Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport (1350m), Lhasso Adventure representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have some free time to rest, freshen up, and enjoy a meal. In the evening, we gather for team introductions, a briefing session, and general discussions about the adventure ahead. Later, we head out for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, where you can experience authentic Nepali cuisine.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour to explore Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual sites, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Hindu temple, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Buddhist shrine, one of the largest stupas globally. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and team members from Lhasso Adventure. They will brief us on the trek and address any questions we may have. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we take a scenic flight to Jhupal, nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Upon arrival, we meet our trekking team and kick off our adventure. We trek through terraced fields to reach the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. Continuing onwards, we arrive at Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region. We explore the charming town in the evening before setting up camp for the night.

Leaving Dunai, we cross a suspension bridge and head west, passing by a hospital. The trail ascends alongside the treeless Thulo Bheri valley before entering the Phoksundo river valley. Along the way, we catch glimpses of Kagmara Peak up the valley. We traverse walnut groves, Dhera, and Rahagaun villages, descending through dense jungles until we reach Ankhe. Overnight stay in Ankhe.

Depart from boarding and trek to Phoksundo Lake . Enjoy a scenic journey through rugged terrain, crossing valleys and forests. Arrive at the stunning Phoksundo Lake for an overnight stay. Relax and surrender yourself to the serene embrace of the towering peaks and the crystalline turquoise waters of the lake that envelop you.

Today is a well-deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. We have the option to embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture. The Dolpo people are known for wearing homespun clothing, often dyed maroon, and traditional Tibetan-style somba or dhocha footwear. Both men and women adorn themselves with religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise. We spend the night at Phoksundo Lake.

Embarking on your trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (north camp) at an elevation of 3,500 meters (11,482.94 feet), you’ll experience a breathtaking journey through the rugged beauty of Dolpo. The trek offers stunning vistas of the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, nestled amidst towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks. As you make your way to Phoksundo Khola, the trail winds through pristine forests and serene valleys, providing ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Upon reaching the north camp, you’ll settle in for an overnight stay, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan scenery, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive wildlife that calls this remote region home.

We begin our adventure from the previous high camp, trekking into the expansive upper Dolpo region. The trail leads us through a stunning landscape of boulder-strewn valleys, icy rivers, and towering cliffs. The remoteness of the region becomes even more palpable as we reach Lar Tsa Camp, perched beside a stream in a narrow valley. Snow-capped peaks surround our camp, offering a dramatic start to this high-altitude odyssey.

We climb gradually from Lar Tsa, navigating along rugged trails that traverse above steep ravines and icy moraines. As we ascend, the landscape becomes starker, devoid of vegetation and shaped by wind and snow. Snowfield’s Camp, lying beneath the towering Chhuran La Pass, is an exposed but beautiful location with sweeping views of distant Himalayan peaks. The thin air and pristine silence remind us we are in one of the most remote parts of Nepal.

To ensure our bodies are properly adapted for the days ahead, we take a rest day at Snowfield’s Camp. Short hikes up surrounding ridges offer excellent opportunities for acclimatization and breathtaking panoramic views. The day also allows time to relax and prepare for the strenuous crossing of Chhuran La Pass.

This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. We make an early start to ascend the steep slopes of Chhuran La, one of the highest passes on the route. The climb is arduous but the reward is grand—spectacular views of the barren Dolpo landscape and distant peaks. After soaking in the beauty from the pass, we descend gradually into a wide valley where Shey Gompa is tucked away beneath sacred Crystal Mountain. This ancient monastery is revered across Dolpo and exudes an aura of mysticism.

We spend a full day exploring the spiritual heart of Dolpo. Pilgrims often circle Crystal Mountain in a ritual kora, believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings. You can also visit the ancient Shey Monastery, known for its red walls and peaceful ambiance. This day allows time for cultural immersion and deeper connection with the spiritual and natural surroundings.

After a peaceful stay in Shey, we ascend once again, this time crossing the rugged Saldang La. The trail offers awe-inspiring scenery and a sense of complete solitude. After the pass, we descend into Namgung—a secluded village with traditional homes and a centuries-old gompa clinging to the cliffs. The hospitality here is warm and heartfelt, a testament to the resilience of high Himalayan communities.

The path from Namgung descends through a dramatic gorge carved by wind and time. We pass through high pastures and narrow canyons before arriving at Tora Sumda, where the Tarap Chu and Namgung rivers converge. This beautiful campsite lies at the bottom of a deep valley, with views of steep cliffs above.

Today’s trail leads us to the rarely visited Yanjer Gompa, one of the few Bon monasteries still active in this region. After a cultural pause at the gompa, we follow winding paths and traverse hillsides to reach Mischagaon—a remote village with stunning stone architecture and terraced fields.

From Mischagaon, we climb steadily through yak grazing pastures to Chanpola Goth, a seasonal herders’ settlement above the Shimen valley. The views of the high Himalayas from here are uninterrupted, with long stone walls and fluttering prayer flags giving the area a timeless feel.

We continue our journey into the heart of Dolpo, arriving at Tinje, a charming village set in a wide glacial valley. Tinje was once a key stop on ancient trade routes between Dolpo and Tibet. The setting is surreal, with layers of brown and red hills cradling this historic village.

From Tinje, we walk through an expansive high-altitude plain, following yak trails and crossing shallow streams. Rapka is a desolate but beautiful place, perfect for stargazing and appreciating the raw power of the landscape.

The trail becomes increasingly remote as we ascend into a dry, high alpine world. We reach Pokhari, our last camp before crossing Mu La. The camp sits beside a small glacial pond, surrounded by snowfields and rugged cliffs.

We rise early for the climb to Mu La. The pass offers jaw-dropping views of the Dhaulagiri range and the trans-Himalayan plateau. After crossing, we descend into the green fields of Chharka, a beautiful village with a rich Bon Buddhist heritage.

After several days of high-altitude trekking, we take a full day to rest and recover in the beautiful village of Chharka. Nestled along the banks of the Chharka Khola and surrounded by dry, ochre-colored hills, Chharka is a traditional Bon village where time seems to move slowly. The village features ancient chortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a distinctive Bon monastery that invites quiet contemplation. You can spend the day strolling through barley fields, observing local life, or sitting with monks who share stories of their culture and beliefs. This rest day also provides a valuable opportunity for your body to adjust to the high elevation before we continue toward the higher passes ahead.

Leaving the comfort of Chharka, we set off into a barren but majestic landscape carved by wind and glaciers. The trail initially follows the Chharka Khola upstream before veering into more desolate and dramatic terrain. Rocky ridges, high-altitude plateaus, and wide-open skies dominate the view. This stretch is remote and seldom traveled, making it feel like we are venturing deep into the unknown. The day’s destination is a wild and windy campsite beside the Nakhkham Khola, a braided river channel with sparse vegetation but unforgettable surroundings. The silence here is profound, broken only by the wind and the distant calls of birds.

This is the most physically and mentally demanding day of the entire trek. We make an early start, slowly ascending toward the formidable Ghami La Pass—the highest point of our journey. The climb is steep and continuous, with loose scree and exposure to cold winds. As we approach the summit, prayer flags mark the final steps to the pass, and from the top, the panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking. Snow-dusted ridgelines stretch for miles, and the contrasting hues of Mustang and Dolpo paint an unforgettable picture. The descent is equally challenging, leading us down to a remote alpine kharka (pasture), where we set up camp amid complete wilderness. This is a place of utter solitude and staggering natural beauty.

After the intense crossing of Ghami La, today’s journey is more relaxed as we descend into gentler terrain. The landscape gradually shifts, with signs of human presence reappearing. We pass through dry riverbeds, sparse pastures, and long stretches of rolling hills. Stone walls and scattered yak herder shelters signal the approach of civilization. Our camp is set just before Ghami, giving us a quiet place to rest while still being close to the cultural riches that await in Mustang. The weather tends to be warmer at this lower elevation, offering a welcome change from the colder heights.

Today, we descend into the heart of Upper Mustang and arrive at the historic village of Ghami. This ancient settlement is one of the largest in Mustang and is known for its traditional Tibetan-style houses, large white chortens, and a long mani wall—the longest in Nepal—made of prayer stones. The arid landscape is stark yet beautiful, with sculpted cliffs and hidden cave dwellings in the distance. Ghami’s narrow alleys and ochre-hued buildings tell stories of a rich cultural legacy. It’s a day to reflect on the journey so far and appreciate the cultural transition from the wilds of Dolpo to the kingdom of Mustang.

We bid farewell to Ghami and begin our overland journey towards Jomsom. The drive takes us through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley, with its iconic red cliffs, deep gorges, and centuries-old monasteries perched above the road. We pass through charming villages like Tsarang and Kagbeni, where the ancient and modern coexist. Apple orchards begin to appear as we descend, and the air becomes warmer and less dry. Jomsom, located at the base of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks, is a lively town that connects the highlands with the lower Annapurna region. After days in the wilderness, the availability of hot food, a warm bed, and Wi-Fi will feel almost surreal.