Phoksundo Lake in Upper Dolpo | Bill Quinlan

Phoksumdo Lake, Dolpo region, Nepal

Saldang Village and mountain landscape in the Upper Dolpo of Nepal

Walking through the gullies of Upper Dolpo | Chris Jones

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Dolpo Crystal Mountain to Mustang Traverse

Name: Dolpo Crystal Mountain to Mustang Traverse
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: DCMM
Rating: 4.86 (7 reviews)

A remarkable trek for the Himalayan connoisseur

Nepal



7 reviews

28 Days from

$7020 USD

$7390 USD

Trip Code: DCMM

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hotel only Single Supplement

$180 USD

Tent only Single Supplement

$410 USD

Single Supplement

$600 USD

Duration

28 Days

Activities

21 day trek

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

4 nights hotel
23 nights camping

Meals

Valued at USD$1150

24 Dinners
25 Lunches
27 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

7 / 10

Challenging

Carbon Footprint

24kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(635kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Walk through the landscapes that inspired Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard, a place of spiritual mystery and breathtaking scale
Hike along the vivid turquoise shores of Phoksumdo Lake, among pine, juniper and birch forests and wild, rocky ridges.
Cross remote high passes between Dolpo and Mustang, with endless mountain horizons that reach toward the borderlands of Tibet
Trek to the fabled Crystal Mountain, a sacred pilgrimage site in Dolpo, and visit monasteries where Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions continue much as they have for centuries

Overview

This is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Dolpo, a secluded region that inspired Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard and Eric Valli’s film Himalaya. It’s a land where ancient Buddhist and Bon traditions still guide daily life. Bon is the indigenous religion of Tibet, predating Buddhism, and its rituals and beliefs are still deeply woven into the culture here.

Our specially crafted itinerary begins with an ascent to the sacred waters of Phoksumdo Lake, set among pine and birch forests, before crossing into a wild corner of the Trans Himalaya rarely visited. From Dolpo we traverse east into Mustang, gaining a deep insight into these remote cultural landscapes and experiencing the rugged beauty.

With 20 days of trekking, this is a truly extended Himalayan adventure that takes you further, the kind of journey that often leaves travellers transformed by the sheer scale and spirit of the places they have walked through.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, you attend a pre-trek briefing where your guide outlines the journey and distributes your trekking equipment. The day concludes with a welcome dinner, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Meals: Nil

This morning you transfer to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj, located in the lowland Terai region near the Indian border. As you descend, the landscape changes from mountain terrain to subtropical plains. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel and have time to relax. The day concludes in Nepalgunj as you prepare for the next stage of your journey. Accommodation: Hotel Nepalgunj

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you take a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m / 8,120ft), entering the remote mountain landscapes of Dolpo. On arrival, you meet your trekking crew and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Rupghat (2,070m / 6,791ft) through villages and river valleys. This marks your transition into the remote regions of western Nepal. The day concludes at your camp in Rupghat. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you begin your trek, following the river valley towards the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. After permits are checked, the trail continues through forested hillsides and traditional settlements as you gradually gain altitude. Along the way, you may see bharal (blue sheep) on the surrounding slopes. The day concludes at Chhekpa (2,720m / 8,924ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you follow the Suli Gad River, passing through small settlements and crossing suspension bridges along the way. The trail ascends gradually through blue pine and cedar forest, with occasional open sections along the valley. At times, the path climbs above the river, offering views into the Suli Gad gorge and surrounding peaks. The day concludes at Boring (3,110m / 10,203ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ascend out of the gorge towards Phoksundo Lake, following the valley to the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola. The trail passes through settlements including Samjhana before climbing steadily on switchbacks towards Ringmo. As you gain elevation, views open to a waterfall flowing from Phoksundo Lake and surrounding peaks. The day concludes at Ringmo (3,650m / 11,975ft), set above the lake in a remote mountain setting. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an acclimatisation day at Phoksundo Lake, set among steep cliffs and mountain peaks. You explore the surrounding area and take a short hike to a nearby Bon monastery. The lake is known for its striking colour and cultural significance in the region. The day concludes at your camp in Ringmo. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you leave Ringmo and follow the shoreline of Phoksundo Lake, with views across its turquoise waters. A climb leads to a high crest above the lake, offering a broad view of the surrounding landscape. The trail then descends through birch forest to a meadow at the northern end of the lake. The day concludes at Chholupu (3,650m / 11,975ft), where your camp is set near the lakeshore. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you follow the Phoksundo Khola upstream through a broad valley, passing a side gorge leading towards Ngadra La. The trail then continues along the valley floor before climbing gradually onto grassy ridges. As you gain altitude, views open across the surrounding mountain landscape. The day concludes at Lar Tsa (4,200m / 13,780ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue ascending into the high valleys of Dolpo, following a steady climb to a ridge above camp. From the crest, the trail descends gently across alpine terrain. The surrounding landscape opens to high mountain pastures and rugged peaks. The day concludes at Mendok Ding (4,620m / 15,157ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ascend to Sehu La (5,120m / 16,798ft), entering the high mountain landscapes of inner Dolpo. From the pass, views extend across the surrounding ranges before the trail continues along the route around Crystal Mountain. The path then crosses smaller passes and descends towards the Tar Valley, passing Tsakang Gompa along the way. The day concludes at Shey Gompa (4,250m / 13,944ft), where your camp is set in a broad alpine meadow. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you spend a rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa, located beneath Crystal Mountain in the remote landscapes of inner Dolpo. You have time to explore the monastery and surrounding valley. Optional walks to nearby viewpoints offer perspectives of the surrounding peaks and terrain. The day concludes at your camp at Shey Gompa. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ascend through alpine terrain towards Shey La (5,010m / 16,437ft), following a gradual climb through rocky landscapes. From the pass, views extend across remote valleys and surrounding peaks. The trail then descends towards Namgung (4,403m / 14,445ft), a village set beneath steep cliffs. The day concludes at your camp in Namgung. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you follow a high trail across ridgelines towards Saldung Gaun (3,770m / 12,369ft). The route climbs gradually to a ridge, with views across the surrounding mountain landscape. From here, you descend towards the village, one of the main settlements in Upper Dolpo. The day concludes at Saldung Gaun, where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you cross the Nagon Khola and begin a steady ascent towards Khoma La (4,565m / 14,977ft). From the pass, views extend across the dry valleys and rugged mountain landscapes of Upper Dolpo. The trail then descends through alpine terrain towards Khama Gaun (4,060m / 13,320ft). The day concludes at your camp in this remote mountain settlement. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you cross the Gurchau Khola and ascend towards Shimen La (4,375m / 14,354ft). From the pass, views extend across the Panjyang Valley and surrounding high-altitude landscapes. The trail then descends through a quiet valley, following the river downstream. The day concludes at Phu Gompa (3,937m / 12,917ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you follow the Panzang Valley upstream, gradually gaining altitude through remote alpine terrain. The trail passes through small settlements and the village of Tinje, reflecting the Tibetan cultural heritage of the region. Continuing along the valley, the route leads towards the higher country of Upper Dolpo. The day concludes at Dobhan Camp (4,550m / 14,928ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue following the Panzang Khola, trekking upstream through remote alpine terrain. The route leaves the main valley at the confluence with the Kehen Khola, climbing gradually towards higher ground. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens to high grazing pastures and surrounding mountain views. The day concludes at High Camp Pokhari (4,900m / 16,076ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ascend steadily to Mu La (4,950m / 16,240ft), with views across the surrounding mountain ranges. From the pass, the trail descends through rugged terrain towards the valleys below. The route then traverses above gorges and river valleys before reaching Chharka Bhot (4,306m / 14,127ft). The day concludes at your camp in this remote village. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a contingency day to allow flexibility for weather, route conditions or delays earlier in the trek. If not required, the day can be used to rest and explore the village of Chharka Bhot. Optional walks in the surrounding area offer views across the mountain landscape. The day concludes at your camp in Chharka Bhot. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you leave Chharka Bhot and follow the Dhulji River, ascending gradually through alpine pastures. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more open and rugged, with sections of moraine along the route. The trail continues through remote high-altitude terrain towards your campsite. The day concludes at Nakhkam Khola Camp (4,800m / 15,748ft), set beside the river. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue ascending into high alpine terrain as you approach the pass leading towards Mustang. The trail crosses small streams and climbs steadily through rugged mountain landscapes. As you gain elevation, the route traverses moraine fields and high-altitude terrain. The day concludes at High Camp (5,360m / 17,585ft), where your camp is set beneath the slopes of the upcoming pass. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you ascend towards Ghemi La (5,705m / 18,717ft), crossing into the Mustang region. From the pass, views extend across surrounding mountain ranges and high-altitude landscapes. The trail then descends through alpine terrain towards Kharka (5,380m / 17,651ft). The day concludes at your camp in this remote high-altitude setting. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you traverse high-altitude terrain, descending gradually across moraine and alpine landscapes towards Mustang. The trail crosses small streams and offers views across the surrounding valleys and gorges. As you continue, the landscape opens to the rugged terrain of the Mustang region. The day concludes at Camp above Ghemi (4,900m / 16,076ft), where your camp is set. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you trek towards Ghemi, following trails that descend from the high terrain into cultivated valleys. On arrival in Ghemi (3,570m / 11,713ft), you conclude the trekking section of your journey. You then transfer by vehicle, following the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft). The day concludes at your lodge in Jomsom. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing through the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On arrival, you connect with your onward flight to Kathmandu (1,330m / 4,364ft). After transferring to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. The day concludes in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals: B,L

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu. You may choose to visit cultural sites such as Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Alternatively, you can explore the streets and markets of Thamel or other areas of the city. The day concludes at your hotel in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals: B

After breakfast, you are transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your trip concludes in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

27 breakfasts, 25 lunches and 24 dinners including all meals on trek (valued at US$1100)
Accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu and in fully serviced wilderness campsites
Internal flights Kathmandu/Nepalganj/Juphal and Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu
Expert bilingual guide
Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 27, or if you have prebooked accommodation at the Radisson Hotel through us
All park entrance fees and trekking permits (valued at US$868)
Use of a trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
World Expeditions Souvenir kit bag
Safety equipment including satellite phone, portable high altitude chamber and expedition medical kit
Porters to carry all personal and group equipment, including porter insurance

Not included

International flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
Tips and gratuities
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry etc.
Any items not listed as included