Yak Kharka through the Kali Gandaki Valley; we have excellent views of the Annapurna Range, Muktinath and Mustang. We traverse into the spectacular ChalungKhola, climbing and descending side canyons along the way, to the village and we shall set up at Yak Kharka. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 6 Hours Walk
Days: 5 Yak Kharka - Santa (Alt3777)  
After breakfast at camp, you’ll trek toward to Dolpo region. You’ll ascend the convoluted Chalung gorge, then climb 400 feet, to 16800- foot, Sangdak Pass, the eastern entrance to Dolpo. The scenery is magnificent. This has got to be one of the grandest viewpoints in the world. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 6 Hours Walk
Days: 6 Santa - Ghalden Ghuldung Khola (Alt 4247)  
After breakfast at camp, you’ll trek to Ghalden Ghuldung river via crossing Santa Pass. Today will be the most exciting and tough of your trek crossing two passes the same day. After a strenuous trek along the passes finally you come stop for the day at Ghaldang Ghuldung. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 7 Hours Walk
Days: 7 Ghalden Ghuldung Khola- Nurbulung (Alt4750m)  
After enjoying the mountains views you will proceed to the Jungben La (5550m) and Niwas La (5120m). You will trail along the valley of Kang Gopa. You will climb a small crest at 4,060m. From there you can see the spectacular view of the Sonam Kang, Shey Shikar (6,239m) and Kang Chunne (6,443m). The trail is rough and dusty and you will pass through Birches’ and Blue Pine forests. The trek will be bit harder but remains full of excitements. After crossing the pass, you will have night stop at Nulungsumdakharka at 4987 meters. Overnight stay at tented camp. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 7/8 Hours Walk
Days: 8 Nurbulung- Chhakra Bhot (Alt4302)  
After breakfast at camp, today you’ll trek to ChhakraBhot. Today’s trip enters toward mainland of Dolpo region. The trek will be quite adventurous eastwards towards Jomsom with most other groups at this point heading south back to the airstrip Juphal. This section passes through a remote wilderness that very few people have the privilege of visiting. As you walk from NulungsumdaKharka to DhoTarapyou will see typical village, as you approach the Chharka La pass the valley narrows where we camp for the night. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 6 Hours Walk
Days: 9 Chhakra Bhot (Alt4302)  
Today is fully rest day after some strenuous trek from Jomsom. Today you’ll rest and explore around Chakra Bhot. Tented Camp Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner N/A Hours Walk
Days: 10 : Trek from Chharka to Chanla Phedi (4,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.  
Today we will cross Shey La Pass at 5010m and descend for a while before climbing to Namjung Village and then on to Namjung Khola (river) and to Karang Village. We continue and head downhill to Torak Sumdo and then ascend to Yanger Gompa (3750m). We again descend to Mugoan Village and then ascend to Mushi La Pass (5030m) and then continue to Shimen Village (4010m), Pha (4090m) and on to Tinje Village. Finally we reach Chanla Phedi where we camp the night.
Days: 11 : Trek from Chanla Phedi to Do Tarap (4,040m) Duration: 5-6 hours  
We will ascend to Charkala (4920m) and then descend into the valley. The trail today is undulating and becomes narrower. We continue until we reach Do Tarap where we camp overnight.
Days: 12 : Exploration of Dho Tarap region.  
Today we take time to explore the picturesque valley of Dho Tarap. Dho and Tarap are some of the highest altitude settlements in the world. The people here are Khampas from Tibet and follow their unique form of Buddhism, Bon Po. From this vantage point we have amazing views over the mountains to the west and the turquoise blue Shey Phoksundo Lake. Overnight we stay at Do Tarap.
Days: 13 : Trek from Do Tarap to Pangjang Khola Dovan (4,480m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Today we climb higher through the valley to Tok-Khyu through the 5000m pass that offers some magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. We then descend to the Payon Khola (river) and then on to Namjung, Mungaon, Shimen, Tinje, Rakpa and Norbulung until we reach Pangjang Khola Dovan where we will camp overnight.
Days: 14 : Trek from Pangjang Khola Dovan to Tinje Gaon (4,150m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
The day begins as we descend to Musigaon and then through Lnag-La Pass and then head downhill for about four hours before reaching Tinje Gaon where we camp overnight.
Days: 15 : Trek from Tinje Gaon to Shimen Gaon (3,870m) Duration: 6-7 hours.  
Today the trail is mostly downhill for about six hours and along the way we may see yak caravans, horses and mules carrying goods. Tonight we will camp at Shimen Gaon.
Days: 16 : Trek from Shimen Gaon to Koma (4,060m) Duration: 6-7 hours.  
Today we cross Shimen La Pass (4270m) and continue for about five hours before reaching Koma where we camp for the night.
Days: 17 : Trek from Koma to Saldang (3,770m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Today we head north toward the Tibetan border walking through the Nankhang Valley and along the trail have views of Mt.Kanjiroba. We arrive at Saldang where we camp overnight.
Days: 18 : Trek from Saldang to Shey Gompa (4,500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Today we cross the high altitude Sela La Pass (5095) from where we have breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks. We will camp overnight here.
Days: 19 : A day to explore Shey Gompa.  
Today we can explore this culturally and historically rich place and visit the ancient monastery. The Gompa (monastery) was built in 1665.
Days: 20 : Trek from Shey Gompa to Lar Tsa (4,120m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Our trail today will last about two hours, at first crossing Kangla La Pass (5360m) and then descending to the river before reaching Lar Tsa where we will camp for the night.
Days: 21 : Trek from Lar Tsa to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,730m) Duration: 6-7 hours.  
Today we head to the brilliant blue Phoksundo Lake which even at this altitude never completely freezes. The trek today is not so physically demanding. We will camp here overnight. This is truly worth the journey and is one of the highlights of this journey into Dolpo
Days: 22 explore Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake  
On the fourteenth day, you will acclimatize at Phoksundo lake known as the deepest lake in Nepal. You can roam around the lake known for having an unusual greenish-blue color. Also, the magnificent mountain of Kanjiroba seen in the backdrop of the lake is another plus point. You can also hike to an ancient Gompa that has many ancient paintings and statues. This is an old dilapidated Gompa which has evidence of the Bon-Po religion.
Days: 23 Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sanduwa (3,038m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Passing through Ringmo we descend to Sanduwa along a trail that is situated between the rivers Kagmara Khola and Phoksundo Khola. There is also a national park and army checkpoint at Sanduwa. We will camp here overnight.
Days: 24 Trek from Sanduwa to Chhepka (2,680m) Duration: 5-6 hours.  
Today it is all downhill as we leave the mountains behind us and follow the river heading south until we reach Chhepka where we will camp overnight.
Days: 25 rek from Chhepka to Juphal 2475m, 5-6 hours  
Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat. Overnight at tented camp in Jupha
Days: 26 Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel  
Morning at Jhupal, transfer to its small airstrip for scenic short flight to land at Nepalgunj airport, here with times to get refreshed before catching another flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with free afternoon for individual activities.
Days: 27 Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.  
On this day, you can proceed to relax and can have another tour of the city or go shopping at the hub of “all things-tourist” at Thamel. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Meals: Breakfast included.
Days: 28 Farewell  
The airport representative from Nepal New Generation Family will transport you to Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart. Meals: Breakfast included.
Reservation & Date
Tuesday
01 Apr 2025
Wednesday
01 Oct 2025
$175 Off
$5325
$5500
10 Seats
Available
Inclusion/ Exclusion

Below is an existing itinerary; this is a standard itinerary of ours, but you can customize the itinerary to meet your specific needs. You can prepare the itinerary that is going to work best for you. Your itinerary should be based on your interest. You can make your itinerary unique by adding fun to it. Travel Max Guide gives the topmost value to your customized itinerary because it has experienced trekking guides to make your itinerary better as well as make it easier for you to travel and have a good time in Nepal.

Services Included
  • Airport pick up and drop by private car or microbus depending upon your group size.
  • Four-night standard hotel in Kathmandu and one-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Guided city tour as per the above program with private vehicles.
  • Full board meal (veg./non veg.) during camping, prepared by our expert cook with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing tented accommodation and other equipment during the camping trek. We will provide fully water proof two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, toilet tents, etc.
  • A Government Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, cook, kitchen helper, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicines.
  • Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
  • First Aid medical kit will be available.
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
  • Down Sleeping bags/Jackets, Walking Pole, and other necessary equipments during the trek. (If you don’t have you own).
  • Upper Dolpo Permit, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and other required paper documents.
  • Flight fare from Pokhara-Jomsom and Juphal-Nepalgunja-Kathmandu including airport departure taxes.
  • All our Government Taxes tourist service charges and official expenses.
  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara
  • Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
  • Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Services Excluded
  • Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara - lunch, and dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance.
  • International airfare.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
  • All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
  • Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
  • Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Jomsom flight.
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

Yes, this trek is considered challenging due to its high altitude, remote terrain, and rugged trails. It requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience, particularly in high-altitude environments.

The best times are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and the best trekking conditions.

You will need a restricted area permit for Upper Dolpo, the TIMS card, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your trekking agency will assist in obtaining these permits.

Yes, it is highly recommended to trek with a guide, as the region is remote, and a guide will help with navigation, permits, and cultural insights. Additionally, trekking in a restricted area like Upper Dolpo requires a licensed guide.

Due to the remote and restricted nature of the Upper Dolpo region, independent trekking is not permitted. You must trek with a licensed guide, and it is best done with an organized group or trekking agency.

The Jomsom to Upper Dolpo Trek typically takes about 18 to 22 days, depending on the route and the pace of the trek.

The highest point of the trek is the Kang La Pass at 5,240 meters (17,190 feet), followed by other high-altitude passes, making proper acclimatization essential.

Accommodation during the trek will mainly be in basic teahouses or lodges in the lower regions, and camping will be necessary in the more remote areas. Your trekking agency will provide camping gear if required.

Yes, due to the high-altitude nature of the trek, altitude sickness can be a risk. Acclimatization is crucial, and it's recommended to trek at a gradual pace and stay hydrated. Your guide will assist in ensuring safe altitude practices.

You will need warm clothing, a good pair of trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. It’s also recommended to pack trekking poles, a water bottle, and snacks for the journey. A detailed packing list can be provided by your trekking organizer.

While the region is remote, trekking in Upper Dolpo can be safe if proper precautions are taken. It’s important to trek with an experienced guide, follow the itinerary for acclimatization, and ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage for emergencies.