Dolpo Yak Caravan Trek | Dolpo Trekking

From Kathmandu, we fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. It takes about 15 minutes to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. Nepalgunj is a major transportation hub for the western, mid-western, and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at Nepalgunj hotel

Today after breakfast, we again take a scenic flight to Juphal over the Himalayan foothills relishing the fantastic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Upon our arrival at Juphal, we officially begin our trekking. From Juphal, we head towards Dunai. At first, we tumble down through the village below the airstrip. Then we stroll through the terraced fields to the southern bank of the Bheri River. And we finally reach Dunai after passing the narrow gorge. In the evening you can explore this beautiful town. Overnight at tented camp.

From Dunai, we begin the trek descending through the streets of Dunai Town to cross the bridge over the Bheri River. Then we chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat. Now, we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post. Beyond the check post, we gradually climb up along the rock-strewn trail. The trail lies above the serpentine Suli Ghad Khola. There is a series of hemp trees as we arrive in Kageno. Further, trek through a beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees. Now, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Enjoying the views of fluttering prayer flags, flora and fauna biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation we arrive at the village of Shyanta (2520m). Almost ninety minutes of an uphill trek from Shyanta along the narrow trail brings us to Chhepka. Overnight in a lodge at Chhepka. 

Today we head toward Chunuwar following a trail. The trail at frequent intervals goes up and down the riverbed through the woods. The trail continues along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo Khola. Then we cross the western side of the Phoksundo Khola and reach the village of Shumdhuwa. Shumdhuwa is headquartered in Shey Phoksundo National Park. This name reflects as ‘sum’ in Tibetan means three and ‘duwa’ means trail and is a major trail junction

Leaving behind this place, we proceed to Chunuwar. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3,370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 167m high waterfall, the highest in Nepal, and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. Overnight at Jharana Hotel.

Today, we will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake climbing the hill slope to a ridge at 3780 meters. We make our way to Ringmo, and make a steep descent through birch forests till the trail reaches the riverbed of Phoksundo Khola

Now, we cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the point where the Phoksundo Khola flows out of the lake and finally pushes through the Phoksundo gully. We emerge to the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a popular Bon Village in the region.

Today we explore the area around the Ringmo magnificent Phoksundo Lake. We explore around Ringmo Village first and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village is a scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. From near and above the lake, we can find many beautiful glaciers.

There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-Po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is a fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.

Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake in Nepal and is famous for its clean and clear water with brilliant changing colors. Also, it is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery.

One of the best trekking days of Dolpo yak Caravan trek is today. Climbing along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on another side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along with the beautiful forests.

Then we trek along Phoksundo Khola, the river that feeds water to the lake to Sallaghari. The majority of the trek goes through the sandy shores of the Phoksundo Khola. Whereas; the final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst a beautiful pine forest.

After spending a night in Sallaghari, today we trek for almost three hours to reach Kangla Base camp (4,100m). Then we ascend the narrow defile of the Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to the opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive at a place where the rapids of the river are calmer and we cross the bridge over the river

Walking thirty minutes after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of a walk along the canyon brings us to the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Kang La Base Camp. And Kang La Base camp is our campsite for the night.

Today, we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby ‘Crystal Mountain’. It is the most sacred peak in Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest

Today we will explore Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa was built in 1655, near Shey village, by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal. It is also known as the palace complex. The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. Matthiessen wrote quite a lot about his stay in Shey in ‘The Snow Leopard’ and it was shown in Eric Valli’s movie ‘Caravan’ as Thinley’s son’s gompa. Shey Gompa is the Holy pilgrimage. Here the people pay their homage and circumnavigate the holy mountain known as Crystal mountain. A holy festival is celebrated here to honor the Dragon year in the interval of every twelves year.

A day rest to explore around Shey Gompa is worthwhile to know the authentic culture of this highland settlement and its surroundings.

After breakfast, the trek begins and it follows the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost a couple of hours. The landscape during this part of the trek is typical Dolpo landscapes-barren and enchanting. From there, we climb toward the top of Shey La Pass, it is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey rewards us the magnificent view of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North, and Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and Riu Dhukta or the Crystal Mountain to the West

Finally, around 2 hours hike through the downhill pass we reach Namgung. A local nomadic herding settlement was we will have relatively more opportunities to see the picturesque view of Yak Caravans. Overnight at Namgung.

After breakfast, the trek begins and it follows the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost a couple of hours. The landscape during this part of the trek is typical Dolpo landscapes-barren and enchanting. From there, we climb toward the top of Shey La Pass, it is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey rewards us the magnificent view of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North, and Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and Riu Dhukta or the Crystal Mountain to the West

Finally, around 2 hours hike through the downhill pass we reach Namgung. A local nomadic herding settlement was we will have relatively more opportunities to see the picturesque view of Yak Caravans. Overnight at Namgung.

Saldang village comprises several villages where you can study the culture and tradition of the upper region Dolpo closely during the morning. As it’s a day to explore Saldang we trek towards Yanger Gompa, which lies on the old trade route to Tibet. We have a steep descends to Nagon Khola bed initially.
Then we arrive at the confluence of Nagon Khola Panzang and Tara Khola, through the north of Nagon Khola along the steep-sided gorge in three hours from Saldang. And we finally reach Yangjer Gompa, chasing the trail on the lower riverbank. The trail offers vertical climb soon emerging to the wonderful sight. Overnight at Saldang

Today, we will head towards the borderline of Nepal and China. It is probably Nepal’s least frequent trekking trail. It caters to the most beautiful view of the yak caravan of the highlands. We will be trekking along the trail of Saldang Lek, Dolpo Yak Caravan Trek arrives at Sumdowa. It is the last trading town at the Nepal-Tibet border. Overnight in Sumdowa

Sumdowa is the point where the barter system of trading still exists. the culture available to see here is truly Tibetan and authentically traditional

After the wonderful Yak Caravan trek in Dolpo, the trek today enters the latter half. We begin to trek along the retracing trail towards Dunai. The first day of the trek on the retracing trail extends till Saldang.

From today we continue the trek along the retracing trail. And the best thing about the trek on the retracing trail is that if you had missed something really important during the trek towards the destination a few days ago. You can take your time to understand the culture of Dolpo and sight the views of yaks caravans. It is always beautiful doesn’t matter how many times you have seen it

Today our yak caravan trek retraces along the trail to Shey Gompa. Revisit the Gompa for detailed information on it. Or explore the authentic settlement of Dolpo to understand the culture of Dolpa in a better way.

Endure the challenge of crossing Shey La Pass and savor the beauty of the Himalayas from such high elevation as we are retracing the trek. Today we trek down to Kang La Base Camp via Shey La Pass (5,100m)

Today, pleasant walk in the wood with trickling streams and environment, on the retracing trail we trek down to Sallaghari via Kang La Pass

The retracing trail we trek down to lake Phoksundo will be up and down.

Today, we are descending to Chhepka. It is a relatively easier trek compared to the trek from Chhepka to Phoksundo during the beginning of the Dolpo Yak Caravan trek. Aroma the beauty of the western mid-hills of Nepal and take your time while trekking down.

Today, we are trekking for around 5-6 hrs as it is the last day of the Dolpo Yak Caravan Trek. We will let go of all the exhaustion at Juphal. Overnight in a lodge at Juphal.

After breakfast in the morning, we walk to the airport in Juphal and board the plane to Nepalgunj. We will arrive at Nepalgunj after thirty-five minutes. And from Nepalgunj, we board the flight to Kathmandu. Likewise, in an hour or so we land at Kathmandu Airport where our trip concludes. You can have some rest. Later, in the evening you will have a cultural dinner with the Bold Himalaya. Overnight at Kathmandu

After a wonderful journey in Nepal, today you are flying back to your hometown. Our representative will drop you to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight. Or you have a longer holiday and want another trip to Nepal. Bold Himalaya can arrange another awesome trip for you.