Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping trekking

Based on 4 reviews

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Total Duration:31 Days
  • Trip Grade:Difficult

Trip Overview

Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping trekking takes you to the epic journey to the relatively the freshest off the beaten track in Nepal. Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo both feature some of the remotest areas in the entire world with unforgiving weather and treacherous barren landscapes. The Upper Dolpo is portion that bridges the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri massif while Mustang features its unique history among the political and historic scenario of Nepal. Ancient caves that date over two millenniums are located at the cliffs were ancient Buddhist monks and their followers conducted meditations and performed rituals to accomplish tranquility and spiritual peace. Upper Dolpo on the other hand is probably the highest point where people have established civilization on the backdrop of spell impending Himalayas over marvelous lowlands, wide pastures and incredible falls and cascades. The trek of Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo is thus, design not for those with faint of heart. It requires real blood sweat and tears to accomplish the trail without a break down in physical and mental being. 

And what is in for the offering? The fascinating land is all there waiting for you to explore and discover its hidden secrets. Only a handful of outsiders have dared and been successful to visit these areas. The findings these fortunate souls documented are the only few writings about the mystical society, their culture, their hardships of these hard lands. Apart from these, the natural setting you will observe is one of the rarest in the entire world. These barren lands are highly significant to the ecosystem. The vegetation and wildlife they possess are rare and significant. Snow leopard, Himalayan thar, blue sheep are some of the wildlife found in these areas. Located at the altitude over 4000m, some of the areas in the region are amazing spots to observe the spectacular panoramic views of the mountains, summits. Some of the significant points of this trek are the trip to Kagbeni, the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, and the SheyPhoksundo Lake, Old monasteries, Mountain Crystal, Bong Po religion etc.

Chilling cold high wind from the snow capped mountains blow down the region, howling through the canyons and shivering every single soul standing: old settlements, cattle and some greenery the land can offer. People have set up cluster settlements, growing few staple foods such as potatoes and barley and rearing livestock. 

Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo camping trek route follows the traditional trek to Upper Mustang at the initial phase that is, via Pokhara and flight to Jomsom from where the real trekking starts. The route in the latter phase progresses into high ascents into the deep secretive areas, dense forests and isolated areas bringing you closure to the immeasurable and uncharted beauty of western Nepal. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 
  • Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
  • Day 3: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
  • Day 4: Trek to Chaile
  • Day 5: Trek to Ghiling
  • Day 6: Trek to Drakmar
  • Day 7: Trek to Lo Manthang
  • Day 8: Exploration day in Lo Mathang
  • Day 9: Trek to Tsarang
  • Day 10: Trek to Ghami
  • Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka 
  • Day 12: Trek to Ghami
  • Day 13: Trek to Charkha Bot
  • Day 14: Trek to Rapka 
  • Day 15: Trek to Tinje gaun
  • Day 16: Trek to Shimen Gaun
  • Day 17: Trek to NisalGaun
  • Day 18: Trek to Saldang
  • Day 19: Trek to Namgung  
  • Day 20: Trek to SheyGomba
  • Day 21: Trek to Nangda- La Phedi
  • Day 22: Trek to Phoksundo Khola
  • Day 23 and 24: Exploration day at Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 25: Trek to Rechi
  • Day 26: Trek to Chhepka
  • Day 27: Trek to Dunai
  • Day 28: Trek to Juphal
  • Day 29: Fly to Nepalgunj
  • Day 30: Fly back to Kathmandu
  • Day 31: Final departure

Detail Itinerary

A warm welcome, as our representative will receive you and transfer you to your respective hotels and provide you valuable information regarding your stay, refreshments etc.

We will take wonderful bus drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city, popular for its lakes and scenic sites. We will explore the lakeside in the evening as you do the shopping for the preparation for the long trip ahead. Overnight stay. 

An early exciting flight to Jomsom followed by the trek through Kali Gandaki River to reach Kagbeni for the campsite overnight stay. 

We ascend towards our promised land following the Kali Gandaki. We come across Tanbe and Chhusang village. We can see the mountains as we get closer to sixteen caves site – it is one site to behold before reaching Chaile village.

Today we ascend to Ghiling that stands 3570m passing through beautiful villages and finally Ranchung Cave Monastery. We will stay overnight in lodge.

Today we ascend further towards Nyl pass and descend into valley. We will pass Ghami village and reach Drakmar village formed with distinguished various colored stone structures. 

We travel to the headquarters of Mustang passing through the famous GharGompa and high pass Marang that stands 4230m. Enjoy the spectacular views as we approach the camp site for overnight stay. 

We will explore the hidden places, secrets and deep meaning of Lo Mathang. The city is very old settlement filled with monasteries and temples. WE can take alley walk around the town. 

We start early today towards the steep ascent. We climb the Lo la Pass before walking through the broad land. We will cross the Tsarang river to reach the village for the night. 

We travel further to reach Ghami village. The village of Ghami is beautiful with wonderful terraced fields. We move further towards Upper Dolpo. 

We ascend towards thinly populated areas as we proceed further to reach Yak Kharka. We set up cap for the night. 

We will trek to Ghami-La Base Camp. We will camp here and enjoy a great sunset over the Himalayas from our high vantage point. 

We travel further crossing the Ghami La Pass to reach Chharkha Bot. We can enjoy amazing landscape and panoramic mountain views. 

We walk through ChharkaBhanjyang and many other high passes that provide magnificent views for the camera as well as soothing our sight. We stay at Rapka for the night.

Heading towards north we take the route following the river and enter the valley of Kaign. We further ascend along the rough trail and reach TinjeGaun for the night.

Today is a beautiful trip in several remote villages. We can see there are few people living in cluster with their own unique way of living. We can interact with locals for further insight to their daily routines and their lifestyles before reaching Shimengaun for the night camp.

We will be continuing the slow ascend to further north as we pass the barren land. We take slight descend as we close our distance to NisalGaun for the night stay.

We take another giant leap towards north as we travel pass YangierGomba. Then following the river flowing towards the south, the day ends in the campsite at Saldang. 

It is an interesting day for us as we follow another beautiful river Namgung. We pass through small villages before ascending towards Namgung village. It is a short trip thus we can later explore the village. 

This starts another tough trip for us. We leave Namgung and start climbing towards the south. We will have to cross a high pass of SheyBhanjyang which stands over 5000m altitude before descending to reach the village for the night. 

As we travel further we pass through several remote villages. We can see that in such harsh weather and topography, people are still warm and welcoming. We take some much needed time to rest and interact with people before reaching Nagnda-La Phedi for the camp. 

Today is probably one of the best days of the trip. First we climb over one of the toughest yet most rewarding high that stands over 5350 m elevation and that opens up best panoramic view of Himalayas over Dolpo region. We will also observe and take several pictures of the Hidden Shangri-La of Phoksundo Lake just below the mountains and the beautiful Phoksundoriver flowing from the womb of the lake. We will stay at the lakeside.

Today, we visit the nearest view points to observe the best of the Phoksundo Lake from different angle. The views are all breathtaking and never ending. Overnight camp stay

Today we descend from Phoksundo Lake towards Rechi which is at approx. 3000m. We travel some hours through lush green forest before coming to the barren lands once again. 

From Rechi, we head towards Chhepka walking some ups and down hills and reach the camping site. 

We further travel to now some of the populated areas in the region. Dunai acts as a hub for travelers where you can find various local and modern supplies.

Juphal is the last stop for this long trip. We descend further through several villages and reach the small city. 

We take an exciting flight back to Nepalgunj, the flat land of tarai. The flight may be delayed due to weather and other reasons. Thus it will be impossible to make a trip to Kathmandu on same day. We can explore the bazaar area in Nepalgunj. 

We take a flight from Nepalgunj back to Kathmandu. Our long journey comes to a happy ending. If planned you can take the flight for final departure to your respective countries or the better option will be spend some leisure time in Kathmandu to take rest, roam around some alleyways and shopping souvenirs.

This is your final day. You will be dropped at the International airport 3 hours prior to your flight time by our representative. Thank you and have a safe journey.

" 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" 

M/s C. Kasper,
Brazil

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

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!

Mrs. M. Barnett,
Auckland, NZ

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.

Mr. G. Clark,
Auckland NZ

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.

Mr. & Mrs. Peters from Poole,
Poole, UK

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