Discover the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek – A 42-Day Himalayan Odyssey Through Nepal’s Last Hidden Frontiers

Today, you will explore the highlights of Kathmandu, including visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, you will finalize trek preparations with a briefing and check your gear. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you’ll take a flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a gateway to the western part of Nepal and offers a warm climate compared to Kathmandu. You can explore the local area in the afternoon, experiencing the town’s lively market and local culture. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Today, you’ll take an early morning flight to Jumla. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sight of lush green valleys and mountainous terrain. Jumla is a small town with an old bazaar, and you’ll begin your trek preparations. Overnight in Jumla.

The trek begins with a gradual climb through terraced fields, orchards, and small villages. The landscape is a mix of lush forests and open meadows. The final ascent to Danphe Langa is a steady climb, and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in tents at Danphe Langa.

Today’s trek will take you through beautiful forests, with the sounds of chirping birds and rushing rivers. You’ll pass through the village of Khabra and gradually descend to the village of Chautha. Chautha offers views of the towering peaks and is a great spot for resting. Overnight in tents.

The trail today descends to the river valley and passes through forests of rhododendron and pine. After crossing the river, you’ll begin a gradual ascent to the village of Dhotu. Dhotu is a serene place to spend the night, offering views of the distant snow-capped peaks. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek takes you through a variety of terrains, including meadows, forests, and rocky paths. The final approach to Rara Lake is a beautiful section of the trek, with views of the sparkling blue lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. You’ll have time to explore the area around Rara Lake and appreciate its tranquility. Overnight in tents near Rara Lake.

Today is a well-deserved rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can explore the shores of Rara Lake, take a hike to nearby viewpoints, or just relax by the lake. This day will help your body adjust to the altitude and prepare for the upcoming days of trekking. Overnight in tents near Rara Lake.

Leaving the serene beauty of Rara Lake behind, you’ll descend through forested trails towards Lusa. The journey offers a gradual descent as you pass through several small villages and fields. As you reach Lusa, you’ll notice the change in vegetation and landscape. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek is a steady climb as you head towards Pulu. The trail passes through alpine meadows and lush forests, where you may spot wildlife such as musk deer or Himalayan tahr. Pulu is a quiet and remote place to camp. Overnight in tents.

The trek continues to Maila, ascending through dense forests and alpine terrain. As you reach Maila, the views of the surrounding mountains open up, and the area feels more remote. It’s a peaceful spot for camping. Overnight in tents.

This is a long and steady ascent towards Chyarga La camp. The trail passes through rugged terrain and beautiful alpine meadows, and as you climb, the views become more expansive. By the time you reach Chyarga La camp, you will be surrounded by majestic peaks. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek takes you higher, as you ascend to Chyarga La high camp. The path becomes steeper, and the altitude begins to have a stronger effect, but the views make it worthwhile. From the high camp, you’ll be able to see some of the highest peaks in the region. Overnight in tents.

After a challenging climb, you’ll descend towards Takla Khola. The descent is a welcome change after the higher-altitude camps, and you’ll pass through alpine meadows and valleys. Takla Khola is a peaceful location, and you’ll enjoy the serene surroundings. Overnight in tents.

This trek takes you up to the Yala La high camp, a challenging climb that tests your endurance. The trail offers incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and the altitude begins to show its effects. Once at the high camp, you’ll be rewarded with views of towering peaks. Overnight in tents.

The trek to Pung Kharka is demanding, with steep climbs, rocky paths, and alpine terrain. Pung Kharka is a high-altitude area with fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. The camp here offers a chance to rest and acclimatize before the next major leg of the journey. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek takes you towards Nyingma Gyanzen La, where the terrain becomes increasingly rugged. The climb to the high camp is steep, and the environment becomes more barren and windswept. Once at the camp, you’ll have panoramic views of the Himalayas. Overnight in tents.

After crossing the high pass, you’ll descend to Phophagaon. The descent is long but manageable, and the landscape changes as you pass through small villages and pastures. Phophagaon is a quiet, remote village where you’ll rest for the night. Overnight in tents.

The trail climbs steadily today, taking you up to a ridge camp above Potalgaon. The views from this ridge are breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek takes you to the village of Bhijer, where you’ll pass through rugged terrain and dense forests. The journey is strenuous but rewarding, as Bhijer offers a peaceful respite and spectacular views of the mountains. Overnight in tents.

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. You can explore the area around Bhijer, interact with the local people, and enjoy the tranquility of the region. This is an important day to prepare for the next leg of the trek. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek leads you to Shyamling Gompa, a small but significant monastery, before continuing to Den Khola. The climb is steady, and you’ll pass through several villages and alpine meadows. Den Khola offers a serene camping site. Overnight in tents.

Today, you’ll trek to Shey Gompa, one of the most sacred places in Upper Dolpo. The area is known for its spiritual significance, and the monastery here is an important pilgrimage site. Overnight in tents near Shey Gompa.

A well-earned rest day at Shey Gompa to allow your body to acclimatize. Take time to explore the monastery, hike to nearby viewpoints, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight in tents at Shey Gompa.

Today’s trek takes you across the challenging Sela Bhanjyang, at 5075 meters, before descending to Namgung. The high-altitude landscape is awe-inspiring, and the trail is challenging but rewarding. Namgung is a small village where you’ll camp for the night. Overnight in tents.

The trail today descends to Saldang, passing through remote areas and offering views of snow-capped peaks. Saldang is a major village in Upper Dolpo, known for its Tibetan-style culture and architecture. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek leads to Khoma Gaon, a small village located in a beautiful valley. The path passes through high-altitude meadows, offering great views of the surrounding peaks. Khoma Gaon is a peaceful place to camp. Overnight in tents.

The trek continues through alpine meadows and rocky terrain as you make your way towards Mendo. The landscape becomes more barren, but the surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop. Mendo offers a tranquil place to camp. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek brings you to Tinje Gaon, a small village nestled in the mountains. The terrain is rugged, and you’ll experience both gradual ascents and descents. The village is a great spot to rest and enjoy the views. Overnight in tents.Day 30: Trek

After a hearty breakfast, you begin your trek from Tinje Gaon. The trail climbs steadily through rocky paths, offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains. As you make your way to Rapka, the altitude increases, and the environment becomes more rugged. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening with the stunning mountain views and prepare for the challenges of the coming days. Overnight in tents at Rapka.

Today is one of the toughest days, as you will be crossing the Chharka La pass, located at 5030 meters. The ascent is gradual but challenging, and the views from the top are breathtaking. After crossing the pass, descend towards the village of Chharka, where you'll spend the night. The surrounding landscape is wild and remote, with glimpses of high-altitude wilderness and local yak herders. Overnight in tents in Chharka.

Today is a well-deserved rest day to help you adjust to the high altitude. Take a short walk around the village of Chharka, explore the traditional lifestyle of the local people, and rest to prepare for the next section of the trek. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the area and the culture of the Dolpo region. Enjoy a quiet evening and prepare your gear for the upcoming trek.

Leaving Chharka, the trail continues to climb gradually towards the village of Norbulung. The path is a mix of rocky terrain and grassy slopes, and as you ascend, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The environment starts to feel even more remote, with few signs of human habitation. You’ll reach Norbulung by afternoon, where the local inhabitants are known for their friendly hospitality. Overnight in tents.

Today’s trek is a challenging climb towards MulumSumna. The path is steep and the altitude begins to take its toll, so it’s important to pace yourself. The high-altitude landscape continues to unfold, offering views of glaciers and distant peaks. You’ll be camping at MulumSumna, where the isolation is palpable and the natural beauty is overwhelming. Rest and rejuvenate after a physically demanding day.

This is the most physically demanding day of the trek, as you’ll be crossing two major passes: Niwar Pass (5500m) and Sangda La (5150m). The trail winds up steeply towards these high passes, and the thin air makes the ascent slow but rewarding. Once you’ve crossed both passes, you’ll descend to Sangda Phedi, where you’ll camp for the night. The journey is strenuous, but the views from the passes make the effort worthwhile.

After crossing the high passes, the trek today is a descent towards Sangda village. The path is easier than the previous days, and you can enjoy the changing landscape as you make your way to the village. Sangda is a traditional Dolpo settlement where you can witness the unique architecture and lifestyle of the people. Spend the night here in a tented camp and rest for the next day’s journey.

Today’s trek brings you down from the highlands towards Kagbeni, a key settlement on the edge of the Mustang region. The route is more gradual, and the scenery transitions from rugged mountains to more fertile, terraced landscapes. Kagbeni, with its ancient monastery and Tibetan influences, marks the boundary between Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang. It’s a picturesque spot for an overnight stay.

The trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom is a relatively easy walk through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The flat trail takes you through small villages, fields, and barren landscapes, with views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks in the distance. Jomsom is a bustling town with a Tibetan influence, where you can enjoy the comforts of a small town after days of remote trekking. Overnight in a guesthouse or tents.

From Jomsom, you take a scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight is short but offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy a leisurely day by the lake, soaking in the beauty of this serene town. It’s a perfect place to relax after a challenging trek.

Today, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu. The flight is a picturesque journey that offers a last glimpse of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to relax, shop, or explore Kathmandu before your departure.

Depending on your flight time, you may have some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of an incredible adventure in the heart of the Himalaya