Rara Upper Dolpo Trek Via GHT Trail

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. 

Altitude: 1335 m Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast

A Full day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. 

Altitude: 1335 m Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast drive to KTM airport and take a flight to  Nepalgunj. 

Altitude: 150 m Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast

Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370m) we take flight to Jumla from Nepalgunj meet our team at Jumla.

Altitude: 2370 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following the main street of Jumla, passing throw Jumla Bazar. After a long climb the trail passes through Sisnamul (2830m) entering a forest of big trees to Chere (3010m) which is a large horse and sheep pasture. From Chere the trail becomes steeper and climbs through meadows to Danphe Lagna offering the views of Patrasi Himal (6860m) and Jagdula Himal (5785m). The trail descends gently through a forest of spruces, birches and rhododendron and reaches Danphe Lagna.

Altitude: 3500 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Danphe Lagna to Chautha (2770m) Descending steeply through the forest of firs, birches, walnuts and bamboo the trail comes to Hiran Duski (2840m) and then Sinja Khola. Crossing the bridge the trail follows to Nyawre (2660m). From here the trail leaves the river and starts climbing to Kabra. The steep climb proceeds to Bhara (2920m) which is a classical Tibetan village and descends to the village of Chautha. 

Altitude: 2770 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chauta to Dhotu (2380m) the trail follows the uphill way crossing some fields at Chante Chaur (2940m) and climbs to Bhulbule, the Rara National park entrance station (3130m). From here, climbing gently you get to Ghurchi Lagna (3450m). From here you can observe views of Mugue Karnali River and the snowy peaks bordering Tibet. Then the trail descends through a spruce forest leading to Pina (2400m). Following the direct trail to Rara Lake through pine forest passing Jhyari Khola at 2400m you reach to the small settlement of Dhotu over night at Camp. 

Altitude: 2380 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980m) Crossing a stream and making a steep climb to the village through a cedar forest to a huge meadow you can see excellent views of Rara Lake. Descending a short distance you reach Rara Lake Over night at Camp. 

Altitude: 2980 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization in Rara Lake After having breakfast you can visit all around Rara Lake which is almost 13km. In Rara Lake there found otter and different kinds of fish. This region is full of birds, flowers and wild animals over night at Camp.

Altitude: 2980 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast trek lead us about an hour through pines and juniper to reach the lip of the valley then descend quite steeply on a dusty track to Gamgadhi (2074m), stretching down a long ridge above the Mugu Karnali river. Continue down a very steep zig zag track to a swing bridge over a side valley east of Gamgadhi, at 1752m the hot lowest point on this trek, then climb to the lower unused road that goes to Mugu village and eventually Tibet and finally arrived at beautiful campsite Just before Lusa Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 1875 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek start Leave early to enjoy the cool of the day, traversing up and down on a road and then on a stepped path, staying on the true left of the cloudy Mugu-Karnali River which drains glaciers from Tibet via Mugu. Walking up and down, passing bridges, villages, fields Riusa where it is possible to cross to the true right on a local bridge or continue to cross a new metal swing bridge. More hot and dry trekking up and down follows until arriving in Pulu Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 2257 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast trek lead us usual day’s stage towards Mugu village turnoff right onto the GHT high route.  Walking continue river bank of Mugu Karnali, and cross the Mugu Karnali finally lead us to Maila Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 2820 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A narrow forest track leads up the gorge to the right after the Maila through black walnut and pines with the Chham Khola raging on your left and sheer cliffs above red in the rising sun. Take the second local bridge to the true right and climb steeply over endless large rockfalls into autumn broadleaf forest and dwarf rhododendrons without the common cinnamon-honey scent. 
Walking a crude bridge to the true left over the gin-clear stream and climb cairn marking a river crossing back to the true right. Camping is just over the rim, an open grassy campsite finally above the treeline with glaciers above and a huge amphitheatre that dwarfs the tents. We called this delightful place Chyarga La camp (4000m) and is just above Thajuchaur (4050m) as shown on some maps. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4050 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For acclimatization reasons we took an easy day here and simply moved to a higher camp after lunch, a very pleasant walk through native grassland free of weeds and not grazed by yaks or even by wildlife. Seekers of the highly lucrative aphrodisiac yarsagumba had been here during the monsoon and may have shot out the wildlife but even choughs were not in evidence. There were small burrows under tussocks used by some seed-eating rodent, to judge from the weasel scats full of brown hair, and flocks of small grass-seed-eating birds but otherwise the country was strangely empty and silent despite the presence of adequate water. The Chyarga La high camp (4400m) was a sunny sheltered nook among tussocks and boulders with marvellous snow and mountain views all around. A short acclimatisation walk to 4650m and dozing in the sun were all the activities available but the night was very cold, a just waning moon making the frost sparkle. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4400 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first 5000m pass of many to come was a straightforward climb of 750m on grass, keeping left against the cliffs, and then across a slope of large rocks to the line of chortens and prayer flags marking Chyarga La (5150m). Keep an eye out for Tibetan snowcocks. A marvelous view of unknown snow peaks and domes to the north along the border with Tibet. This pass marks entry into the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Descend steeply on a rockslide then down valley past a small lake to enter beautiful autumn birch forest shedding leaves. Traverse above the stream, noting that the tree-filled gash in the cliffs below willbe the path ahead on the morrow, and then eventually come down into an enchanted glade of pines and white birch. The Takla Khola (3500m) itself, coming from the north, is a murky glacial stream from Tibet Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 5000 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a long and tiring day. There is a solid local bridge 15-20mins downstream that may have ice on it, bear left then climb steeply through briars on loose rocks up the white birch-filled gully above and traverse for 2.5hrs to chortens at 4300m. Descending to traverse open grasslands with some cliff descents and great views back to the Kanjiroba massif and across the valley to autumn birch forests. Descend in increasingly prickly subalpine scrub towards the Chyandi Khola. Cross the Chysandi Khola if at all possible so as to remain on the true left and start a slow rocky scramble on a track with short sharp climbs above the Chyandi Khola, pretty but rough through birch forest and huge boulders until emerging above the treeline grassy Yala La high camp is just over the lip of the valley. Over night at Camp

Altitude: 4500 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is one of the most scenic days of the GHT high route, with a sense of space and remoteness that we have never experienced elsewhere in Nepal. Continue up valley on a gentle grassy track on old moraines, crossing one stream which may delay you with ice. Good views of a glacial snow dome to the left and of the long yellow valley of ungrazed grass unspooling behind. Climb on slippery exposed shale all dipping band to the narrow cairn-encrusted Yala La (5414m).The desolate valley beyond was like a coffee swirl of earthy colors, with the snow dome above a scoop of icecream, very pretty. The views reach right along the Tibetan border with the obvious snow dome to the north identified as Yala Khang, part of the Palchung Hamga Himal. Allow time to appreciate the marvelous earthy colours and jumble of mountains above then descend on loose shale to a small spring. Drop through untracked snowgrass tussocks, steep and greasy at times, to the braided river in the flat valley floor below then enjoy the level walking to a lonely campsite at Pung Kharka (4550m) past or before an unusual gravel glacier front with waves of advances and retreats preserved in stone. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 5414 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A lazy day as the landscape seemed to demand time for it to soak in and some recovery was needed from the last two hard days. Descend the valley through various braided streams, many frozen, aiming to settle on the true right and staying low as the valley narrows and the deeply incised cliffs rise around you. Further progress is blocked by a shale bluff, climb the bluff with some difficulty and continue up the narrow limestone gully to the southwest. Some tent platforms were hacked out where water briefly appears and disappears in the stream, Nyingma Gyanzen La high camp (4650m) was made then it was time to sit in the sun. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4650 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This will be one of the best mountain days you will have during the entire trip. Walking all above 5000m in perfect weather and with views from Nepal to Tibet is the highlight of the trip. Climb steadily over limestone scree hummocks in the early morning shadows, with grass in places, and then make a final steeper zig zag through rocks to the classic notch of Nyingma Gyanzen La 5563m. Beyond is the Kanjiroba range in all its complexity and a labyrinth of valleys. The Kanjiroba range was surveyed in the 1960s by Scotsman John Tyson. Make a climbing traverse left on loose scree to the actual ridge and climb to the beflagged highest point at 5564m, then commence a long up and down traverse with deep views to the right and long views across wild mountains into Tibet. Look out for the remote village Kuwagaon way below left. The panorama stretches from Mustang, Manaslu, Tilicho, Nilgiri, the Annapurnas, Dhampus and Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Puthong and the separate peaks of Chaganath. The ridge starts to open out into classic more rounded Dolpo landscapes, tortured rock and a wide palate of earth colours from white to dark red until finally a large chorten is reached from which a view below of the first village in 7 days can be gained. Drop on a dry and stony ball-bearing track to Phophagaon (4070m) Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 5563 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend to the Tora Khola in 1.5hrs, cross it on a hoary cantilever bridge reflecting on the lack of trees to build such a structure, Continue through thorny scrub up to a shelf shown as Potalgaon (4070m; Pho Kharka) with ruins of houses abandoned for a generation as there is no water except in the monsoon. Continue southwards to the left of the red cliffs above towards a pass on the right shoulder. A thorny ridge camp above Potalgaon (4400m) provided two campsites right on the path adjacent to water down to the right, with views back over the Nyingma Ganzen ridge and Pho Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4400 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue climbing through red autumn thorn bushes to Yambur La (4865m) under the beautiful cliffs of Yambur Danda (5485m) and start a long dry and very thorny traverse to above Bhijer. Descend slowly on dry marbles with gentian violets in season to camp by the welcome Phulak Khola in the surprisingly large and active village of Bhijer (3850m) dominated by a dark red gompa and surrounded by extensive barley fields. This is classic grey-brown rounded Dolpo landscape Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 5485 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The highlight of the day was a visit to the Vijer Bonpo Chakhang Monastery (also called “Nesar Temple in Bicher”) downstream in the older part of the village. Snellgrove in 1956. Amazing gompa with its unique and world famous illustrated manuscripts and carved book covers dating from the 11-16th century. This library of 642 volumes spanning the 11-16th centuries had been hidden behind a sealed wall but was opened to researchers in 2000 and has since been fully digitized. It forms the core of Hidden Treasures of the Himalayas by Amy Heller (Serindia Publications, Chicago USA 2009 The fluid illustrated figures, living colours and flowing Tibetan calligraphy were fascinating, illuminating the perfection of wisdom Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 3850 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave Bhijer by the gully to the right of the dark red gompa, then take a track to the right towards a stupa overlooking Bhijer. Continue gently upwards to a shallow saddle then traverse left until a ridge gives the surprising view below of Shyamling Gompa (Samling Monastery, 4163m) set over a deep valley with a ring of mountains beyond. The complex includes the 738 year old main gompa and a subsidiary gompa (both restored 30 years ago so not very ancient inside). 
After visiting Shyamling Gompa Climb steeply above the complex tending left to a visible skyline chorten, then follow the ridge east to join the main trail from Bhijer at the flagged pass (Tora La?) at 4500m. There are broad views right back to the Nyingma Gyanzen ridge over vast deserts of rock and scree and the canyons below are frightening in their savage remoteness. The fluted face of Kanjiroba Himal (6612m) rises above the grey-brown hills. There is an exposed scree traverse to another pass ~4700m and yet another. Descend steeply to a small kharka with rings of stones and access to Den Khola (4500m) that provides water for a remote camping site. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4700 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Traverse under a high summer village and climb 300m of the mountain to the right, trending right around the shoulder then make a climbing traverse with views across a deep canyon to the 800 year old Tsakhang hermitage, a spectacular meditation retreat for monks from Shey Gompa. There are also good views of the even more remote Gamoche Gomba on the circuit around Crystal Mountain. The Nandalo La which accesses Ringmo and Phuksundo Lake can be seen in the distance to the left of Crystal Mountain (5566m).  Climb again to about 4800m then descend and traverse deeply to the left until finally Shey Gompa (4390m) Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4800 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoying the frolicking marmots and the Turkoman hill pigeons whirling. The must-see destination is a 1-2hr climb to the 800 year old Tsakhang Gompa, spectacularly sited above the gorge on the true left of the Sephu Khola.  At Tsakhang there is a sacred spring beside several ancient buildings hugging the ochre cliffs, with fine views of Crystal Mountain. Tsakhang Gompa is used for long winter retreats and appears to be under the wing of a Thailand monastery which is training lamas and maintaining the building. Over night at Camp.

Altitude: 4390 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another early start and a long steep climb to the top of Sela Bhanjyang is rewarded with views of Mustang Valley and mountains of Tibet and the Kanjiroba Range. A drop again leads to a river and a more easy terrain in afternoon finally leads to Namgung. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Camp) 

Altitude: 5075 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A steep climb for the most of morning ends at Saldang. Saldang is one of biggest settlements of the region. Ironically, this one of the most remote village of country is home to one of the biggest star of the country. Saldang is home of Thinle, the main character of the academy award nominated movie ‘Himalaya’. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 3980 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day starts with a climb and changes into a descent later in the morning as the trail drops once again to a river. Afternoon walk is similar as the trek first climbs to Khoma La (4565 meters) and then drops down to Khoma Gaon. Gaon in Nepali means village. (6-7 hours)
(Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4565 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail drops to the river and follows the river for most part of the day. Yet another drop follows a climb to a top of a ridge and ends at a green valley of Shimen. A brief walk after Shimen leads to Mendo. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4000 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 The trek continues to follow the river towards south and passes through small villages, chortens and mane walls before reaching Tinje Gaon. The village was also one of the major points of ancient Tibetan trade route. (6 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4110 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An easy trail in the morning starts the trek and continues to head south of the valley. Later in the day, the trail starts to undulate and passes through narrow gulleys before reaching the wide valleys of Rapka. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4535 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another early start and yet another pass makes the day one of the longer days of trek. After crossing Chharkha La, a long descent finally ends at Chharka. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 5030 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day can be used as rest day to prepare for the final few passes of the trek. (Overnight at Camp) or make side trip around Chharka Bhot.

Altitude: 4110 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail undulates and many rivers are crossed on suspension bridges throughout the day towards the south of the valley. The trek keeps heading south of valley for most of the latter stages of trek. A final climb leads to Norbulung ending the day. (3 to 4 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4750 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once again the trek starts to gain elevation as the trek now enters the final stages. Few passes separates Dolpo region from Kali Gandaki Valley and Sangda La is one of them. The day’s trek ends at the Mulum sumna (3 to 4 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 4900 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day to Sangda Phedi includes crossing of two passes and is one of the hardest day of the trek. The trail climbs up Niwar Pass (5320 meters) and then crosses Sangda La and offers stunning views of the valleys in front for all the hard work. Long descent finally ends at Sangda Phedi. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 5500 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek enters into descent mode and passes several small rivers throughout the day. More mountains of Kali Gandaki Valley starts to open up near Lower Sangda and the region also have huge number of Blue Sheeps.(Trek about 6 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 3710 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A small ascent in the morning soon turns into gradual drop and turns steeper with the day. These final descents also provides the view of Kali Gandaki Valley continuing descending to Kali Gandaki and cross the suspension bridge take us finally at Kagbeni village. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Altitude: 2800 m Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek now continues on the dusty secondary roads following the river south towards Jomsom. Jomsom is administrative headquarters of Mustand and is a busy town and marks the end of adventure. (4 hours) 

Altitude: 2720 m Accommodation: Tea House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning taking Short Mountain flight to Pokhara, Pokhara is lake city one of the nice place to relaxes after such a heavy trek, check in Hotel Pokhara and free day at Pokhara stay overnight at Pokhara.

Altitude: 822 m Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast

Morning after breakfast transfer to Airport for take short flight to Kathmandu, receive in Kathmandu airport and transfer to Hotel, Evening cultural dinner stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Altitude: 1335 m Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. 

Altitude: 1335 m Accommodation: No Meals: Breakfast