Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek- 30 Days

Early in the morning we will go on a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. This brief flight over mountains is on hills, rivers, and distant Himalayan mountains before landing at the small airstrip of Juphal. After organizing our trekking equipment and meeting the local support team, we will start the first walk of the trek.

The trail goes downhill slowly towards the Thuli Bheri River through some cultivated fields and small villages. We will follow the river valley and pass a suspension bridge before arriving to Dunai. Dunai is the administrative center of Dolpo which has basic lodges and small shops. We will rest here, and prepare for the trek deeper to the region.

Today we will start trekking along the trail that stretches alongside the Thuli Bheri river. The path slowly progresses deeper into the region of Dolpo in between and along the way there are views of forested hills and rocky cliffs above the river. On the way we will cross a number of suspension bridges and pass small settlements where local families grow crops and raise animals.

On the trail there are some narrow sections carved into the hillside and a couple of steady climbs along the valley. As we continue to walk the scenery becomes more and more rugged and remote. After several hours of trekking we will reach Ankhe, a small settlement situated on a hillside. We will rest in this quiet place and enjoy the quiet environment in this remote mountain village.

After breakfast we will continue trekking along the river valley as the trail gradually climbs up to higher terrain. The route involves rocky trails, a little forest and some steep climbing up the hillside. Along the way we will cross streams and suspension bridges and passes through small settlements which reflect the traditional lifestyle of the Dolpo region.

The trail contains extensive vistas of hills and narrow valleys leading to deeper into the mountains. As we continue walking the landscape becomes more open and the villages become less frequent. After several hours of constant trekking we will reach the village of Renje. This quiet village offers a quiet place to rest before pushing on to Phoksundo Lake.

Today we will trek toward one of the most important natural highlights of the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek Nepal, the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake. The trail eventually climbs slowly through pine forests and small villages as we head closer to the lake area. We can also observe waterfalls and extensive panoranas of the surrounding cliffs along the way.

The trail leads to a deep blue water of the Phoksundo Lake after a few hours of hiking. This lake in the Alps is found in Shey Phoksundo National Park, and is famous by its calm atmosphere and clear water. We will reach the old village of Ringmo perched above the lake and we will take some time to appreciate the view and then we will go to rest.

Today we will leave Ringmo village near Shey Phoksundo Lake and start trekking on the eastern side of the lake. The trail is on a narrow path above the lake and has beautiful views of the deep blue water below. After walking along the cliffs of the lake we will make a gradual entry into a quiet valley that will lead deeper into Upper Dolpo.

The route gets more remote as we pass settlements behind and continue in rocky areas and small streams. This section of trek is peaceful and less visited. By afternoon we will be at the campsite at Chunemba which is situated in a broad valley surrounded by hills. Since there are no lodges in this area we will camp out for the night.

Today we will continue trekking on up deeper into the high Dolpo region. The trail winds slowly through a broad valley with rocky mountains and high ridges. As we ascend the vegetation becomes less and the landscape becomes alpine. The trail crosses a few small streams and then gradually brings one to the snowfield area below Kang La Pass.

This part of the journey gives great views of rough mountains and open valleys. Snowfield Camp is used as a high camp before crossing the pass over the following day. The area is very remote and has no permanent settlements. We will pitch our tent here and we will sleep while we prepare for the crossing of the pass tomorrow.

Today we will cross Kang La Pass at about 5,350 meters, one of the important high points of the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek. The ascent begins in the early morning, and progresses slowly to the pass, where we will have a panoramic view of the Dolpo mountains and the valleys surrounding it. We shall spend a little time there and then come down the top to the valley heading to Shey Gompa.

This is one of the most important religious places in Dolpo, which is much spiritual to the local people. It is a quiet place with spectacular mountainous landscape. We will explore the monastery and rest for the long trekking day.

After breakfast we will explore the surroundings of Shey gompa before continuing to journey across Upper Dolpo. The trail goes on climbing to Sela La Pass at an altitude of around 5,010 meters. From the pass we will be able to see wide views into the high mountain landscapes and valleys of the region. After crossing the pass the trail leads down to Namduna Gaun.

This little village is known for its traditional stone houses and the nearby Namduna Monastery. The settlement is typical of the traditional way of life of people living in this remote region of the Himalayas. We will spend the evening observing village life and resting after the pass crossing.

Today we will continue our trek along wide valleys in Upper Dolpo. The trail slowly descends and follows open landscapes with great views of the neighboring hills and mountains. Along the way we may pass small agricultural fields and grazing areas which are used by the local community. As we continue walking the valley widens and the settlement of Saldang slowly appears ahead.

Saldang is one of the largest village in Upper Dolpo which has the traditional house, fields, and monasteries. The village is an important part of the local trade and culture of the area. Here we will see the daily lifestyle of the local people before going for a rest for the night.

Today we will also take a side trip, between Saldang and Yangze Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Dolpo. The path slowly climbs up through the exposed hills and arid valleys which are typical of Dolpo upper scenery. We will also see the traditional stone houses, prayer walls and grazing field of the local herders along the way.

The route provides extensive views of surrounding mountains and high plateaus. Yangze Gompa is an important religious place and a tranquil location where the monks follow their own traditional Buddhist ways. We will spend some time exploring the monastery and learning about its cultural importance before setting up camp near the area for the night.

After breakfast we will start to descent from Yangze Gompa towards the valley leading to Sibu. The trail passes gradually through dry landscapes and rocky hills with great views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way we might encounter small streams and traditional shelters used by the local herders when grazing on a seasonal basis.

This part of the trek is still quiet and remote as we pass through the open valley of Upper Dolpo. After several hours of steady walking we will reach the small settlement of Sibu which is located along the valley floor. This peaceful location is commonly used as a resting stop for the trekkers travelling deeper into Dolpo.

Today we will continue trekking down the valley that slowly leads to Shimen Gaun. The trail follows an old trading path utilized by the local communities traveling from one Dolpo village to another. As we walk through this remote region we will see wide open landscapes, rocky hills and the occasional grazing animal.

The path is an easy descent and leads over a number of small streams to the settlement of Shimen Gaun. This small village exists in a small valley surrounded by dry hills and mountain scenery. We will rest here and spend the evening in the peaceful environment of this remote part of the Dolpo region.

Today we will continue the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek as we move toward the historic village of Tinje. The trail gradually ascends through wide valleys and dry mountain slopes that are characteristic of the Upper Dolpo plateau. This is a region with a strong Tibetan cultural influence, as well as good views of the surrounding hills and open landscapes.

Tinje was once an important trading village between Dolpo and Mustang, and its traditional stone houses still reflect that past. As we approach the village we might see local people at work in fields or tending livestock. After reaching Tinje we will settle near the village and observe the quiet lifestyle of this remote Himalayan settlement.

Today we will leave Tinje and continue the trek across a remote section of the Dolpo region towards Rapka. The trail gradually ascends through open valleys and high altitude terrains. This section of the journey is quite isolated and provides a real experience of the Himalayan wilderness.

Along the way we may meet local traders or yaks that are still seen on the caravans that traverse these historic routes that connect Dolpo and Mustang. The scenery becomes more rugged when we approach Rapka village which is in a quiet mountain valley. After reaching the village we will set up our campsite close by and rest while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Today we will continue trekking down the remote valleys of Upper Dolpo towards our destination of the village of Charka. The trail gradually ascends through open landscapes and dry mountain slopes that look like the Tibetan plateau. Along the way we will follow an old trade route used by local communities that travel between Dolpo and Mustang.

The scenery is still quiet and remote with wide views of the surrounding hills and high valleys. In a few hours of continuous walking we will reach Charka village, one of the largest of the settlements in this remote area. The village is defined by old stone houses and fields where the local families are living a simple life.

Today we will leave Charka and start trekking towards higher ground as the route gradually climbs up into a more remote alpine landscape. The trail is located on the valley and gradually climbs along rocky routes and glacial streams. Vegetation becomes very limited as we go towards higher altitude areas. This part of the journey has vast views of rugged mountains and high valleys.

As we come closer to Tulsi Khola the environment becomes more isolated and quiet. This is used as a high camp before crossing major passes that link Dolpo with Mustang. Since there are no settlements in this area, we will set up camp near the river.

Today we will continue to trek through the high mountain terrain as we move closer to the passes that lead towards Mustang. It is a gradual trail that snakes through rocky inclines and open valleys that are high ridge top. The higher we are the more we see and the more dramatic is the landscape. The natural valley route will involve crossing little streams and glacial routes.

This is a very remote place with no villages or permanent settlements. Before afternoon we will reach Nakhkem Khola, a small camp in one of the high valleys. We will pitch our tents here and rest as we get ready for the pass crossing which will be quite a challenge the next day.

Today will be one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek. We will cross a very high mountain pass at around 5,445 meters, which is the highest point of the entire trek. The climb starts early in the morning when we follow a steep trail towards the pass.

From the top we will have wide views of the surrounding mountains and high valleys from the Himalayas. After spending some time at the pass we will descend towards Kharka, a high altitude grazing area which is used by the local herders during the summer. This remote location provides a place to rest after a long day of trekking.

Today we will come down from the high mountain region and slowly enter into the Mustang landscape. The trail descends through rocky slopes and broad valleys with the altitude gradually dropping. As we continue walking the scenery begins to change and we will start to see the dry cliffs and unique formations that are typical of the Mustang region.

The path eventually leads towards Ghami Phedi that is located below the village of Ghami in Upper Mustang. This marks our arrival into the Mustang section of the journey after travelling through the remote Dolpo region. We will rest here and prepare for the last days of trekking to the Lo Manthang.

We will today start walking through the Upper Mustang area having abandoned the remote Dolpo landscapes. This is a trail slowly ascending upwards out of Ghami Phedi to the ancient village of Ghami. On the walk, we will observe dry cliffs, colorful rocks, and broad gullies that render Mustang unique. On the road, we can also come across mani walls and prayer flags which are a strong indication of the Buddhist culture of this area.

Ghami is a traditional village that features houses and farms that are quite old in the village of Upper Mustang. Upon arrival to the village, we will spend time to observe local lifestyle and have a relaxing night.

We will keep on trekking through Mustang valley to the village of Marang after breakfast. The route leads on a slow route over the dry hills and open expanses that characterize the Upper Mustang area. The walk will offer traditional village, plowed fields and long mani walls constructed by villages. The landscape of this area can be described as one that is influenced by strong Tibetan culture and the villages in this area preserve their ancient constructions.

We keep moving along the path and as we move we head towards Marang, a small village that is engulfed by hills and farms. Once at the village we will make our way to the accommodation and spend the evening in the serene atmosphere of this Mustang settlement.

We will proceed to Lo Manthang, ancient capital of Upper Mustang today. The route leads to the dry valleys and open landscapes gradually and provides the views of the environment and the hills and traditional villages surrounding it. As we enter Lo Manthang the landscape expands and the walled city is gradually seen in the distance.

Lo Manthang is a city of ancient monasteries, traditional houses, and its own culture that has been maintained in centuries. We will also take an exploration of the local markets, monasteries and narrow streets after entering the walled city. This village is one of the cultural highlights of the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek and offers a unique insight into Mustang heritage.

We will spend the whole day today visiting the cultural places of Lo Manthang. The visit to Jhong Cave, an old cave complex constructed into the cliffs around the village is one of the main highlights. These caves are ancient historical landmarks in Mustang and were formerly occupied by monks and the locals many hundreds of years ago.

The trails to the caves have broad panoramas of the valley and mountains. Once we have seen the cave system we will visit Lo Manthang again before proceeding to see more monasteries and other traditional parts of the village. This exploration day enables us to explore the unique culture and history of Upper Mustang.

Today we will leave Lo Manthang and continue trekking in the direction of Yara Gaun. The path clearly cuts downhill over broad valleys and rugged terrain which are reminiscent of the dry landscape of Mustang. On the road we can find ancient caves which are cut into the cliffs and old villages which are located along the valley.

The route is based on traditional trade routes that have been in use by local communities. We will pass through a small village of Yara Gaun which is characterized by traditional houses and quiet environment as we keep on walking. The village also offers a restful stay in this phase of the trek and gives an opportunity to learn the way of life of Mustang communities.

We will now leave Yara Gaun and follow the trail that slowly winds down through the dry valleys of Upper Mustang. The road cuts through desolate terrain and rocky mountains with broad vistas of the terrain around it. On the road one can notice ancient carvings on the cliffs that are typical of this area and indicate the ancient experience of human settlement.

The trail lies along a quiet road that was utilized by the local settlers and the traders who were moving around between remote settlements. Within hours of walking, we will arrive at Tange, which is a traditional village, encircled by arid hills and farmlands. We will spend the night here and savor the quiet atmosphere of this village of Mustangs.

After having breakfast we will continue our trek through Upper Mustang’s valleys as we make our way to Tetang village. The trail slowly traverses the dry hills and open landscapes that are characteristic of this area. During the walk we will see traditional villages, prayer flags and agricultural terraces, which are used by the local communities.

The path follows ancient trade routes that used to link Mustang to Tibet as well as the neighboring valleys. As we approach Tetang the scenery becomes more cultivated with fields and traditional houses built in the hillside. Tetang is a quiet village with great cultural traditions and we will spend the evening observing the local lifestyle.

Today we will continue trekking to Muktinath, which is an important place of pilgrimage for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. The gradient is fairly gentle to start with, but you will still have views of the mountains and valleys. On the way to the village, as we approach Muktinath we will start to see temples, prayer wheels and pilgrims visiting the area of pilgrimage.

The temple complex of Muktinath is famous for its 108 water spouts and eternal fire, which make it important to the Himalayas in terms of spirituality. After all arrival we will walk around the temple area and see the cultural importance of this sacred place. We are going to spend the night near Muktinath.

Today we will go down Muktinath to the town of Jomsom. The route is a slow descent through the Kali Gandaki valley. The landscape is also widened as we move along the scenery and see the surrounding mountains and river valley.

Jomsom is the capital of the Mustang district and is also better equipped than the small villages that we have explored so far in the trek. We will arrive at Jomsom and rest at our lodge after the long journey across Dolpo and Mustang. Later on in the evening we can take a stroll and explore the local feel.

Today we will complete the Dolpo Mustang Traverse Trek with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight gives beautiful views of Kali Gandaki valley and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After arrival in Pokhara we will take another flight back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu we will transfer to the hotel and have time to rest after long adventure in remote landscapes of Dolpo and Mustang.

The journey is a meaningful experience of the mountain culture, remote villages, and high Himalayan scenery. In the evening we may gather together for a saying goodbye dinner and share some memories from this amazing trekking journey.