Overview
Embark on the Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek, a journey to some of the world’s highest places, far away from the noise and rush of modern life. This trek takes you to a special area embraced by the ancient Bon-Po religion, which existed long before Buddhism came to the Tibetan plateau. It’s like stepping into a place that holds on tightly to its unique culture.
Dolpo, deeply influenced by Tibetan culture, not only carries rich traditions but also shelters rare wildlife you won’t find in the lower parts of the Himalayas. Yet, Dolpo is somewhat secluded from the rest of Nepal because it gets covered in snow all year round, creating an air of mystery around it.
Despite being somewhat isolated, Dolpo keeps its nomadic way of life. This is quite different from the people in Mustang, who have chosen a more comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. The fame of the Silk Route passing through Mustang has greatly influenced the prosperity of the region. Interestingly, people in Upper Dolpo, it is said, still use the ancient salt route for trading with Tibet.
As you trek from Upper Dolpo to Mustang, you’ll discover the beauty of two special places. Dolpo and Mustang each have their own unique charm, but reaching them involves a journey that might have a few challenges. This trek is not just about walking; it’s like going on an adventure to explore the culture and history of these places. You get a rare chance to see how ancient traditions coexist with the more comfortable and modern life of today. It’s a bit like traveling through time, experiencing the best of both worlds.
Main Highlights of the Trek
- Visit one of the region's oldest monasteries.
- Explore the ancient kingdom with its unique charm.
- Gain insight into the lives of Bon Buddhists in Dolpo and Thakali people in Mustang.
- Enjoy the pristine beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake.
- Engage in the vibrant Tiji festival proceedings.
- Discover a monastery with ancient murals.
- Explore mysterious caves showcasing history.
- Connect with locals in Gelung Village.
- Ascend for breathtaking Himalayan panoramas.
- Marvel at intricate Thangka art.
- Immerse in the charm of Dolpo's Dho Tarap Valley.
- Experience Gurung culture in Kagbeni.
- Visit ancient cave dwellings in Chhoser.
- Explore Thini Village's traditional Mustangi architecture.
Itinerary
On Day 1, you'll arrive in Kathmandu at 1340 meters. We'll greet you at the airport, take you to a 4-star hotel, and if you'd like, you can explore the nearby marketplace. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
On Day 2, after breakfast, we'll take you on a tour to important cultural sites in Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, we'll have a discussion with the trekking staff. You'll spend the night at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
On Day 3, wake up early and head to the domestic airport for the first flight to Nepalgunj. When you arrive, you'll notice the change in scenery. Your team members will meet you, explain trekking basics, and provide safety instructions. You'll stay overnight at a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.
On Day 4, take a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the only airstrip in Dolpo, offering breathtaking landscapes. After exploring Juphal, trek downhill to Thuli Bheri River, pass small villages, reach the river's confluence with Suli Gad, and make a short climb through a cedar forest to Dunai. You'll stay overnight in a tented camp in Dunai.
On Day 5, trek from Dunai to Chhepka in 5-6 hours. Pass through Sulighat, cross a big suspension bridge at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park, follow Suli Gad's trails, and hike through forests of pine, cypress, and bamboo to reach Chhepka. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Chhepka.
On Day 6, trek from Chhepka to Jharina Hotel/Amchi Hospital in 5-6 hours. Cross the Sulligad Bridge, follow the narrow path along Phoksundo Khola through bamboo-filled forests, and reach Amchi Hospital after crossing a bridge. Stay overnight in a tented camp at Amchi Hospital.
On Day 7, trek from Amchi Hospital to Ringmo Gaun near Phoksundo Lake in 3-4 hours. Descend through birch forests, ascend to Ringmo village with stone houses, chortens, and Mani walls, pass a bridge, and reach Ringmo Gaun near the lake. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Ringmo.
On Day 8, explore Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake. Ringmo, on the lake's bank, is a peaceful village. Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake, is surrounded by hills, with the Kanjirowa Himal peak in the backdrop. Spend time in the village with Tibetan-style houses and cairns. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Ringmo.
On Day 9, trek from Ringmo Gaun to Chabluk Phu in 5-6 hours. Walk along the lake, follow the trail by Phoksundo Khola riverbed, enjoy the view of Kanjirowa Himal, and reach Chabluk Phu, a grazing area. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Chabluk Phu.
On Day 10, trek from Chabluk Phu to Nagdalo La Base Camp in 5-6 hours. Walk through a gorge with juniper and azalea trees, cross a bridge, climb steeply above Tuk Kyaksa Khola, and reach Nagdolo La Base Camp, also known as Snowfields Camp. Stay overnight in a tented camp at the base camp.
On Day 11, trek from Nagdalo La Base Camp to Shey Gompa in 6-7 hours, crossing Nagdalo La Pass at 5350m. Ascend for 2.5 hours to reach the pass, enjoy stunning views of Phoksundo Lake and Upper Dolpo, then descend on a snow-covered path to Shey Gompa, a small village with an 11th-century monastery. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
On Day 12, take a break and explore Shey Gompa and its surroundings. The monastery, built in 1655, houses a giant gold-plated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Discover Crystal Mountain with unique twisted cliffs and fossil-rich quartz. Explore Shey village for a glimpse of pre-Buddhist culture (Bon Po) and visit the 800-year-old Tsakang Gompa perched on a cliff. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
On Day 13, trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung in 7-8 hours, crossing Sela La Pass at 5095m. After a steep climb to the pass, enjoy the beautiful view of the northern part of the Tibetan plateau while descending. Reach Namgung, explore Namgung Monastery, and move into the village. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Namgung.
On Day 14, trek from Namgung to Saldang in 3-4 hours. Ascend through slope lines with a few trees, then descend to the prosperous village of Saldang, situated on a highland above Namha Khola. Despite common belief, the village is affluent, both agriculturally and strategically on the trade route to Tibet, and was once a separate kingdom of Dolpo. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Saldang.
On Day 15, trek from Saldang to Khomagaon in 5-6 hours. Follow quiet paths through a vast landscape of sand dunes and bare hills, passing white-washed villages, Mani walls, and painted chortens. Cross small streams, climb hills, and reach Khomagaon. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Khomagaun.
On Day 16, trek from Khomagaon to Shimen in 4-5 hours. Follow a trail through traditional villages and Mani walls, cross Shimen La Pass at 4375m, descend through arid terrain to Panjyan Khola, and reach Shimen Gompa on the riverbank. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Shimen.
On Day 17, trek from Shimen to Tinje in 4-5 hours. Descend along off-road trails above Panjyan Khola gorge, visit the ancient Pu Gompa, and continue to Tinkyu (Tinje). Enjoy the spectacular scenery and unique culture of Upper Dolpo. Reach Tinkyu after a fulfilling trek day. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Tinkyu (Tinje).
On Day 18, explore Tinje village, the main village in a vast valley with fields, two Gompas, and an old fortress. The renowned artist Tenzing Norbu Lama, born here, trained villagers in traditional Tibetan thanka painting and crafting leather goods. Thoroughly explore the village, visit ancient monasteries around Tinje, and end the day. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Tinje.
On Day 19, trek from Tinje to Rapka in 6-7 hours. Follow Panjyan Khola, pass an old settlement, and reach a river junction. Take the left tributary, Kehein Khola, crossing several bridges to reach Rapka, where you camp for the night. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Rapka.
On Day 20, trek from Rapka to Chharka Bhot in 7-8 hours, crossing Mola La Pass at 5030m. Hike uphill mildly to the pass, then descend to Chharka Village by Chharka Tulsi Khola. In the evening, visit Sarchhen Gompa in the village center. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Chharka Bhot.
On Day 21, either explore Chharka Bhot village or relax for the upcoming days. Visit the two gompas representing Buddhist and Bönpo religions in Dolpo. This day can also serve as a buffer for any delays. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Chharka Bhot.
On Day 22, trek from Chharka Bhot to Norbulung in 5-6 hours. Descend to a stream, trek beside the right bank on an uneven trail, enter a big meadow as the valley contracts, and ascend to reach the campsite in Norbulung. Get views of various peaks of the Dhaulagiri massif as you approach the Annapurna region. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Norbulung.
On Day 23, trek from Norbulung to Molum Sumdo in 5-6 hours. Follow a trail along a small stream, ascend to Molum Sumdo, a yak pasture. Ascend slowly, traverse fields, and reach the base of Niwas La at 5120m. From Molum Sumdo, enjoy views of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Tongu Himal (6197m), and other snow-capped peaks. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Molum Sumdo.
On Day 24, trek from Molum Sumdo to Ghalden Ghuldun in 7-8 hours. Ascend Niwas La Pass (5120m) and Jungben La Pass (5550m), then descend to Ghalden Ghuldun village. Enjoy excellent views of the Dhaulagiri massif and the surrounding landscape from the pass. Move downhill to reach the compact settlement of Santa. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Ghalden Ghuldun.
On Day 25, leave Dolpo and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Descend through a steep gorge, pass two rivers on rocks, and reach Santa village, marked by an entry chorten and a wall around farmlands. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Santa.
On Day 26, trek from Santa Village to Phalyak in 7-8 hours. Ascend to Bhima Lojun La (4460m) for a panoramic view of the Kali Gandaki River valley. Descend through Mustang's landscape, then take a steep descent through the forest to reach Phalyak, an exciting Mustangi village known for its annual archery festival. Stay overnight in a tented camp in Phalyak.
On Day 27, trek from Phalyak to Jomsom in 3-4 hours. Follow a small tributary to reach Kali Gandaki River in Ekle Bhatti, then walk on a flat trail through the riverbed to reach the windy town of Jomsom. Explore the town and celebrate the trip's accomplishment, then give tips to the staff for their hard work. Stay overnight in a hotel in Jomsom.
On Day 28, fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, experiencing diverse Nepalese landscapes from the air. After landing, you'll be transferred to a hotel in Pokhara for a good rest. Stay overnight in a 4-star hotel in Pokhara.
On Day 29, it's a spare day in case of flight issues. If the flights went as scheduled, use this day to explore Pokhara. In the late afternoon, fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to a 4-star hotel for the night.
On Day 30, it's time to leave for your home country. After breakfast, our representative will take you to the airport three hours before your flight.
Includes/Excludes
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at the airport included.
- Stay in Kathmandu with daily breakfast per the itinerary.
- Explore Kathmandu with a guide, including entrance fees.
- Accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast included.
- Lodge or tent stays during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee provided during the trek.
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal & Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu flights with taxes included.
- Licensed guide, Sherpa porters, and crew provided.
- Wages, allowances, insurance, medical coverage, and equipment for crew included.
- Fees for protected areas included.
- Trekking and camping fees, TIMS fees, and local province fees included.
- Comprehensive medical kit included.
- All government local taxes and official expenses are covered.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Excludes airfares and airport taxes for international flights.
- Nepal Visa fees not included.
- Personal trekking equipment is not provided.
- Not covered are expenses like laundry, room service, and liquor.
- Costs for beverages are not part of the package.
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver are not included.
- Your own travel insurance is not provided.
- Any costs arising from unfavorable conditions, such as landslides or flight cancellations, are not covered.
FAQs
The Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek takes you through rough mountain terrain with fortified villages, monasteries, clear lakes, and high passes, offering an exhilarating and adventurous experience. It’s a journey filled with natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
The ideal time to explore Mustang is from June to September, the warmer summer months. This period offers the best conditions for enjoying the stunning landscape, taking tours, and going on hikes, which might be challenging in colder months.
Restricted Area Permit: $500 for the first 10 days (Additional $50 for each extra day).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3000 (Approximately $25).
TIMS Card: $10 for group trekkers and $20 for individual trekkers.
The road distance from Pokhara to Upper Mustang is 220 km, and it usually takes about 6 hours and 24 minutes to drive there.
The distance from Kathmandu to Upper Mustang is about 462 kilometers (287 miles). Traveling to Upper Mustang requires careful planning and preparation due to its remote location in the north-central part of Nepal, near the Tibet border.
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