About This Tour
The great Himalayan trail Dolpo to Rara Traverse leads you from the barren landscapes of Dolpo via Shey Gompa into the vast, thick forests around Rara Lake. You visit 2 stunning lakes, the magical emerald green Phoksundo Lake and pristine Rara Lake, the biggest lake of Nepal.
The trek brings you to Shey Gompa, which is often referred to as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It’s a magical place, situated at the base of Crystal Mountain. Crystal Mountain is visited by hundreds of pilgrims each year, who make a kora (circuit) around the mountain, Dolpo’s own version of Mount Kailash.
The Dolpa to Rara Traverse is a strenuous hike, with four passes above 5,000 meter, Nagdalo La of 5350 m, the Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563 m), the Yala La (5414 m) and the Chyargo La (5150 m). Besides, you stay above 4000 meters for a long time, which means very cold nights. But the unforgettable landscapes, the views from the passes and the contacts with a very special untouched culture make it all worth it.
Highlights
- Phoksundo Lake
- Shey Gompa
- Remote Villages
- High Mountain Passes
- Diverse Landscapes
- Cultural Encounters
- Phoksundo National Park
- Unique Dolpo Region
What’s Included
- Airport Transfers: Private car/van/bus transfers to and from the airport.
- Accommodation: Two nights' standard accommodation in Kathmandu upon arrival and after the trek.
- Meals: All standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Permits and Paperwork: All necessary permits and conservation entry fees.
- Transportation: All required air and ground transportation from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
- Accommodations during Trek: Stay in teahouses, homestays, and camping as needed during the trek.
- Trekking Support: An experienced guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), and their salaries, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
- Emergency Arrangements: Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (cost covered by your travel insurance).
- Medical Supplies: A first aid kit will be available throughout the trek.
- Government Taxes: All applicable government taxes.
- International Airfare: The cost of your international flights to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal Visa Fee: Charges for obtaining the Nepal visa.
- Excess Baggage Charges: Additional charges for excess baggage on domestic flights.
- Meals in Kathmandu: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu are not included.
- Emergency Rescue and Medical Expenses: Costs related to emergency rescue and medical expenses.
- Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, and personal porters.
- Tips: Tips for the trekking crew.
- Optional Trips/Activities: Any optional trips or activities not included in the itinerary.
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allArrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be welcomed to the vibrant city. Get a taste of its rich culture and settle into your hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Meal: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
What to See:
- Explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu.
Checklist for Today:
- Arrive in Kathmandu.
- Settle into the hotel.
- Attend the welcome dinner.
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level
Delve into the cultural treasures of Kathmandu with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prepare for the upcoming trek.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
What to See:
- Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Checklist for Today:
- Explore cultural and historical sites.
- Prepare for the trek.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Altitude: 150 meters above sea level (Nepalgunj)
Embark on a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai. Take in aerial views during the journey.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
What to See:
- Aerial views during the flight.
Checklist for Today:
- Reach Nepalgunj.
- Relax at the hotel.
Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m/8,120 ft) and Trek to Dunai (2,140m/7,021 ft)
Altitude: 2,475 meters above sea level (Juphal), 2,140 meters (Dunai)
Commence your trek from Juphal after a flight. Traverse to Dunai, a traditional village, setting the tone for the adventure.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Juphal airstrip and the start of the trek.
- Dunai, a traditional village.
Checklist for Today:
- Begin the trek from Juphal to Dunai.
Trek from Dunai to Chepka (2,670m/8,760 ft)
Altitude: 2,670 meters above sea level
Trek through diverse landscapes from Dunai to Chepka, witnessing lush forests and the Suligad River.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Lush forests and the Suligad River.
Checklist for Today:
- Explore diverse landscapes.
Trek from Chepka to Renje (3,104m/10,184 ft)
Altitude: 3,104 meters above sea level
Ascend to Renje, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Checklist for Today:
- Experience the wilderness of Dolpo.
Trek from Renje to Ringmo (3,600m/11,811 ft) – Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,847 ft)
Altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level (Ringmo), 3,611 meters (Phoksundo Lake)
Reach the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making this a magical day.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Arrival at the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake.
Checklist for Today:
- Explore the beauty of Phoksundo Lake.
Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake
Altitude: 3,611 meters above sea level
Enjoy a day of rest and acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake, soaking in the serene environment.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Enjoy the serene environment of Phoksundo Lake.
Checklist for Today:
- Acclimatize to the high altitude.
Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (3,507m/11,509 ft)
Altitude: 3,507 meters above sea level
Trek along the beautiful Phoksundo Khola, continuing through the enchanting Dolpo region.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Trek along the beautiful Phoksundo Khola.
Checklist for Today:
- Continue the trek through the Dolpo region.
Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402m/14,465 ft)
Altitude: 4,402 meters above sea level
Ascend to higher altitudes, experiencing the challenges of high-altitude trekking.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Ascend to higher altitudes.
Checklist for Today:
- Experience the challenges of high-altitude trekking.
Cross Kang La Pass (5,151m/16,893 ft) and Trek to Shey Gompa (4,126m/13,537 ft)
Altitude: 5,151 meters above sea level (Kang La Pass), 4,126 meters (Shey Gompa)
Conquer the challenging Kang La Pass and reach the ancient Shey Gompa, steeped in history and spirituality.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Cross the challenging Kang La Pass.
- Reach the ancient Shey Gompa.
Checklist for Today:
- Conquer the high pass and explore Shey Gompa.
Acclimatization and Exploration Day at Shey Gompa
Altitude: 4,126 meters above sea level
Explore the spiritual richness of Shey Gompa and enjoy panoramic views, acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Explore the spiritual richness of Shey Gompa.
- Enjoy panoramic views.
Checklist for Today:
- Acclimatize to the high altitude.
Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaon (4,800m/15,748 ft) via Saldang La (5,200m/17,060 ft)
Altitude: 4,800 meters above sea level (Namduna Gaon), 5,200 meters (Saldang La)
Trek through high mountain passes, including the challenging Saldang La, reaching Namduna Gaon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Trek through high mountain passes.
- Reach Namduna Gaon.
Checklist for Today:
- Experience the challenges of high-altitude trekking.
Trek from Namduna Gaon to Saldang (3,903m/12,808 ft)
Altitude: 3,903 meters above sea level
Explore the cultural diversity of the region as you trek from Namduna Gaon to the ancient village of Saldang.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Traditional villages and terraced fields.
Checklist for Today:
- Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Saldang.
Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267 ft)
Altitude: 4,960 meters above sea level
Embark on a trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa, witnessing the unique landscapes and traditional settlements.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Unique landscapes and traditional settlements.
Checklist for Today:
- Trek through the diverse topography.
Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,960 ft)
Altitude: 4,560 meters above sea level
Continue your trek through the picturesque Dolpo region, making your way from Yangze Gompa to Sibu.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Scenic views and cultural encounters.
Checklist for Today:
- Embrace the tranquility of the Dolpo landscapes.
Trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (4,900m/16,076 ft)
Altitude: 4,900 meters above sea level
Ascend to Jeng La Phedi, passing through remote villages and absorbing the pristine beauty of the surroundings.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Remote villages and pristine landscapes.
Checklist for Today:
- Conquer challenging terrains.
Cross Jeng La Pass (5,090m/16,696 ft) and Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m/13,810 ft)
Altitude: 5,090 meters above sea level (Jeng La Pass), 4,209 meters (Tokyu Gaon)
Challenge yourself with the crossing of Jeng La Pass, followed by a trek to Tokyu Gaon, a picturesque village.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Cross Jeng La Pass and reach Tokyu Gaon.
Checklist for Today:
- Experience high-altitude adventure.
Trek from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251 ft)
Altitude: 4,040 meters above sea level
Traverse through the serene landscapes from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap, soaking in the cultural richness.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Serene landscapes and cultural encounters.
Checklist for Today:
- Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Dho Tarap.
Acclimatization and Exploration Day at Dho Tarap
Altitude: 4,040 meters above sea level
Take a day to acclimatize in Dho Tarap, exploring the village and its cultural attractions.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Explore Dho Tarap village.
- Enjoy the tranquility.
Checklist for Today:
- Acclimatize to the local culture.
Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3,800m/12,467 ft)
Altitude: 3,800 meters above sea level
Embark on a picturesque trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola, appreciating the diverse landscapes.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Diverse landscapes along the trek.
Checklist for Today:
- Continue the journey through the mesmerizing Dolpo region.
Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,334 ft)
Altitude: 3,150 meters above sea level
Traverse through charming landscapes from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon, experiencing the cultural variations.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Charming landscapes and cultural diversity.
Checklist for Today:
- Immerse yourself in the local culture of Khanigaon.
Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,323 ft)
Altitude: 2,537 meters above sea level
Descend to Tarakot, passing through quaint villages and relishing the change in scenery.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Quaint villages and changing landscapes.
Checklist for Today:
- Experience the transition in the Dolpo region.
Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,021 ft)
Altitude: 2,140 meters above sea level
Conclude your trek as you descend from Tarakot to Dunai, reflecting on the incredible journey through Dolpo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Final glimpses of Dolpo's landscapes.
Checklist for Today:
- Complete the trek.
- Celebrate the accomplishment.
Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,475m/8,120 ft)
Altitude: 2,475 meters above sea level
Embark on the final leg of your journey as you trek from Dunai back to Juphal, reminiscing about the adventures in Dolpo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse
What to See:
- Scenic beauty on the way back.
Checklist for Today:
- Return to Juphal.
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Altitude: Varies (Juphal, Nepalgunj, Kathmandu)
Take a scenic flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and connect to a flight back to Kathmandu, marking the end of your Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
What to See:
- Aerial views during the flights.
Checklist for Today:
- Return to Kathmandu.
Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level (Kathmandu)
Your Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek concludes. Depart from Kathmandu with fond memories of the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
Meal: Breakfast
Checklist for Today:
- Departure from Kathmandu.
Factsheet
Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek with Phoksundo Lake - Trip Facts
Duration: 27 Days
Max Altitude: 5,090 meters (Jeng La Pass)
Group Size: Minimum 2 participants
Starting Point: Juphal
Ending Point: Kathmandu
Trek Type: Teahouse trek
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlights of the Trip:
- Phoksundo Lake: Marvel at the pristine beauty of Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, surrounded by enchanting landscapes.
- Shey Gompa: Explore the ancient Shey Gompa, a spiritual haven perched in the highlands, offering a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Remote Villages: Traverse through remote villages of Dolpo, experiencing the unique lifestyle and traditions of the local people.
- High Mountain Passes: Conquer high mountain passes, including Saldang La and Jeng La, offering panoramic views of the Dolpo region.
- Diverse Landscapes: Journey through diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to arid terrains, showcasing the geographical variations of Dolpo.
- Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Dolpo, encountering traditional villages, monasteries, and friendly locals.
- Phoksundo National Park: Trek through the pristine Phoksundo National Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.
- Unique Dolpo Region: Discover the distinctiveness of Dolpo, a region less frequented by trekkers, providing an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- Aerial Views: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views during flights from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
- Culmination in Kathmandu: Wrap up your trek with a return to the vibrant city of Kathmandu, reflecting on the extraordinary journey.
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