Upper Dolpo is one of the most secluded treks in Nepal. The best opportunity to experience the authenticity of the traditional Nepalese way of life may be found on this trek, which is located in a less developed area of a developing nation like Nepal. Kang La Pass (5,350 meters), the highest point of this climb, is nearly the same elevation as the famous Everest Base Camp. This hike offers numerous breathtaking mountain views, including those of the Putha Hiunchuli, Churen Himal, Dogari Himal, and Dhaulagiri ranges. We will pass through numerous villages, observing and learning about the way of life of the people in the eastern Nepal as our journey takes us through rocky terrain, picturesque lakes, valleys, and grasslands. One of the main draws of this walk is Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s largest and most magnificent lakes at an elevation of 3589 meters. The Sey-Phoksundo National Park, where we can come across some intriguing species, surrounds the magnificent lake.
The journey begins with a breathtaking flight to Juphal and Nepalgunj airports, followed by a brief drive to Dunai, from where we will walk via Chhepka, Chunuwar, Phoksundo Lake, Sallaghari, Kang-La high camp, and many other rest stops along the way. Our trek will come to an end at Dunai after 19 days of walking, from where we will travel to Juphal and take a flight back to Kathmandu. A considerable level of physical fitness is required to complete this walk due to its length. As a result, we also suggest that you begin a physical exercise program four months before you intend to start the walk.
On your arrival, you’ll be greeted by our Airport Representative. They’ll transfer you to your accommodation and brief you about the journey ahead.
After breakfast, we’ll go on to a brief tour of Kathmandu’s most significant UNESCO-listed world heritage sites. Following a briefing, you can begin making preparations for the trek.
We’ll take a quick flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport to Nepalgunj airport once you’ve finished eating breakfast. We’ll do some quick sightseeing after which you are free to relax for the day.
After eating breakfast this morning, we’ll fly briefly to Juphal and then drive for three hours to the settlement of Dunai. As our hike won’t begin in earnest until tomorrow, you can take an evening stroll through the village and unwind for the day.
We will start walking to Chhepka, where we will stop for breakfast. Chhepka is a lovely village in the steep region of Dolpa where you can experience the solitude of the countryside.
The next stop on the itinerary for today is Chunuwar, another lovely village located in the hills. One of Nepal’s most well-known and stunning lakes, Sey Phoksundo Lake, is accessible from the settlement.
Our next stop is Sey Phoksundo Lake today. This lake is located in the Shey Phoksundo national park at a height of 3589 meters. Due to the lack of aquatic life, this lake is exceptionally pristine, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
We’ll depart from the magnificent Phoksundo Lake and go to Sallaghari, our destination for the day. Along the walk, you can take in the beautiful mountain scenery and vegetation. We’ll spend the night at the camp.
We will begin our journey to Kang-La high camp after breakfast. The highest point of our walk will be at this altitude, therefore we’ll move cautiously and gradually to reduce any risks. We’ll spend the night in a tent camp, appreciating nature’s gifts.
Today we’ll carry on to Shey Gompa. An old structure with historical and cultural significance is Shey Gompa. Along the route, you’ll encounter an array of wonderful locals and learn about their way of life.
We’ll begin our trip to Namgung Gompa once you’ve finished eating breakfast. It is a monument as well, with its own cultural significance. Along the route, you can take in the sights of distinctive topographies and magnificent mountains.
The route for today’s climb is from Namgung to Saldang. Since the trail will be going downhill, it will be somewhat simpler to trek. As you travel, you may come into contact with some wildlife because of the deep forest and crowded routes.
Although we are staying in Saldang today, we will walk to Yangjer Gompa throughout the day before returning to Saldang for the night.
After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, we will continue on to Koma, our next stop. The welcoming smiles of the locals along the way and the gorgeous scenery will make your day even better.
We’ll travel to Shimen village today. Along the trip, you’ll pass through a lot of lush pine and rhododendron forests. Additionally, there’s the likelihood that you’ll see various birds and animals. At Shimen village, we’ll spend the night.
After breakfast, we’ll go to Tinje village, which will be our final stop for the day. We’ll hike for around 5 hours to get to Tinje village, where we’ll set up camp and spend the night in tents.
After breakfast this morning, we’ll make our way to Yak Kharka. You can sample some delicious yak cheese and churpi here. Churpis can be eaten for many months, so you can also take some home. The next day, we’ll hike to Tokyu after spending the night at Yak Kharka.
We’ll begin our trip from Yak Kharka to Tokyu after a leisurely breakfast in the early morning. In the Dolpa region’s hilly terrain, Tokyu is a lovely village. It is famous for its infamous Tokyu monastery which you can visit tomorrow morning. Along the route, you’ll see lots of lovely scenery.
The next destination for today is Dho Tarap. It is a small Magar and Tibetan settlement in the middle of beautiful forest. We’ll stay our night in a tented camp set by our staffs.
We will visit Ghyanmar village today after the staff serves an early breakfast. Popular village Ghyanmar is well known for its wonderful residents and varied traditions. At the tented camp at Ghyanmar, we’ll spend the night.
Today’s destination for the walk is Chhyugar village. A variety of communities and dense woodlands must be passed through before you arrive in Chhyugar, where you will spend the night.
Our target for the day is Tarakot, another lovely village. The settlement of Tarakot is significant both historically and culturally. While there, you can also sample the native cuisine and alcoholic beverages.
Your walk is over today; starting tomorrow, we’ll be using private vehicles instead. From Tarakot, we’ll hike to Dunai, where we’ll set up a tent camp for the night.
After breakfast, we’ll take a private vehicle to Juphal. As we will be heading back to Kathmandu tomorrow, it is our final day in this lonely area. While it lasts, savor the unspoiled splendor of Nepal’s hills.
We will return to Kathmandu today via the Nepalgunj airport, and you will be driven to your hotel. If you wish to buy gifts for your friends and family back home, you can go shopping while relaxing in your cozy room.
Finally, the journey comes to a conclusion. Three hours before your trip, we’ll drop you off at the airport. I hope the trip was successful and you made life-long memories. We’ll meet up when you return to this quaint, stunning, and wonder-filled nation. Farewell.
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Choosing for Blissful Nepal means securing an adept team of mountain guides and a stellar support crew in Kathmandu, ensuring your seamless care right from your arrival. Our round-the-clock international helpline guarantees constant support, and our team, regularly present in Nepal, offers firsthand and informed assistance. Our full-time guides, with over 8 years of average trekking experience in the Himalayas, exclusively work with us. Notably, we are among the select few companies in Nepal to equip all our trekking guides with Wilderness First Aid Certification. Furthermore, our guides have undergone specialized training addressing altitude acclimatization concerns (Meet the Team).
The prime trekking periods in Nepal span from March to Early May and from September to November. While December to February allows for trekking, be prepared for colder conditions albeit with fewer crowds. June to August marks the monsoon season, generally unsuitable for trekking. However, if this timeframe is your sole option, drop us an email for tailored suggestions.
Absolutely! Our peak season departures typically sell out, but during off-peak periods, smaller groups prevail. Rest assured, once you secure your deposit, we guarantee the trek’s commencement for you.
Our dedicated guides, with their extensive successful trekking history and our guests’ commendations, have earned our trust repeatedly. Time and again, clients laud the trip’s excellence owing to their guide’s invaluable contribution, making it an unforgettable experience.
All our guides boast exceptional fluency in English. With years of experience hosting guests worldwide, they excel in building connections and ensuring seamless communication.
There’s no strict age limit on our expeditions – it’s more about good health and enthusiasm! We’ve welcomed families with children as young as 7 years old on the Everest Base Camp Trek, while our older trekkers have been in their late 70s. For families, we recommend arranging a private trek and allowing a few extra days. Feel free to inquire about tailored arrangements.
We often have first-time trekkers join our groups, so even without experience, you’ll find yourself among like-minded individuals. Your fitness level should comfortably support full-day walking. While previous hiking or trekking experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory.
We gladly accept various major currencies. You have the flexibility to settle the balance either in cash or through credit card payment. However, it’s important to note that for credit card transactions, we levy a 13% fee. Hence, paying in cash is highly recommended to avoid additional charges.
In most instances throughout Nepal, credit card usage is limited. While there are ATMs available in Kathmandu offering favorable currency exchange rates when withdrawing rupees, please be aware that these ATMs typically impose a $5 USD service fee alongside potential bank charges. Moreover, these ATMs often enforce a daily withdrawal limit of 25,000 rupees (approximately $215 USD).
We gladly accept various major currencies. You have the flexibility to settle the balance either in cash or through credit card payment. However, it’s important to note that for credit card transactions, we levy a 13% fee. Hence, paying in cash is highly recommended to avoid additional charges.
At our pre-trek briefings, we advocate for a leisurely pace for everyone in the group. It’s more about relishing the mountainous terrain than rushing to the next tea house. Generally, the lead guide stays toward the rear of the group, accompanying the slower-paced trekkers.
After your deposit is received, the next step is to send us a scan or photo of your passport along with your arrival flight details. We’re unable to book your Lukla flight or obtain your trekking permit until we have a copy of your passport, so please send this information to us promptly.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the trekking period and is your responsibility to arrange. Kindly email us proof of your insurance before your trek. For detailed insurance requirements, refer to our Terms of Service – Insurance.
Typically, we recommend a day pack of approximately 40 liters, similar to a standard school backpack, to accommodate extra layers and daily essentials.
The primary weight constraint is the luggage limit for the Kathmandu to Lukla flight, set at 10kg (22lbs), along with an additional 5kg (11lbs) for carry-on, totaling 15kg (33lbs).
During the flight, keep these items in your carry-on. It’s crucial to have important documents and medications accessible, especially if your luggage faces delays. Similarly, during the trek, carry them in your day pack.
Absolutely, our airport representative will be present to greet you as you exit the airport. Look for our driver holding a signboard displaying “Blissful Nepal.” For further guidance on airport arrival, you can watch a short video here (click here to see on YouTube).
Most guests are eligible to acquire a visa upon arrival, a process typically taking between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd. It’s essential for guests to independently verify all visa requirements before arrival. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your entry date into Nepal. Verify this information as soon as you confirm your trek. Detailed visa fees and related information can be found here: Terms of Service – Visas.
We utilize tea houses for accommodation, a popular method involving shifting from one teahouse to another. These teahouses, essentially small local hotels in villages, provide both lodging and homemade meals. Rooms usually accommodate two trekkers, with shared bathrooms featuring running cold water and Western-style toilets in the Everest region. (Further details – Tea House Trekking Blog).
In Kathmandu, we can arrange private rooms. While private rooms might be feasible in some trekking villages at no extra charge, availability could be scarce during peak periods due to high demand. Even with additional payment, teahouse owners may not provide private rooms to ensure fair lodging for all guests.
Absolutely, we can cater to vegetarian or special dietary requirements. It’s advised for all trekkers to opt for a vegetarian diet due to preservation concerns with local meat. Notify us of any dietary needs, and we’ll make suitable arrangements.
Teahouses have electricity in common areas, charging $1 to $4 per hour for device charging. American outlets are common, while adapters (C or D type) can be bought in Kathmandu.
Some lower elevation teahouses offer Wi-Fi for an extra $3 to $10 charge. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for internet and calls, mainly usable at lower elevation teahouses.
Most teahouses offer Western-style flush toilets with cold running water. Shared bathrooms are common and not attached to individual rooms. Hot showers are available at lower elevations (often gas-powered) and provided by bucket at higher altitudes for an extra fee.
Limited laundry services are available at certain teahouses. While washing clothes during acclimation days might be possible, it’s advisable to plan ahead by ensuring sufficient clothing and handling laundry in Kathmandu post-trek.
Our treks involve a gradual ascent, averaging around 300m or 1000ft in elevation gain per day—a rate recommended by high altitude specialists to minimize altitude problems. Our experienced guides recognize symptoms related to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly using a pulse oximeter. (Learn more on our blog).mmodate two trekkers, with shared bathrooms featuring running cold water and Western-style toilets in the Everest region. (Further details – Tea House Trekking Blog).
Surprisingly, skin faces greater sun damage in mountain settings than at the beach due to increased altitude and snow reflecting UV rays. Shield your skin with appropriate clothing and sunblock, preferably for mountain conditions. Consider getting prescription sunglasses fitted with your eyeglass prescription and wear a hat for added protection.
We prioritize trekkers’ health and safety over pushing limits. If necessary, we can often place you in the next trekking group ascending the mountain after a day of rest. Additional charges for extra trek days may apply.
Our guides are Red Cross certified and hold international WAFA certifications, equipped with pulse oximeters for regular blood oxygen saturation readings. They carry basic first aid kits and mobile phones, coordinating rescue efforts with our 24/7 available Kathmandu team in emergency situations.
Temperatures vary—while Lukla can be warm from March to May and September to November, Everest Base Camp remains cold year-round, with freezing nighttime lows even during warmer months. Winter temperatures can plummet to -25C or below at night. Adequate warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are essential. Refer to our Everest Base Camp packing list for preparation (packing for Everest Base Camp).
Sturdy trekking shoes or boots with ankle support and a Gore-Tex lining are vital. Break them in before the trek to ensure comfort. Should a blister develop, halt immediately and cover it with duct tape or moleskin.
All water in Nepal needs treatment before consumption. Bottled water is available in Kathmandu or on the trek. It’s advisable to consume cooked meals and avoid uncooked vegetables for safety. Avoiding mountain meat is recommended for precaution.
We generally suggest standard CDC-recommended vaccinations (See link). If you have pre-existing medical conditions, kindly inform us while making your deposit.
Although Kathmandu-Lukla flights are usually reliable, inclement weather may lead to cancellations for the entire day. Our 14-day package includes a buffer day for such delays, but we advise adding extra days after your trek. For Kathmandu delays, we’ll reschedule your flight for the next day or offer a chartered helicopter option (additional cost). For Lukla delays, you’re responsible for extra expenses (around $30) for accommodation and meals. Additional hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu are not covered during flight delays, but we’ll assist in making arrangements.
Since April 2019, most Lukla flights have been redirected to Ramechhap due to Kathmandu Airport construction and congestion. Ramechhap, a smaller airport, is approximately a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu. Please refer to our blog post for current updates (Ramechhap Flight Updates).
Changing trek dates incurs no fees with advance notice. Check our terms of service for detailed policies or contact us for further information. Adding extra days is feasible for private treks, and for group treks, inquire in advance, and we’ll try to arrange a suitable solution.
We respect privacy but can offer general details regarding group demographics such as nationalities, genders, and approximate age ranges upon request, ensuring your comfort in the trekking group.
After the trek, if you have additional days, seek assistance from our Kathmandu ground team for city day tours or consider a 3-day safari trip to Chitwan for an added adventure.
Took great care of me from start to finish. Everyone so friendly, I never felt alone. Would join this company before any other.
Theresa M
Walking Amongst Magnifecent Monster Mountains - I was guided on the Everest Base Camp trek by Jhalak. He is a highly experienced guide who pays attention to safety and shows patience, kindness and good humour. I... read more
Vanessa W
Experienced and friendly - Mr Jhalak is a very experienced guide who can spell all the names of the peaks. He knows almost more than half the people living along the EBC trekking. 😉
Way Len C
The best experience of Nepal - We have had the best time trekking with Jhalak! He is so kind, funny and knowledgeable. He was very considerate of our wellbeing and always checked in to see if... read more
beth m
Everest Base Camp (EBC) - Amazing Trek, Amazing Guide - Jhalak ji was our guide on the EBC trek that we did in Sep, 2023. Jhalak ji is a great guide who is very experienced but still humble, helpful and... read more
S R
A safe EBC Trek with senior-citizen parents - Jhalak Ji was our guide for the EBC trek in Sep 2022. It was a family trek with my parents and fiance (now wife). My parents are both senior citizens... read more
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