Into Dolpo: Phoksundo Lake Horse Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport by one of our World Expeditions representatives and transferred to the Radisson Hotel, a comfortable base located in the heart of the city. The afternoon is yours to relax and recover from your journey, or, if you're feeling energetic, enjoy a stroll through the colourful streets of nearby Thamel. At approximately 5:00pm, we’ll meet for a detailed pre-trip briefing. During this session, you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers, receive your kit bag, sleeping bag, and down or fibrefill jacket, and review the journey ahead. In the evening, we’ll head out together for a welcome dinner, a relaxed opportunity to connect with your group and begin the adventure with great food and good company. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: Nil

This morning, we take a scenic one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a vibrant trading town located on the Terai plains near the Indian border. The flight offers stunning aerial views of lush forests, rolling farmland, scattered hill villages, and, on a clear day, the distant peaks of the Himalaya. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and settle in for the evening. Nepalgunj serves as the gateway to western Nepal and Dolpo, and gives you a first glimpse of the country’s cultural and geographic diversity. Overnight: Hotel, Nepalgunj

Meals: B

This morning, we board a spectacular early mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. The short flight offers breathtaking views as we soar over deep valleys and rugged Himalayan terrain. Upon landing in Juphal, we meet our local crew and begin a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours to Rupghat. Nestled beside the river, Rupghat marks the start of our trekking adventure. Here, we settle into our first wilderness camp and soak in the tranquillity of the Dolpo landscape. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Rupghat

Meals: B,L,D

Today marks the official start of our horse trekking adventure. After breakfast, we saddle up and begin riding north along the Suligad River, following a scenic trail through pine forests and narrow river gorges. We’ll pause at the entrance to Shey Phoksundo National Park for a quick permit check before continuing onward. The journey to Chekpa unfolds gradually, with regular walking breaks to stretch and support the horses on steeper sections. Keep an eye out for wildlife, herds of bharal (blue sheep) are often seen grazing near the riverbanks. By late afternoon, we reach the tranquil settlement of Chekpa, where we set up camp for the night. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Chekpa

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue our ascent into alpine terrain, riding along a trail that weaves through remote settlements and crosses the Suligad River several times via suspension bridges. The climb is steady, passing through beautiful forests of blue pine and cedar. Tiny glades offer peaceful rest stops, and if we’re lucky, we may spot troupes of langur monkeys moving through the trees. At times, the trail rises high above the river, revealing sweeping views of snow-capped peaks that tower above the Suli Gad gorge. By late afternoon, we arrive at the village of Boring, where our next campsite awaits. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Boring

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a shorter but incredibly rewarding day as we leave the gorge country behind and make our way to the legendary Phoksundo Lake, a sacred and visually stunning highlight of the trek. The journey begins with a gradual ascent along the Suligad River, reaching the confluence with the Phoksundo and Yulung Khola, which flows from the Kagmara La and western Dolpo. We pass through the substantial village of Samjhana (also known as Sanduwar), home to the respected Tapriza School, which provides vital education to students from across the region. The village also houses a local Amchi Centre, where traditional Tibetan medical practices are preserved and taught. From here, the trail steepens and we begin a steady three-hour ascent toward Ringmo Village, partly on foot. The route climbs a series of well-defined switchbacks, offering incredible views, including the dramatic 200-metre waterfall that flows from Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most striking natural features. Higher up, we’re rewarded with our first glimpse of Kanjiroba (6,883m), a snow-covered giant that dominates the skyline. Perched on a ridge above the lake, Ringmo is a traditional Bon village with 20–25 stone dwellings. In recent years, the community has seen increased prosperity from the harvest of yarsagumba, a rare caterpillar fungus highly prized in Chinese medicine. Each spring, villagers trek to high alpine ridges to collect this “Himalayan gold.” Tonight, we camp near the shores of Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by deep blue waters, alpine cliffs, and an unforgettable sense of peace. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Ringmo

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a scheduled acclimatization day, allowing you to rest and explore the incredible surroundings of Phoksundo Lake, one of the largest and most spectacular lakes in Nepal. This shimmering turquoise lake is steeped in myth and legend. According to local lore, Ringmo Village once stood on the site now occupied by the lake. When a demoness fleeing the great Tibetan master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) passed through, she gifted the villagers a turquoise in exchange for their silence. However, believing they’d been tricked, the villagers revealed her whereabouts, and in revenge, the demoness is said to have unleashed a flood, submerging the original village and giving birth to Phoksundo Lake. The lake is also known for its cinematic history, it was a key location in the Oscar-nominated 1999 film Caravan (Himalaya), which featured many local villagers and brought international attention to the region. During the day, you may choose to relax at camp, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore, or join a short hike to the nearby Bon monastery, which stands as a quiet testament to the pre-Buddhist religious traditions still practiced in Dolpo. Take the time to soak in the serenity of this remarkable place, rare combination of natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Ringmo

Meals: B,L,D

Today we leave the magical setting of Phoksundo Lake and begin riding westward into a different valley landscape, making our way to Pungmo Kharka. We first retrace our route back toward Sumduwa, descending along cliff-side trails and passing familiar views from a new perspective. The descent includes narrow sections with some exposure, so we dismount and walk at intervals to ensure safety for both riders and horses. From Sumduwa, we head westward into the Pungmo Valley, entering a distinctly different cultural pocket of Dolpo. The village of Pungmo is a traditional Bon community, and if time and interest allow, there may be opportunities for respectful interaction with local residents and a deeper insight into this ancient belief system. The day ends at Pungmo Kharka, where we set up camp in a tranquil riverside setting surrounded by wild, remote alpine terrain. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Pungmo Kharka

Meals: B,L,D

Today we make our gradual ascent toward the high alpine zone as we approach the base of the Kagmara Pass, one of the major highlights of the journey. From Pungmo, the trail leads through the quiet alpine valley of Lasha, with a mix of gentle ups and downs as we pass through pine and juniper woods, remote grazing areas, and scattered seasonal herder shelters. The air begins to thin as we climb higher into the mountains, and the landscape opens up to wide, windswept highlands surrounded by rugged peaks. By late afternoon, we arrive at Kagmara High Camp, nestled beneath the looming ridgeline of the pass. This high-altitude campsite sets us up for an early start and our crossing of the Kagmara La tomorrow, one of the most challenging and spectacular days of the trek. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Kagmara High Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today is one of the most dramatic and rewarding days of the horse trek as we cross the high and windswept Kagmara La (5,115m) — the highest point of our journey. The day begins with a steady ascent from Kagmara High Camp, following a rugged alpine trail that winds its way toward the pass. As we climb, the terrain becomes more barren and rocky, with sweeping views of the surrounding Dolpo and Kanjiroba ranges. Depending on conditions, we may dismount and walk sections of the ascent to assist our horses and safely manage the terrain. Reaching the Kagmara Pass, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan divide, a raw and remote landscape shaped by wind, snow, and time. From the top, we begin our long descent toward Kagmara Phedi, following a narrow trail that gradually eases into grassy meadows. Most of the descent will be done on foot to protect both riders and horses on the steeper, loose sections of trail. We camp tonight in the valley below the pass, surrounded by silence, stars, and the satisfaction of a high mountain crossing. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Kagmara Phedi

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s journey takes us on a long, gradual descent from Kagmara Phedi into more temperate terrain as we make our way to the village of Toijum. We leave the high alpine zone behind, following a spectacular trail that winds through open alpine meadows, past seasonal yak herder camps, and gradually transitions into lush forested slopes. The route is narrow and at times exposed, so we alternate between riding and walking in intervals of 20–30 minutes to ensure comfort and safety for both riders and horses. As we lose elevation, the air grows warmer and the greenery more vibrant, a dramatic contrast to the stark beauty of the past few days. This changing landscape makes today’s descent both visually rich and physically rewarding. We arrive at Toijum, a peaceful settlement nestled in a river valley, and settle into our wilderness camp for the night. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Toijum

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue our descent into more temperate and culturally rich terrain as we ride from Toijum to the village of Hurikot.The trail follows a gentle downhill gradient, passing through increasingly lush forests and fertile valleys. As we lose elevation, the change in vegetation and climate becomes more pronounced — a welcome return to warmer air and softer trails.Upon arrival in Hurikot, we find ourselves in one of the region’s culturally significant Bon villages. The village is home to a Bon monastery, and depending on time and interest, we may have the opportunity to visit and gain insight into this unique spiritual tradition, which predates Tibetan Buddhism and remains an important part of Dolpo’s cultural identity.We settle into camp in this welcoming valley village for the night. Overnight: Wilderness Camp, Hurikot

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we farewell our horse crew, who have supported us throughout this incredible journey across Dolpo. We then board our vehicles for a scenic mountain drive to the town of Jumla, the administrative centre of the Karnali region. The journey takes around four hours, winding through remote valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural villages, offering one final look at the diverse landscapes of western Nepal. Upon arrival in Jumla, we settle in for our final night. Depending on conditions and availability, we’ll stay either in a local lodge or at a private campsite nearby. Overnight: Lodge or Private Camp, Jumla

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we board a short flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj, descending from the mountains back to the lowland Terai. On arrival, we break for lunch in Nepalgunj before connecting with our afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the capital, we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free, a chance to relax, enjoy a hot shower, or explore the nearby markets of Thamel. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B,L

Today is a full free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You might choose to visit some of the city’s most iconic and spiritually significant landmarks: Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important site for cremation rituals along the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa, The largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a key Tibetan Buddhist site, filled with prayer flags, spinning wheels, and monastic life. Alternatively, dive into the vibrant chaos of Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist district, packed with colourful shops, cafés, and craft stalls, perfect for souvenir hunting or relaxing in a courtyard café. For those wanting more history and architecture, optional excursions can include: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) A hilltop shrine with sweeping views of the city. The World Heritage–listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur, or Kathmandu Durbar Square, all rich with temples, palaces, and traditional Newari architecture. In the evening, we come together one last time for a farewell dinner, a chance to reflect, share stories, and celebrate the unforgettable journey through Dolpo. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B

After breakfast, your journey through remote and extraordinary Dolpo comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the landscapes, cultures, and people of this remarkable region

Meals: B