Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek

A journey into the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom winds around the remote region North west of Nepal

The trekking trail from upper Dolpo to Jomsom winds around the remote region of Nepal instead of following the most frequent Dolpo circuit. We will be walking through the area very near to Tibetan border and then walk out on the challenging trail to Jomsom thereby completing the trek.Dolpo protected by Shey Phoksundo National park is situated in the mountain region of Nepal covering the parts of Dolpo and Mugu districts. Established in 1984, it is the largest national park of the country covering the area of 3555sqkm. The trek begins by walking through the pristine pine and cedar forest with the astonishing view of Dhaulagiri massif in the backdrop. The trek is quite long and introduces to the most beautiful, remote, isolated and culturally vivid areas of the country.

Upper Dolpo has been often stated as the very last commune of pure Tibetan culture along with Religious practice which is more like Tibet in pre Chinese times than the rest of Nepal. The area is known for its cosmic and rugged landscape which is further inhibited by enduring and innovative ethnic people. Culturally Upper Dolpo is more similar with Tibet and during trek we will come across many Buddhist and Bonpo( Shamanistic pre Buddhist) villages. Opened to foreign trekkers since 1996, the cultural practice of the area is still so intact and seems to be unaffected by tourism. The most luring factor of this trek is a visit to Shey Gompa which is regarded as most holy place in Upper Dolp where pilgrims make a kora( circuit) twice a year of Crystal mountain which is recognized as a younger brother of Mt Kailash.The very first book written about Upper Dolpo was “Himalayan Pilgrimage” by David Snelgrove and the recent one include “The Snow Leopard” by Peter Matthiessen. The area too was chosen to film the Eric valli’s classic “Caravan”

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

As your aircraft lands in Tribhuwan International Airport our representative will receive you and help you to transfer into the hotel of your choice.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Pashupatinath temple which is situated 5km east of Kathmandu in the bank of holy Bagmati River. Pashupatinath is a pagoda shaped temple with tiered golden roofs and silver doors. Only the Hindu’s can visit the temple, but the visitors can clearly see the temple and activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of Bagmati River where the dead bodies are cremated. From here we will visit Boudhanath Stupa which is located 8km east of Kathmandu. Boudhanath stupa is dome shaped monument representing the mind of Buddha and pilgrimage destination for Tantric Buddha. . In the afternoon we will drive to Patan Durbar Square which is situated in the southern area of the city. The square is dotted with ancient palaces,temples and shrines which are known for their antique and exquisite carvings. From here we will proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is the historic seat of Nepalese royalty. Here we will visit Kastamandap Temple (a temple rumored to be constructed from the wood of single tree), Taleju temple, statue of Kal Vairab, Basantapur palace and Kumari Temple (residence of living goddess Kumari). After this we will pay our visit to Swoyambhunath temple which islisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple dates back to 2500years and is situated in the hilltop offering the astonishing view of Kathmandu. Return back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj

After having our lunch we will take an hour flight through the Himalayas to Nepalgunj. While flying you will left with awe with the magical panorama of Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Dolpo. Nepalgunj is situated close to Indian border and is quite hot. Stay overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Fly to Juphal and trek to Chhepka(2,840m)

We will take a morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Jupahl is a small village with few shops, guesthouses and lodges. The houses here are influenced by Tibetan style. From Juphal we will commence the trek to Dunai which will takes around three hours. The path from Juphal to Dunai goes through several villages, grassland and terraces. Dunai is the districts headquarter of Dolpa and surrounded by green hills. From Dunai the trail continues through the forest of Pine, Oak, Juniper, Rhododendron and Bamboo to our camping site in Chhepka via Raktang(2260m).

Day 5: Extra day in case of any delays flying to Juphal.

Day 6: Trek to Amchi Hospital (3110m).

Day 7: Trek to Ringmo and then to Phoksundo Lake (3,700m).

Day 8: Rest Day

Today we will take a rest at Phoksundo Lake and explore the area. Today we will be visiting monastery and go around the village to witness and experience typical lifestyle of the local people. From here one can enjoy the panoramic vista of Kanjelaruwa Peak (6612m), Tso Peak (4716m) along with many others.

Day 9: Trek to Phoksuno Lake North Camp (3630m).

Day 10: Trek to Lar Tsa Camp (4200m).

Day 11: Trek to Snowfields Camp (4650m)

Day 12: Cross Kang La pass and trek to Shey Gompa

Today we will make our way to Shey Gompa and nearby Crystal Mountain which is regarded as the most sacred peak in Dopo region via Kang La pass (5240m).

Day 13: Explore Shey Gompa(4400m)

Today we will explore Shey Gompa. The history of Shey gompa dates back to 800 years with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind the crystal mountain locally called Riu Dhukta and the gompa.

Day 14: Trek to Namgung(4430m) via Saldang La(5060m)

Leaving Shey Gompa behind us we will cross Seldang La pass west of Shey, we are welcomed with the astonishing vista of Mustang to the east, Tibet to north and Kanjiroba, Kagmara and Riu Dhukta to the west. Stay overnight at Namgung, a local nomadic herding settlement.

Day 15: Trek to Dora Sumda(3770m).

Day 16: Trek to Mischagaon village (4200m)

Day 17: Trek to Chanpola Goth

Day 18: Trek to Tinje Village (4180m).

Day 19: Trek to Rapka(4550m)

Day 20: Trek to Chharka Village (4300m) via Chharka La (5015m)

Day 21: Rest and exploration day at Chharka Village

Day 22: Trek to Norbulung(4750m).

Day 23: Cross higher Sangda La (5515m) pass and trek to Sangda Phedi(5100m)

Day 24: Cross lower Sangda La (5035m) pass and trek to Sangda village (3800m)

Day 25: Trek to Dhagarjun (3280m).

Day 26: Trek to Jomsom.

Day 27: additional day if there is some technical delay in the trek.

Day 28: Fly to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu. Upon arriving Kathmandu check into the hotel.

Day 29: Free day in Kathmandu

Today you can either take rest or explore the city on your own or do some family shopping. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 30: Farewell

You will be transferred to Tribhuwan International airport for your onward journey

No of Guests	Price ( With GSG )	Price ( With ESG)

* All Price is Per Person Price

Included in the Cost

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
Tourist star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Welcome and farewell dinners
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
Nepal New Generation trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge(s)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Down jacket and sleeping bag
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
International flights
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

The Trekking Group

For the Lower Dolpo Trek, there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that even if someone in the group gets sick or is unable to carry on, the trip can still go ahead as planned for the rest of the group. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but usually a maximum of twelve people is ideal as we've found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip.

Accommodations

We will be staying at Normal Accomadation Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 350. Nepal New Generation will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some remote places only have shared washing and toilet facilities.Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

Breakfast (only) will be available in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be available during the trek. We can enjoy freshly-cooked, hygienic and nutritious meals on full-board basis prepared by our trained and experienced cook during the trek. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan dishes as well as the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) will be available.