Upper Dolpo Trek takes you into the heart of Shey Poksundo National Park with a rare opportunity to visit the beautiful Poksundo Lake and the sacred Shey Gompa monastery. The trek starts from Jhupal airstrip and takes four days to reach Poksundo Lake. The trail heads north into the dense forests with fast flowing rivers cascading down deep gorges and ravines of the Suli Gaad valley. Entry to the National Park is just before a ridge which takes you down to the lush greens field of Ringmo and then to the famous turquoise Poksundo Lake a short distance away. You spend a day here acclimatising and exploring the surrounding area. Most will head towards the traditional Tibetan village of Ringmo to see the 167m waterfall that drains the lake and visit the ancient Bon temple just outside.
The next stage of the trek is more demanding with a challenging 5375m Kangla pass before descending down to the spiritual heart of Inner Dolpo. The landscape is more barren and arid with snow capped mountains in the distance and ancient walled villages perched on the rocky slopes. You will spend an extra day at the crystal mountain monastery or Shey Gompa, exploring or making a 'kora' alongside the chanting worshipers and a trip to Tsa Kang monastery. The trek now heads east climbing over 4400m Shey La pass with views of Tibet and Mustang, arriving finally to a large village of Saldang. From here we head south on the return leg of this wonderful journey, crossing 5110m Jeng La pass and descending down the Tarap valley and to the pretty village of Dho Tarap where we have the final rest day. The trail becomes deeper and steeper down the lower Tarap valley, past Khanigaon and Tarakot with Jhulpa airstrip just a few easy days trek away.
Of all the high Himalayan treks, Upper Dolpo Trek is by far the most rewarding in every aspect. This is a must do trek if you wish to visit an unspoilt region where time seem to have stopped for centuries.
