Inner Dolpo, located in the mid-western region of Nepal, is certainly one of Nepal’s best trekking regions, for it takes trekkers beyond the tranquil Phoksundo Lake through ancient trading routes to the Tibetan border crossing high passes, steep valleys, Tibetan village settlements, lush green forests, and arid landscape. Inner Dolpo Trek allows trekkers to traverse through the unexplored land of Dolpo and to experience the purity of Tibetan Buddhism practiced widely in the area.
The trek to the beautiful Inner Dolpo begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The trip continues with a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to Juphal. The trek begins from Jhupal following the trails of Suli Gad and Phoksundo River that pass through the dense alpine forest of rhododendrons, oaks and pines, grassy fields, and different remote villages until you reach the beautiful Phoksundo Lake: the deepest lake of Nepal. You trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park where you may encounter different Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards, blue sheep, Ghoral, Himalayan black beer, and so on. You also cross the high pass of Kang-La (5350m) that takes you to the ancient Shey Gompa situated on the foot of the holy Crystal Mountain, which is one of the main attractions of Inner Dolpo.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at the airport, an Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will be there to greet you, holding an Asian Heritage board. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll pass through some prominent landmarks, including the Pashupatinath Temple, the Royal Palace Museum (also known as Narayanhity Palace), and the Garden of Dreams, before reaching Thamel, where your accommodation at Touristic Hub is located. Thamel Street offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or Similar.
Flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, It lies in the Terai region of Nepal where you can experience the change in topography and temperature, also known as the gateway to Bardiya is an incredible experience that offers stunning aerial views of the rugged terrain, snow-capped mountains, and lush green valleys of Nepal. Upon arrival, feel free to enjoy and explore the place.
Accommodation: Overnight at available Lodge in Nepalgunj.
An early morning flight from Nepalgunj takes us to Juphal in about 40 minutes. In Juphal, we meet other members of our team and make final preparations for the trek ahead by assigning the baggage to our porters. We then descend alongside the Thuli Bheri River and make our way to Sulighat.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Sulighat.
The Suli River descends from Phoksundo Lake through a sheer and highly vegetated gorge. The trail goes through disseminated villages and abandoned crude stone houses of Jyalhasa. Many of these villages are only full during the winter months when the groups of Upper Dolpo bring their animals down from the high meadows. After lunch, we pass Anke Khola and ascend alongside the Suli River to reach our lodge in Chhepka.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Chhepka.
We cross and ascend the narrow valley through forests of bamboo and conifer. At one point, the trail ascends to the jungle and into flower-strewn fields. Finally, the gorge opens up and the trail becomes easier until we cross a bridge to Rechi. Beyond here, the valley contracts once again, and the trail ascends and descends till the union of Phoksundo River and Pungmo River. Samduwa is situated right above the confluence. Then short walk takes you in Jharana Hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Jharana Hotel.
Today’s destination is the village of Ringmo, situated by the side of the attractive Phoksundo Lake. Keeping to the left side of Phoksundo River, incline for some time to reach a large waterfall. Then follow a pleasant trail along the Phoksundo River to a green clearing spot for lunch. The afternoon’s walk up to Ringmo is very satisfying as enormous rock walls guard the upper valley and as we arrive in Ringmo village, the lake can be seen.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Lake.
Today will be a hard-earned rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. We have the whole day to relish the beauty and calmness of the turquoise lake. During the day, we can take on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its monastery. Our short walk also allows us an opportunity to get aware with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear simple clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon tint, and they prefer Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious charms and cords of coral, amber, and turquoise.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Lake.
Today we start to walk to Phoksundo Khola Camp with a remarkable track around the western end of the lake. The trail goes mostly through the riverbed of Phoksundo Khola and features a remarkable view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m). As we reach the camp, we notice the sparkling pure turquoise water of Phoksundo Lake lying right below.
Accommodation: Overnight at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Khola Camp.
We exit Phoksundo valley on a narrow path with high rock walls on both edges. It is a short ascend from Phoksundo Khola Camp to Snowfields Camp, but due to the steep paths, we need to maintain a gradual pace so that we don’t tire ourselves. We move along in Peter Matthiesson’s footsteps here, and we camp at Snowfields Camp (4650m) which was given its name in his book. The camp is at the base of Kang La Pass (5350m) that will take us to Inner Dolpo.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Pass/Snowfields Camp.
Ascend for a few hours to reach the summit of Kang La (5350m). This high pass that leads us into Inner Dolpo is also known as the Nagadalo La. Descend to the valley floor and move along the river to reach Shey Gompa. The monastery is situated under the peculiar Crystal Peak on a small green plain created by the convergence of two rivers. We set up our camp just underneath the gompa in a field containing a few herders’ huts.
Accommodation:Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
We rest and explore the Shey Gompa vicinity today. Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is renowned for its giant copper with the gold-plated gold statue of a seated Sakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the Gompa is Crystal Mountain with its twisted cliffs that are mixed with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of aquatic fossils. We also explore Shey village and familiarize ourselves with its olden pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
To get to Namgung, we have to move through the pass Sela La (5094m), which is also known as Gela La. From the top of the pass, we can get an amazing view of Inner Dolpo as well as the Tibetan plateau. Afterward, descend along the meadows to reach Namgung village, where we can visit the ancient Namgung Gompa.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Namgung.
The trek to Saldang goes through a quiet path on a rocky trail. We descend relishing the unique landscape made up of tall sand hills. The soothing trails take us to the beautiful village of Saldang, which in ancient times used to be an independent kingdom of Dolpo. We can stroll around the village later in the evening.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Saldang.
After leaving Saldang, we move along Nagon Khola through attached fields of barley, the main crop of Dolpo. We cross the dispersed village of Namdo which has two monasteries, one beside the stream and another high on a hilltop. Our waterside camp tonight is near the smaller village of Sibu.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Sibu.
From Sibu, we follow Nagon Khola for a while and pass by many yak caravans as we head towards Jeng La. The bare rocky hills and the dunes keep us company as we ascend alongside Dachun Khola to finally reach a yak grazing area where Jeng La Phedi is situated.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Jeng La Phedi/Pass Camp.
From Jeng La Phedi, it is a sheer ascend to Jeng La (5220m) which is reached after a few hours. From the top, we get a distant view of several peaks of the Dhaulagiri massif. Beyond the pass, we go downhill to reach Jyanla Khola and follow it until reaching Tokyu village.
Accommodation:Overnight at a tented camp in Tokyu.
The Tarap valley is our destination today as we descend along various Gompas situated on the bank of Thakchiu Khola. A gentle walk alongside the river takes us to Dho Tarap, the first village in the Tarap valley. After resting for a while, we explore the village and visit the monastery there.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Dho Tarap.
Moving downhill beside the river, we continue trekking below striking cliffs, before the ridge which is noticeable with its two ancient Chortens. Moving down to the meadows of the Sisaul Khola, we cross Tarap Chu on different bridges to reach the grazing area of Shim Ora (3647m). Then continue walk to reach Toltol.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Toltol.
Today we walk through the valley of Tarap Chu on a well-engineered track, including some stone ladders. The trail then goes down to Khanigaon. We make camp just outside the settlement, below the check post, in a stand of juniper beside the stream. We are now at a lower elevation and it is pleasantly warm.
Accommodation:Overnight at a tented camp in Khanigaon.
As we leave Kanigaon, we come to a union of Tarap Chu and Bharbung Khola, and shortly after, we move along the high suspension bridge. The trail ascends above the river until a final descend to Tarakot alongside Thuli Bheri River. This is a short day of trekking, so after lunch, we ascend to the impressive Lam Gompa.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Tarakot.
We almost complete our journey as we move alongside Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai. The trail is dotted with many scattered settlements along with their farms. An easy and short walk through the picturesque trail brings us to Dunai, which is the district headquarters of Dolpo with a few lodges and restaurants where we can celebrate the completion of our trek together.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Dunai.
Today is the last day of the trek which goes mostly along the banks of Thuli Bheri River to take us to the airstrip in Juphal from the headquarters. We can explore the town in our free time as we only trek for a few hours today.
Accommodation: Overnight at a tented camp in Juphal.
We take the first flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj enjoying the scenic view. We then take another flight from Nepalgunj to reach Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. Feel free to enjoy the nightlife of Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or Similar.
Today is your Free day and you can spend the day as you like. We would also like to suggest some of the gems of Kathmandu visit such as the world heritage site, Swayambhunath temple-the monkey temple, Pashupatinath temple, and the historic site of Kathmandu Durbar Square or Boudhanath Stupa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation included: Yatri Suites & Spa or Similar.
Your trip will come to an end today. You will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private transportation around 3 hours before your flight schedule and fly back to your home/other travel destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Have a safe journey onwards.
