Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days
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Full Itinerary & Trip Details Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days BEST SELECTION BEST PRICES TRUSTED PAYMENTS Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 Trip Overview PRICE STARTING FROM DURATION IDEAL AGE $5,555 28 days 15 to 85 year olds STARTS IN ENDS IN Kathmandu Kathmandu STYLE Mountain Hikes OPERATOR TOUR CODE Serene Himalaya Treks and Expedition #171704 Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 Itinerary Introduction Dolpo region is situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Our adventure begins with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Then fly to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal from where we begin our trek in the Dolpo region which was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book – The Snow Leopard. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a huge success and was also nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category. During our trek, will pass through interesting villages, trekking routes and meet fascinating people. Will also cross a few high Himalayan passes and enjoy the vast and tranquil beauty of Phoksundo Lake. From Shey Gompa follow the ancient Trans Himalayan trade route and return back to Jhuphal as our trek ends. The trek indeed takes us into the wild west of Nepal. Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft) Kathmandu, Start Point Nepal Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Serene Himalaya will pick you up and send you to our hotel. At noon, take a rest or visit Serene Himalaya’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Serene Himalaya where you will be served with delicious authentic Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Included Meals: Dinner) Day 02: Kathmandu for Sightseeing and Trek Preparation After breakfast will start a guided tour to several historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where you will meet our trek leader and other team members. Serene Himalaya will give briefing on the trek and provide you the opportunity to ask any questions related your upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Included Meals: Breakfast) Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hrs) After a short excursion in Kathmandu, take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, will visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj. (Included Meals: Breakfast) Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo) and Trek to Dunai (2850m/9348ft) (45 mins flight, 2-3 hrs trek) After breakfast, fly to Jhupal, a beautiful town located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, you will meet your trek staffs and begin the adventure. Walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. Continue walking to Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Then explore the small town in the evening and camp there for a night. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 05: Dunai to Ankhe (2896m/9499ft) (5-6 hrs) Leave Dunai and cross a suspension bridge and turn to the west following a trail past a hospital. Ascends up the side of the treeless, Thulo Bheri valley before entering Phoksundo river valley. During the walk will get to the view of Kagmara Peak up the valley. Pass through walnut groves, Dhera and Rahagaun villages, walk down dense jungles and finally reach Ankhe. Overnight in Ankhe. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 06: Ankhe to Sulighat (5-6 hrs) Our trail ascends and descends along a wooded riverbank and climbs on a steep trail. The ups and downs can be a bit monotonous, but there are several streams along the way that offer a chance to cool off. The trail eventually leaves the forests and passes through a grassy slope high above the river. Trek downhill on a trail surrounded by lush forests before reaching a cliff followed by a dizzying drop on a wobbly stone staircase to the river bank. Continue trekking until we reach Sulighat and spend a night. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 07: Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3611m/11,849ft) (4-5 hrs) Journey continues as we trek along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. After crossing a bridge, walk on the western bank of the Pungmo Khola. The trail passes through a cedar forest before reaching Palam village. From here trek up to a ridge and enjoy distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Next descends through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola, and then to the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and mani walls. From here take a short walk to the shores of the Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake. Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 08: Acclimatization and Rest at Phoksundo Lake Today is the rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. During the day you can embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. During the short walks, you will have a chance to get in touch with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon colour and they favour Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola (4-5 hrs) Journey continues as trail moves around the top western end of the Phoksundo Lake where it contours on a rocky ledge along the lake’s western bank. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. Then walk through the valley, crossing the river and avoiding the occasional boggy marsh underfoot and then coming on the bank of the river to the overnight camp. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 10: Phoksunds Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (6-7 hrs) For an hour or so, walk on a trail that leads us along the level path through a glacial valley which heads due north. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, walk towards the north-east. A long climb brings us to a sheep meadow where trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings to yet another valley where you can see the Kang-La pass. Set up camp near the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened ‘Snowfields Camp’. Our trek today will also get to admire the views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m). (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Upper Dolpo Trekking- 28 Days https://www.tourradar.com/t/171704 Day 11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La Pass (5360m/17,581ft) (5-6 hrs) In the morning, ascend on a steep trail littered with slate towards the pass. The climb to the top of the pass is quite strenuous. From the top of Kang-la Pass, you can experience excellent views of the large valley dissected by a gushing river. Descend to the valley floor on a steep trail. Next walk on a meandering trail along the banks of a river, crossing and re-crossing it several times. There are mud caves lining the hills overlooking the river. Will also pass through meadows where we see grazing yaks, hundreds of sheep and domestic mountain goat (Chyangra). After crossing a quaint log bridge, will reach the Shey Gompa compound to spend a night. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 12: Acclimatization and Rest Day at Shey Gompa Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the Gompa is Crystal Mountain which is one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Today we will get a good rest for better acclimatization. Spend the day hiking around Shey village which is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. Overnight in Shey Gompa. (Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4800m/15,744ft) via Saldang La (5200m/17,056ft) (6-7 hrs) Start our day by a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which descends into a grey, stony canyon.