People Interested
0
Location
Dolpa
Durations
25 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Max group size
12
Best Time
Spring and Autumn
The Dolpo Kagmara-La Pass Trek is a 25-day adventure that takes you through some of the most remote and pristine areas of western Nepal. It is one of the most challenging treks in the region but is also considered one of the best due to the breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences that it offers. This trek takes you through two regions of Nepal, Jumla, and Dolpo, both of which are known for their distinct way of life that has been carefully preserved over the centuries.
The journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the bustling capital city of Nepal, where you will have a chance to explore the city before embarking on your adventure. From there, you will take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a town in the southern lowlands of Nepal, before flying to Jumla, which is the starting point of the trek. As you make your way through the Jumla district, you will encounter many small settlements along the way, each with its own unique customs and traditions. You will then ascend to the higher trail from Hurikot to Kagmara La Pass (5115m), which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kanjirowa Himal range and other snow-covered mountain ranges surrounding the pass. The trails below Kagmara La Pass (5115m) bring you to the arid yet picturesque terrain of Dolpo, where you will encounter the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this trek is the chance to explore the Tibetan villages of Dolpo, where the people still practice the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. Along the trails, you will come across many ancient monasteries and other religious sites that offer a glimpse into the fascinating cultural heritage of the region.
The trek continues as you cross two more passes, Baga La (5182m) and Numa La (5190m), before reaching the Tarap Valley on the eastern side. This valley is home to many small villages and settlements where you can interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life. As the trek comes to an end, you will reach Juphal via Tarakot, where you can reflect on the incredible journey you have just completed. The Dolpo Kagmara-La Pass Trek is truly an unforgettable adventure and can be one of the best trekking destinations that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
When heading for a hike, one must be mindful of the season they decide to go. And what exactly time of year is ideal for Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trekking? Hiking Bees advises you to reserve this excursion for the spring and autumn seasons.
On diving deeper into these seasons, spring lasts from March to May. These are pleasant hiking months because of the milder weather. During this season, the flowers are in full bloom, and the pathway is lined with petals and leaves.
Autumn, which lasts from September to November, is the second-optimal season for trekking in Nepal. These months are characterized by vibrant clouds and a refreshing atmosphere.
Normally, we advise avoiding hikes to Dolpo Kagmara Pass in the summer. However, Hiking Bees would be pleased to plan a suitable Himalayan trip to the Dolpo Kagmara Pass if your timetable for visiting Nepal is scheduled during the summer.
To undertake the Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trekking, you should have a good level of physical fitness and stamina. You should start preparing for the trek at least 2-3 months before the trek. Some of the suggested preparations include:
Physical Preparation: Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trek is a physically demanding trek that requires a good level of fitness and stamina. You should start preparing for the trek at least 2-3 months in advance. Some of the physical preparation you can do include:
Regular exercise: Start doing cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming to improve your endurance and stamina.
Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses to build leg muscles and increase your overall strength.
Altitude training: You can train your body for high altitude by doing stair climbing, hiking, or trekking on nearby hills or mountains.
Mental preparation: Mental preparation is equally important for as physical preparation. You should be mentally prepared for the challenges of the trek and be positive and determined throughout the journey.
Research: Research about the trek, its challenges, and the culture and customs of the region. This will help you to have realistic expectations and avoid culture shock.
Meditation: Meditation helps to calm your mind and improve your mental strength. You can start with short meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration and frequency.
Positive Attitude: Having a positive attitude helps you to overcome challenges and enjoy the journey. You should focus on the beautiful scenery and the experience rather than the difficulties.
The Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trekking is the most popular and demanding hiking destination based on the unexplored trekking trails as well as feedback from hikers. Experienced trekkers won't struggle on this walk, but newcomers may encounter some challenges. As this is a high-altitude trek with unpaved roads, normal people can have difficulty breaking and walking.
However, there is always a workaround. Beginners may get ready for this hike by adding these practices to their daily routine: Walking at dusk and at dawn, Remaining hydrated, Meditation and Yoga, Remaining hydrated with nutritional diets, Jogging, Going to the Gym, and so on.
You should plan your trip with warm clothes and comfortable boots for a pleasant hike along with raincoats or umbrellas as the weather of the Himalayan region is mostly drizzly. When in the journey, we are here to ease your hike with the availability of guides, who will give you directions and porters, who will carry your luggage and oxygen cylinders.
So if you are an enthusiast and an adventure-loving person, now is the chance to explore the Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trek – 25 days with Hiking Bees.
Hiking Bees is a professional Nepalese trekking company with a team of professional guides, who efficiently run a variety of treks and vacations. Locals from the region where you will be hiking serve as our guides and carriers. They are knowledgeable in hike routes and schedules and have received extensive training. Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trekking is unquestionably a fantastic, ideal location for trekkers. We also suggest other lengthy alternatives if you're searching for other variations of Dolpo Kagmara Pass Trekking.
With Hiking Bees, you can travel anywhere for a reasonable price, capture your precious moments, and enjoy your vacation. You may schedule your upcoming travel with us straight away!!
Day 2 : Flight from Kathmandu (1300m/4,264ft) to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft)
Today you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a journey that takes about an hour. During the flight, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas. Once you arrive in Nepalgunj, you will have some free time to explore the area and acclimatize to the warmer weather. You can visit some of the local markets and try some of the delicious local food.
Day 3 : Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,370m/ 7,776ft)
After an early breakfast, you will take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla, which is located in the remote northwestern region of Nepal. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan range and takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival in Jumla, you will meet our porters and staff and have some time to rest and acclimate to the change in altitude.
Day 4 : Trek from Jumla to Gothi Chaur (2,800m/ 9,186ft)
The trek begins on this day as you leave Jumla and head towards Gothi Chaur. The trail passes through several villages and offers views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You will cross a few suspension bridges and climb through forests of pine and oak trees. You will also pass through the village of Cherechaur, where you can stop for a tea break before continuing to Gothi Chaur.
Day 5 : Trek from Gothi Chaur to Nephukhona (3,010m/ 9,875ft)
On this day, we will start trekking from Gothi Chaur to Nephukhona. The trail will take us through a forested area with several ups and downs, making it a challenging trek. We will pass through several small streams and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Along the way, we will also encounter several small settlements and villages where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life. Nephukhona is a small village located at an altitude of 3,010m, and it offers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We will spend the night in a local hotel in Nephukhona.
Day 6 : Trek from Nephukhona to NauliKharka (3,670m/ 12,043ft)
On this day, we will trek from Nephukhona to NauliKharka. The trail will take us through a steep and rugged terrain, and we will have to cross several high passes. The trek is challenging but very rewarding, as we will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. We will also encounter several small settlements and villages where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
NauliKharka is a small village located at an altitude of 3,670m, and it offers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We will spend the night in a local hotel in NauliKharka.
Day 7 : Trek from NauliKharka to Hurikot (2,650m/ 8,694ft)
On this day, we will trek from NauliKharka to Hurikot. The trail will take us through a steep and rugged terrain, and we will have to cross several high passes. We will also encounter several small settlements and villages where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
Hurikot is a small village located at an altitude of 2,650m, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. We will spend the night in a local hotel in Hurikot.
Day 8 : Trek from Hurikot to Garpung Khola (2,920m/ 9,580ft)
On this day, we will trek from Hurikot to Garpung Khola. The trail will take us through a forested area with several ups and downs, making it a challenging trek. We will pass through several small streams and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Along the way, we will also encounter several small settlements and villages where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life. Garpung Khola is a small village located at an altitude of 2,920m, and it offers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We will spend the night in a local hotel in Garpung Khola.
Day 9 : Trek from Garpung Khola to KagmaraPhedi (2,900m/ 9,514ft)
Today's trek takes us through a beautiful valley with views of snow-capped peaks and stunning waterfalls. We cross several suspension bridges and walk through dense forests of rhododendrons and pine trees. Along the way, we might see local villagers and their livestock as they tend to their fields and farms. We eventually reach KagmaraPhedi, a small village with a few local hotels and lodges. This is where we will spend the night and rest before continuing our journey towards Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 10 : Trek from Kagmara Phedi to Lasa (4,060m/ 13,320ft)
Today we start our ascent towards higher altitudes as we make our way towards Shey Phoksundo Lake. We climb steadily uphill through a forested trail, passing by several streams and waterfalls.
As we reach higher elevations, the landscape changes to a more arid terrain with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We eventually reach Lasa, a small settlement with basic hotels and lodges. We spend the night here, acclimatizing to the higher altitude before continuing our trek towards Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 11 : Trek from Lasa to Pungmo (3,600m/ 11,811ft)
Today's trek takes us through a high-altitude desert terrain, with sparse vegetation and towering cliffs. We pass by several small settlements along the way, inhabited by local villagers who have adapted to the harsh living conditions of the region. As we near Pungmo, we get our first glimpse of Shey Phoksundo Lake, shimmering in the distance. We spend the night in Pungmo, a small village with basic hotels and lodges.
Day 12 : Acclimtization Day in Pungmo
Today we take a well-deserved rest day in Pungmo, allowing our bodies to adjust to the higher altitude and the rugged terrain. We can use this time to explore the local village, interact with the locals, and learn about their unique culture and traditions.
Day 13 : Trek from Pungmo to Ringmo Gaon (3,733m/ 12,247ft)
Today's trek takes us closer to Shey Phoksundo Lake, as we make our way towards Ringmo Gaon, a small settlement on the shores of the lake. The trail takes us through a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, rugged terrain, and breathtaking vistas. We pass by several chortens and mani walls, adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and inscriptions. We eventually reach Ringmo Gaon, where we spend the night in basic hotels and lodges.
Day 14 : Exploring the Shey Phoksundo Lake
Today we take a day to explore the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the main highlights of the trek. We can take a boat ride on the lake, explore the surrounding area, and soak in the natural beauty of the region. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, towering cliffs, and dense forests, making it a truly unforgettable sight.
Day 15 : Trek from Ringmo Gaon to Yak Kharka (3,982m/ 13,058ft)
On this day, you will continue your journey towards Yak Kharka. You will trek through lush forests, crossing several streams, and walking along the stunning landscapes of the Dolpo region.
As you climb higher, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains, including Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. Yak Kharka is a picturesque village located at an elevation of 3,982m. You will spend the night here in a local hotel.
Day 16 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Danigar (4,631m/ 15,190ft)
Today, you will continue your ascent to Danigar, which is at an altitude of 4,631m. The trail will be steep, and you will have to cross several passes, including the Kang La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,360m. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. From here, you will descend to Danigar, a small village with a few local hotels where you will spend the night.
Day 17 : Trek from Danigar to DhoTarap (3,944m/ 12,940ft)
Today's trek will take you to Dho Tarap, a beautiful village located at an altitude of 3,944m. You will trek through narrow valleys and cross several streams on the way. The trail will lead you through scenic landscapes, and you will pass through several villages where you can observe the lifestyle and culture of the local people.
Dho Tarap is a fascinating village with a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture. Here, you will stay in a local hotel for the night.
Day 18 : Trek from Dho Tarap to Ghyamgar (3,756m/ 12,323ft)
Today, you will descend to Ghyamgar, a small village located at an altitude of 3,756m. The trail will take you through picturesque landscapes of the Dolpo region, including lush forests, open fields, and barren hills. You will pass through several small villages on the way, where you can interact with the local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. You will spend the night in a local hotel in Ghyamgar.
Day 19 : Trek from Ghyamgar to Chhyugar (3,441m/ 11,290ft)
Today's trek will take you to Chhyugar, a small village located at an altitude of 3,441m. The trail will take you through stunning landscapes of the Dolpo region, including lush forests, barren hills, and rocky terrain. You will also pass through several small villages, where you can observe the lifestyle and culture of the local people. Chhyugar is a beautiful village with a few local hotels where you can spend the night.
Day 20 : Trek from Chhyugar to Tarakot (2,537m/ 8,323ft)
On this day, you will start your trek from Chhyugar towards Tarakot. The trail will lead you through beautiful landscapes, where you will come across the local villages and their inhabitants. You will cross a suspension bridge over the river and then follow the trail to Tarakot. This small town is located on the banks of the Bheri River and is surrounded by lush green forests. You will stay overnight in Tarakot.
Day 21 : Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/ 7,020ft)
After breakfast, you will continue your trek from Tarakot to Dunai. The trail will lead you through the pine forests and across the suspension bridges. The route is moderately challenging, and you will come across several small settlements along the way. Dunai is the administrative capital of the Dolpo district and is home to several government offices and local businesses. You will stay overnight in Dunai.
Day 22 : Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,475m/ 8,120ft)
On this day, you will trek from Dunai to Juphal. The trail will lead you through the beautiful terraced fields and lush green forests. You will pass through small villages and settlements, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life.
Juphal is a small town located in the mountains, and it is the starting point of your return journey to Kathmandu. You will stay overnight in Juphal.
Day 23 : Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) and fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/ 4,264ft)
This is your final day of the trek. Firstly, you'll have a morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj experiencing the beautiful scenery from highlands to lowlands. After you reach Nepalgunj Airport, you will stop by for lunch and will take a flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, which will take approximately 1 hour and cover a distance of 430 km. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can rest and reflect on your trekking experience.
Day 24 : Sight Seeing in Kathmandu
You will start the day by exploring the culturally and historically significant sites of Kathmandu. You will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world.
Next, you will visit Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in the world.
Finally, you will visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley.
After the sightseeing, you will attend a farewell dinner in the evening with the staffs discussing the trek and call it a day.
Day 25 : Departure from Kathmandu
This is the day of farewell where you accomplish the journey and leave for your home. Three hours prior to your boarding time, our staff will receive you from your hotel and drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
How difficult is Upper Dolpo Trekking?
The Upper Dolpo Trekking is considered to be a challenging trek and is suitable for experienced trekkers due to its remote and high-altitude nature.
What is the altitude of the Upper Dolpo trek?
The highest point of the Upper Dolpo trek is Kang La Pass at an altitude of approx.(5,360m/17,585ft).
How do I get to Upper Dolpo?
To reach the Upper Dolpo you need to take two flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj followed by Nepalgunj to Juphal. and the trek begins from Juphal to Upper Dolpo,