Upper Dolpo Trek

A Swotah representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide meets you in the evening for a full trip briefing covering the Upper Dolpo restricted-area permits, camping logistics, what to expect at altitude and gear checks. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A domestic flight takes you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the main city of far-west Nepal's Terai region, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by air. Nepalgunj is the transit hub for all flights into Dolpo. The afternoon allows time to confirm your Juphal flight, sort any last-minute supplies and rest before the early morning flight. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

A 35-minute mountain flight from Nepalgunj lands at Juphal airstrip (approximately 2,475 m) in the heart of Dolpo district. Juphal is a small airstrip cut into a hillside above the Bheri River. After the crew assembles and loads are distributed to porters or pack animals, the trail descends steeply from Juphal to Rupgad (2,070 m), a riverside camp near the Bheri River, in about 3 hours. Overnight camping at Rupgad.

From Rupgad, the trail climbs steadily into Shey Phoksundo National Park along the Suli Gaad River gorge. The path crosses suspension bridges and passes through mixed forest of pine and oak, with the river filling the gorge below. 16 km of trail with a net gain of roughly 900 m makes this a long day; the trail passes waterfalls and small herder settlements before reaching the camp at Chepka (2,970 m). Overnight camping at Chepka.

The trail continues up the Suli Gaad, crossing the river multiple times on log and suspension bridges. The valley narrows in places to a slot canyon before opening to wider pastoral country around Sanduwa (3,600 m), a small farming and herding village on the approach to Phoksundo Lake. At this altitude, the vegetation shifts to alpine scrub and birch. A sustained 630 m climb during the day means a slow, acclimatisation-friendly pace. Overnight camping at Sanduwa.

Today the trail reaches the jewel of the whole route. Following the Phoksundo Khola upstream, the path passes through the national park checkpoint before arriving at Ringmo village (3,641 m) on the eastern shore of Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo is Nepal's deepest lake (approximately 145 m deep) and its turquoise-blue colour, caused by the calcium-carbonate mineral composition of the glacial meltwater, is striking. Ringmo is a Bon village and fishing is prohibited by local tradition. Camp near the lake. Overnight camping at Phoksundo.

A full rest day at Phoksundo Lake serves two purposes: acclimatisation and exploration. The lake sits at 3,641 m and the next days will climb significantly higher, so this rest is an investment. The day can be used to walk the lake shore, visit Ringmo's small Bon monastery, observe the chortens and mani walls of the village, or simply rest. Blue sheep are sometimes visible on the rocky slopes above the lake. Overnight camping at Phoksundo.

Day 7 marks the entry into the Upper Dolpo restricted area, which requires the separately issued Restricted Area Permit checked at the checkpoint at Salla Ghari. The route climbs away from Phoksundo Lake and traverses high, open country north of the lake. The landscape becomes more austere and Tibetan in character: sparse vegetation, dry hillsides and vast open skies. Salla Ghari (3,640 m) is a small settlement with a checkpoint where permits are verified. Overnight camping at Salla Ghari.

A long day's climb into the upper valley leads to Lar Tsa (4,120 m), a camp in a narrow high-altitude gorge below the Kang La. The terrain is rocky and exposed, with little vegetation above about 3,800 m. The gorge narrows as you approach Lar Tsa, and the camp is set in a dramatic cleft with cliffs on both sides. At 4,120 m, temperatures at night will drop sharply; a four-season sleeping bag is essential. This is the last camp before the highest pass of the trek. Overnight camping at Lar Tsa.

A relatively short descent today follows the Namgung Khola downstream to Saldang (4,100 m), the largest settlement in Upper Dolpo and the administrative centre of the upper circuit. Saldang has several hundred residents and a small school. The village is set on a wide, sun-filled bench above the river, with dramatic views across the Dolpo plateau. The short distance allows for rest, exploration of the village and preparation for the days ahead. Overnight camping near Saldang.

A rest day at Saldang (4,100 m) provides recovery after the two pass crossings and the long day into Namgung. The optional side trek to Karang village, roughly 2-3 hours return, climbs to a higher viewpoint above Saldang with broad views of the surrounding peaks and the Tibetan plateau. Karang is a smaller satellite village with typical Dolpo stone-built architecture and some of the most photogenic chortens on the route. The rest day also allows time to interact with Saldang residents, visit the local monastery and observe daily life at altitude. Overnight camping at Saldang.

Leaving Saldang, the trail heads south and southwest toward the Jeng La. Chote Gaon (approximately 4,200 m) is a small, isolated settlement on the high plateau, with a handful of stone houses used by herders and occasional traders. The route passes through open, treeless high-altitude terrain with views of the surrounding ridgelines. The camp at Chote Gaon is exposed, so wind protection for tents is important. Overnight camping at Chote Gaon.

A long approach day follows a river valley southward to Jeng La Phedi (4,850 m), the camp at the foot of the Jeng La pass. The name Phedi means foot of the hill in Nepali and Tibetan, and the camp is set in a narrow valley with the steep pass wall rising directly ahead. At 4,850 m this is a high and cold camp; acclimatisation over the preceding days makes it manageable, but an early night and good hydration are important. The 15 km distance and 650 m net gain make it another demanding day. Overnight camping at Jeng La Phedi.

A short but meaningful day leads to Dho Tarap (3,944 m), one of the most important villages in the lower Dolpo region and a highlight of the entire trek. Dho Tarap is a substantial settlement with a strong Bon religious tradition, several monasteries and flat-roofed stone houses typical of Tibetan-influenced architecture. The village has a resident monk population and is known for its annual festivals. This is one of the longest-inhabited sites in Dolpo, and the afternoon allows exploration of the main monastery, its interior paintings and the surrounding area. Overnight camping at Dho Tarap.

Leaving Dho Tarap, the route heads south down the Tarap River valley. The trail follows the river closely, crossing it on log bridges and traversing open hillsides above the valley floor. The vegetation begins to increase as altitude drops; juniper and willow scrub appear by Simara (3,755 m), a small camp settlement on the river bank. The gradual descent is a welcome change after the high passes and gives the body time to recover. Overnight camping at Simara.

The trail continues south down the valley, passing through Nawarpani Dovan (approximately 3,780 m) and Chhyugar (approximately 3,440 m) before reaching Laini (3,370 m). The valley widens and the river picks up volume from side streams. The trail crosses and recrosses the river on suspension bridges, and the increasing number of small farms and herder camps signals the gradual return to more inhabited country. Laini is a small collection of stone houses with a flat area for camping. Overnight camping at Laini.

The trail descends more steeply today toward Tarakot (2,440 m), a historic walled village above the Barbung Khola with a ruined fort on a commanding ridge. Tarakot was once a fortified seat of power in the Dolpo trading network. A high suspension bridge crosses the Barbung Khola below the village. The trail traverses steep hillsides above the river before descending to the town. At 2,440 m, Tarakot is noticeably warmer and greener than the camps of the past week. Overnight camping at Tarakot.

A long final trail day follows the Barbung Khola downstream to Dunai (2,090 m), the district headquarters of Dolpo and the main administrative centre of the region. Dunai has simple lodges, a small market, mobile coverage on Nepal Telecom and a small airstrip (though most flights now use Juphal). The 16 km route along the river is a relatively flat last stretch after the high country of the preceding days. Dunai is the last significant settlement before returning to Juphal. Overnight in lodge accommodation at Dunai.

The final walking day follows the Bheri River upstream and climbs back to Juphal airstrip (approximately 2,475 m), the point of entry into Dolpo 20 days earlier. The 11 km route is straightforward, following the river on a clear path. Juphal has a small guesthouse and basic facilities, and the evening is for celebrating the completion of the circuit and organising gear for the flight out. The crew is thanked and tips distributed here. Overnight at Juphal.

An early morning mountain flight departs Juphal for Nepalgunj, approximately 35 minutes. A connecting domestic flight from Nepalgunj returns to Kathmandu, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Both flights are weather-dependent and Swotah has contingency arrangements for delays. Arrival back in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A guided day in the Kathmandu Valley visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Hindu temple complex, Boudhanath stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The day is also a buffer for any flight delays from Juphal and allows time for souvenir shopping in Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your trek ends today. A Swotah representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Airport check-in is typically 3 hours before departure for international flights. If you would like to extend your stay in Nepal or add another trek, Swotah is glad to help arrange it.