Dolpo - Mustang Trek

Highlights of Dolpo Mustang Trek

Dolpo Mustang trek is the classic combination of two regions Dolpo and Mustang each of them possessing very identical characteristics. This trek is a long and can be categorized as a extremely difficult one. On this trek you have to do multiple high passes which would require strong mental and physical attitude. Just as all other treks your journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Jhupal from where your trek will begin. On your trek you will come to see the mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo lake with its breathtaking beauty that will definitely make your journey a memorable one.

Overview of Dolpo Mustang Trek

Dolpo and Mustang is yet another trekking trail which in fact gives you the true wilderness along the natural trails with wide varieties of culture and traditions. Dolpo is a remote and utterly wild western district of Nepal which borders with Tibet in the north now occupied by China. Most of the parts of Doplo is under Shey Phoksundo National Park and lies in between High Tibetan Plateau and Dhaulagiri ranges. Doplo has been a part of long history even before the rise of Mongolian empire led by Genghis Khan. It has been in the records of history books since 8^th century when Tibetan Yarlung dynasty conquered it. Dolpo is also a part of Trans Himalayan trade route which goes through Kali Gandaki gorge. Many kings of different dynasty have ruled over the different period of time. It was in mid eighteenth century the unification campaign led by King Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered this region and has become a part of Nepal ever since.

Doplo is one of Nepal most under developed and isolated region which lies in northwest of karnali region with beautiful landscapes. Some parts of Shey Phoksundo National Park which lies in Dolpo is a home to over 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals. The most commonly found mammals are Musk Deer, Himalayan blue Sheep and Snow leopard. The Oscar nomiated French Nepalese film “The Himalayas” was featured in this region. The film gives the deep insight of the local custom and their daily life.

Mustang region is dry and receives very less rainfall with a very less vegetation. The landscapes of this region is somewhat resemble the high Tibetan plateau. The places in this region are almost like desert with artistic monasteries with lots of fluttering prayer flags. Buddhism is the religion followed by most of the people of this region and lots of culture here is influenced by Tibetan Buddhists culture and the people here are known as Lobas or call themselves the descendent of Tibet.

The Upper Dolpo region is another remote hidden destination in far west where Nepal's most tranquil and natural beauty is still unexplored. The home of herbal land, unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments and unique human civilization at high altitude is worth a visit. Trekking around the Dolpo region is an unforgettable journey in every visitor's life. Observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and huge birds Himalayan griffon. It's difficult to grow crops there, which makes life difficult for the local people, so most of them are involved in the salt trade from Tibet, this traditional culture continue in Doplo generation to generation.

Dolpo Mustang Trekking gives an excellent opportunity to explore forbidden kingdom and unexplored area of Nepal. Dolpo is located inside the SheyPhoksumdo National Park of mid-western Nepal, behind the Northside of the Dhaulagiri massif towards the Tibetan plateau. Cut off by a series of very high passes, closed by snow most of the year; Dolpo remains truly an isolated corner of Nepal. Time had stood still here for centuries, so has the inhabitants’ way, since time immoral. The finely preserved ecosystem encompasses a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and snow leopards. A trek through Dolpo to Mustang is an experience not easily forgotten. We travel in the restricted area of this region from Shey to Lo Monthang. We will need to have a special permit to do this route, and a government representative to accompany the party as per rule.

Trip Facts
Itinerary
Include / Excludes

Total duration of trek: 26 days where 2 would be accounted for arrival and departure.
Trek Category: Extremely Difficult The
Highest Altitude: Sangda pass (5490m).
The lowest altitude: Jhupal (2475m).
The best time to visit: Between October and December or between March and May
Major Attraction: Diversified cultures and religions, life styles of indigenous people of Dolpo and Mustang region the historical places with religious and cultural value, the extra spark of Tibetan culture.
Mountains: Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri(8167m) Kanjirowa (6612m)

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)

You will be warmly greeted by our staff member at the airport. After the welcome customs is over you will be dropped at the hotel to spend your first night. Your guide will pay you a visit to brief you about your trek.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing

Early in the morning you will be picked up from the hotel for a guided city tour. Your city guide will take you to the UNESCO enlisted site such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhu and Basantapur Durbar Square. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

You will take an early afternoon flight to Nepalgunj which is a 55 minutes flight from Kathmandu. Upon your arrival you will be arranged a hotel to spend the night.

Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal(2475m) and trek to Dunai (2580m)

Flights are only operated in morning time so you will be taking an early morning flight to Jhupal. Once you get off in jhupal you will gear up yourself and then trek for about 2-3 hours to reach Dunai. Overnight at Dunai.

Day 05 Dunai to Hankhe (2660m)

You will start you trek walking on the trail alongside the southern flank of Bheri river. The trail will be easier; crossing suspension bridges ,through some of the most isolated villages on your way to Hankhe. Overnight at hankhe.

Day 06 Hankhe to Reiji(2875m)

Your trail will go through beautiful pine forest and alpine vegetation all the way through to Reiji which would probably take you about 5-6 hours of walk.

Day 07 Reiji to Phoksundo lake (3600m)

Today your trial will be mixture of uphill, downhill and flat trails which would not cause you too much physical exhaustion. The total duration of walk will be in between 5-6 hours. Overnight at Phoksundo lake.

Day 08: Rest day and Phoksundo lake exploration day.

You will have a rest and reserve your energy for the upcoming strenuous trails. You will also have plenty of time to explore the shore of the lake. You will also witness herds of yaks going towards Tibet. Overnight at Phoksundo lake.

Day 09: Phoksundo lake to Chunemba (3639m)

Today your trail will enter inner Dolpo and wallk through the famous demons trail. During your walk you have a spectacular view of kanjirowa mountain (6612m). The total duration of today’s walk will be 5-6 hours. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Chunemba to Snow fields camp (4400m)

Today you will leave Phoksundo valley behind and walk by past a narrow gorge. The trail is steep mostly uphill and less downhill. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11: Snow fields camp to Shey gompa(4310m) via Kang-la pass (5375m)

The first part of trail for about 2 and half hours will be on a dusty uphill trail until you reach the highest point of Kangla pass i.e.5375m. You will spend some time at the highest point, perhaps with a little bit of Photo session. After that the trail will descend all the way through to Shey Gomla where you will be spending the night.

Day 12: Shey Gompa to Namgung (4430m) via Shey la pass (5000m)

You will do yet another pass called Shey la (5000m) or also known as Gelu la. As you do the pass you can see the high Tibetan plateau to the north. After you reach the highest point of the pass, it will be a long descend to the pastures of Namgung. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Namgung to Saldang (4060m)

After two days of long and strenuous, today will be easier and shorter one. The trail will go high above the Shore of Namgung River and eventually descend until you reach a little village of Saldang. Overnight at tented camp.

Day14: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4960m)

On your 12th day your trail will lead you northwards walking along the bank of Nagon Khola. You will go through Marang and Ki villages to reach Yangze Gompa where you will spend the night.

Day 15: Yangze Gompa to Musigaon (4250m)

The trail will be going through terraced fields, stupas, chortens and monasteries. You will walk by past Namdo villages a prosperous one in the region to reach Musigoan. The entire duration of today’s trek will be around 6-7 hours. Overnight at Musigoan.

Day 16: Musigaon to Simegoan (4950m) via Lnag pass(5002m)

Another day with another high pass. You will wake up early and set off for a long strenuous walk towards Simegaon through Lnag pass. This will probably take you about 7-8 hours of walk. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17: Simegaon to Tinja (4150m)

On your 15th day the trail you will walk will be very rocky, uphill and downhill. It will take you 6-7 hours of long walk to reach Tinja where you will be spending the night in a tented camp.

Day 18: Tinja to Kheng (4550m)

Today you will ascend about 400m on uphill and downhill trail. The duration will be 6-7 hours of walk to reach Kheng where you will be spending your 16th night. Overnight at Khenj.

Day 19: Kheng to Charka (4365m) via Charka pass (5036m)

Another day with another challenge. This is the fourth pass you will be doing. The first few hours of trek will be a gradual uphill until you reach the highest point of Charka pass and then you will follow a gradual descending trail to Charka which would take you 7-8 hours of continuous walk. Overnight at charka.

Day 20: Charka to Yakkharka (4780m)

Your journey is edging closer day by day. The trail will ascend 400m and will take you about 5-6 hours of walk to be at Yakkharka where you will be spending your 18th night.

Day 21: Yakkharka to Sangda Phedi (5110m) via Sangda pass (5490m)

Today you will reach the highest point of your entire trek while you walk through Sangda pass on your way to Sangda Phedi. The total duration you will be taking to do the pass will be 6-7 hours. Overnight at Sangda Phedi.

Day 22: Sangda Phedi to Sangda (3909m)

Today you will make a descend of 1200m from alpine vegetation to sub alpine. You will start seeing small bushes of juniper as you make your way to Sangda. Overnight at Sangda.

Day 23: Sangda to Phalegaon(2900m)

After an early breakfast you will further descend 1000m below. As you walk through the trails you start seeing lush green forest with tall trees. After just 5 hours of walk you will be there at Phalegaon to spend the night.

Day 24: Phalegaon to Jomsom (2710m)

Apparently today will be the last day of the trek but your journey still continues. It will be a short and easy trek on moderately uphill, downhill and sometimes flat trail. It will take you about 3 hours to reach Jomsom. Overnight at lodge.

Day 25: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu

You will take an early flight to Pokhara and then take a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. By early afternoon you will be there at the luxurious hotel in Kathmandu getting refreshed after so many days of strenuous hard trek. You will be absolutely free in the evening and spend it celebrating with your fellow trekkers.

Day 26: Final departure.

You will be picked up from the hotel and will be dropped off at the airport precisely 3 hours before your scheduled departure.

Includes

Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van /Bus.
Three meal during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
All Domestic Flights with Airport Tax and/or Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus for the trekking.
Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking in a Tea House Trek.
Porter with Insurance. (We provide 1 Porter for 1 Trekker).
An English Speaking Trekking Guide with Government Licence Holder.
Trekking starting and ending points by Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus.
Accommodation in Kathmandu / Pokhara on a twin share bed and breakfast basis.
Kathmandu city and trekking maps.
Trekking permit (Conservation fee), TIMS.
Insurance for all staffs.