Upper Mustang trek via Dolpo is considered a very panoramic trek in the remote place of western Nepal. The destination is isolated in the trans-Himalayan zone; between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo contains some flatlands with deep gullies and narrow valleys which is unique for most people. Walking through the Upper Dolpo region, the trek will lead you to the remote and semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom; Mustang which is one of the last bastions of undisturbed Tibetan culture in the world. The trek starts from the Juphal airport in Dolpa and ends at Jomsom in Mustang. While undertaking this trek, one will get an opportunity to round the Shey-Phoksundo Lake having a Turquoise color, which is formed by the alpine freshwater and does not contain aquatic life.
Choosing the best time to Upper Mustang trek via Dolpo determines the difficulty of any trek. Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo is possible throughout the year with proper preparation, gear, and equipment. However, most people prefer to trek Upper Dolpo in the spring and autumn seasons.
There are only 250 foreigners allowed to enter Upper Dolpo each year, which makes permits for Upper Dolpo expensive and strictly enforced. You must also purchase a permit for Lower Dolpo, which you pass through to Upper Dolpo.
Also See: MUSTANG TOUR
The flight to Nepalgunj will give you good views of the Himalayas towards the North. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be a time in the evening to have a good look around the town, which is 3 km from the Nepal-India border.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge
Early in the morning, you will fly to Juphal airport of Dolpa, it takes about 35 minutes. From Juphal, you will commence your first day walking to Dunai through terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow canyon which leads you to a relatively larger village called Dunai.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
We begin our journey as we cross a suspension bridge and turn west to reach the confluence of the ThuliBheri and Suligad Rivers. From here, you will follow the Suligad and walk through the river bank; you can also hear its roar. You pass through an area that is overgrown with Marihuana plants but also has crops for the villagers and animals including millet, pumpkin, potatoes, sweet corn, and chilly. Many of the villages in this area are involved in the production of a lotus-like plant called ‘chuk’ that is used to make vinegar and medicines. You will continue walking and eventually reach the settlement of Ankhe, which is also the entrance to the Phoksundo National Park. The three villages you pass through have a strange name connection: Parela, meaning eyelash, Rahagaon meaning eyebrow, and Ankhe meaning eye.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
The trail is really difficult, once you cross the river by well-made bridges; you have to climb steep ascents on a very narrow path. You will reach the top and will descend to the river. Again the trail takes another steep ascent, where you can enjoy the panorama of the landscapes and the surrounding environment. You will camp on the side of the Suligad River.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
In the beginning, you will walk through the easy trekking trail until you reach Samdo. Now, the trail becomes very much like an incline. You will leave the river behind and follow walking upwards. You will reach a ridge that is about 3,875 m above sea level, which offers you the most confounding view of a 300 m waterfall, the highest in Nepal, and your first view of Phoksundo Lake. Now, you descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola and then to the picturesque settlement of Ringmo which welcomes you with the Tibetan Buddhist Chortens and Mani walls. The village has solar panels helping to improve the quality of life of the villagers. From the settlement, it is a short walk to the shores of Phoksundo Lake where you will stay overnight.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
In the morning, you will visit Phoksundo Lake and know the specialty of the unexplored land and visit the remoteness of the area. After sightseeing around the lake, you will start walking steeply up to 4,040m and then walk down again to the valley to enter the floodplain of the Phoksundo Khola and trek to your night stop alongside the river, within the confines of the forest to avoid the worst of the wind which is prevalent in the valley bottom.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will walk the way, where you must cross the streams several times, so it is better to wear sandals instead of trekking shoes. You will continue along the glacial valley that now heads north and the path becomes narrower and narrower and there are impressive vertical cliffs and twisted rock formations. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another, unnamed, mountain stream; there is an old wooden bridge. Now, you will walk through the unspecified path so it is necessary to climb over rocks and to ford a stream that rushes down the steep valley. A long climb brings you to a meadow where the trail turns up a steep gorge and reaches Phoksundo Bhanjyang. A hard climb to the top brings you to another valley where you can see the Kang La Pass which leads you to Shey Gompa.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Leaving Bhanjyang, you will head towards Kang La pass, which will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the top. The views from the top are magnificent and well worth all the hard work. You will start descending steeply to the valley for about 45 minutes. From here you will have a long meandering trek along the bank of the river and crossing it. A red Chorten indicates that now you have arrived at Shey Gompa where a picturesque wooden log bridge leads up to the Shey territory.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today is your rest day in SheyGompa. Shey means crystal – this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as TsakangGompa which is west of Shey. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang has been a meditation center for many famous lamas from Tibet. SheyGompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo, the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. DrutupYeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo Valley. Many years ago he came to Dolpo and came across wild people, whose supreme God was a ‘fierce mountain spirit’. Crystal Mountain is to the west of the Shey monastery. It is a very strange mountain indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. SheyGompa stands above the confluence of Kangjunala and YejuNala. Near the confluence, there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
From Shey Gompa, you will walk to the settlement of Namgong. Namgong Gompa is one of the popular Gompas in Nepal. Today, you will explore Shey Gompa. It is said to be about an 800-year-old monastery, with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind Crystal Mountain. The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. After the exploration of Shey Gompa, the trek begins following the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost a couple of hours. The landscapes during this part of the trek are typical Dolpo landscapes- barren and enchanting. Then you will start climbing up towards the top of Shey La Pass, which is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey rewards us with the magnificent views of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North, and Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and RiuDhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the West. The final push downhill from the pass, which is almost 2 hours of hike, brings us to Namgong. Namgong Gompa is one of the popular Gompas in Nepal.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
We commence our trekking to reach Marang while enjoying the panoramic view of the Himalayas. On the way, you will pass through Karang and Sibuk village where you can enjoy the lifestyle and have some local foods.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
From Marang, the trail heads up towards Dora Sumna, the next stopover for today. On the way, you will walk through the famous Sungjer Gompa and Luri Gaon.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You can have the locally available breakfast in Dora Sunma and commence trekking towards Misha Gaon (Mugaon). Foremost, the day begins with a trekking to the popular Yangjer Gompa (one of the richest gompas in that region). After visiting the Gompa, you will lead the way to reach Misha Gaon.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
While trekking from Misha Gaon to Chanpole Goth; you will cross the Musi La pass (5030 m) on the way. From Musi La pass, you will continue walking to Chanpola Goth.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You can have a locally-made breakfast in Shimen village and commence walking towards the beautiful village of Tinje. The village is located in the valley. When you reach the Tinje Gaon, you can observe the natural scenic beauty and the tradition of the local people.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You will visit the beautiful valley of Tinje after having breakfast and you will commence walking on the trail which leads to Rapka.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
In Rapka, you can stroll around the surroundings and visit the beautiful Bon Gompa. From Rapka, you will walk to today’s destination; Chharka. After crossing the Chharka La /Mola pass-(5030 m) and descending down for some time we reach Chharka.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Start descending in the first part of the trek to reach Tulsi Khola. The Tulsi Khola had great significance in Hindu Culture. You are now very close to the territory of The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo. After some time you will start ascending and again descending towards Tulshi Khola. The Camp will be set up at the bank of Tulsi Khola.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After having breakfast at the Camp in Tulsi Khola, you will commence walking to reach Nakhem Khola. The trail is almost flat to Nakhkem Khola.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will walk to reach Kharka Camp. You will start ascending towards Kharka having good views of mountain ranges and lakes. The trail to Kharka is very scenic and beautiful. There are a few lakes and you can have an incredible view of the Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges. Today is the final night in the Dolpo area. Tomorrow you will step towards the Mustang area.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will start trekking early in the morning in quite a difficult way as it is not a specified trail. You must be careful and should concentrate on every footstep. You can see the spectacular view of the mountain ranges and the surrounding area. You can enjoy the unique terrain of Upper Mustang from the top of the Ghami Pass. The views and the trail are as same as that of Dolpo, but the culture is somehow different.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will get back to the human settlement area. You have to rise up and go down along the way to reach Ghami. You will be crossing the Ghami River several times on your way to the game. Ghami is a village with a beautiful settlement of people who are totally influenced by Tibetan cultures and traditions.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you will trek to Marang village. In Marang, you can observe the village and the Gompas. During the day, you can visit the historical Ghar Gompa situated at an altitude of 3950 m where you can observe the scriptures of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Leaving Marang, you will head towards Lo-Manthang, where you will get the desert-like landscape and the places which still hold the unique Tibetan culture and traditions. From the top, you can witness the beauty of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti, and Annapurna I. The Pass remains windy most of the time. You will descend to the capital of Upper Mustang. There is so much to see in this beautiful village of Lo Manthang. You will be spending two nights here. Today you can just walk around this medieval village.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
You can explore the village and Gompas that have Tibetan culture and traditions. In the morning you can start with a trip to Namgyal Gompa. It is a very important monastery with the high belief of the local people. Tingkhar, a village on the east edge of Nepal can be a perfect escape from Lo. You can also experience Pony riding. Explore God House and other major Gompa along with the King’s palace. The Palace is a very unique building and it is more than seven hundred years old.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After breakfast, you will leave the beautiful Lo-Manthang and commence walking for Yara. The trail steadily climbs two small passes before plunging through a spectacular canyon to Dhi village. From Dhi, you continue walking along the riverbed to Yara.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Today, you can explore the YaraGaon. LuriGompa is the major attraction of this village where you can get lots of information about Tibetan Buddhism and the Guru Rinpoche. After visiting the Luri cave, you can stroll around the village and observe the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the local people.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
The journey between Yara and Tangee is moderate but compared with other days’ trek, today’s walking is quite long and some parts of the trek are quite steeper too. After a long walk, you will reach a river bank that starts from Damodar Kunda where you will see some black fossils. Continuing the walk from the river, you will reach the village Tange where several Chorten gives you a warm welcome.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
Start walking down to a river crossing then climbing up to a pass at 4,100m named Pa. The views north are increasingly fantastic as the panorama unfolds between Tsarang, Lo, and the northern border. Finally, the summit of the pass is reached at 4050m. To the south is the first stunning view of Dhaulagiri. Prayer flags adorn the pass. Half an hour from the pass is the only water source in this section, known by the locals as Ba Ha. After some rest, you will continue walking. The trail opens out and to the south, one can see the impressive V-shaped Kali Gandaki valley as it cuts between the Annapurnas, Nilgiris, and Dhaulagiri. From here a spectacular descent begins, and after that, the path flattens out on a plateau and splints in two. The right fork leads to Chuksang whereas the left one leads to Tetang. You will choose the right one and reach Chhusang.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
The trail goes up the Narsingchu to the nice village of Tetang. The village is in two parts. The walls of the outer houses are over 10 m high with few windows, giving a fortress-like appearance. The nearby second part of the village has the remains of a fort, again with high fortress-like walls. The trail heads up, across a plateau area, and turns east into a narrow river valley, eventually reaching a pass at 4030 m; the superb views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Then we go down to Jhong and cross the Jhong River before climbing up to Muktinath. After ascending for some hours we reach Muktinath.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
In the morning, visit the famous Hindu temple Muktinath where lots of pilgrims come to worship the god. Afterward, start descending towards Kagbeni while passing through the fields. Then after some walking, you will reach Jomsom to catch the flight to Pokhara, the next morning.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
In the morning, visit the famous Hindu temple Muktinath where lots of pilgrims come to worship the god. Afterward, start descending towards Kagbeni while passing through the fields. Then after some walking, you will reach Jomsom to catch the flight to Pokhara, the next morning.
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge.
After having breakfast in the Hotel, you will catch the Vehicle to drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and check in to Hotel. This marks the end of the Upper Mustang trek via Dolpo.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
