Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek – 42-Day Epic Through Remote Himalayas and Tibetan Landscapes

Short Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1335m)
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (preparing for the trek)
• Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (overnight stay)
• Day 4: Fly to Jumla (2370m)
• Day 5: Trek from Jumla to Danphe Langa (3500m)
• Day 6: Trek from Danphe Langa to Chautha (2770m)
• Day 7: Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2380m)
• Day 8: Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980m)
• Day 9: Acclimatization day at Rara Lake
• Day 10: Trek from Rara Lake to Lusa or Beyond (1875m)
• Day 11: Trek from Lusa to Pulu (2257m)
• Day 12: Trek from Pulu to Maila (2820m)
• Day 13: Trek from Maila to Chyarga La camp (4000m)
• Day 14: Trek from Chyarga La camp to Chyarga La high camp (4400m)
• Day 15: Trek from Chyarga La high camp to Takla Khola (3500m)
• Day 16: Trek from Takla Khola to Yala La high camp (4500m)
• Day 17: Trek from Yala La high camp to Pung Kharka (4550m)
• Day 18: Trek from Pung Kharka to Nyingma Gyanzen La high camp (4650m)
• Day 19: Trek from Nyingma Gyanzen La high camp to Phophagaon (4070m)
• Day 20: Trek from Phophagaon to ridge camp above Potalgaon (4400m)
• Day 21: Trek from ridge camp above Potalgaon to Bhijer (3850m)
• Day 22: Rest day at Bhijer (acclimatization)
• Day 23: Trek from Bhijer to Shyamling Gompa to Den Khola (4500m)
• Day 24: Trek from Den Khola to Shey Gompa (4390m)
• Day 25: Rest day at Shey Gompa
• Day 26: Cross Sela Bhanjyang (5075m) and trek to Namgung (4430m)
• Day 27: Trek from Namgung to Saldang (3980m)
• Day 28: Trek from Saldang to Khoma Gaon (4100m)
• Day 29: Trek from Khoma Gaon to Mendo (4000m)
• Day 30: Trek from Mendo to Tinje Gaon (4110m)
• Day 31: Trek from Tinje Gaon to Rapka (4535m)
• Day 32: Cross Chharka La (5030m) and trek to Chharka (4110m)
• Day 33: Rest day at Chharka (acclimatization)
• Day 34: Trek from Chharka to Norbulung (4750m)
• Day 35: Trek from Norbulung to MulumSumna (4900m)
• Day 36: Cross Niwar Pass (5500m) and Sangda La (5150m), trek to Sangda Phedi (4220m)
• Day 37: Trek from Sangda Phedi to Sangda village (3710m)
• Day 38: Trek from Sangda village to Kagbeni (2800m)
• Day 39: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m)
• Day 40: Fly to Pokhara (822m)
• Day 41: Fly back to Kathmandu (1335m)
• Day 42: Departure from Kathmandu

✨ Trip Highlights – Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek

• 🌊 Rara Lake – Nepal’s Largest Freshwater Lake
  Begin your adventure at the tranquil Rara Lake, whose turquoise waters and pine-covered shores create an unforgettable first impression.

• 🏔️ Cross the Remote High Passes of the Great Himalayan Trail
  Tackle thrilling crossings over Nyingma Gyanzen La Pass (5,563 m), Niwar Pass (5,500 m), and other dramatic passes rarely visited by trekkers.

• 🏞️ Explore Upper Dolpo’s Hidden Valleys
  Venture through mystical valleys framed by stark cliffs, red-rock canyons, and high-altitude deserts — landscapes that feel untouched by time.

• 🛕 Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain Pilgrimage Sites
  Visit the legendary Shey Gompa Monastery and walk around Crystal Mountain, sacred to Tibetan Buddhists and Bonpo practitioners alike.

• 🧘 Immersion in Tibetan Buddhist Culture
  Discover ancient villages like Saldang, Bhijer, Phophagaon, and Tinje, where traditional lifestyles, customs, and monasteries endure unchanged for centuries.

• 🎯 Part of the Epic Great Himalayan Trail (GHT)
  Walk one of Nepal’s most challenging and spectacular sections of the GHT, a trans-Himalayan route spanning the entire country.

• 🥾 Camping Adventure Far Off the Beaten Path
  Enjoy full-service camping in remote wilderness areas, far from roads and modern infrastructure — a true expedition experience.

• 🌄 Unmatched Solitude and Authentic Adventure
  Encounter fewer trekkers and more wildlife, including blue sheep, Himalayan griffons, and maybe even the elusive snow leopard.

• 🌿 Diverse and Dramatic Landscapes
  Trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, frozen passes, turquoise lakes, and vast high-altitude deserts in a single journey.

• 🎒 A Rare Combination of Culture, Nature, and Challenge
  The Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek blends cultural discovery with raw Himalayan adventure, perfect for experienced trekkers seeking something extraordinary.

📌 Trip Facts – Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek

🏔️ Why Choose This Great Adventure GHT Trek? — Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek

🌲 Unmatched Wilderness and Solitude

The Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek takes you deep into the hidden wilderness of western Nepal — a journey far from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna. This remote route reveals pristine landscapes, rarely seen by outsiders, including the shimmering waters of Rara Lake, the high plateaus of Dolpo, and untouched Tibetan-influenced villages. It’s an experience of total immersion in nature, with the majestic Kanjiroba Himal, Shey Gompa, and Phoksundo Lake as your breathtaking backdrop.

🧗‍♂️ Challenging High-Altitude Passes

This is no ordinary trek. The Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek features some of Nepal’s most demanding and rewarding high-altitude crossings. Trekkers will conquer rugged, snow-covered passes such as Nyingma Gyanzen La (5,563 m) and Niwar Pass (5,500 m). These epic climbs test your endurance and spirit, rewarding you with panoramic Himalayan vistas that only a few have witnessed.

🛕 Immersion in Tibetan Culture

Venture through the timeless villages of Phophagaon, Bhijer, Saldang, and Tinje, where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives in its purest form. Along the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek, you’ll visit revered monasteries like Shey Gompa and Rangja Gompa, and witness prayer flags fluttering in the wind. This sacred land is home to ancient Bonpo and Buddhist traditions, offering spiritual depth alongside your physical journey.

🏞️ Spectacular and Varied Landscapes

From the deep blue of Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest, to the arid high-desert landscapes of Upper Dolpo, this trek is visually stunning. Traverse alpine meadows, red rock canyons, lush forests, and dramatic high passes, all within one grand adventure. Every step of the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek offers cinematic views and the profound beauty of nature untouched.

🎯 A True Adventure Trek

If you’re searching for a trek that pushes your limits and offers unmatched adventure, this is it. Remote, raw, and wild — the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek is the ultimate challenge for seasoned trekkers. It demands resilience but rewards with experiences that no lodge-based trek can offer. You’ll camp under stars, cross wild terrain, and return forever changed.

🧭 Historical Significance and Spiritual Exploration

Follow an ancient trade route that once connected Nepal and Tibet. As part of the Great Himalayan Trail, this route holds deep historical and spiritual meaning. You’ll walk the same paths used by traders, monks, and pilgrims for centuries — visiting sacred mountains like Crystal Mountain, and powerful spiritual sites that make this journey not just adventurous but transformative

🙌 Why Choose Mountain King Treks for the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek?

🧭 Expert Knowledge and Experience

At Mountain King Treks, we specialize in remote and high-altitude expeditions like the Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek. With decades of experience operating treks in the Dolpo and Karnali regions, our guides and support staff are intimately familiar with the terrain, weather, local culture, and logistical challenges of this wild route. Your journey is managed by professionals who have walked every step of this trail many times before — ensuring your safety and satisfaction from start to finish.

🧵 Customized Itineraries with Attention to Detail

We understand that no two trekkers are alike. That’s why we offer personalized itineraries for your Rara Upper Dolpo adventure. Whether you need extra acclimatization days, are looking for scenic detours, or want deeper cultural immersion, we’ll tailor your trek accordingly. We believe in crafting unique experiences — not cookie-cutter trips.

🛡️ Safety First – Always

Trekking in remote regions like Upper Dolpo comes with challenges — but your safety is always our top priority. Our guides are trained in first aid, altitude management, and emergency response. We carry satellite communication devices and maintain strict safety protocols. You’ll also trek with high-quality camping and trekking gear, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the rugged and high-altitude conditions.

🌍 Cultural and Environmental Responsibility

We’re committed to responsible trekking that supports the local people and protects the environment. Mountain King Treks works hand-in-hand with local communities to ensure tourism benefits everyone. We follow Leave No Trace principles, minimize plastic use, and avoid disturbing wildlife and sacred sites. Trekking with us means your footprint is light — but your impact is meaningful.

🧡 Local Support and Empowerment

We are proud to employ local guides, porters, and cooks from the very communities you’ll trek through. Not only does this provide vital income for these remote villages, but it also adds authenticity to your journey. Our team members are proud to share their homeland with you — their stories, traditions, and knowledge will enrich your trek in unforgettable ways.

🎒 Comprehensive Trekking Packages

Our all-inclusive trekking packages cover everything you need: permits, transportation, meals, camping gear, tents, kitchen staff, guides, porters, and full logistics. We also provide a farewell cultural dinner in Kathmandu, letting you celebrate your successful journey in style. With Mountain King Treks, there are no hidden costs — just full support and peace of mind.

🤝 Excellent Customer Service

From the moment you land in Nepal to your final goodbye, our team is there for you. We offer 24/7 support, clear communication, and seamless logistics throughout your trip. Whether it’s your first trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, we treat every client like family — ensuring your Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek is smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Essential Trekking Gear: Rara Upper Dolpo GHT Trek

Clothing:

1. Base Layer:
   • Thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool or synthetic material for moisture-wicking)
   • Moisture-wicking underwear
2. Mid Layer:
   • Fleece jacket or insulated jacket for warmth
   • Softshell jacket (windproof and water-resistant)
3. Outer Layer:
   • Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar for rain/snow protection)
   • Waterproof pants
   • Lightweight windproof jacket
4. Trekking Pants:
   • Comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying trekking pants
   • Convertible pants (can change into shorts)
5. Trekking Shirts:
   • 2-3 lightweight, long-sleeve shirts for sun protection
6. Down Jacket:
   • Warm insulated down jacket for higher altitudes
7. Gloves:
   • Lightweight, breathable gloves (for warmer temperatures)
   • Warm fleece or insulated gloves for cold weather
8. Hat and Beanie:
   • Sun hat (wide-brimmed for protection from the sun)
   • Warm beanie for cold nights and high altitudes
9. Buff or Scarf:
   • A neck gaiter or buff to protect against wind and dust
10. Socks:
    • 3-4 pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic)
    • 2-3 pairs of liner socks for comfort and blister prevention

Footwear:

1. Trekking Boots:
   • Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in trekking boots with ankle support
   • Ensure your boots are comfortable and tested before the trek
2. Camp Shoes:
   • Lightweight, comfortable sandals or shoes for use in camp
3. Gaiters:
   • Gaiters to protect your boots from mud, snow, and water (optional)

Camping Equipment:

1. Sleeping Bag:
   • High-quality, 4-season sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F) or lower
   • Lightweight, compressible
2. Sleeping Pad:
   • Inflatable or foam pad for insulation from the ground
   • Lightweight and compact
3. Trekking Poles:
   • Adjustable trekking poles (with rubber tips for the city and trail)
4. Tent:
   • 4-season tent for camping in harsh conditions (if camping rather than teahouses)
   • Ensure the tent is lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant
5. Headlamp:
   • LED headlamp with extra batteries (preferably rechargeable)
6. Water Bottles:
   • 2-3 reusable water bottles (1L-2L capacity)
   • Water purification system (tablets, filter, or UV sterilizer)
7. Daypack:
   • 20-30L lightweight daypack for day treks and essentials
8. Trekking Backpack:
   • 50-65L trekking backpack for carrying your gear (with a rain cover)

Personal Items:

1. Sunscreen:
   • High SPF (50 or higher) sunscreen for face and exposed skin
2. Lip Balm:
   • SPF lip balm to prevent sunburn
3. Sunglasses:
   • UV-protective, wrap-around sunglasses for high-altitude glare
4. Toiletries:
   • Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste
   • Wet wipes (for freshening up without water)
   • Toilet paper and a small bag for trash disposal
5. First-Aid Kit:
   • Personal first-aid kit including bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
   • Blister care (Compeed patches or tape)
   • Anti-diarrheal medication
   • Altitude sickness medication (Diamox, if needed)
   • Personal prescriptions
6. Personal Identification:
   • Passport, visa, and permits (in a waterproof pouch)
   • Copies of your passport and important documents
7. Camera and Batteries:
   • Camera, extra memory cards, and spare batteries
   • Smartphone (optional for photography and communication)
8. Snacks:
   • Energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, and chocolates
   • Electrolyte tablets or powders

Cooking and Kitchen Utensils:

1. Cooking Equipment (for camping):
   • Lightweight stove (canister or multi-fuel)
   • Fuel (enough for the entire trek)
   • Cooking pot (small, lightweight)
   • Lighter and waterproof matches
   • Lightweight cutlery set (spork or spoon/fork)
   • Biodegradable dish soap and sponge
   • Bowl and cup (collapsible or lightweight)
   • Food storage bags or containers
2. Water Filtration System:
   • Portable water filter (e.g., Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw)
   • Water purification tablets as backup

Extras/Optional Gear:

1. Camera Gear:
   • Extra lens (if using a DSLR or mirrorless camera)
   • Tripod (optional)
2. Book/Notebook:
   • Small journal or book for downtime or reflections
3. Power Bank:
   • Portable charger or solar power bank for recharging devices
4. Crampon:
   • For high-altitude sections where the trail may be icy (if applicable)
5. Safety Gear:
   • Whistle
   • Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
   • Lightweight rope (optional)
6. Cash:
   • Local currency (Nepali rupees) for small purchases or tips

Travel Essentials:

1. Travel Backpack:
   • Large, sturdy backpack for airport transit and hotel stays
2. Money Belt:
   • For safely carrying passport, credit cards, and cash
3. Travel Locks:
   • For securing your trekking gear or backpack
4. Trekking Permit and Maps:
   • Permits for national parks, trekking routes, and restricted areas
5. Dry Bags:
   • To keep your clothes and valuables dry in wet weather