Upper Dolpa to Lower Mustang

Overview

Journey from Dolpa to Mustang is one of the adventurous and long trip in Nepal among others which needs two domestic flights to join Dolpo likewise, two others to leave Mustang. Both these places are popular in religious and cultural point of view. You will find Bon and Tibetan Buddhism with Mani walls and peace flag also represents religion and culture. While crossing from Dolpo to Mustang, you will see the panorama of the whole valley of Kali Gandaki, meadows, yak caravans; loads with wood, rice or lentils which will make your journey mesmerizing. Dolpa and Mustang are not only reach in culture and religion but also rich in natural beauty. You can exlpore panoramic view of landscapes along the dazzling glaciers, lakes, snowcapped mountains, and charming faces of Himalayas. The trek will be 31 days long, and will be tiring and arduous. However, it will all be worthless when you reach in your destination with enjoying nature. The entire journey will be adventure, excitement and self-realization with exotic scenery. We assure you that trek from Dolpo to Mustang will be unforgettable journey in your life.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Airport

Day 2 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Day 3 Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2470m) then walks to Rupgad (20600m)

Day 4 Rupgad to Chepka (2680m)

Day 5 Chepka to Palang (3150m)

Day 6 Palang to Ringmo, shore of Phoksundo Lake (3670m)

Day 7 Acclimatization Day around Phoksundo Lake

Day 8 Ringmo in Phoksundo Lake Camp (3730m)

Day 9 Phoksundo Lake Camp at Kang La Phedi (4650m)

Day 10 Kang La to Shey Gompa (4350m)

Day 11 Acclimatization at Shey Gompa and Tsakang Monastery

Day 12 Shey Gompa to Tora (about 4100m)

Day 13 Tora to Bhijer and Nengla Phedi (about 4200m)

Day 14 Nengla Phedi to Saldang (3860m)

Day 15 Saldang to Riko (4200m)

Day 16 Riko to Jeng La Phedi (4610m)

Day 17 Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu (4280m)

Day 18 Tokyu to Pang La Phedi (4490m)

Day 19 Pang La Phedi to Yak Kharka (4950m)

Day 20 Yak Kharka to Charka Both (4500m)

Day 21 Charka Both to Wari Kharka (460m)

Day 22 Wari Kharka to Niwar Phedi (about 5000m)

Day 23 Niwar Phedi to Golchan Khola ( 4440m)

Day 24 Golchan Khola to Sangda (4030m)

Day 25 Sangda to Phalyak (3430m)

Day 26 Phalyak to Jomsom (2880m)

Day 27 Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and free day in Pokhara.

Day 28 Pokhara to Kathmandu flight

Day 29 Guided Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

Day 30 Guided Sightseeing around remaining Kathmandu Valley

Day 31 Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Airport
We will heartily welcome you in airport. Our staff will receive you and also help to check- in formalities then transfer to you in hotel. You can take rest; we will meet you in evening for trip briefing. If you want you can roam around bustling streets of Kathmandu for shopping or sightseeing then our staff will tell you about trip. You will stay in hotel.

Day 2 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
The next day, we catch our first flight during day towards Nepalgunj where we can find a beautiful city with diversity in culture with people from different faiths living within mixed communities. Here, you can see many women are influenced by Hindu religion and culture as comparison to others; like wearing traditional dress with bright colors, traditional jewelry and even wearing in ankle. Not only that much you can see the women riding bicycle on the road. After reaching to our hotel we will overnight there.

Day 3 Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2470m) then walks to Rupgad (20600m)
After taking breakfast, we will take flight towards Juphal but it depends on the weather condition. If the weather do not support us then we will explore city of Nepalgunj and its neighboring villages. You will feel amazing while crossing Upper Dolpo to Mustang. When you are travelling through flight you can clearly observe that northern slope of Juphal is surrounded by beautiful terraced fields and covered with lush forest in height. After reaching Juphal, you will take lunch break and our journey begins towards Rupgad by walking then we will drop down. We will cross Thakuri village where you will meet maximum local people are of Hindu caste then you can see the houses with carved flat roofs where crops are dried for preserving the food from decaying and can remain for long lasting. You can view the life style of the local people. Listening the shores of Thuli Khola, we will overnight in Rupgad.

Day 4 Rupgad to Chepka (2680m)
The morning will bring mesmerizing sunrise and another beautiful day to travel into nature! The fourth day, we will leave Rupgad and walk for around 6 hours to a place called Chepka. We will find the division of valley so we will move northward along the river which originates from Phoksundo Lake. We will continue the trek crossing the first bridge located at the right bank of Thuli Khola then cross the second bridge to pass Suli Khola. You are still on the bottom of Dolpo so on the way, you can view the green landscapes and dazzling turquoise waters of Suli will give you taste of Phoksundo which will exhilarate you to move forward. Then, you will cross the beautiful rice fields and coniferous tress. Finally, we will reach to Chepka after passing the first wooden bridge. We will stay at night in Chepka.

Day 5 Chepka to Palang (3150m)
After an amazing night at Chepka, we travel further up towards our destination. Today, you will get an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and self-realization then feel full satisfaction during your journey after reaching and observing marvelous shore then crossing wooden bridges you will find animistic sculptures, crystal clear turquoise. After walking 6 hours, we will reach to Palang and overnight there.

Day 6 Palang to Ringmo, shore of Phoksundo Lake (3670m)
On the sixth day, we leave Palang as we ascend up quickly after the camp through steep path then reach to Phoksundo Lake and the colour of lake seems unreal and fantastic. After that you will take gentle walk to reach in a gorgeous village called Ringmo which is the last destination before reaching to Upper Dolpa. Panaromic views of Phoksundo Lake, scattered houses in the field and stupas representing Buddhism make your trip memorable and overnight there.

Day 7 Acclimatization Day around Phoksundo Lake
Today, forgetting all the tiredness, you will explore Phoksundo Lake and enjoying the view we will overnight at the camp.

Day 8 Ringmo in Phoksundo Lake Camp (3730m)
Spending amazing night around Phoksundo Lake, we will move forward to reach in our destination. Today also you will view mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake with awesome colors; turquoise and visit the beautiful village; the monastery of Ringmo where the tradition of Bon religion is practiced as Buddhism. Falling off cliffs into Lakes is impressive and there is believe according to legend that the lake was formed after collapse of a part of the mountain. After walking 6hours we will overnight at camp.

Day 9 Phoksundo Lake Camp at Kang La Phedi (4650m)
The scenic sunrise and mesmerizing views will revitalize and rejuvenate to walk further. Today, you will climb to altitude through narrow gorge which join Kang La base camp that is the first pass of the Dolpo to Mustang crossing. You need to take off shoes and slippers according to the level of water while crossing torrent for several times. When you veer backside, you will feel that glistering of east faces of Kanjiroba is welcoming then walk a head and leave the greenery. We will overnight at the camp.

Day 10 Kang La to Shey Gompa (4350m)
On the next tenth day, we will drop down and panoramic view of sunrise will rejuvenate to walk further. We will continue descending in a steep slope by crossing marvelous glacier, view of Kanjiroba, rock burrows and enter in Tibetan plateau. You will get opportunity to observe and experience when your trek alternate Nepal and Tibet, Himalayas and Tibetan plateaus. Our journey continue dropping down across an open valley and scenic beauty of Shey Gompa will make you forget all your tiredness and feel reach to another world.

Day 11 Acclimatization at Shey Gompa and Tsakang Monastery
Today, you explore Shey Gompa where you will find two rivers; one coming from Kang La and another from Saldang. The monastery of Shey Gompa is surrounded by Mani walls, stone walls carved with prayers. Not only that much Chhorten present in southern mountain, grazing of yaks in opposite valley and so on! Makes you feel lose on the way. After waking an hour, you will reach to Tsaksang which is occupied by Lama and view life style of Lama; then you can observe hanging cliff over gorge along with beautiful Himalayas, peaks. Spectacular view around Shey Gompa and Tsakang Monastery will make you forget your arduous. We will overnight there.

Day 12 Shey Gompa to Tora (about 4100m)
After spending amazing night in Tsakang, we will follow winding trail and move forward to reach in our destination. You can see yak grazing on the pastoral hills. We will overnight after reaching to Tora.

Day 13 Tora to Bhijer and Nengla Phedi (about 4200m)
Today, we will leave Tora and ascend our trail to a pass just over 4400m and then begin to descend to a beautiful village called Bhijer where you can observe the houses that seems to be small fortress topped with terraces along with special type of architecture. Overnight there.

Day 14 Nengla Phedi to Saldang (3860m)
The next day, we will begin our journey by climbing and that will be a bit arduous and steeper before reaching to Nengla La (5380m). Then we drop down to reach in a large and gorgeous village called Saldang along with amazing cliffs that seems slightly ocher and grey. You can observe Saldang village is spread over all the slopes and ends to the river. After 7 hours long walk, we will overnight there.

Day 15 Saldang to Riko (4200m)
After the magnificient overnight and breathtaking view of cliffs and deep gorge, we begin to climb towards the valley then crossing villages along the rivers, we will reach to Riko. You can see the unique type of fauna during night like Bharals who come to drink water, big goats having black colors in their lower part and white colors at the joint. We will overnight there.

Day 16 Riko to Jeng La Phedi (4610m)
Today, you will be able to see Desert of altitude and crossing two mountains with cold body, and reach to Jeng La Phedi after long walk in a valley. Then, we will overnight there.

Day 17 Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu (4280m)
The next day, we will leave Jengla La Phedi and slowly steep down enjoying the view of massif Himalayas, Dhaulagiri from long distance. During our journey, you can see nest of eagles and vultures on the way. You will reach again in Himalayas and see the life style of villagers in Tokyu and you will be surprised while listening answers of villagers that still they tell Nepal for Kathmandu and they are far from Nepal. You will find really they are from remote area of Nepal where lots of facilities are lacking but hidden treasures are still there. After walking, take rest and overnight there.

Day 18 Tokyu to Pang La Phedi (4490m)
Today, you can see small and beautiful monastery which is considered as main Lama of the Dho Trap valley; the most import Lama of Dolpo and even life style of Lama was once presented by French channel. Mostly he lives in India and some time comes in Nepal but his father keeps keys so we can view inner beauty of monastery too. Then we drop down leaving Tokyo. When you will reach the main of Dolpo called Dho then you can see life style and culture of the villagers but in winter, they feel very difficulty. However, presence of Yarsha Gumba (medicinal plant) changed the economic condition of the villagers. Then, you can visit the conditon of Dho school which is associated with French Organization. After walking towards the east of Dho valley, finally we will reach to Pang La Phedi.

Day 19 Pang La Phedi to Yak Kharka (4950m)
The next day, in the morning, you will steep upward with chilling cold in the narrow valley. We will climb a head and reach at 5450m, highest point during your today's trek and can view panoramic scene of Himalayas which will give you relief from tiredness. Not only this, you can also view pastures of yak, black stung on the peeled mountains, it seems desert like. All these scenic beauty will make your trip mesmerizing although tiredness is there while walking. After reaching to Yak Kharka, we overnight there.

Day 20 Yak Kharka to Charka Both (4500m)
After spending cold night, next day, we will climb for about ten meters then magnificent view of Dhaulagiri attracts you and passing captivating views of slopes with herds of goats in massif Himalayas and yaks, we will reach to a gorgeous village called Charka Both which is the old village as well as it ends the village of Dolpo. From Jomsom, within two days, we can reach there. After 6 hours walk, we will overnight.

Day 21 Charka Both to Wari Kharka (460m)
On the next day, we will follow Chakra River with the crystal water then pass prayer walls and cross Thasan Khola then we will climb up and camp on the right bank. You can see foot prints of snow leopard on the way which will make your journey adventures. After reaching Wari Kharka, we will overnight there.

Day 22 Wari Kharka to Niwar Phedi (about 5000m)
The morning will bring mesmerizing sunrise and another beautiful day to travel into nature! Today, we will ascent quite high amlost to the pass. After walking 4 hours, we will camp at Nirwar Phedi that is about 5000m. This camp will be memorable for you since overnight at camp will be at the highest point during your journey.

Day 23 Niwar Phedi to Golchan Khola ( 4440m)
The scenic sunrise and mesmerizing views will revitalize and rejuvenate to walk further. We will move ahead to reach in our destination crossing Nirwar La pass along with Grazing yaks, climb slowly to Golchan La, the highest pass of your trail at 5540m then drop down from Tukuche base camp then descent steep in shale which indicates beginning of Mustang and ending of Doplo. After 7 hours long hour, we will reach to Golchan Khola and we will overnight there.

Day 24 Golchan Khola to Sangda (4030m)
Today, we leave Golchan Khola then move ahead towards Sangda. We need to pass many villages to reach Sangda which is swept by the wind. The magnificent Sangda glacier dominates Tashikang giants at 6386m. The village is impressive that is full of gray colors of the rocks, hidden minerals and takes you in the another world. It is surprising to you that the villagers shift to the opposite village in winter to be exposed to the south. Hence, you must reach in a beautiful village, Sangda before the migration of villagers.

Day 25 Sangda to Phalyak (3430m)
The next day, we will leave Sangda and take long walk since the valleys remain deep and seems endless. After arduous walk, you will see gorgeous Himalayas and crossing pass, you will see Mustang up to Tibet, great Damodar then Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang; two peaks well come you on the way which surround the famous Thorong La. Not only this, you can see Annapurna, Tilicho peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I at your right that cut of the Himalayas to the Tibetan plateau. Your journey will be amazing with the view of eagle's nest, vultures furrow, and colorful cliffs and impressive landscapes. After long descent, we will reach to Phalyak. We will overnight at Phalyak.

Day 26 Phalyak to Jomsom (2880m)
Today, we will ascent to the last trek through Dhargarjung village then you will view Annapurna and leave Mustang permanently and Jomsom is waiting for your well come. Jomsom is already developed comparison to Dolpo and Mustang. We will overnight there.

Day 27 Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and free day in Pokhara.
Today, early in the morning, we will take flight from Jomsom to Pokhara due to weather condition then explore panoramic view of Pokhara including Annapuna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas through flight.

Day 28 Pokhara to Kathmandu flight
Finally, we will reach Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal then you will be transfer to a hotel then overnight.

Day 29 Guided Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Next morning, after breakfast we will do sightseeing of world cultural heritages located in Kathmandu valley and Kathmandu is rich in arts, architecture, culture, history, handicrafts and so on. All these implausible artistic will make your eyes open and are found in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudha Stuppa. Later, we come back to hotel and prepare for trek.

Day 30 Guided Sightseeing around remaining Kathmandu Valley
Today, we will observe other remaining beautiful arts and architecture, present in Kathmandu Valley like Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and if time remains then go for visiting Chaungu Narayan Temple (oldest temple of Nepal). We will come back to hotel and stay there.

Day 31 Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu
Today is your leisure day so if you want you can take help of your guide and do some more shopping and spend joyful day. We will enjoy our farewell dinner for completing outstanding and wonderful journey with great success and stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 32 Transfer to International Airport for Your Final Departure
The adventure comes to an end! We will help you with the check-out formalities and after having breakfast, drop you off to the airport with a heavy heart!

Date & Cost

Trips Dates	Trip Cost	Trip Status

What's Included

Included In The Cost

- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
- An experienced, government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Agency’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes

Not Included In The Cost

- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Equipments

Important documents and items
- Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
- Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
- Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash to pay for Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Head
- Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty and windy conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of Hiking shorts
- 1 pair of Hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
- 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
- 1 large duffel bag *
- A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
- Water purification tablets or water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- camera with extra cards and batteries
- large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
Toiletries
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Anti UV sun block cream
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
- 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
Extras/Luxuries
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
- Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
- Reading book
- Trail map*
- Journal and pen
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
- 1 modest swim suit
- Binoculars (optional)

Reviews

Gallery

100% Satisfaction

Max-Altitude: 5000 metres
Destination: Niwar Phedi (Upper Dolpa)
Arrival on: Kathmandu
Departure from: Kathmandu
Meals: Authentic Nepali cuisine, common international cuisines like Indian, Italian, Continental
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in the city; teahouses and lodges during the trek