Phoksumdo Lake, Dolpo region, Nepal

A shepherd and his herd in Dolpo

Stupa in Nankhang Valley

Our highly trained team will add another level of comfort to your adventure in Nepal | Lachlan Gardiner

Remote camping at it's best in Upper Dolpo | Howard Dengate

Visit Bodhinath Stupa on our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu | Lachlan Gardiner

Phoksundo Lake in Upper Dolpo | Bill Quinlan

On Sale New

Into Dolpo: Phoksundo Lake Horse Trek

Ride into remote Upper Dolpo, crossing high passes to Phoksundo Lake on horseback

Nepal

16 Days from

$5215 USD

$5490 USD

Trip Code: NHT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hotel Only Single supplement

$170 USD

Tent only Single supplement

$210 USD

Single supplement

$380 USD

Duration

16 Days

Activities

8 days Horse Trekking

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

5 nights Hotel or Lodge
10 nights Wilderness Camping

Meals

Valued at USD$550

12 Dinners
13 Lunches
15 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Trip highlights

Ride deep into the remote Dolpo region, one of Nepal’s most untouched Himalayan landscapes
Reach the turquoise waters of sacred Phoksundo Lake beneath towering cliffs
Cross Kagmara La (5,115m) on horseback with expert local horse handlers
Experience Tibetan-influenced culture in Dolpo villages and ancient monasteries
Camp beneath star-filled skies in alpine valleys far beyond standard trekking routes
Journey supported by experienced Nepali guides and horsemen with intimate regional knowledge

Overview

This rare horse trek journeys deep into Nepal’s remote Dolpo region, following ancient trade and pilgrimage routes far beyond standard trekking trails. Riding through forested gorges, alpine valleys and high mountain passes, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of sacred Phoksundo Lake and cross the formidable Kagmara La at 5,115m. Along the way, you’ll experience the Tibetan-influenced culture of Dolpo villages, monasteries and Bon communities that remain largely unchanged. Fully supported by experienced Nepali guides and horse handlers, this expedition blends cultural immersion, dramatic Himalayan scenery and true wilderness travel.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. The afternoon is free to relax after your journey or explore the nearby streets of Thamel. In the late afternoon, you meet your guide and fellow travellers for a detailed pre-trip briefing, where you receive your trek equipment and an overview of the journey ahead. In the evening, you gather for a welcome dinner, providing an opportunity to connect with your group before the adventure begins. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: Nil

This morning, you take a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a trading town on the Terai plains near the Indian border. During the flight, you may enjoy views of forests, farmland and distant Himalayan peaks in clear conditions. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel and have time to settle in. Nepalgunj provides an introduction to the cultural and geographic diversity of western Nepal and is the gateway to the Dolpo region. Accommodation: Hotel, Nepalgunj

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, you take an early flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, flying over deep valleys and rugged Himalayan terrain. On arrival, you meet your local crew and begin a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours to Rupghat. The route follows river valleys into the Dolpo region, offering your first close views of this remote landscape. At Rupghat, you settle into your first wilderness camp beside the river as your trekking journey begins. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Rupghat

Meals: B,L,D

Today your journey begins on horseback, riding north along the Suligad River through pine forests and narrow gorges. Along the way, you pass the entrance to Shey Phoksundo National Park where permits are checked before continuing deeper into the valley. The route includes sections where you dismount and walk to support the horses on steeper terrain. By late afternoon, you reach the settlement of Chekpa and establish camp for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Chekpa

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue ascending along the Suligad River, following a trail that passes through remote settlements and crosses suspension bridges. The route climbs steadily through forests of blue pine and cedar as you move deeper into alpine terrain. At times, you dismount and walk along narrower ascending sections of trail. By late afternoon, you arrive at Boring and establish camp for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Boring

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ride beyond the river gorge, following the Suligad River towards its upper valley and the approach to Phoksundo Lake. The route passes through small settlements before climbing steadily towards Ringmo, with sections completed on foot along narrower, steeper trails. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens and you reach the alpine setting surrounding the lake. By late afternoon, you arrive at Ringmo and camp near the shores of Phoksundo Lake. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Ringmo

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a scheduled acclimatisation day at Phoksundo Lake, allowing time to rest and adjust to the altitude. You may choose to relax at camp or explore the surrounding area on foot, including walks along the lakeshore. There is also the option to visit a nearby monastery, offering insight into local spiritual traditions. This day provides an opportunity to take in the alpine setting before continuing further into Dolpo. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Ringmo

Meals: B,L,D

Today you depart Phoksundo Lake and retrace your route along the trail toward Sumduwa, descending on sections of narrow, exposed terrain. At times, you dismount and walk to manage steeper and more technical sections safely. From Sumduwa, you head west into the Pungmo Valley, following a new route into a different part of Dolpo. By late afternoon, you arrive at Pungmo Kharka and establish camp beside the river. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Pungmo Kharka

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ride from Pungmo into higher alpine terrain, gradually ascending toward the base of the Kagmara Pass. The trail follows the Lasha valley, passing through sections of pine and juniper forest as well as open grazing areas. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more exposed and the air noticeably thinner. By late afternoon, you arrive at Kagmara High Camp and prepare for the pass crossing the following day. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Kagmara High Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today you cross Kagmara La, the highest point of the journey, ascending from high camp on a rugged alpine trail. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes more exposed and sections may be completed on foot to manage conditions safely. After reaching the pass, you begin a long descent toward Kagmara Phedi, following a narrow trail that gradually opens into the valley below. Much of the descent is completed on foot on steeper sections before arriving at camp. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Kagmara Phedi

Meals: B,L,D

Today you descend from Kagmara Phedi into lower elevations, following a trail that gradually leaves the high alpine zone. The route passes through open meadows before transitioning into forested terrain as you continue down the valley. Due to narrow and exposed sections, you alternate between riding and walking every 20–30 minutes to ensure safety. By late afternoon, you arrive at Toijum and establish camp near the river. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Toijum

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue descending from Toijum, following a trail through increasingly forested terrain and fertile valleys. The route trends downhill, with warmer temperatures and changing vegetation as you move into lower elevations. Along the way, you pass through rural settlements that reflect the cultural landscape of this region of Dolpo. By late afternoon, you arrive at Hurikot and establish camp in the village. Accommodation: Wilderness Camp, Hurikot

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you farewell your horse crew before departing by vehicle for Jumla, the administrative centre of the Karnali region. The drive follows remote mountain roads through valleys, terraced hillsides and rural settlements. Along the way, you experience a final transition through the landscapes of western Nepal. On arrival in Jumla, you settle in for your final night. Accommodation: Lodge or Private Camp, Jumla

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj, descending from the mountains to the lowland Terai. On arrival, you connect with your onward flight to Kathmandu. After landing, you are transferred to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore nearby areas. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B,L

Today is a free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You may choose to visit cultural and historical sites, explore local markets, or spend time relaxing after your journey. Optional sightseeing opportunities are available throughout the city. In the evening, you come together for a farewell dinner to mark the end of your journey. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B

After breakfast, your journey comes to an end in Kathmandu. You are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward travel. The morning allows time to prepare for departure and reflect on your journey. Trip arrangements conclude after your airport transfer.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

15 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 11 dinners
4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
1 nights lodge or camp in Jumla
10 nights fully supported camping
Internal flights Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Juphal and Jumla/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu valued at USD765
Expert bilingual local guide
Accompanied by camp crew, and skilled horse handlers
Camping gear
Horse rental and handler fees
Airport transfers (day 1 and 16 only)
Private transportation in quality vehicles
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
National Park fees
Medical kit
All meals as listed

Not included

Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips and gratuities
International airfares & departure taxes
Visa costs
Travel Insurance (compulsory)