Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu Valley, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Kai Expedition. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you will be greeted with traditional hospitality and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey and soak in vibrant atmosphere of Nepal’s capital city. A short briefing about the upcoming adventure will be provided later in the evening.
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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
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Day 2 Sightseeing and trekking permit preparation
The day begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Later in the day, the focus shifts to preparing the necessary trekking permit for Upper Dolpa, including the restricted area permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry. Your guide will assist with all the paperwork and logistics, ensuring everything is in order for the adventure ahead.
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Day 3 Fly towards Nepalgunj from Kathmandu
You will take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling town in the lowlands near the Indian border. The brief but picturesque journey offers sweeping views of the Himalayas before descending to the warm Terai region. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you can settle into your hotel, explore the vibrant local markets, and prepare for the next day’s flight towards the remote mountains of Upper Dolpa.
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Day 4 Nepalgunj – Juphal (fly) – Dunai (trek)
In the morning, you will take a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, where the Himalayan scenery welcomes you into the remote Dopla region. After landing, you begin your trek toward Dunai, following a well-defined trail that gradually descends through terraced fields and charming villages. The walk is gentle and scenic, leading you along the Bheri River before reaching Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa, where you will rest and prepare for the days ahead.
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Day 5 Dunai to Ankhe
Today, the trek takes you on a scenic trail from Dunai to Ankhe, following the winding path along the Bheri River before gradually ascending into lush, forested terrain. The walk introduces you to distant villages, narrow Cliffside trails, and the rich biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo National Park. As you leave the bustling atmosphere of Dunai behind, the route becomes more serene, with glimpses of remote settlements and cascading waterfalls. Reaching Ankhe, the park’s entry point, you are welcomed by a peaceful riverside setting that marks the beginning of the more rugged and pristine landscapes ahead.
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Day 6 Ankhe to Sulighat
The trek leads you from Ankhe to Sulighat along a beautiful but occasionally challenging trail that winds through dense forests and above the roaring Phoksundo Khola. The path includes several steep ups and downs, narrow Cliffside sections, and scenic river crossings, offering both adventures and tranquility. As you move deeper into the protected areas of Shey Phoksundo National Park, the vegetation thickens, the air feels fresher, and the landscapes become increasingly dramatic. By the time you reach the open valley of Sulighat, you are greeted with a calmer riverside setting and clear views of the surrounding hills, which is an ideal place to rest before the route pushes higher towards Phoksundo Lake.
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Day 7 Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake
The trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake is a scenic and rewarding journey that follows the turquoise Sulighat River upstream through a lush valley. As the trail gradually ascends, it passes through small settlements, pine forests, and dramatic canyon walls carved by centuries of flowing water. The landscapes shift noticeably as you enter the boundary of Shey Phoksundo National Park, eventually revealing the stunning first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake, its deep blue waters shimmering against rugged cliffs and snowy peaks. This day’s walk both peaceful and visually captivating, setting the tone for the remote beauty that defines the Upper Dolpa region.
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Day 8 Acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake
Today is an acclimatization day at the serene Phoksundo Lake, offering a chance to rest and adjust to the increasing altitude while enjoying one of Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes. You can explore the area around the lake, visit the nearby Bon monastery in Ringmo Village, or hike to scenic viewpoints overlooking the turquoise water famed by steep cliffs and snowy ridges. After exploring around the lake, you will return to the tent and take a rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
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Day 9 Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola
The trek takes you from the serene turquoise shores of Phoksundo Lake toward the secluded valley of Phoksundo Khola. The trail begins by skirting the lake’s dramatic cliffs before gradually descending into a rugged, forested gorge. As you follow the river upstream, the landscape shifts into a wilder, and the remote environment is marked by narrow trails, cascading streams, and striking rock formations. After a peaceful and steady walk, you reach the open riverbank camp at Phoksundo Khola, a tranquil spot surrounded by untouched Himalayan wilderness.
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Day 10 Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang
The trek leads you from Phoksundo Khola into more remote and dramatic landscapes as you ascend toward Phoksundo Bhanjyang. The trail follows a narrow river valley, crossing streams and traversing rocky terrain before climbing steadily into higher, open alpine country. As you gain elevation, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged, with sweeping views of towering cliffs and distant snow-peaks. The day ends at Phoksundo Bhanjyang, a high, windswept camp that offers a quiet, isolated atmosphere in the heart of Dolpa’s wilderness.
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Day 11 Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa
Today, you will trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa, taking you across the majestic Kang La Pass with sweeping views of rugged Dolpa Landscapes. The climb is steep but rewarding as you traverse high-altitude terrain framed by barren cliffs and snow-dusted ridges. After descending from the pass, a serene valley opens up, guiding you toward the sacred Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Monastery. The day blends physical challenge with deep cultural immersion, ending in one of upper Dolpa’s most spiritual and tranquil settings. -
Day 12 Acclimatization day at Shey Gompa
You will acclimatize at Shey Gompa, which allows your body to adjust to the high altitude while you explore the surrounding sacred landscapes. You can take a short hike to the famous Crystal Mountain or wander around the ancient monastery to observe its spiritual rituals and rich cultural history. The day is relaxed, offering time to rest, enjoy the serene atmosphere of the valley, interact with local monks, and prepare for the higher trails ahead on your Upper Dolpa journey.
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Day 13 Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun
The trek takes you from the serene Shey Gompa, often called the “Crystal Monastery,” toward the small settlement of Namduna Gaun. The trail climbs gradually over rocky, windswept terrain, offering expensive views of the barren yet majestic Dolpa landscapes. You will traverse high pasture and quiet valleys before making a long descent towards Namduna Gaun, a secluded village dominated by its ancient Namgung Monastery. The day blends spiritual ambiance with rugged mountain beauty, ending with a peaceful evening among traditional stone houses and grazing yak herds.
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Day 14 Namduna Gaun to Saldang
The trek leads you from the quiet, cliff-side villages of Namduna Gaun to the larger and more vibrant settlement of Saldang. The trail begins with a steady ascent along a dry, windswept hillside before opening into border valleys marked by scattered yak pastures and panoramic views. As you crest the final ridge, the sight of Saldang- one of Dolpa’s largest and most culturally rich village, which is surrounded by terraced fields and traditional mud-brick homes. The day’s walk is both scenic and culturally rewarding, offering a deeper look into life in this remote Himalayan region.
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Day 15 Saldang to Sibu
You will trek from Saldang to the secluded villages of Sibu, following a gentle trail along the Nagon Khola. The walk is serene and scenic, passing through scattered fields, traditional Dolpa homes, and barren yet striking landscapes shaped by wind and altitude. As you move farther into the remote hear of Dolpo, the trail gradually narrows, and the silence deepens, broken only by the river’s flow and prayer flags fluttering above. Reaching Sibu offers a peaceful overnight stop surrounded by rugged cliffs and the timeless rhythm of life in this untouched Himalayan region.
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Day 16 Sibu to Jeng La Phedi
The trek leads you from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi, following a steadily rising trail toward the high passes ahead. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you leave the river valley behind and enter a desolate, wind-carved terrain dotted with yak pasture and occasional herder shelters. The air thins noticeably as you climb, and the views widen to reveal the stark beauty of Dolpa’s high-altitude world. By the time you reach Jeng La Phedi, you will be surrounded by towering ridge and the quiet anticipation of the next day’s crossing.
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Day 17 Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu Gaon
The trek takes you from Jenga La Phedi over the stunning Jenga La Pass to Tokyu Gaon. The day begins with a steep ascent to the high pass, where panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range and the vast, barren landscapes of Dolpa unfold. After taking in the breathtaking scenery at the top, you descend steadily into the broad valley of the Tarap region. The trail becomes gentler as you approach Tokyo Gaon, one of the highest permanent settlements in the Dolpa, known for its traditional stone houses, ancient monasteries, and serene Buddhist culture.
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Day 18 Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap
The trek is a gentle and culturally rich walking from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap. The trail follows a wide, scenic valley with easy terrain, passing chortens, mani walls, and traditional fields that showcase the harmonious lifestyle of the Dolpo people. As you approach Dho Tarap, one of the region’s most vibrant villages, you are welcomed by its cluster of stone houses, ancient monasteries, and a warm mix of Bon and Buddhist traditions, making it a peaceful and rewarding end of the day’s journey.
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Day 19 Dho Tarap to Serkan
The trail from Dho Tarap to Serkan follows a beautiful descent through the wide Tarap Valley as the landscapes slowly transition from high-altitude pastureland to more rugged canyon terrain. You pass scattered stone houses, grazing yaks, and fluttering prayer flags while the Tarap Khola rushes beside the trail. The walk is steady and scenic, offering quiet moments and views of Cliffside monasteries before you reach the small settlement of Serkan, a peaceful stop surrounded by dramatic rock formations and warm local hospitality.
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Day 20 Serkan to Khani Gaon
The trek from Serkan to Khani Gaon follows the winding Tarap Khola through narrow gorges and forested stretches, creating a dramatic contrast to the open valleys of earlier days. You walk along Cliffside paths, cross small wooden bridges, and pass occasional hamlets where natural stone houses blend into the landscape. The scenery becomes greener and more cultivated as you approach Khani Gaon, a welcoming village known for its terraced fields and quiet riverside setting, which is an ideal place to rest after a rewarding day’s trek.
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Day 21 Khani Gaon to Tarakot
The trek takes you on a steady descent from the serene village of Khani Gaon to the riverside settlement of Tarakot. The trail follows the Bheri River, winding through terraced fields, pine forests, and traditional Magar villages, offering a pheasant contrast to the high-altitude landscapes of earlier days. As you approach Tarakot, the ancient fortress town comes into view, perched above the river with its colorful monasteries and historic stone houses, providing a warm and culturally rich end to the day’s trek.
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Day 22 Tarakot to Dunai
The trek leads you from the historic village of Tarakot to the district headquarters of Dunai, following a well-defined trail along the Thuli Bheri River. The walk is relatively gentle, passing through fertile valleys, small hamlets, and vibrant terraced field that reflect the lower elevation’s warmer climate. As you continue, the scenery becomes more lively and populated, eventually guiding you into Dunai, a bustling riverside town where you can enjoy comfortable lodgings, restock supplies, and reflect on the incredible journey through Upper Dolpa.
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Day 23 Dunai to Juphal
The trek from Dunai to Juphal marks the final stretch of the Upper Dolpa journey. Leaving the administrative hub of Dunai, the trail meanders through serene villages, terraced fields, and dense pine and rhododendron forests. The path gradually descends toward the Thuli Bheri River, offering glimpses of traditional Dolpa settlements and terraced farmland along the way. The day is relatively moderate in distance, allowing trekkers to enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes and interact with local communities before reaching Juphal, the gateway for flights back to Nepalgunj.
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Day 24 Juphal- Nepalgunj- Kathmandu (fly)
From Juphal, the morning flight to Nepalgunj offers stunning aerial views of Dolpa valleys and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, a connecting flight carries you onward to Kathmandu, where the bustling city life contrasts sharply with the serene landscapes of upper Dolpa. This travel day marks the official end of the remote trek, giving trekker time to relax, reflect on the journey, and savor the sense of accomplishment before exploring Kathmandu.
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Day 25 Departure day
Your final day will begin with a peaceful morning, giving time to pick up, enjoying a last Nepali breakfast and perhaps packing up a few souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you have a chance to stroll around Thamel or have a quiet moment of reflection. Our team member will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with a heartfelt farewell, making the end of your unforgettable journey through the Upper Dolpa Trek. We hope you leave with lasting memories and deep connections of Nepal’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.