Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek

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COST FOR THE TRIP USD 5200
Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek

Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek is one of the difficult but enjoyable and remote trekking routes of Nepal. This trek is for those who love adventure and do not mind getting lost in the wilderness of the Himalaya. The trails here are quiet and sometimes without the human settlement. Thus you can get a thrilling experience of trekking in remote areas.

 

Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is one of the rare trekking trips in Nepal. Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is not only a trekking trip, but it is also an opportunity to see some of the last remaining ancient villages of Nepal and Tibet. The life and region here continue far from the pre-Buddhist time and still one can visit, touch, talk and feel. This is a camping style trekking expedition where you sleep in tents and our cooks provide the meals.

 

The Upper Dolpo parts are filled with numerous centuries-old monasteries; many of them are Bon, a religion whose origins predate Buddhism but whose modern form is officially accepted as a fifth school of Tibetan Buddhism. The remote region has preserved its Tibetan culture relatively in pure form, making it attractive, not only to westerners but also to the modern generation of Tibetan family. Despite its high royalty for trekkers, as a try to restrict tourism, Upper Dolpo is a popular destination for Trekkers, and many of the trekkers take this area as a pilgrimage or spiritual trip.

 

Key features of Nar Phu Valley Trek

  • Very few trekkers ever see Upper Dolpo Trek through parts of Nepal.
  • Visit Shey Gompa Monastery
  • Explore the Monasteries of the base of Crystal Mountain
  • Commemorate in Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard."
  • The Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of the highest animal concentrations in the world.
  • Go through thrilling High passes; Khang La, Saldang La, and others.
  • Desert and landscape and striking valleys such as Dho, Tarakot, and Saldang.
  • Views of Dhaulagiri and Tibetan peaks.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

On arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by our staff and escorted to your hotel room. You may have a rest or take a leisurely stroll in the streets of Thamel.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today, we will visit some significant world heritage sites, including Patan Durbar Square, the religious Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and the famous Boudhhanath stupa. Later, we will meet our trek leader and guide, check our equipment and meet other group members and discuss the exciting adventure ahead. Included meals: Breakfast

 

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

This is the first day of your tour. Today we will have a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Our representative will receive you at the airport and you will be taken to your hotel.

 

Day 04: Fly to Juphal(2,500m) and Trek to Kageni(2,000m)

After an early morning start we take a charter flight to Juphal the main airport of the Dolpa district. After landing at the narrow STOL mountain airstrip we meet the trek crew. Once the porters have loaded up and after final preparations we start walking through terraced fields to the Thuli Bheri river and then up to the town of Kageni.

 

Day 05: Trek Kageni(2000m) to Chhepka (2,840m)

From Dunai we descend to cross a new suspension bridge at the confluence with Suli Gad River flowing down from Phoksumdo Lake. At Sulighat our permits will be checked at the entrance to Shey Phoksumdo National Park, this is Nepal’s largest and the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal covering an area of 3,555 square kilometres.

 

For the rest of the day we follow the turquoise Suli Gad, passing through thick forests of pine, fir trees and some giant red cedars. The hillside is covered with lush vegetation and it is likely you will see troops of langur monkeys. We pass the basic houses of Jyalhasa the winter settlement of the villagers from Ringmo. Further along we reach the grassy campsite at Chhepka in a small Tibetan village, look out for the local women who wear Tibetan turquoise, coral and amber necklaces. It should take about 3 ½ hours walking to lunch and in the afternoon a further 3 ½ hours to Chhepka.

 

Day 06: Trek Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m.)

From Camp we pass Palam another deserted winter settlement then continue climbing for another hour to ridge at about 3,800 meters where we see the highest waterfall in Nepal flowing out from Phoksumdo Lake. The trail descends through a birch forest to the mud plastered chortens and mani walls at the entrance to Ringmo village, it is a short walk to the camp on the shores of the stunningly beautiful Phoksumdo Lake. It should take about 6 ½ hours walking to Phoksumdo Lake.

 

Day 07: Acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake

Today we visit the nearby Bönpo Buddhist monastery overlooking Phoksumdo Lake and then explore Ringmo village. Bönpos circumabulate chortens or other religious structures anticlockwise rather than clockwise as done by Buddhists.

 

Day 08: Trek Phoksundo Lake to Forest Camp (3,725m).

Starting on the trail around the lake, we enter Upper Dolpo proper, and what a start. The trail is wide and good, but quite exposed in parts, and is utterly spectacular, make sure your camera battery is fully charged. In the movie Himalaya, it is this section where the yak fell off into the lake and the two stars are left standing on a ledge - hopefully, we won't have to relive this scene. After climbing over a large ridge with those expansive views, we descend again to the lake level and have a choice of several different camps. We can stay at the end of the lake or trek an hour or so into the forest, and each camp has its features.

 

Day 09: Trek Forest Camp to High Camp (4,288m)

From Camp, we head northwards in a narrow valley crossing several streams, so it is a good idea to bring sandals for in case you have to wade through some of them. We are following the same route as taken by Peter Mathieson in his Snow Leopard book and tonight we camp at the place he called "High Camp" located below the pass heading to Inner Dolpo.

 

Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa (4,375m) via Shyurik La (5,150m)

The trail up to the Kang La pass is quite steep on a slope of loose slate scree. There is a steep descent to the valley floor, and they follow the banks of a river to Shey Gompa, the entrance has a red Chörten and mani-stones. The famous Buddhist monastery is located beneath Crystal mountain, as Shey means crystal in the local dialect.

 

Day 11: Acclimatization day Shey Gompa (4,375m)

After the tough day crossing Kang La we have a rest day for both the group and trek crew. We have time to explore Shey and its gompa, relax and also do some laundry if you like. In the afternoon we recommend that you visit Tsakang gompa & Samling gompa perched on a cliff 2 hours walk from Shey. You may see several herds of blue sheep along the trail.

 

Day 12: Trek Shey Gompa 4375m to Saldang (3,770m)

As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We'll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.

 

Day 13: Trek to Komang Gaun (Khoma) (4,060m)

Again, this is a shorter day that means we can visit the gompa in Saldang or arrive at Komang in time for lunch and have a look around the friendly village in the afternoon.

 

Day 14: Trek to Tinje (4,110m)

We cross a minor pass, as indeed we do on most days of this trek, and drop down to the gorgeous village of Shimen. We can lunch here and wander around as camp is only an hour or so beyond at the gompa. Trekking in to Tinje is a surprise, a dirt road from Tibet that is only driveable by motorbikes so far but change is coming, and from Tiebt, so this village really has the feel of a real Tibetan village.

 

Day 15: Rest day at Tinje (4,110m)

At the delightful camp by the river, we have a rest day for washing and relaxing. Explore the valley towards Tibet with villages strung along it, or climb up to the old and important gompa.

 

Day 16: Tinje to Yak Kharka (4780m)

From the village of Tinje we trek to Yak Kharka, which is an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. The grassy meadow of Yak Kharka makes for an excellent camping site.

 

Day 18: Yak Kharka to Chharka Bhot (4,284m)

Shortly after leaving Chharka village we cross Chharka Tulsi Khola on a bridge. At the river confluence we cross another bridge to follow the left bank of Thasan Khola. The trail contours high above the river following some undulating ridges. Today the trail goes through the arid high land. There are some up hills on the way. We trek up to Norbulung and have a night camp there.

 

Day 18: Chharka Bhot to Norbulung/ Nulungsumda (4,750M)

Shortly after leaving Chharka village we cross Chharka Tulsi Khola on a bridge. At the river confluence we cross another bridge to follow the left bank of Thasan Khola. The trail contours high above the river following some undulating ridges. Today the trail goes through the arid high land. There are some up hills on the way. We trek up to Norbulung and have a night camp there.

 

Day 19: Cross Higher Sangda La (5,515m) and trek to Sangda Phedi (5,100m)

After an early start around 6am from Norbulung Camp we pass through the high yak pastures of Molum Sumdo. We continue to a crest with a cairn at 5,100m. From here it is a further two hours to reach Sangda La walking across a grassy plateau with grazing yaks. We then start walking up the trail to the Sangda La pass. This marks the boundary between Dolpa and Annapurna regions.

 

The trail descends on loose scree to our camp at Sangda Phedi next to Bheri Khola. This is our highest camp of the trek so it will be a cold night. It should take about 6 hours walking from camp at Norbulung to the summit of Sangda La. The descent to Sangda Phedi takes about 1 ½ hours.

 

Day 20: Cross Lower Sangda La (5,035m) and trek to Sangda Village (3,732m)

From camp follow Bheri Khola for 45 minutes then contour up and climb up to the lower Sangda La at 5,035m. The mountain vista is superb as we look towards Kali Gandaki valley and Thorong La. There are 6,000m peaks including Tongu Himal and Mukot Himal. There is a steep descent from the pass on a loose, rocky trail. Further down we pass a crest with cairn at 4,800m then there is a further descent to a big rock at 4,500m. From this rock there are two trails one to the right is direct and steep that most porters will take. The longer trail to the left passes a waterfall then has a short climb to a saddle. We descend to a grassy plateau with pine trees. The trail turns to the right along a steep trail to the suspension bridge at 3,900m. We have lunch by the bridge. This morning’s walk should take 3 ½ to 4 hours from camp.

 

After lunch there is a steep climb then the trail traverses high above Kyalunpa Khola. After an hour we cross a crest with prayer flags at 4,150m. We descend through a gully to cross the first tributary river at 3,800m. We traverse for ½ hour to the second river again crossing on rocks. Soon after you will see the entrance chorten to Sangda village. There is a large wall around the fields and the village is compact to maximise the amount of fields. On the other side of the valley and you will see the deserted remains of two abandoned villages. They are no longer used as their water supply dried up and this shows the precarious nature of living here. We set up camp in the school ground above Sangda village.

 

Day 21: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m).

From Sangda we start climbing crossing several ridges until the final pass at around 4,200 metres where we have views of Thorong La, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and also the villages of Kali Gandaki below. We climb up one further pass before heading to Jomsom located on the ever-popular Annapurna Circuit.

 

Day 22: Fly from Jomson to Pokhara (850m)

Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi's Falls.

 

Day 23: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

 

Day 24: Drive to the Airport, takeoff from Kathmandu:

Adventure High Mountain staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!

 

 

Note: This itinerary is meant only as a guideline and is subject to change to suit the local conditions. Walking hours are based on an average walking pace and may change as per individual pace.

Free airport transfer on arrival and departures by private vehicles.

Kathmandu to Nepalgunj / Juphal airfare (Tax included)

4-nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis, breakfast included.

1 Night Hotel in Nepalgunj on full board and day-use room while flying back to Kathmandu on a full board basis

Guide, cook, kitchen boys, Sherpa helpers and the necessary number of porters/mules for entire trekking.

All camping equipment such as a two-men domed tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, staff tent, toilet tent, hard and soft mattresses for each member and kitchen equipment for common use.

All necessary food and beverages for trekking.

Lower Dolpo permit and Upper Dolpo permits and National Park entry fees.

A trekking map in group

A satellite mobile phone for communication in an emergency

A small medical kit box for first aid medical purpose.

Insurance and expenses of all local staff.

Jomsom to Pokhara Fly ticket.

Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus/flight.

Kathmandu Sightseeing by Private Car/Van/Bus.

Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance.

International airfare.

Nepal entry visa and airport fees.

Personal equipment and clothing.

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, shopping, hot shower, hot and cold drinks, alcohols, snacks, water, Wi-Fi, battery re-charge, heater charge, etc.)

Personal porter.

Alcoholic and bottled beverages.

Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy.

All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure.

Guide Gratuity - Tip­ping is always a per­son­al choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides.

The following booking terms and conditions represent the contract between the customer and Adventure High Mountain. Adventure High Mountain is a government registered tour and trek company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, established with an aim to provide quality travel services.

 

At the time of booking, you are expected to read all the terms and conditions carefully. The booking confirmation will be given, thinking that you have read all the terms and conditions entitled by the core values of this company. After the booking process, you are completely obliged by the conditions mentioned below.

These booking conditions are only applied to the bookings you have made with this company.

 

The following terms and conditions apply, however the circumstances and regulations, contractual obligations to suppliers and affairs related to locations, and product type may slightly vary depending upon the situation.

 

Payment Schedule

$700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee.

Balance due 60 days prior to departure.

Payment must be paid in full prior to the beginning of the trek.

 

Payment Procedure:

Bank Name : MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED.

Beneficiary Name : ADVENTURE HIGH MOUNTAIN (P)LTD.

Account Number : 0570010151011

Swift Code: MBNLNPKA

Bank Address: Thamel, Saraswati Sadan - 29 Kathmandu Nepal.

 

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.

 

We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage need­ed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.

 

If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility.

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