Upper Dolpo Traverse trek Juphal to Jomsom | Gourmet Tour
Upper Dolpo Traverse trek Juphal to Jomsom | Gourmet Tour
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Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Upper Dolpo Traverse trek from Juphal to Jomsom, a gourmet adventure through the heart of the Himalayas. This exclusive trek offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Led by an expert trek leader, you'll traverse less crowded trails, ensuring a private and intimate experience. Stay in boutique accommodations and enjoy meals crafted with superfood ingredients to enhance your high-altitude acclimatization. Highlights include the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries, and the majestic Crystal Mountain. With all local taxes, meals, airport transfers, and entrance fees included, this fully guided trek promises an unforgettable exploration of Nepal's hidden gems. Conclude your adventure with a complimentary Trekkers' massage, supporting a marginalized community, and savor the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime trek. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu, Kathmandu
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, Welome
Arrive in Kathmandu to be received by your trek leader and transferred to your hotel.
Day To Make Trekking Permits.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will have a morning walking tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Ason spice market. We fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the afternoon
Day 3 : Fly To Juphal And Trek To Kageni.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The flights to Juphal are usually in the morning. The flight can be delayed by bad weather as the primary trekking season for Upper Dolpo is before and during the summer monsoon. The southwestern monsoon may be in the lower parts of Nepal. However, Dolpo is in the Trans Himalaya in the rain shadow.
It is a short flight to Juphal. We will meet our team at Juphal, and they will be busy organizing/loading our kit bags, camping gear, equipment, food on to pack animals.
We start trekking along the Thulo Bheri River. It turns northward to the Suligad River an hour into the hike. We have to register with the Shey Phoksundo National park, the largest in Nepal, at their entrance. We continue to Kageni for the night.
Our support crew will set up the campsite, make us hot drinks, and serve it in the dining tent with cookies.
Day 4 : Trek To Rechi. 3057. 6 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we walk in a northwesterly direction going upstream of the Suligad river, which comes from the Phoksundo Lake. The hike is in the beautiful forested area passing through Shyanta, Chepka, until our final stop at Rechi. Our support team will prepare and serve us lunch on the way.
Day 5 : Trek To Ringmo Village And Camp Near Phoksundo Lake. 3611 Meters. 4-5 Hou Hike.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is an exciting day for us as we are going to the Turquoise Phoksundo Lake. The hike at the beginning is undulating, passing through Samduwa, and a short distance away, we will arrive at Trapiza School. The Swiss and Americans funded this school. We continue with a gentle climb until we reach Palam. The ascent gets steep from here until you reach a place to rest. You will see the sight of the raging Suligad waterfall that drops 167 meters. We will also get the first glimpse of the massive Kanjiroba 6612 meter peak. Kanjirolwa means the big mountain with a ponytail in Tibetan. We will also see part of the Turquoise Phoksundo Lake. We will reach the main village of Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake an hour later.
Day 6 : Rest Day To Acclimatise At Phoksundo Lake.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will take an easy walk to the ancient Bon monastery called Thasung Tsoling Gompa. The whole of Ringmo village are parishioners of the ancient Bon religion that predates Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 7 : Trek To Sallagharhi. 3700 Meters. Camp By Phoksundo River. 4-5 Hours Hike.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our morning after breakfast by walking on the Lake’s Western trail, which starts going uphill. Every step and corner showcases the absolute beauty of the Lake. We will reach the highest point of the path at above 4000 meters from where the trail started contouring on a downhill trend bringing us to pine and Rhododendron forest until we reach the lakeside to the North of Ringmo village. A couple of Herder’s tents also doubles as restaurants, shops, and even lodging for travellers during the summer. Our camp is just a short hour away from the north side of the Lake.
Day 8 : Trek To Nagdalo Or Kangla Base Camp. 4700 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We trek upstream of the Phoksundo river towards our first pass in the pine forest towards the lower base camp. We turn to our right to the Tuk Kyasa River. It involved some rough trail and crossed the river by stepping and leaping on rocks. The valley widened after 30 minutes, and we reached the intermediate campsite about 2 hours 30 minutes later. It was just enough for our four sleeping tents, kitchen, dining, and toilet tent. It was a lovely spot with a stream close by for our kitchen staff for cooking etc.
Day 9 : Trek Towards Shey Gompa Via Kangla Pass 5350 Meters. 7-8 Hour Hike..
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is a big day that involves crossing the first of the six passes above 5000 meters. Kang La is also known as Nagdalo La at 5350 meters. We ascend for an hour before reaching the high camp. We continue to climb on a steady ascent mixture to some short steep climbs for 90 minutes before the trail becomes steep. We continued on this steep and challenging climb for slightly more than two hours before reaching Kang La’s top. It can be windy and cold at the top of the pass. We might see the Manaslu range to the south-east of the pass and the stark but beautiful hills that define Dolpo to the north. The first 20 minutes is a narrow, steep drop before the trail started contouring in a downward trend for 90 minutes, where we stopped for a break on a beautiful open space with a stream next to it. We stop before Shey Gompa.
Day 10 : Trek To Shey Gomba.
Location: Nepal, Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue descending to Shey Gompa. We get there within a couple of hours after leaving our campsite. We have a short uphill hike from the river that brings us to a beautifully maintained camp. An elderly couple does a superb job managing the campsite and monastery as caretakers.
On the opposite side of Shey Monastery is Crystal Mountain that broods above everything else. It is the holiest mountain in Dolpo and is considered the next holy mountain after Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Day 11 : Trek To Namgung Via Sela Pass 5094 Meters. 5-6 Hours Hike.
Location: Kathmandu, Kathmandu
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue descending to Shey Gompa. We get there within a couple of hours after leaving our campsite. We have a short uphill hike from the river that brings us to a beautifully maintained camp. An elderly couple does a superb job managing the campsite and monastery as caretakers.
On the opposite side of Shey Monastery is Crystal Mountain that broods above everything else. It is the holiest mountain in Dolpo and is considered the next holy mountain after Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Day 12 : Trek To Saldang Village. 3770 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the morning with a short climb until the plateau is reached. The trail is undulating, and we contour the hills until the descend to Saldang, the most significant village on this trek. We will see several neighbouring villages and many paths in the distance from the pass.
Day 13 : Rest Day At Saldang. You Have Two Options.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest day at Saldang. You have two options for this day:
i) You can choose to do a full hike to Yangjer Monastery with a packed lunch and return in the late afternoon.
ii) You can use the morning to wander around the village, visit the 500-year-old Samye Choling Monastery in the lower part of Saldang Village. Come back for lunch, and the boys will heat water for you to take showers in our shower tent.
Day 14 : Trek To Khoma Village. 4200 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
The trek to Khomas starts with a descent to the river and a steady climb to Khoma pass at 4460 meters. We will see Khomas village from the pass. We can take it easy and enjoy the scenery, warm sun, and the lack of wind while waiting for the mules and our staff to catch up. We started hiking down after a relaxing 45-minute rest, stopped by a grassy pasture for lunch, and continued down after that to the village. Khomas village is in an open valley, and it is a relatively large settlement.
Day 15 : Trek To Shimen Village. 3790 Meters. 5 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the day’s hike with an hour of traverse and followed by a drop to the river before the trail goes uphill to Shimen la’s top at 4260 meters. The path continues undulating for 45 minutes before coming to the end of the pass, and we can see Shimen village. You can see an old airstrip when flights used to take place from Nepalgunj directly to Shimen in the 60s and 70s. The distance is quite deceiving as it is the altitude; the thin air makes things appear closer than they are. This is the lowest village since you left the Phoksundo camp, and we could feel the heat. We are now in the Panzang (Ban Tshang by locals) river valley.
Day 16 : Trek Past Tinkyu (Tinje) Into Open Pastures. 4300 Meters. 6-7 Hours.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The valley is broader with more rolling hills compared to the sharp ridges and deep valleys before this. We will pass through several Chortens, interesting rock carvings on the rocks by the river.
Interestingly the Nepal government sends ration through Tibet to the border. The villagers go to the border, buy the subsidized ration, pack them on their animals, and bring them home. This keeps the cost of transportation lower than transporting within Nepal. We camp next to a stream beyond the village of Tinje, another beautiful spot two hours after leaving Tinje on the fork in the trail.
Day 17 : Wilderness Camp Site At Mo La Base. 4880 Meters.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave our wilderness campsite greeted by numerous Marmots whistling to let the others know of our presence. We take a left on the fork and continue for several hours. You will have a packed lunch, which gives you the freedom to stop at a suitable time and place to take a break and have your meal.
The trail is a gentle and gradual climb, to begin with. We might have to take our boots off to cross a river. We probably could have skipped on the rocks, but I believe in prevention rather than cure. We get into two different valleys before we start our ascent towards the high camp of Mo La, our third pass of the trek. We would have been heading East for the past few days by now. Our campsite is at 4880 meters.
Day 18 : Trek To Charkabhot. 4120 Meters. 6-7 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The hike to Mo La 5030 is relatively comfortable, and the final climb isn’t that difficult. It takes about an hour to reach the top of the pass. You will get the views of Dhaulagiri’s north face as you descend from Mo La pass. This is the highest mountain on this trek. The hike down to Charka is very scenic but deceptively longer than it seems. Charka derives from Tibetan (Chaa Ka – good salt). There is a source of salt on the outskirts of the village, and a stream flows through it. All animals go there to get their salt fix. Our staff will restock on dry ration, kerosene, some fresh vegetables, etcetera for the next three days: you will be camping in the middle of nowhere away from the villages.
Day 19 : Trek To Open Pasture. Transit Camp. 4850 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross the Charka Tulsi River and walk on a very new and broad trail for about an hour before going to the bridge to cross the river, followed by a short but strenuous climb on a dusty path. Once we are on the top, the terrain appears lovely and green suitable for a golf course. The trail continues on a gentle slope for another 90 minutes. Soon after this, the trail goes through landslip areas where the path was narrow and rocky. We reach our campsite an hour after our lunch spot. This was once again a wide-open valley with a vast flat ground for camping with two relatively large clean streams.
Day 20 : Trek To Nulungsumda Kharka 4987 Meters. 4 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have broken a long day into two easier days to make it less strenuous and give you time to acclimatize to high altitude. It is an easy hike of about 4 hours to our camp at Nulungsumda Kharka at 4987 meters. It started getting cloudy from this onwards. Westerly winds blew clouds to the East. The pony men and local guide began voicing their concern about the weather changing and rightly so. Every few years, cyclones from the Bay of Bengal, bring unseasonal snow to the high passes, and some people, including trekkers and locals, die. I reassured them that the bad weather usually comes from the East, and these clouds were travelling West.
Day 21 : Trek To Ghaldenguldun. 4247 Meters. 7-8 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is a “huge” day involving crossing over three passes, namely Niwas La 5125 meters, Jungben La 5550 meters, and a nameless pass at 5400 meters. It starts with a flattish terrain with a small climb to Niwas La. We get views of The Sadache Himal range. The trail continues in a flattish manner until the last 60 minutes to the top of Jungben la 5550 meters. We will get there with relative ease. The downhill is winding and steep for some time before it eases with a small climb to the last pass. The descent from here is on a trail with loose shale, screes, rocks, and relentless steep for what seemed like forever.
Day 22 : Trek To Sangta. 3780 Meters. 5 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin with a small climb and a steep descent to Kyalungpa Khola (River). We walk past Juniper trees along a dusty path, and the active Mustang wind can make it worse. It is quite a steep drop down on some exposed and slippery trail until we get to the bridge. We have a short climb of about 30 minutes before the trail levels out until we got to a small pass. We have to go down to a river before a short climb for about an hour before reaching Santa (Shang Tak).
Day 23 : Trek To Phalyak. 3175 Meters. 6-7 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin the day with a steep uphill climb to 4110 meters and hike on a newly constructed road. The road contours to the top of Bhimen La 4600 meters. The pass’ top’s views are breathtaking; Upper Mustang to the North, Peaks of Nar Phu valley to the North East, Thorung peak, and pass to the East, Muktinath, Jharkot, Kagbeni beneath the Thorung pass, Nilgiri peaks to the South East and the Kali Gandaki riverbed. It can be a very windy and dusty trek to Phalyak village.
Day 24 : Trek To Jomsom. 2710 Meters. 4-5 Hour Hike.
Location: Nepal
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We Hike to the main road after crossing a very long suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River. We have a flattish hike all the way to Jomsom after crossing the bridge near Ekle Bhatti.
Day 25 : Fly To Pokhara In The Morning.
Location: Pokhara Lakeside
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have an extra night in case the flight from Jomsom is affected by bad weather. If the flights are cancelled, we will hire a jeep and drive to Pokhara.
Day 26 : Fly To Kathmandu.
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have the morning free in Pokhara to relax or go for a massage after this long trek. We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon.
Day 27 : International Departure.
Location: International Arrival Terminal
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be brought to the airport three hours before your international flight time.
What's Included
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Local Taxes
All taxes are included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees and permits are included.
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Drinks with Meals
Hot drinks with every meal and filtered, alkalized drinking water are included.
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Fully Guided
An expert trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.
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All Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
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Complimentary Massage
Book this Nepal trek and get a complimentary one-hour Trekkers' massage after the trek is over.
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
Nepal tourist visa fee is not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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International Travel
International airfare is not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Suggested tipping and gratuities are 10% of the tour cost.
Booking Notes
Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions.
We will be in contact to confirm your tour start & end time
FAQ
Am I too young or old?
Most of our clients, from 3 years old to some in their 70s have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.
Do I need a Visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.
Outside of Nepal, A visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. For more information go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip. Please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will be able to offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
See our Travel Info Page for additional answers to common questions.
Useful links
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Am I too old to go trekking
Food on Trekking Holidays
What to bring on the trek
Typical Trekking day
Mode of Transport
Enjoy seamless travel with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, and airport transfers for your arrival and departure.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with boutique hotel stays in Kathmandu and camping in the serene wilderness during the trek.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the trek?
During the trek, you will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are prepared with superfood ingredients to ensure the best nourishment and recovery at high altitudes. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided.
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Are there any special dietary accommodations available?
The tour includes meals prepared with superfood ingredients, but specific dietary accommodations are not mentioned. It is advisable to contact the tour provider for any special dietary needs.
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What is the accommodation like during the trek?
Accommodation during the trek includes staying in less busy lodges and camping. In Kathmandu, you will stay in a boutique hotel.
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Is there internet access during the tour?
Free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Kathmandu, but internet access during the trek is not mentioned.
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What happens if the flight from Jomsom is canceled due to bad weather?
If the flight from Jomsom is canceled due to bad weather, a jeep will be hired to drive to Pokhara.
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What is included in the tour regarding transportation?
The tour includes all domestic transportation, including internal flights, and airport transfers for arrival and departure.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the trek?
Yes, the trek includes visits to cultural sites such as the ancient Bon monastery Thasung Tsoling Gompa and the 500-year-old Samye Choling Monastery in Saldang Village.
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Is there any special activity included after the trek?
Yes, after the trek, you will receive a complimentary one-hour Trekkers' massage from masseuses from a marginalized community as part of the tour's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Responsible Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 7 days before departure.
Upper Dolpo Traverse trek Juphal to Jomsom | Gourmet Tour
27 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu International Airport
Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal, Pokhara Lakeside, International Arrival Terminal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
134748
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
3-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Jain, Halal, Gluten Intolerant