Dolpo to Jomsom Trek | Great Himalaya Trail

Introduction

Dolpo to Jomsom trek takes you through a remote and spectacular region of western Nepal. This section of the Great Himalaya Trail goes through a rugged landscape on the Tibetan plateau, which is shaped by the dry wind. The tough and adventurous trail follows along rushing mountain rivers, through impressive gorges, and over high passes. Because Dolpo has been isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, the local culture you encounter has hardly changed. You will visit authentic monasteries, the nomad camp of Dho Tarap, and the fortified medieval village of Chharka Bhot.

This Dolpo to Jomsom trek crosses five passes over 5000+ meters, making it one of the toughest Upper Dolpo treks. You have to be physically at your best and have no fear to follow small mountain trails. We also have a Lower Dolpo to Jomsom trek available. This is still tough and goes through remote areas, but it is a lighter version with more accessible trails.

Dolpo to Jomsom Trek Overview

An early morning flight will take you to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. The next day, a spectacular flight with superb views of the Himalayan mountain range will take you to Juphal. From here on, your adventurous Dolpo to Jomsom trek begins. It is only a 3-hour trek to Dunai, which is the trading hub of Dolpo.

Up north, you trek beside the rushing Suli Khola. Pine and fir forests provide shade until you reach Shey Phoksundo Lake. This lake is a great place to stay for rest and acclimatization. Also, a visit to the monastery should not be missed. Most trekkers follow the lake’s edge on the classic Upper Dolpo route. Your path breaks away, turning east towards Bagala Phedi on the Jomsom trail. During this part of the trail, you can see clearly the mountain Norbung Kang, which is dominantly present in the mountain view.

From Bagala Phedi, you ascend, on an old yak trail, towards your first 5000+ pass of this trek. At 5,169 meters, Bagala Pass delivers stunning mountain panoramas. Old chortens mark the summit, with Norbung Kang dominating the horizon

The picturesque campsite of Danigar is a pleasant reward after the high pass. A second high pass follows the next day with hiking alongside the Ghyambo Khola river towards Numala pass (5309 meters). Again, the views are stunning, with Mount Dhaulagiri the most famous peak in this view. After you have crossed the pass, the trail is relatively easy towards Numala base camp and Dho Tarap.

Soon after descending from Numala base camp, you join the Upper Dolpo trek to the trading village of Dho Tarap. Chortens and Gompas (monasteries) are scattered alongside the trail. During your resting day at the Dho Tarap, it is possible to do a day hike to the 500-year-old Ribum Gompa nunnery. The Gompa is a typical monastery of the Bon religion, which is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist religion in the Dolpo region.

Soon after you have passed by the village of Maran, you have to cross the Tarpu Khola river several times. Eventually, you ascend to the Chan La pass (5378 m). The panoramic views from the pass are stunning. Then descend gradually, crossing the stream several times before reaching Chap Chu Lake.

The adventurous trail continues with river crossings, some climbing and descending, and finally a junction at an old chorten near Chharka Bhot. This is a medieval fortified village with a Bon Gompa. As you move on,  the hike to Nulungsunda is relatively easy with a slow climb. Nulungsunda Kharka is a picturesque campsite located at the confluence of the Malun Khola River and the Thasan Khola River. A perfect spot for a resting day.

Leaving Nulungsunda Kharka, the toughest trekking day commences. Pushing upward, the day begins with a steady climb to Niwas La at 5,120 meters. Beyond lies a second high pass across this ancient, barren plateau. Following the next pass, an easy climb will bring you to the Jungben La pass (5550 m).

Here, you look into the Hidden Valley and Mount Dhaulagiri. Hidden Valley is a valley trekkers pass through while doing the Dhaulagiri round trek. Other mountain ranges can be seen as well, with the Annapurna and the Kanjiroba being the most dominant ones.

Continuing after the two passes, the trail follows through a gully, followed by a mountain ridge with juniper trees and scrub towards Ghok. Another passing through gullies and river crossings will take you to the village of Sangda.

Once you have arrived at Phalyak, you are walking out of the Dolpo plateau and have arrived in the Mustang region. In Phalyak, you feel like being back in the inhabited western world with shops that sell beer and soft drinks. Also, a well-deserved shower is finally possible again.

The easy hike to Jomsom feels more like a short walk to stretch your legs. After a short flight, you arrive in Pokhara, where you will enjoy a rest day and reflect on your Dolpo to Jomsom trek. Finally, this memorable trip ends in Kathmandu, where you can do some souvenir shopping or visit one of the cultural sites in the Kathmandu valley.