Rara to Upper Dolpo Trek | Jumla Rara Dolpo Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

Flight Duration

1 hour

After breakfast, we transfer to the domestic airport. Today, we will have a one-hour flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is situated in the southwestern part of Nepal, close to the Indian border and Bardia National Park. We have the evening to explore the town. Overnight at Nepalgunj hotel.

Accommodation:

Teahouse / Lodge in Dunai

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Flight Duration:

35-45 minutes

Trek Duration:

3-4 hours

After breakfast, take an early morning scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the gateway to the Dolpo region. On clear days, you may catch glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges during the flight. Upon arrival at Juphal, you will notice the cooler, fresh mountain air.

From Juphal, begin your trek with a gradual descent through terraced fields and small villages, following the Thuli Bheri River. After a few hours of easy walking, you reach Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region, where you can observe local culture and daily life. Overnight stay in Dunai.

Accommodation

Teahouse / Lodge at Chhepka

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

5–6 hours

Max Altitude

2,838 m

After breakfast, you begin your trek from Dunai, following a well-defined trail along the Thuli Bheri River before joining the Suligad River valley. The route gradually ascends through a mix of pine forests, rocky paths, and cultivated fields, offering a peaceful and scenic walk. Along the way, you pass small settlements such as Dhara and Rahagaon, where traditional houses, terraced fields, and walnut trees reflect the rural lifestyle of the region.

As you move deeper into the valley, the landscape becomes more remote and forested, marking your approach toward the entrance area of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

After several hours of steady trekking, you reach Chhepka, a small village surrounded by forest and farmland, commonly used as an overnight stop for trekkers heading toward Phoksundo Lake. Overnight stay at Chhepka.

Accommodation

Teahouse / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude

2,960 m

Trek Duration

5–6 hours

After breakfast, the trail continues from Chhepka along the Suligad River, entering deeper into the forested valley of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The route passes through dense pine and cedar forests, crossing small streams and suspension bridges along the way.

As you ascend gradually, the landscape becomes more remote and tranquil, with fewer settlements and increasing chances of spotting wildlife. After several hours of trekking, you reach Sumdo, a small settlement located near the park’s checkpoint and a common resting place before heading toward Phoksundo Lake. Overnight stay at Sumdo.

Accommodation

Camping near the lake

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude

3,630 m

Trek Duration

5–6 hours

Today is one of the most rewarding days of the trek as you reach the stunning Phoksundo Lake. After breakfast, the trail follows the Suligad River, gradually ascending through dense pine, fir, and birch forests. The path winds along narrow valleys, crossing small streams and passing waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.

As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more dramatic and alpine. You’ll notice the air getting cooler and the surroundings quieter, with occasional chances to spot wildlife such as Himalayan birds or blue sheep on the hillsides. A final steep climb brings you to Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village known for its stone houses, mani walls, and chortens. The cultural atmosphere here is unique, reflecting centuries-old traditions of the Dolpo region.

From Ringmo, it’s a short walk to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, famous for its deep turquoise color and dramatic setting beneath barren cliffs. The lake is sacred in the Bon religion, and its untouched beauty creates a peaceful and almost surreal atmosphere.

You’ll have time to relax by the lakeside, enjoy the panoramic views, and soak in the serenity of this remote Himalayan environment. Overnight stay near Phoksundo Lake.

Accommodation

Camp near the lake

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Duration

3–5 hours

Today is an important acclimatization day at the spectacular Phoksundo Lake, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude before heading to higher passes. Rather than complete rest, the day is spent exploring the surrounding natural and cultural highlights.

You can visit Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village located just above the lake. The village sits at around 3,660 m and is known for its stone houses, mani walls, and strong Bon religious traditions, with only a small population living in this remote high-altitude settlement.

A key highlight is a short walk to the Tshowa Bon Monastery (Ringmo Bon Gompa), located on the northern shore of the lake. This monastery is over 800 years old and represents one of the most important Bon religious sites in the region, offering insight into an ancient spiritual tradition that predates Buddhism.

You may also take short hikes around the lake for better viewpoints. The lake itself is Nepal’s deepest alpine lake, famous for its turquoise color, high mineral content, and dramatic cliffs, creating a unique and almost surreal landscape.

The rest of the day can be spent relaxing by the lakeside, enjoying the peaceful environment, and observing the untouched beauty of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This day plays a crucial role in preparing for the more challenging and higher-altitude sections of the trek ahead.

Accommodation

Tented camp by the river

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Duration

5 hours

Max Altitude

3,750 m

After two nights at Phoksundo Lake, you begin the trek toward Phoksundo Khola, entering the higher reaches of the remote Upper Dolpo region. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding cliffs before leaving the settlement areas behind.

One of the highlights of today’s trek is the narrow wooden walkways suspended over cliffs, showcasing the rugged and isolated nature of Upper Dolpo. The path passes through lush alpine meadows at the western edge of the lake, opening into the floodplain of Phoksundo Khola, where the terrain alternates between riverbanks, grassy slopes, and occasional boggy patches.

As you cross small streams and navigate marshy sections, the trail leads into a quiet valley, surrounded by pine and juniper forests. Today’s hike emphasizes both scenic beauty and the remoteness of the region, giving trekkers a sense of the untouched Himalayan wilderness.

You will spend the night at a tented camp along the banks of Phoksundo Khola, resting and preparing for the higher-altitude trails ahead.

Accommodation

Tented camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Duration

5–6 hours

Altitude

4,717 m

On Day 9, you trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, a high saddle in the Upper Dolpo region. The trail climbs steadily through open alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and sparse high-altitude vegetation, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Dolpo Himalaya.

This section of the trek is important for acclimatization as you gain significant altitude. The campsite at Phoksundo Bhanjyang provides a peaceful and remote setting, with sweeping views of valleys and distant peaks. It’s a perfect spot to rest and prepare for the higher passes ahead.

Accommodation

Tented camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Duration

6–7 hours

Highest Point

Nangdalo La – 5,350 m

Today is one of the toughest but most rewarding days of the Upper Dolpo trek. You begin with a steep and sustained climb from the high camp toward Nangdalo La (also known locally as Kang La), reaching approximately 5,350 m, one of the highest points in this section of the trek.

The trail is rocky and demanding, with loose stones and high‑altitude terrain that requires steady pacing for safe progress. As you ascend, the landscape changes from open alpine meadows to barren high‑altitude ridges. When you reach the pass, you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Dolpo peaks, valleys, and distant snow‑capped mountains.

After resting at the top, the trail leads into a long descent toward the valley floor. You follow river valleys and rocky slopes, passing through scattered meadows and hillside terrain. Along the way, you will notice traditional mud caves and chortens (Buddhist stone shrines) that mark the cultural and spiritual heritage of this high‑altitude region.

As you approach Shey Gompa, a series of red‑painted chortens welcomes you, followed by a simple wooden bridge crossing a small stream. Shey Gompa, also known as Crystal Monastery, is an ancient and sacred Buddhist site perched above river confluences and surrounded by impressive mountain views.

Tonight, you camp near the monastery and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this remote spiritual center.

Accommodation

Tented camp near the monastery

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altitude

4,160 m

Day 11 is a rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Monastery, one of the most important spiritual sites in Upper Dolpo. The monastery sits on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Kangju and Yeju rivers, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.

Trekkers can explore the monastery complex, admire ancient murals, statues, and prayer halls, and learn about the Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The day also offers panoramic views of Crystal Mountain and the surrounding valleys, making it perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Visitors can meet monks and locals, observe daily rituals, and take short walks around nearby trails to experience the high-altitude alpine environment and possibly spot wildlife such as blue sheep and Himalayan birds. This day also serves as an important acclimatization opportunity to prepare for the challenging passes ahead, while providing a peaceful and culturally rich experience in one of Nepal’s most remote regions.

Accommodation

Tented Camping

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Difficulty

Moderate to Strenuous

Trek Duration

6–7 Hours

Day 12 takes you deeper into the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo as you leave Shey Gompa and head toward the isolated village of Tata. The trail begins with a steady climb across a dry, barren, trans-Himalayan terrain, gradually ascending to Tata La Pass (4,750 m).

From the top of the pass, you are rewarded with wide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Kanjiroba Himal and distant peaks of Api Saipal on clear days. The landscape here is rugged and open, with very little vegetation, giving a true sense of the wilderness of Dolpo.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends into a quieter valley toward Tata. Along the way, you may spot blue sheep grazing on the slopes and large Himalayan birds soaring overhead.

Tata is a small, traditional village with stone houses and a strong Tibetan cultural influence. Life here is simple and adapted to the harsh high-altitude environment. Overnight stay is in a tented camp, as facilities are very basic in this remote region.

From Tata village, we head toward Bhijer village. Bhijer village is a big village consisting of a monastery, school and few shops surrounded by barren landscape. Walking past Shamling Gumba, then we descend to Bhijer village. You might see Blue Sheep near this village. Overnight at Bhijer village.

After breakfast, we go uphill from Bhijer village. Following the most barren landscape, with the chance of seeing Blue Sheep, we reach Patalchaur. Overnight at Patalchaur.

In the morning we start downhill trek for about two hours. Then we ascend to reach Pho village, last village in the northwestern region of Dolpo district. Pho village is surrounded by buckwheat and barley fields with 16 houses. Overnight in tented camp

Today, the trail is a fairly difficult and hardest trail on the entire trekking journey. From Pho village, Nimagyalzen La is an uphill climb. Experiencing strong winds and snow we move higher. Beautiful Dhaulagiri, Api Saipal, Kanjiroba peaks are seen from the top of the pass. Then we descent from the pass which is comparatively easy. After 3 hours along the riverbank, we reach Daldung Khor. Overnight at Daldung Khor.

From Daldung Khor, the trail goes along the riverbank, which makes today’s trek easy. On reaching Pung Kharka, we can find the surrounding valley extremely beautiful. Overnight camp near the river shore, with comparatively cold.

Today’s trail starts with a fairly good trail for a few hours, then we climb a hill. Then further walking leads us to the Yala Pass. From there, we descend to Chyandi Khola. Overnight camp at the highest spot of Chyandi Khola, which is a bit colder.

From Chyandi Khola, until we come to a river crossing point, the trail goes downhill. Then we climb steeply through a narrow trail with bushes on sideways. Descending the Jack pass we arrive at a jungle before coming out to a riverbank. Overnight camp at Takla Khola

We ascend gradually through a jungle, from Takla Khola. Then we climb down through a moderately easy trail from the top of the hill till we arrive at an open ground nearby a river. Overnight camo at Thaju Chaur. 

Today we descend slowly crossing forests and rivers. On reaching Shilen Kharka we can see a few hotels. Overnight camp at Shilen Kharka.

Moving forward to Pulu, with the loss in altitude we enter into the warmer zone. We will be walking mostly along the bank of the river, requiring to cross the river at different points. We can find some hotels along the way. Pulu, the administrative center of the region consists of police posts and good hotels. Overnight camp at Pulu.

From Pulu, our trail continues along the river bank, crossing over suspension bridge several times. We get the chance to meet locals going through past villages and millet fields. Lumsa, a small hamlet where most people belong to the Chhetri caste with 30 houses and few shops. Overnight camp at Lumsa

Today we are heading toward the final destination of our trek, Rara lake. From Lumsa, the trail goes through Mugu village to Gamgadhi. From swing bridge, continue up a very steep zig-zag track, stretching down a long ridge above the Mugu Karnali river. Then we ascend quite steep dusty trek to the lip of the valley and finally, we reach Rara Lake through pine and juniper. Rara, the deepest and the biggest lake in Nepal. Overnight in tented camp.

After having breakfast, we visit all around Rara Lake. Rara lake is located inside Rara National Park. Rara National park is hemmed in by pine forest from all sides full of birds, flowers and wild animals. Otter and different kinds of fish found in Rara Lake. Overnight at tented camp

After a well spends the day in Rara, we head toward Talca Airport. we take a flight from Talca to Nepalgunj. Upon arriving Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. On reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel. 

It’s your free day in Kathmandu. You can explore the nearby area or you can relax in your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

I hope you had a great time in Nepal. A representative from Bold Himalayan will take you to the airport before three hours of your departing time. Thank you.