- Destination:Nepal
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Highlights
Enter the remote region of Nepal and challenge your limit and endurance. Leave the crowded route of Dolpo Circuit behind and head further north hugging the touchline close to Tibet and toughtrail to Upper Mustang – now make this dream a truth.
Highlights
- Ever color changing Sey Phoksundo lake
- Crossing high passes Kangla 5350m, Sela 5095m, Muri La 5030m, Mola 5030m, and Ghami La 5450m
- Hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang
- ancient salt caravan route
Trip Overview
Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks to the most isolated and remotest areas in Nepal. It traverse Sangda-La Pass a journey to pure Tibetan region that takes you through the undiscovered route into the territory of mountains passing through several high passes, hidden villages. It is situated in the mid-western part of the country between the Dhaulagiri mountain range and the Tibetan plateau.
Upper Mustang offers different trekking experience from the rest of Nepal, in sometimes Moon-like barren landscapes and unfamiliar customs. The trek in Upper Mustang isn’t very strenuous, hovering between 3,000 and 4,200 meters. However, for the foreigners the official guide is compulsory. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses, barley fields and prayer flags which add a splash of color to the landscape. Buddhist monasteries and temples along the way provide the whole journey with a pleasant spiritual dimension.
Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek is truly a special trekking package for the travelers who have had previous experience in tent camping, going over 5000 m passes, deep gorges, walked and been around for few days in isolated areas without being creep out and looking forward for the elusive virgin kingdom. The trails have vast difference between the once you have traveled before, totally away from the regular routes, the journey is even more adrenaline. This is a strenuous trek that takes us over nine high passes. And unlike many other treks, the trekking route to Upper Dolpo is uncharted and tough which provides trekkers an unprecedented adventure.
Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek is one of the longest trails in Nepal that extends over four weeks of stay in the countryside. As early as on your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the preparation starts with short stay in Kathmandu. The journey begins from Jhupal airport at Dolpo District via Nepalgunj. The trekking route takes trekkers along lush tropical forests, beautiful valleys, and different traditional settlements. The route to Upper Dolpo also passes through Lower Dolpo. Moving alongside Suligad Gorge, you come across the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake of Nepal with the depth of 145 m.
You also trek past the beautiful remote village of Ringmo and cross the first pass Nagdalo La (5350m) or Kang La that leads you to the sacred Shey Gompa, one of the ancient Buddhist monasteries in Dolpo. Throughout the trekking journey, you pass a series of high passes which offer extraordinary views of Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa ranges along with Crystal Mountain and many other mountain ranges. Dolpo is equally rich in culture, as it has been considered as the last reserve of pure Tibetan culture left in the world. The area is less populated and is inhabited by the Tibetan community called Drokpas, who still practice the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. The trek passes through many Tibetan villages of Saldang, Khomagaon, Shimen, Tinkyu Mendo, Sangda, Chharka Bhot, and so on which provide you an opportunity to learn and understand the Tibetan culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Traversing across Sangla La (5120m), the trail reaches the Valley of Kali Gandaki River, taking you to Jomsom in Mustang.
You must always listen and follow the instructions of the guides carefully for better enjoyment and safety.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.
