After breakfast, we start our Kathmandu city tour, which includes four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will visit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus; Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Asia; Kathmandu Durbar Square, which houses the palaces of ancient kings; and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), a famous tourist destination and significant pilgrimage spot for Buddhists. This day is also crucial for finalizing any last-minute gear and permit preparations.

Today, a scenic one-hour flight takes you from the cool hills of Kathmandu to the hot, subtropical plains of Nepalgunj. This city, located near the Indian border, serves as the gateway to the Dolpo Region. In the afternoon, you can explore Nepalgunj, where you will find a vibrant mix of both Hindu and Muslim religious communities, before resting for your early morning mountain flight tomorrow.

An early morning, thirty-five-minute flight from Nepalgunj offers beautiful views of snow-capped mountains as you land in the small mountain village of Juphal. Upon arrival, you will meet your full trekking crew. Your adventure on foot begins with an easy 2-3 hour walk, descending through the village and terraced fields to the Bheri River. You will follow the river to reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo, for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, your trek continues towards Chhekpa village. You will first cross a suspension bridge and turn onto the north trail at the juncture of the Thuli Bheri and Suli Ghat rivers. The riverbed becomes the main trail as you pass through grazing meadows and fields of buckwheat and millet. You will pass through Hanke village, the gateway to Shey Phoksundo National Park, before arriving at the small village of Chhekpa for the night.

Today, you will embark on a trek through a beautiful forest, following a picturesque river. The journey involves ascending and descending various trekking trails, offering a mix of challenging and scenic routes. Along the way, you will encounter local people and immerse yourself in their unique culture. You will visit the charming villages of Reechi and Chumuwar, observing the traditional lifestyle of the region, before finally reaching the village of Palam by the end of the day.

The trek begins with a steep uphill climb for the first few hours, with minimal vegetation and dusty hills. As you arrive at a view tower, you are rewarded with a spectacular sight of Nepal's highest waterfall. Just ten minutes uphill from here, you will catch your first glimpse of the stunning, turquoise Phoksundo Lake. The trail then gradually descends through a serene pine forest, leading you to the small village of Ringmo, where the residents practice the ancient Bon Po religion.

Today is dedicated to exploring the pristine Phoksundo Lake, which is surrounded by traditional Tibetan Buddhist settlements. The wide platform along the lake's edge is adorned with colorful prayer flags, enhancing its beauty. The lake's stunning blue waters make it appear as if the sky has descended to earth. You can visit the nearby Bon Po monastery and uncover the hidden social practices of the local people, making for an enchanting cultural experience.

Today, you enter the restricted area of Upper Dolpo. You will follow the famous trail where the Oscar-nominated movie 'CARAVAN' was filmed. This winding path along the lake offers an adventurous experience. As you ascend to a height of 4,085 meters, you are rewarded with a stunning final view of the lake. The trail then gradually descends through a dense forest, climbing up towards an open valley with spectacular views of Kanjirowa Himal, before reaching your beautiful campsite at Salla Ghari.

Today's trek presents frequent stream crossings, adding an adventurous element to your journey. The initially flat trail leads you into remote glacial valleys, characterized by narrow paths flanked by towering cliffs and contorted rock formations. As you progress, the path narrows further as you descend steep rocky boundaries. Eventually, you will enter a narrow gorge where you will set up your camp for the night, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

Today is a long and challenging day. Following breakfast, you will embark on a strenuous, two-and-a-half-hour climb up a dusty path towards the Kang La (Ngadra La) pass. Upon reaching the pass, you are greeted by a snow-blanketed landscape. The descent is equally demanding, with steep slopes to navigate. After approximately three hours, you will arrive at the culturally and spiritually significant Shey Gompa, nestled beneath the majestic Crystal Peak.

Today, you will delve deeper into the exploration of Shey Gompa. One notable site is the Tsakang Gompa, a monastery and retreat center located at an altitude of about 4,570 meters. Shey Gompa is renowned for preserving the ancient Buddhist culture of Dolpo, where the traditional Tibetan way of life, combining animism with the teachings of Buddha, still thrives. Nearby lies the peculiar geological formation of Crystal Mountain, with its cliffs adorned with quartz and marine fossils.

After breakfast, you will embark on your trek to Namgung, beginning with the challenging Shey La (Glen La) pass, which stands at an elevation of about 5,000 meters. As you ascend, you are treated to breathtaking views of the northern Tibetan plateau and the majestic Mustang region to the east. Once you conquer the pass, you will begin your descent towards the pastures of Namgung village, a picturesque and friendly place to rest after a challenging trek.

Passing by the Namgung monastery, you will commence an uphill ascent. The trail is dusty, and the landscape appears barren, offering panoramic views. As you continue, you must ascend to an altitude of 4,700 meters before descending steep slopes that lead you to the picturesque village of Saldang. Perched on a plateau high above the Nam Khong Nala, Saldang is one of the largest villages in the lower Dolpo area, and its position on a trade route to Tibet has contributed to its prosperity.

From Saldang village, you will follow the trail as it descends to the riverbed, passing through a landscape adorned with picturesque terraced fields, ancient stupas, and a Chaiba monastery. As you continue, you will arrive at Namdo, the next village along the route, stretching for about 5 kilometers along the high slopes. After exploring Namdo, you will descend to the riverbed again, following the path along the high slopes to your campsite near Sibu village.

Today's trek is relatively short. Initially, you will traverse an easy trail. After a couple of hours of walking, you will cross a stream and continue along a pleasant trail that winds beside the village. Beyond the village, you are greeted by enticing meadows that serve as your campsite for the day. This serene setting offers a perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate before tackling the next high pass.

To reach Tokyu Gaon, you must first conquer the formidable Jeng La pass. The ascent to the summit typically takes around 2 hours. From the peak, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Dhaulagiri mountain range. Following your descent, you will enter the enchanting Tarap valley, where emerald green meadows carpet the valley floor. Continuing your trek, you will eventually arrive at the idyllic village of Tokyu Gaon, which is nestled amidst the mountains and adorned with ancient monasteries and chortens.

Early in the morning, you will embark on a hike to the Chaiba Gompa, a revered ancient monastery with a rich history. After your visit, you will return to your campsite for breakfast. Continuing your journey, you will traverse a gentle trail that meanders through lush farming lands. As you approach the village of Dho Tarap, you will encounter the French School. Surrounded by an irregular stone wall, Dho Tarap is inhabited by both Bonpo and Buddhist practitioners. You will have the opportunity to visit a Buddhist Gompa within the village and explore the monastery.

Continuing your journey, you will trace the banks of the Tarap Khola, venturing through a narrow gorge where the river rushes fiercely alongside you. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of blue sheep and marmots. The afternoon brings further undulations in the path as it veers away from the immediate course of the river. Eventually, you will diverge from the regular course of the riverbed, navigating through hill gorges until you reach Serkam village for the night.

Trekking from Serkam to Tarakot, you will continue your journey through the gorge of the Tarap River. The trails wind through steep slopes, presenting you with narrow and crumbly paths throughout the day's trek. Upon reaching the ancient fortress village of Tarakot, you will have the option to camp near the Khani Gaon River, where excellent cooking facilities are available.

The morning begins with a hearty breakfast before you embark on your trek to Dunai. The trail leads you along a wide route, offering picturesque views. As you continue, you will ascend above the Thuli Bheri River, enjoying a leisurely walk along its banks. With each step, you will draw closer to Dunai, the district headquarters of the Dolpo region. The journey is characterized by its ease, allowing you to soak in the beauty of your surroundings as you approach your final destination.

After breakfast, you will commence your final day of trekking to Juphal. The trail gradually leads you downwards before you leave the tree line behind and ascend to the top, where you are greeted by an incredible panoramic view of Juphal. Upon reaching Juphal, you will take a well-deserved rest. Tonight marks your final night in the mountains, a time to celebrate the success of your trekking adventure and express gratitude to your porters.

Today marks the conclusion of your journey through the Dolpo region as you embark on a scenic flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you will catch your next flight to Kathmandu, where your adventure began. In the evening, you will gather for a special farewell dinner at a Nepalese restaurant, where you will be treated to delicious local cuisine and entertained by a cultural dance program.

As your journey comes to an end, a representative will accompany you to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure. As you journey homeward, you'll have plenty of time to reflect on the incredible experiences from your trek. As you settle back into your daily routine, you'll find yourself already planning your next adventure, eager to return to Nepal and explore even more of its wonders.