Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

 You will arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is the only airport in Nepal. You can meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition outside the airport terminal. A signboard that “Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will help you find these representatives easily. You can check into your hotel with them. You have a couple of options as to how you spend your day/evening. Either you can relax in the hotel or you can go for exploring small towns likes Thamel on your own.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

You will meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition in the morning and discuss your Salleri (Phaplu) Everest Base Camp Trek. In this pre-Trip meeting, you will have plenty of information about the weather, difficulty, etc. during the trip. You can meet your guide and meet the various members of your trip.

You will get for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after the briefing. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries are making for a wonderful visit to these places.

You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Duration: One hour

We take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in western Nepal. Our scenic flight over the terraced hillsides and thatched villages of Nepal’s green middle hills takes us to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj, the largest city in the western Terai. Nepalgunj, set in the steamy plains of southern Nepal, less than ten kilometers from the border of India, is a jumping-off point for many flights and buses into western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we can visit the local market, mini-zoo, and nearby villages. It is quite hot and tropical. We will stay overnight in Nepalgunj.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2850m/9348ft), Duration: 45 min flight, 2-3 Hrs trek

Today early in the morning we will take a forty-five-minute flight to Juphal (although the exact departure time is determined by the Mahendra airport that morning). Dolpo flights are always scheduled early in the morning. This is because high winds in the Thulo Bheri Valley begin around 10 am, making later flights impossible. We are treated to fantastic views of the great wrinkle of green ridges peppered with small, terraced villages and surrounded by snow-capped peaks from our small yeti plane as we head north towards Juphal, the main airport of the Dolpo (Dolpa) region. And it’s quite an exciting landing on their small landing strip, built right at the top of the village on a small ridge. Once we arrive at Juphal (2500m), we start out on the short walk from Juphal to Dunai. Juphal and the surrounding villages, built high above the Thulo Bheri River, are a mix of Hindu and Buddhist inhabitants with many ancient animists and shamanistic elements thrown in, an interesting vignette of the culture of the middle hill of Nepal. Women wear traditional Nepali dress, sarong-like skirts, and adorn themselves with gold nose-rings and earrings and thick, colorful strands of glass beads. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night and explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Trek Dunai to Chhekpa (2670m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Today we begin the trek after breakfast and descend through the streets of Dunai Town to cross the bridge over Bheri River. Then we chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat. Then we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post. Beyond the check post, we gradually climb up along the rock-strewn trail that lies above the serpentine Suli Ghat Khola. As the trail stretches higher through the series of hemp tree we arrive at Kageni. Further trekking through a beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savoring the views of fluttering prayer flags, flora and fauna biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation we arrive at the village of Shyanta 2520m. Almost ninety minutes of an uphill trek from Shyanta along the narrow trail brings us to Chhekpa 2670m. We will stay overnight in a lodge at Chhekpa.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Chhekpa to Jharana Hotel (3038m/9967ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

We will wake up early in the morning and after breakfast, we will make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. You will have an amazing view of cedar forests and Bheri Valley. The trail goes uphill and you can see Phoksundo Lake’s gorge as well. Once you view Jharana (Waterfall); one of the highest (330m long) and most beautiful waterfalls of Nepal, you will then head to the Jharana village. We will stay overnight in the local lodge at Jharana.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Jharana Hotel to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3612m/11850ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Continuing our journey from Jharana, we walk along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. After crossing a bridge, we walk on the western bank of the Pungmo Khola. The trail passes through a cedar forest before reaching Palam village. The houses here are almost buried in the sandy soil. From here we trek up to a ridge, at an altitude of around 3350 meters and enjoy distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. After a brief stop here with the great views, our trail descends through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola and then to the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and Mani walls. From here it is a short walk to the shores of the Phoksundo Lake. The entrance station for Shey-Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. After our park entrance ticket is examined, we may be subjected to a baggage inspection-ostensibly for drugs and stolen art objects. Then the trail goes along the Phoksundo River; after crossing the river, you will reach Ringmo, a rustic Tibetan village. You will have your lunch there and rest for a while, after which you will continue along the banks of the river and reach the lake. It’s a very peculiar formality in this remote locale. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Phoksundo.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08: Rest day (Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake)

Today will be our first day for acclimatization. It is a well-deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. During the day we can embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo. Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located here is worth visiting. During our short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevices in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan-style Somba or Dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise.

From here, you can see amazing views of Mt. Kanjiroba and other peaks from many different points; you can also enjoy the serenity of the lake and its surrounding as well. You can explore the Tshowa Gompa, located at the ridge of the lake, which is an important site for Buddhists. You can also visit the monasteries and religious sites of the neighboring villages like Ringmo.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola, Duration: 4-5 Hrs

Our trail moves around the top western end of the Phoksundo Lake as it contours on a rocky ledge along the lake’s western bank. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake, the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. Then we walk through the valley, crossing the river and avoiding the occasional boggy marsh underfoot and then coming on the bank of the river to the overnight camp.

Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, Duration: 6-7 Hrs

We need to walk a bit more hours today as we have to follow a trail that leads us along the level path through a glacial valley that heads due north. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, we walk towards the northeast. A long climb brings us to a sheep meadow where our trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings us to yet another valley where we can see the Kang-La pass. We set up our camp near the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen Christened “Snowfields Camp”. During our trek today we also get to admire the views of Chham Lang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m). We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Day 11: Trek Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4500m/14760ft) via Kang-La pass (5360m/17581ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

On the following day, we begin our trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and neighboring “Crystal Mountain” (which takes its name from the veins of quartz that traverse its base), the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each July or August, during the full moon, before the yearly grain harvest. The sacred mountain is known as the Kailash of Dolpo; the mythology behind it describes a Tibetan Buddhist lama who battles the fierce local mountain spirit on a snow-lion, perhaps the same lama who founded Shey Gompa.

Our trail begins with a steep trail littered with slate towards the pass. we experience a quite strenuous climb to the top of the pass. our effort to the top of Kang-La pass leads us to get an excellent view of the large valley dissected by a gushing river, views of the snow-peaks Shey Shikhar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the wide valley floor. After a steep rough climb to a crest at 5010 meters and another at 4860m, we begin the descent to the Tar valley. Soon after the route reaches grassy slopes, a side trail leads to Tsakang, a Gompa said to be 800 years that is perched dramatically on the side of a cliff. Next, we walk on a meandering trail along the banks of a river, crossing and re-crossing it several times. There are mud caves lining the hills overlooking the river. we also pass through meadows where we see grazing yaks, hundreds of sheep, and domestic mountain goat (Chyangra). We then pass along the ancient Mani wall and finally spot Shey Gompa and the neighboring village of Shey, a tiny hamlet of eight or so inhabitants. A red Chortens marks the entrance to Shey, where we stay overnight for the next night.

Day 12: Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa

Today is another well-earned rest day for acclimatization. We will spend the day hiking around Shey village which is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. This Tibetan village is surrounded by flat-roofed stone houses, Mani walls and impressive chortens surrounded by juniper and larch forests. Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is noted for its giant copper with a gilded gold statue of a seated Sakyamuni Buddha. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang Gompa which is north of Shey. It is rather a retreat than a monastery. Tsakang had been a mediation center of many famous lamas from Tibet. To the east of the Gompa is the Crystal Mountain which is one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. The Gompa itself is not large, and there are no artifacts or paintings of note inside. Although the building is said to be 800 years old, the wall paintings are relatively recent, probably done in the 1970s. The statues on the altar are of Guru Rinpoche, Sakyamuni, and Milarepa. The Gompa also houses an ancient Tibetan scroll that describes the myth of Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa. According to the inscription, there is a holy lake in a crater among the mountains that surrounds Shey. When pilgrim makes nine circumambulations of this lake the water turns milky. A sip of this milk and the pilgrim can see Mt Kailash in the distance. The ones, who don’t need a day of rest, can try to find this lake. In Dolpo, the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Shey Gompa.

Day 13: Trek Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaon (4800m/15744ft) via Saldang La (5200m/17056ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Commencing the trek from Shey Gompa, we begin the day by following a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which descends into a grey, stony canyon. Then the path begins to zigzag over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually brings us to the top of Saldang-La pass. the subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring but grazing yaks and sheep, and nomadic tents made from yak hair is a comforting sight. In Namduna Gaon we visit the Namgung monastery. The red stone monastery is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Namduna Gaon.

Day 14: Trek Namduna Gaon to Saldang (3620m/11874ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Leaving the village, we climb up a steep slope and begin a long transverse along dusty barren mountains. After 3-4 hours of hard climb, we start to see Saldang Village below us on a plateau high above the Namga Khola stream. It has a picturesque appearance. Saldang is the largest village of the inner Dolpo area. The village stretches for nearly two kilometers on an open slope and consists of five villages having about eighty well-built houses with nearly six hundred people. It is a prosperous village not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Saldang.

Day 15: Trek Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4960m/16267ft), Duration: 4-5 Hrs

Our trail moves towards the northern side of Saldang. We walk further along the Nagaon Khola (river) on a wild and barren terrain. With few ups and downs, we begin our walk on a fairly gradual path. On the way, we pass through Marang and Ki villages. Next, we cross a tributary of Panzang River and walk towards the east and cross the river again before reaching Yangze Gompa which houses and old Bon-Po Monastery. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Yangze Gompa.

Day 16: Trek Yangze Gompa to Khoma Gaun via Sibu (4257m/13967ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Commencing trek from Yangze, there are two trails that connect to Sibu. In order to save time, we will retrace our footprints back towards the path of Saldang village. The trail will be much easier and shorter than the other route. From Saldang, we walk along a river and pass through terraced fields, Stupas, chortens, heaps of Mani stones, and a Chaiba monastery, then pass through the Namdo village, which is also prosperous, with about sixty houses having nearly 400 inhabitants. It stretches for more than 5 km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo monastery is located near the river bed. Our journey continues further down the river for another two hours to camp near a small settlement of Khoma Gaun.

Day 17: Trek Khoma Gaun to Jeng-La Phedi (4900m/16072ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Leaving Khoma Gaun, we walk along the Nam Khong Khola for a while and then pass the caravans with Yaks that are moving towards the Tibetan border. After turning east and walking for a while, we arrive at a confluence of two small streams. Then, the steep trail ascends to the grazing area below the Jeng La pass (4900m/16072ft). Jeng La pass is a beautiful meadow where we will set our camp and stay overnight.

Day 18: Trek Jeng-La Phedi to Tokyu Gaun (4209m/13809ft) via Jeng La pass (5090m/46695ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Early in the morning, we get up and set forth on today’s trek. After walking about for two long hours we reach to the top of the Jeng La pass from where we get remarkable views of the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif. From here we descend on a rough trail to the Tarap Valley, a fascinating valley with vast plains in high mountains that extends twenty kilometers along Tarap Chu River. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tokyu Gaun.

Day 19: Trek Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4040m/13251ft), Duration: 4-5 Hrs

After breakfast, we will trek descend on a plain valley. The trail is surrounded with patches of lush grass on both sides of the river which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. There is also a marsh which is a common feature in the Desert Mountains of Tibet and the Ladakh Himalaya. Both the Bon Po and Buddhist sects are practiced in the valley. After a short trek, we reach Dho Tarap. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Dho Tarap.

Day 20: Rest day at Dho Tarap

On the twentieth day, we will take rest and stroll in the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. Our walks will help us get acquainted with the local culture of the area. At Dho, about 40 houses are divided into three clusters and built in a haphazard way inhabited by few Tibetans and mostly Magars who are a hill tribe of Nepal. While being here, we can visit embark upon a 40-minute walk and visit a Bon Po Gompa. We will stay overnight at Dho Tarap.

Day 21: Trek Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kama Kharka) (3800m/12464ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After breakfast, we will continue our trail descend towards a wide valley which is eventually narrow into a gorge. We walk along with juniper and wild rose bushes just above the tree line. On our trek, we will be able to see herds of blue sheep and by the afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola, a stream that joins with Tarap River from further east. We will make our camp on a nice meadow also known as Kama Kharka and spend the night over there.

Day 22: Trek Tarap Khola to Khani Gaon (3150m/10332ft), Duration: 4-5 Hrs

From Tarap Khola, we continue walking down the gorge of the Tarap River, at times alongside it. During our walk, we pass by the local people who will be taking their herds to lower pastures for the winter. This will be one of the most exciting days of this trip as the valley becomes so narrow in a deep gorge that in some places we can jump from one side to another. Sometimes there is no trace of a path and we may have to walk across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. At some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed away and we may be forced to cross the icy torrent on foot. Finally, we reach our camping spot beside the Khani Gaon, where we spend the night.

Day 23: Trek Khani Gaon to Tarakot (2537m/8321ft), Duration: 4-5 Hrs

After breakfast, we will follow a trail that takes us to the village of Lal Beri. Our trail will descend into another gorge and continues to follow the river again passing through a lush forest. After reaching Tarakot, we can visit Sandul Gompa which lies about 8 km east of the village at a juncture of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu. The monastery stands on a hill to the south of Bheri River. Today we camp by the Tarap Chu River about 150 meters below at Tarakot, near the police post. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tarakot.

Day 24: Trek Tarakot to Dunai (2140m/7019ft), Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Commencing our trek from Tarakot we pass behind the Bheri River before crossing a bridge near the Lawan village. Our trail will continue alongside the big Bheri River ascending until the Byas Gadi. From here the trail moves towards the west on a relatively easy trail. We cross the river again near the Locha Khola Gaon and ascend to Dunai for an overnight stay. Today’s trek will mostly be on a wonderful gorge with pine trees.

 Day 25:  Trek Dunai to Juphal, Duration: 2-3 Hrs

On the very last day of our trek, we walk along the Bheri River enjoying the beautiful landscape. On the way, we pass through Dhupi Chaur and Rupgad villages as well as a temple. We continue trekking via Kaka gaoda village and Motipur village before reaching the small airstrip. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Juphal.

Day 26: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

Leaving behind Juphal, we fly back to Nepalgunj taking an early morning flight, as flights are not possible in the afternoon due to the strong winds. After reaching Nepalgunj, we catch another flight back to Kathmandu, relishing the scenic views throughout the flight. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu for the overnight stay.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27: End of the tour and time for the final flight to home

This will be your final day in this awesome country of the Himalayas Nepal. We will drop you at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled flight. Before leaving for the airport, you need to confirm that you have secured tour air ticket as well as other travel-related documents. We wish you have a wonderful departure back home. We can also arrange for another trip to Nepal in case you want to.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

COST INCLUDE

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).

• Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.

• 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.

• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.

• Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.

• A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.

• We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.

• National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).

• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)

• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.

• Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.

• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.

• Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).

• All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.

 COST EXCLUDE

• Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)

• All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)

• Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu

• Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation

• In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.

• Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)

• Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.

• Medical expenses and trip cancellation.

• Any other extended trips and accommodation.

• Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.

     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

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Important Note:

Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.

 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences. For more information please contact us at [email protected]

Equipment and Gears

• Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)

• One pair of a walking stick

• Trekking Shoes

• Sports shoes or sandals

• Sun Hat/Cap

• Basic Medical Kits

• Head Lamp

• Hand Sanitizers

• Trekking towels

• Sunglasses (UV Protection)

• Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)

• Warm woolen cap

• Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket

• Waterproof Gore-Tex layer

• Pullover or warm sweeter

• Raincoat

• 5/6 pairs of good quality socks

• 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers

• 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts

• 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)

• Water bottle

• Good quality Sleeping Bag

• Camera and Batteries