Rugged trails and Himalayan views, unforgettable journey.
Nepal is known in the world for housing 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains, being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, having hospitable people, and being rich in cultural heritage, but the fact that Nepal has some stunning arid regions manages to amuse some of the people. There are a few places in Nepal that fall in the Trans-Himalayan region. If you are looking for a long camping trek in the remote lands of Nepal, then this is the perfect package for you.
This Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek takes you from the hidden land of Dolpo to Jomsom, Mustang, two famous trekking destinations in Nepal. Starting on the rugged trails of the isolated sanctuary of Dolpo, you will trek a portion of the Great Himalayan Trail to Jomsom. The trek starts from the lower lands of Dolpo to some of the highest settlements of the region, passing through many high passes along the way to the ending point of the trekking trip, Jomsom, which is the headquarters of Mustang. Dolpo and Mustang have a history together, as Dolpo was under the rule of the Kingdom of Lo for a certain period. Although these two districts of Nepal share the same values, both are restricted areas and have culture and influences from Tibetan Buddhism, the lifestyle of the people living in these two places is not the same at all. The people of Dolpo still live the nomadic lifestyle, while the people in Mustang have been living a luxurious lifestyle since Mustang fell in the famous silk route. This trek, which is 27 days long, will walk you on a road you will get to actually witness and experience the transition between these districts. In this trek, you will witness both the rugged and the polished beauty of the arid region, seamlessly blending the trails of Dolpo into the trails of Mustang.
This trek will take you to experience different shades of Nepal, starting from Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Dolpo, and Jomsom. All these regions have their charms with their distinct climate, geography, food, and culture. Before starting your trek, you will also get the chance to explore the bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. From noisy clubs to peaceful hiking trails, Kathmandu has something in store for everyone.
Kathmandu is the most happening city in Nepal, given that it is the capital city of Nepal. It is a city extremely rich in cultural heritage, art, and history. Anywhere you go in this city, you will be able to spot some type of temple, stupa, museum, or cultural heritage site with intricate wood carving depicting the beautiful arts, which will leave you stunned.
Kathmandu has various sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, among which you will be visiting four of them. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. You will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur and Hanuman Dhoka, which has around 50 temples around its vicinity, gaining the name ‘Museum of Temple’. The temples all have impeccable woodwork in them, which makes them exquisitely beautiful. After that, you will be visiting the Swayambhunath. It is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ and sits on the top of a small hill. You need to climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top, where there is a stupa and several temples in the same complex, which depicts the diversity of Nepal perfectly. This place is also popular because one can see the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley from here.
Next up, you will be visiting the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 3 primordial gods in Hinduism. This temple sits beside the Bagmati River and has numerous other temples in its vicinity. It is one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindu people, due to which you will be able to see a lot of tourists from throughout Nepal and India here. Lastly, you will visit the Boudhanath, which is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is an important pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists outside Tibet. As soon as you enter the gate to the Boudhanath, you will be greeted with the strong smell of incense and people circumambulating the stupa. A huge number of visitors visit the stupa daily but it is a surprise that despite the huge crowd, one can still feel the sense of peace over here. You can also choose to go for a small hike in Kathmandu instead of sightseeing, for a warm-up hike in preparation for the trek.
After the rich experience in the capital, you will set off on a journey to explore the most isolated region in western Nepal, Dolpo. Due to its remoteness, Dolpo is one of the few places that has managed to preserve the pristine nature and ancient culture with almost little to no alteration with the passage of time. While Jomsom and Kagbeni are similar in geography and culture, these places of Mustang are catching up with the modernization of the rest of Nepal. From a replica of ancient life in Dolpo to Jomsom and Kagbeni, this trek has a lot to offer to the trekkers, some of which are listed below.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park, the only Trans-Himalayan National Park of Nepal, falls in Dolpo. It is a national park rich in flora and fauna, some of which are valuable. Various species of plants and animals can be found in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, such as the endangered Snow Leopard and valuable herbs like the Yarsagumba, Jatamasi, and many more. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to animals like Blue Sheep, Grey Wolf, Marmots, and Great Tibetan Sheep and plants like Panchaule (Dactylorhiza Hatagirea), Guchi Chyau (Morchella Esculenta), wild garlic (Allium Wallichii) and many more. This trek will take you through the parts of Shey Phoksundo National Park and you have a chance to witness those plants and animals.
Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Lake is one of the famous beauties of western Nepal. Phoksundo Lake, also known as the Shey Phoksundo Lake, is an alpine lake located in the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Dolpo district. It is the second largest and second deepest lake in Nepal, while also being the origin of the magnificent Suligad waterfall, which people anticipate seeing during the Phoksundo Lake Trek in Nepal. Popularly known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake is praised for its distinct colour and stunning scenery of the hills around it. This lake is a sacred lake for the people of the Ringmo village who follow the Bon religion. It is on the ‘bucket list’ of almost everyone who knows about Dolpo while being on the ‘coming back’ list of those who have already been there. Travellers are captivated by the tranquility of this turquoise gem so much that they are compelled to wonder about the sacredness due to the peace they experience here.
Villages of Dolpo
Dolpo houses some of the highest settlements in Nepal. The villages of Dolpo are one of the attractions for travelers traveling to Dolpo. During your Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek, you will come to visit various villages like Ringmo, Saldang, Namgung, Shimengaon, Chharkabot, and many more. The houses in these villages have small to no windows to keep the heat from escaping in that extreme cold. These villages look stunning during the season when the crops are growing, as the green crops are a sight to see amongst the arid landscapes. Also, these villages are culturally rich and their simple way of living is worth experiencing once. Especially nowadays, we live in places where every need of ours can be taken care of with just a call. The lifestyle of villages in Dolpo shows us how little we need to be content in life.
Gompas
Gompas refers to the variety of Buddhist religious buildings, including the small temple buildings, places to worship, and also where the monks learn the religious texts. Dolpo has a rich Buddhist culture, both Tibetan and Bon, due to which there are various Buddhist and Bon Gompas in Dolpo. Key areas of woodwork in Gompas are decorated with beautiful carvings and paintwork inspired by Tibetan architecture. Internal walls are often painted, which mainly consist of religious murals. Previously, they used to be painted with mineral paints but nowadays they’re being painted with oil paints because the color looks brighter and the paintings are easier to maintain that way. The Gompas may house two to thirty monks, depending on the size and the amount of wealth that the Gompas have. These cultural heritage sites with great spiritual significance are a major spot for those who want to meditate, as the peaceful domain of Gompas is ideal for meditation. You will be visiting some of the major gompas, like Thasung Tsho Ling Gompa, Shey Gompa, and many more.
High Trekking Passes
A mountain pass is the low point amongst the mountains and its ridge, which gives easier access for the trekkers to travel through it. Mountain passes are usually the highest point of a trek. It is hard to cross a mountain pass for the trekkers, as the altitude and uphill climb drain the energy of the trekkers quickly so it is crucial that the trekkers keep hydrating themselves during the high mountain passes. As they say, the best view comes after the hardest climb; the same is the case for high mountain passes; one gets a spectacular view from the high mountain passes. One has to cross seven passes while doing the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek, among which five passes are above 5000 meters. The passes are: Nagdo La (5,350 m), Se La (5,094 m), Nang La (4,375 m), Mo La (5,027 m), Niwas La (5,120 m), Jungben La (5,550 m), and Bhima Lojun La (4,460 m). The passes are the major factor that adds to the difficulty of this trek.
Kagbeni
Kagbeni is a place that falls in the Annapurna conservation area. The local name of Kagbeni is ‘Ghaak’ which means narrow junction as it is a junction for four ways, and ancient kings used to collect tax on the famous salt route from Dolpo, Tibet, India, and Manang from here. It is also called ‘the gateway to Upper Mustang’. Kagbeni is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus regard this place as an important pilgrimage spot before visiting Muktinath, as it is famous for ancestral worship, which is said to help the lost souls of ancestors reach heaven and thus get protection and blessings from them. This place also houses some important Buddhist religious sites like Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery and Devthen Chhorten, as it is a Tibetan village. It is an attractive spiritual village that sits near the conjunction of two rivers, Kali and Gandaki.
Jomsom
Jomsom is a village in the Annapurna Conservation Area nestled in the lap of Mount Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. It is the headquarters of the Mustang district. It has the only airport in the Mustang district, Jomsom Airport. It serves as the gateway to the famous Mustang district of Nepal, which makes it the starting and ending points of various treks like Dolpo to Mustang, Trek Annapurna Circuit trek, and various Upper Mustang treks. Jomsom is a relatively more developed place with lots of hotels and cafes with an extensive menu. One will be able to buy a wide variety of goods and souvenirs in various shops in Jomsom.
Traveling to Nepal is the experience of a lifetime, as it is the land of spirituality, adventure, and friendliness. You can meet various people on the trek who agree that it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal is a whole different experience with the cultural exposure and warm hospitality only trekking in Nepal can provide. There are actual human settlements near the mountain, which makes the experience more than just trekking. But trekking in Nepal isn’t always easy, especially in the remote regions of Nepal. Dolpo region is one of the most remote regions in Nepal and is considered to be one of the most difficult regions to trek. But the reason why it is on the list of trekkers despite its difficulty is the view of stunning arid landscapes, pristine nature, and the pure culture that this off-beat region has to offer to its visitors.
This 27-day itinerary will take you from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the isolated region of Dolpo to the beautiful headquarters of Jomsom. Your journey starts from the happening city of Kathmandu, where you explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath. Since there are no direct flights to Juphal, you will board a flight to Nepalgunj the following day, where you will stay the night in order to catch a morning flight the day after to Juphal. Nepalgunj borders India so the influences can be seen evidently in the lifestyle and food. You can try Indian-influenced street food, which is quite popular. Early in the morning the next day you will board a scenic flight to Juphal Airport, which is the gateway to Dolpo, and meet your whole trekking team. Although there are teahouses in a few places, the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek is a complete camping trek, so your trekking team consists of local guides, cooks, assistants, and mules. These people will be with you throughout the trek, ensuring your comfortable stay and nutritious food.
Along with your complete trekking team, you will start your trekking journey from Juphal, passing through numerous rural villages along with some of the most attractive destinations in Nepal, like the famous Phoksundo Lake. You will have to cross a total of seven high passes, which are Nagdo La (5,350 m), Se La (5,094 m), Nang La (4,375 m), Mo La (5,027 m), Niwas La (5,120 m), Jungben La (5,550 m), and Bhima Lojun La (4,460 m). Crossing these mountain passes is the main reason behind the trek being quite strenuous, due to which it is recommended to train well to have good physical fitness before this adventurous trek. After reaching your ultimate destination of the trekking journey, Jomsom marks the completion of the trek. After the tiring 20 days trek, you will get to spend some leisure time in the tourist’s favourite city, Pokhara, right after your trek and before departing back to Kathmandu. From the most beautiful views of mountains, charming lakes, numerous sightseeing spots, and various options of adventurous activity, Pokhara has it all. You can plan your day to explore Pokhara the way you want to. This trek is quite a niche trek; the difficult, extremely offbeat trail makes it more suitable for those who are avid or, at least, frequent trekkers or adventure seekers who want to experience Dolpo with a little bit of Mustang.
Our Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek walks trekking enthusiasts through the remote arid lands of Dolpo to the bustling semi-arid lands of Jomsom. This journey is a journey of resilience that walks you through the two restricted regions of Dolpo and Mustang, which have similar values, culture, and geography but vast differences in development and lifestyle. Both regions have a lot to offer you in terms of cultural experience. You will get to experience the similarities and differences of both regions during this journey, which you will remember for the rest of your life.
DAY 1: Kathmandu Arrival, Welcome to Nepal. [1,400 m/4,593 ft]
DAY 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trek Preparation.
DAY 3: Fly to Nepalgunj. [150 m/492 ft]
DAY 4: Fly to Juphal, Trek to Kagni. [2,270 m/7,447ft]
DAY 5: Trek to Rechi. [3,100 m/10,170 ft]
DAY 6: Trek to Ringmo. [3,640 m/11,940 ft]
DAY 7: Trek to Lekhe Dhunga. [3,670 m/12,040 ft]
DAY 8: Trek to High Camp. [3,740 m/12,270 ft]
DAY 9: Trek to Shey Gompa. [4,360 m/14,305 ft]
DAY 10: Trek to Namgung. [4,090 m/13,418 ft]
DAY 11: Trek to Saldang. [3,770 m/12,368 ft]
DAY 12: Trek to Komas/Khoma. [4,060 m/13,320 ft]
DAY 13: Trek to Shimen Gaon. [3,885 m/12,745 ft]
DAY 14: Trek to Tinje. [4,200 m/13,780 ft]
DAY 15: Rest Day at Tinje.
DAY 16: Trek to Dovan Camp. [4,210 m/13,815 ft]
DAY 17: Trek to Mo La Base Camp. [4,500 m/14,765 ft]
DAY 18: Trek to Chharka Bot. [4,300 m/14,110 ft]
DAY 19: Trek to Sipta Camp. [4,750 m/15,585 ft]
DAY 20: Trek to Niwas La Camp [4,990 m/16,370 ft]
DAY 21: Trek to Galden Guldung Khola Camp. [4,250 m/13,945 ft]
DAY 22: Trek to Santa. [3,777 m/12,390 ft]
DAY 23: Trek to Phalyak. [3,175 m/10,415 ft]
DAY 24: Trek to Jomsom. [2,720 m/8,925 ft]
DAY 25: Fly to Pokhara, Leisure Day. [822 m/2,696 ft]
DAY 26: Fly to Kathmandu. [1,400m/4,593 ft]
DAY 27: Departure, Farewell!
