Upper Dolpo High Passes Circuit Trek

Our team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Later in the afternoon, we hold a formal trek briefing to review safety protocols, equipment, and travel permits for the Dolpo region.

Our guide leads a cultural sightseeing tour through historic monuments and temples within the Kathmandu Valley. We use this day to finalize packing arrangements and secure necessary expedition items.

We take a short late-afternoon flight south from Kathmandu to the lowland heat of Nepalgunj in the Terai plains. We spend the night at a local hotel in preparation for our mountain flight the following morning.

We catch an early morning twin-engine flight over the hills to Juphal Airport, where we meet our local trekking crew. After organizing our gear, we begin our descent and walk alongside the Thulo Bheri River before climbing toward Chhepka.

The trail leads us through dense cedar and pine forests alongside the Phoksundo River. We pass small wooden bridges and waterfalls before arriving at Chunuwar, home to the local Amchi traditional medical clinic.

We make a steady uphill climb past Nepal's highest waterfall to reach the traditional stone village of Ringmo. Shortly after, the deep turquoise expanse of Shey Phoksundo Lake opens before us.

We spend today resting by the lake to assist with altitude acclimatisation. We use the time to visit Ringmo village, observe local weaving methods, and take short exploratory walks along the shore.

Our route traverses a steep cliffside trail constructed above the western shores of the lake. We descend through birch forests to set up camp at the quiet wilderness clearing of Chunemba.

We leave the tree line behind and ascend steadily into barren alpine terrain. The valley narrows as we gain elevation toward the base of the high pass, camping amidst rugged stone fields.

We make an early start to cross the demanding Kang La Pass over loose scree and rocky slopes. After reaching the summit cairn, we descend into the sacred valley leading to Shey Gompa.

We take a rest day at this historic spiritual center beneath the red cliffs of Crystal Mountain. We explore the ancient monastery buildings and walk segments of the local pilgrim circuit.

We climb out of the monastery valley to cross the windy Shey La Pass, taking in expansive views across the Tibetan plateau. A long descent brings us down to the isolated stone settlement of Namgung.

A short morning walk brings us along hillside paths above dry canyons to Saldang, one of the largest and most prosperous villages in the Upper Dolpo region.

We follow the Nagon Khola eastward through barren trans-Himalayan landscapes. The trail passes small farming hamlets and walled barley fields before reaching our campsite at Sibu.

We ascend along a quiet stream valley toward the base of our next major crossing. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as we pitch our tents at the high camp of Lagmo Che.

We climb steadily to conquer the Jeng La Pass, offering distant panoramas of the Dhaulagiri massif. We then descend into the upper reaches of the Tarap Valley toward Tokyu.

A gentle downhill walk through wide agricultural plains brings us to Dho Tarap. This unique village features mixed communities practicing Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bon-Po religion.

We follow the Tarap Khola downstream as the wide valley narrows into a dramatic river canyon. We walk past traditional chortens and stone walls on our descent to Sisaul.

Our trail hugs the cliffside above the roaring river gorge, requiring careful footing along narrow paths. We descend through scattered juniper trees to camp near the natural rock overhang of Laina Odar.

We continue our descent through subtropical gorges where the vegetation grows noticeably greener. We pass suspension bridges and small water-powered mills before reaching Lingdo.

We follow valley trails through terraced fields and lower hillside settlements. By afternoon, we arrive back at the administrative hub of Dunai.

Our final morning of trekking involves a steady uphill climb back to the airstrip at Juphal. We celebrate the completion of our circuit with our porters and kitchen crew.

We take an early morning mountain flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by our connecting domestic flight back to Kathmandu. Our team transfers you to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to rest, shop for souvenirs, or explore independent city sights at your own pace. In the evening, our team hosts a farewell dinner.

Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle for your international flight home.