RARA LAKE TO JOMSOM VIA UPPER DOLPO TREKKING

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

Checking your lovely room, and after a refreshing rest join with other members of
Jumla to Lower Dolpo Trekking. Our guide or group leader brief you about the treks, do’s and don’ts, local culture, as well camping, foods and of lodges, camping on route trek.

A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.

Morning after breakfast at given time, our city guide will meet for interesting sightseeing of best world heritage sites around Kathmandu.

Tour includes old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, with Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess). Visit famous Nepal landmark Swayambhunath Stupa a 2,500 years old, a Buddhist Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon tour of holy Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and visit Bouddhanath, Asia’s largest Stupa with four cardinals eyes of Buddha surrounded with prayer wheels and small market, this place is also known as Little Tibet due to strong Tibetan influence.

After an exciting day tour back to hotel for next day trek preparation and with last minute briefing from your leader and guide.

As per flight time for Nepalgunj transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 50 mins flight to Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj city, a warm semi-tropical climate area close to Indian border on reaching at Nepalgunj transfer to a nice hotel within the city area, with time for short walk around.

Early morning transfer to Nepalgunj airport for short flight in a small aircraft to
Talcha, a small farm town with a small airstrip close to the entrance of Rara Lake
and National Park, on arrival at Talcha airport, transfer to the best available lodge
or guest house for overnight stop. Rest of the day free to explore around Talcha,
located in Mugu district of Far West Nepal.

From Talcha walk towards Rara Lake, a short day hike heading north of Talcha past farm land and villages populated by Thakuri Malla, Roka Chettries and Dalits of Hindu religion. An interesting walk on serene surrounding the area around this remote west with less number of foreign visitors. After few hours of nice walk with short ups and down then reaching our first destination at Rara Lake.
On arrival transfer into a lodge, afternoon free to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and its scenic surroundings of dramatic landscapes and snow peaks.
Walk around the shore of beautiful Rara Lake, the lake with few lodge built by the Park and village community for visitors. A perfect and ideal place to enjoy the afternoon short walk around the shore of the lake.

A perfect and beautiful spot to enjoy extra day, on this rest and free day at Rara Lake, enjoy few hour hike uphill in the morning to a ridge top at Murma Hill the highest spot around Rara Lake area. On reaching Murma enjoy grand panorama of surrounding beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks.
Overlooking down towards Rara Lake from Murma Hill top, after a lovely walk descend to Rara Lake for last overnight in the comfort of a lodge.

An early start heading towards high hills of Rara and Mugu area to reach a busy little town of Gamgadhi and then steady climb up to a small farm village for first overnight in tented camp. Enjoy good view north-eastwards to the peaks above Mugu.

After a pleasant overnight at Kumpha near Chhaila village, walk begins heading higher up within beautiful forested areas as walk follows to a nice settlement of Mangri situated amongst terraced fields on a bench above the south side of the river to camp at Riusa past Pulu village, within Mugu and most part of Far West mid hills populated by Rokya and Malla Thakuri Chettries a Hindu tribes with Brahmin people also.

From this nice and well-tended farm area walk follows on gentle path for some time and then climb towards east away and above Rara Lake. Walk on reasonably good trail that link the villages within the valley of Mugu Karnali.
As walk progress then climb steadily from the confluence of Mugu and Namlang-Nadi at Tyar and continue walk towards east towards Shilenchaur Kharka for overnight camp on the farm yard, close to nice forested area.

After spending overnight at Shilenchaur Kharka our journey heads north east to the point where Mugu and Dolpo area separates, where camp is set on the broad, flat valley floor immediately below the village of Thajuchaur after a climb over Chyargo-La to Thajuchaur.

Today another long and exciting day as walk leads towards Chyandi Khola / stream. From here onward on faint path to negotiate over rough terrain, as walk progress with climb above the river and then on nice trail through birch forest to the junction with the Takla Khola. A final river crossing on a log bridge before our arrival at camp may also require the use of a safety rope towards our campsite at Takla Khola for overnight stop.

From here onwards heading towards higher country alongside the Swaksa Khola and might spot some wild-life like blue sheep and pug marks of elusive snow leopards commonly seen around the area. Our route turn right out of the valley and then climb across a grassy hillside towards Yala-La pass at 5, 250 m.
After enjoying the views of surrounding dramatic landscapes with snow peaks a short downhill on rocky path descent into a valley towards our overnight camp at Chyandi Khola.

After continues long day walk, today is relatively a short trek. After breakfast descend to Swaksa Khola and following the river for few hour then reach at lovely valley. The area around are famous for rare and precious caterpillar-fungus known as Yarsagumba, then slowly reach our overnight camp at Pung Kharka a place of Yak herder and summer grazing field.

From here onwards into beautiful area where one can catch glimpse of blue sheep and other mountain antelopes. As morning walk leads to cross highest pass of the adventure over Nyingma Gyanzen-La 5, 563 m high.
On top Gyanzen-La enjoy view of giant series of snow-peaks includes Kanjiroba Himal more than make up for that. From Nyima-Gyanzen La downhill to Daldung Khor for overnight stop, camping on a nice meadow.

After a tough day of previous long walk and climb today comparatively a short day to Pho a small village. As walk leads eastward and steeply uphill to reach at Pho one of remote settlement around Far Western Nepal.
A village with less inhabitants due to its remoteness and isolated from rest of Dolpo and Mugu region. Pho so far a good place to set our overnight camp with level ground and close to clean fresh water stream.

Leaving Pho and heading eastward again, as walk continues to cross Yambur-La at 4, 800 m high. Climb leads on short winding path and notice beautiful deep blue gentians flower along the trail. From the pass a long descend to a deserted village of Potal, as journey continues downhill to Tora Khola for overnight camp.

From this isolated area walk takes you towards Upper Dolpo area and then back to human settlement at Bhijer village. Morning starts with climb on rocky slopes and around grassy meadow in between canyon and high wind-blown cliffs.
After a great steady walk leads to a small village at Samling, houses oldest Bon Gompa around Dolpo area. With time here for short visit of the monastery built in the 8th Century. Its several white and brick-red buildings and Chorten are scattered across a grassy slope and festooned with prayer flags.
After an interesting visit of the old monastery short walk to Bhijer village, an interesting settlement, the house are typical with upper living space with ground floor shelter for cattle. The village located on an open area with much sun-light and witness local women spinning Yak and sheep wool.

A short day walk to Tora, a small Yak herder small village, route from here slowly leads to our main highlight towards Shey Gompa after spending overnight at Tora.
Journey continues with short climb above a high ridge around barren windswept country to reach at Tora a remote isolated settlement for overnight camp.

Today adventure heads south east towards Shey Gompa, cutting up the hillside of the Tartan Khola, and skirting around at the head of a tributary valley to a high grazing area near the Den-La. Following a broad stock trail across the open hillside, then reaching at Shey Gompa situated on a high ridge within arid and barren landscapes. An exciting and interesting location where Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery placed above a small village with few houses.

After a long day walk of ups and down, a necessary rest day on this perfect spot around the high area of Upper Dolpo at Shey Gompa. Located close to ‘Crystal Mountain,’ also called as Mt. Kailash of Dolpo. The name crystal as the mountain embedded with quartz and semi-precious raw stones. Dolpo’s holy peak once a year in the months of July or August, during full moon, pilgrim’s from Dolpo circumambulation before the seasonal grain harvest.

Enjoy the rest day with few hour hike to remote Tsakang hermitage, made famous by Mathieson in his classic novel ‘The Snow Leopard’. It is correctly set into the side of the mountain. It’s like no other place on earth; it makes sense for both Bon Po and Buddhists to reverence it.

After Shey Gompa the main highlight of the adventure, which also marks the intersection of various routes that were once used like the Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan route to Tibet. From here on return journey towards Mustang area to Jomsom.

Walk start on arid windswept terrain and crossing Shey-la (or Gela) at
5,000 m high, offers a grand panorama of the Dolpo landscape.
As downhill leads to Namgung for overnight halt, a nice looking village with series of building structure in a triangle area of land. Within the junction of a deep-cut canyon on a wide stream beautiful valley. Namgung is an important settlement adorns the historic Namgung Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries around upper Dolpo.

Walk today leads to short hour along the high dusty path to Saldang, on leaving Namgung village starts with a gradual climb to a hilltop, as walk continue to gentle downhill to Saldang, another large lovely wind-blown village.
Camp is set above ochre Saldang Gompa the rooftop shines sparkling in the midday sun on its gold-gilded terraced rooftop.

From Saldang on a quiet paths towards another nice village of Khomas Gaon, as walk leads along the broad wide landscape of dunes and barren hills, through many white-washed villages of long Mani prayer walls, and colored Chorten.
As route leads to cross a small stream then climb up and down until Khoma Gaon is reached for overnight camp.

After a pleasant overnight stop at Khomas Gaon, morning starts heading down to
a river, and then the trail follows the river most of the day. A short descent and then climb to the top of a ridge as walk ends at the green Shimen valley.
Where few hours from the valley floor leads to overnight camp at Mendo a small settlement of Yak herders.

Our journey continues after Mendo heading downhill across Panjyan Khola gorge, with short visit of the ancient Pu Gompa before heading towards Tinkyu.
Overlooking spectacular scenery of Upper Dolpo with exclusive culture that offers trekkers an enchanting experiences. After a pleasant day walk then reach at Tinkyu for overnight stop.

From Tinkyu walk to an old settlement along the bank of Panjyan Khola / stream and then reaching at the junction of a river, our route diverts left over a tributary Kehein Khola to reach across the river left bank. As walk continues crossing Kehein Khola towards Rapka for overnight camp on a grazing meadow around this remote area of Yak and cattle herder settlement.

An exciting as always from Rapka start with gradual uphill to cross over Charka
-La Pass at 5, 025 m. From the top of Charka-La pass downhill on the side of a gorge towards Chharka Village, situated on Chharka Tulsi Khola’s bank.
A lovely spot for overnight camp on this nice isolated village, with time to visit Sarchhen Gompa, located in the center of scattered village.

Rest day as contingency, either explore around the village or relax before facing up to the exciting days ahead. Visit the two Gompa of both Buddhist and Bönpo, as Western Nepal around Dolpo and Mustang region practice both religions.
In case of any postponements, this day could also be used as a buffer.

Enjoying the rest and spare day, morning walk down to a stream and head to the right bank as route climbs on an uneven path. As the valley contracts walking into an extensive meadow. Trek continues with short climb towards our campsite at Norbulung Kharka, a small cattle herder summer pasture camp.
From here onward heading near around Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya region with views of Dhaulagiri massif from our campsite.

From this isolated area, journey heads gaining higher elevation once again as walk enters the final stages where some high passes forms a barrier of Dolpo and Mustang region, where Kali Gandaki Valley is located, one of those few passes is Sangda-La. Where our overnight camp is set at the bottom of Sangda-La after ending the day’s trek.

Today’s walk leads to cross over two passes and one of the most adventurous days of the trip. Morning starts with climb up to Niwar-La Pass at 5,130 m and then over Sangda-La which is above 5,300 m high. For all the hard work and effort crossing over high passes rewards with stunning views of the valleys with array of snow peaks, a long downhill finally ends the day on reaching the other side of at Sangda Phedi for overnight camp.

From this exciting location, journey heads downhill through various small streams all day long. Chances of spotting herd of Blue Sheep around this mountainous country close to Kali Gandaki Valley. As walk leads to a nice meadow and summer pasture for overnight camp.

Our long epic adventure slowly comes to near end as our final destination gets closer towards Jomsom around Kali-Gandaki River valley within Mustang district. Morning starts with climb up from Sangda to reach Bhima Lojun-La pass at
4,460 m. Enjoy fantastic view of Kali Gandaki River Valley with snow-clad peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiris. From the top downhill to Mustang area off the main path and walk on steep down to a small forested area to Phalyak.
Phalyak is a lovely large village where once a year archery festival takes place most of the villages of Mustang, Dolpo and Manang villagers visit to celebrate the great colorful event.

Today last day walk of our long journey and adventure, as walk leads down towards wide Kaligandaki River valley close to a small village of Ekle Bhatti, which is on route to holy Muktinath Temple area and Upper Mustang via Kagbeni village.

On reaching the Kali Gandaki River valley walk on flat path along the riverbed to Jomsom the headquarter town of Mustang district. A great place with a small airport and nice standard lodges to stay overnight. A perfect place to end our adventurous trekking and to celebrate the completion of the trip.

Morning short walk to Jomsom airport for short scenic flight to beautiful Pokhara, during air-borne grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as plane lands at Pokhara. From the airport transfer to your hotel by the Phewa Lake side. Pokhara a major tourist destinations in all Himalaya, a picturesque city overlooking views of massive Annapurna Himalaya with magnificent Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail'. After checking into your nice rooms after lunch with time to explore around the lakeside of beautiful Pokhara.

Morning catching last views of Annapurna Himalaya with majestic Machhapuchare Himal or Fish Tail, and then transfer to Pokhara airport for smooth short flight to Kathmandu. Back in the hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu after a great adventure and wonderful experience around
Rara Lake to Jomsom via Upper Dolpo Trekking.
Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs or join in for short tour around places of great interest.

A free day in Kathmandu after near two weeks long marvelous trekking into
pure wilderness around Upper Mustang. Enjoy the day at leisure or join in for
another exciting tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit while you are
in Kathmandu.

Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound. After a great time and adventure from Jumla to Jomsom via Lower Dolpo Trekking.