• Arrive in Kathmandu.
• Our representative will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
• The program will be briefly explained on the way to the hotel.
• Rest of the day varies depending on your arrival time; some activities can be arranged if you arrive by midday or late afternoon.

• After breakfast at the hotel, we start our day by visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it is a significant cultural and architectural landmark. It served as the royal palace of the Malla kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from 1201 to 1779. The architecture reflects the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Newar people, who are indigenous to the valley.
• We then make our way to the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the oldest and most important sacred Buddhist site located on a hill in Kathmandu. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The stupa's name, Swayambhunath, means "self-existent one" in Sanskrit, indicating its ancient origins.
• After lunch, we head to the Pashupatinath Temple, another significant religious site in Kathmandu, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The temple is not only a religious site but also an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus from Nepal, India, and beyond. It is believed that a visit to Pashupatinath and offering prayers here can cleanse one's sins and lead to spiritual liberation.

Our day of sightseeing concludes at the Boudhanath Stupa, which is believed to have been built in the 5th century, making it one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent symbol of Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa is a massive structure with a dome-shaped base and a towering spire, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha painted on all four sides. These eyes, known as the "Eyes of Buddha" or "Wisdom Eyes," symbolize the all-seeing and compassionate nature of the Buddha.

• We take an early flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu
• Drive from Nepalgunj to Bardiya National Park, home to Asian Elephants, One-Horned Rhinoceros and most notably the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Explore Bardiya National Park and visit the Karnali Bridge which is the first and only cable-stayed bridge in Nepal.
• Return to Nepalgunj for overnight stay.

• Morning flight to the hillside village of Juphal from Nepalgunj. 
• Upon arrival, we meet our porters and we go through entry permit verification for the Shey-Phoksundo National Park.
• From Juphal, we will trek for around three hours to reach the village of Dunai.

• We start today’s trek crossing the new suspension bridge turning west from Dunai.
• At the Thuli Bheri and Suli Gad river confluence, follow along the Suli Gad.
• Pass through overgrown marijuana fields interspersed with millet, pumpkin, potato and chili crops.
• Many villages here farm the "chuk" plant used to make vinegar and medicines.
• After 6 to 7 hours, we arrive at the settlement of Hanke - gateway to Shey Phoksundo National Park.

• Today’s trail grows increasingly strenuous as we move on. We start with a very steep and narrow ascent, hugging the cliff face.
• After descending back down to the river, the trail climbs steeply again.
• Take frequent stops to soak in panoramic views and catch your breath.
• Tonight, we'll camp alongside the raging Suli Gad River. Try to relish the remoteness under the canopy of star-studded sky.

• Begin the trek with an easy trail before the path becomes a steady incline at Sumdo.
• Get your first glimpse of the stunning turquoise Phoksundo Lake from over the ridge vantage point.
• Descend through birch forests to the upper Phoksundo Khola river valley.
• Pass through the picturesque village of Ringmo with its mudbrick chortens and mani walls. Notice the new solar panels improving life for the local villagers.
• From Ringmo, it's a short walk to Phoksundo's magnificent shoreline.
• Set up camp right on the shores of Phoksundo Lake.

• From camp, follow the precarious trail hugging the edge of Phoksundo's shores.
• Ascend steeply up to 4,040m, gaining breathtaking elevated views of the lake.
• Then plunge back down to the valley bottom of the Phoksundo Khola flood plain.
• Trek along the river, entering the confines of the forest.
• Take in your final views of the spectacular Phoksundo Lake from this serene riverside setting.

• We set out through a glacial valley which offers us stunning views of Chammlang Peak.
• As we head towards Phoksundo Bhanjyang, the path narrows and grows steeper. On the way we cross over the raging Phoksundo River and another stream.
• Next, we climb up to a sweeping sheep meadow high above.
• From here, we enter a new valley offering tantalizing glimpses of Kang La Pass ahead.
• Continue trekking through this remote valley towards our day's destination to the village of Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

• Our trek begins with a grueling 2-hour ascent up a dusty trail to Kang La Pass (5,360m), also called Nadra La.
• From the pass's summit, take in ever so beautiful views of a vast valley bisected by the river.
• Carefully descend the steep, snow-covered Kang La Pass on about a 3-hour downhill trek.
• After getting across the Kang La Pass, we arrive at the small village of Shey Gompa.
• With just a few abodes, this remote settlement is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. Visit Shey Gompa, considered the heart of inner Dolpo before you rest for the night.

• We will be spending an extra day in Shey acclimating to the high altitude.
• Our acclimatization starts with a hike northwards to the remote Tsakang Gompa, known as the "Crystal Monastery". Rather than a monastery, this 11th century construction was once a famed meditation center.
• Explore the ancient Buddhist culture and legends surrounding this sacred site.
• Back in Shey, explore the village's namesake Shey Gompa monastery. This centuries-old gompa belongs to the Buddhist Chaiba community who follow Padmasambhava.
• Gaze upon the Crystal Mountain - its quartz-laced cliffs embedded with marine fossils. 
• Try to soak in the magic of this rarely-visited spiritual and natural wonder.

• The path begins criss-crossing over exposed rocks and loose scree as we gain elevation. The trail winds through juniper trees into a narrow, rocky gulch.
• After a strenuous climb, we reach the heights of Saldang La pass at 5,200m.
• Begin the descent northwards on a long, tiring trail into a pastoral valley below.
• En route, we pass fields where yaks, sheeps and yak-hair tents fill the land.
• After 6-7 hours of trekking, we will arrive at the village of Namduna Gaun. 
• Much like Shey, Namduna is home to Namgung Gompa of the Karma-pa Buddhist sect. We will be staying overnight here.

• Today’s trek begins with a strenuous ascent up a scree-covered slope.
• After 3-4 grueling hours of climbing, we will reach almost 4,800m in elevation. From this high point, carefully descend down a steep slope.
• We will then arrive at the picturesque village of Saldang, perched on a plateau. Take in view of Saldang standing high above the Nam Khong Nala valley.
• One of lower Dolpo's largest settlements, Saldang is also a prosperous agricultural hub. Its strategic location has also made it an important trading stop on routes to Tibet.
• Explore the scenic village set amid this remote, high-altitude landscape.
• Overnight in Saldang to experience life in this rarely-visited Himalayan enclave.

• We depart from the village of Saldang, trekking down towards the river valley below.
• Passing through fields and passing past strings of stupas, chortens and mani walls we reach the local Chaiba Buddhist monastery on our descent.
• Arrive at the prosperous Namdo village, home to around 500 people. This settlement stretches 5 km along the high slopes above the Nam Khong Khola river.
• Explore Namdo's monastery located at the riverside, and another gompa atop a cliff.
• After exploring Namdo, continue downhill towards our riverside camp at Sibu.
• Set up for the night along the banks of the Nam Khong Khola River.

• Two hours after setting out following one branch of the Nam Khong Khola River, we will find ourselves amongst another stream feeding the valley.
• Turn eastwards, beginning a steep ascent up the valley side then climb  towards the area just below Jeng La Phedi pass.
• Take in views overlooking the dramatic Nam Khong Khola valley below.
• After 5 to 6 hours of trekking uphill, we reach our night's camp at Jeng La Phedi.

• From Jeng La Phedi, its a 2 hour strenuous ascent to Jeng La Pass at 5,090 m.
• Upon cresting Jeng La, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks.
• From the pass, we carefully make our way down into the spectacularly scenic Tarap Valley below. Tarap is a 20 km long valley cradled between mountains along the Tarap Chu River.
• Arrive in one of Tarap's picturesque villages of Tokyu Gaon after the 6-7 hour trek over Jeng La.

• Before departing from Tokyu Gaon, we will visit the village's ancient Chaiba Gompa monastery.
• After a short visit, we follow the well-trodden trail towards Dho Tarap, passing fields where harvests can be seen.
• Pass crumbling chortens and strings of colorful mani walls lining the path on the way to Dho Tarap.
• In Dho Tarap, visit the "French School" just outside the village.
• This area is home primarily to Magar people who have lived here for generations. Both Buddhist Nyingmapa and Bon Po practitioners coexist in these highlands.
• Visit the Buddhist gompa, where the resident lama may show us his private chambers.
• Hike up to the Bon Po gompa, a 30-minute trek from your Dho Tarap before we retire for the night.

• Follow the downhill course of the raging Tarap Khola River through narrow gorges.
• Keep an eye out for blue sheep, marmots, yaks and Himalayan herders with their flocks. Many Dolpo residents are making the seasonal migration to lower winter pastures.
• In places, the centuries-old trail narrows precariously along the river's edge.
• After 5 to 6 hours of trekking the Tarap Valley, reach your riverside campsite.

• We begin trekking downhill, following the dramatic Tarap River gorge. At certain precipitous points, the sheer gorge is narrow enough to leap across.
• The valley narrows into a deep ravine, with the river raging far below.
• We continue our descent through this geological wonderland of towering cliffs.
• After 5-6 hours getting across the gorge, arrive at our riverside camp in Khanigaon.

• We depart from Khanigaon, trekking alongside the Bheri River's course.
• Pass through the village of Lalberi, continuing on through dense forests.
• After about 5 hours of hiking, we'll arrive at the ancient fortress town of Tarakot.
• Explore Tarakot's Old Dzong, as the locals refer to this historic walled fort.
• From Tarakot, we will visit the famous Sandul Gompa monastery.
• Sandul lies 8km east at the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu rivers.
• Overnight in the unique frontier settlement of Tarakot.

• From Tarakot, the trail descends alongside the Bheri River. This foot trail is built 20 feet above the river's edge.
• After 5 to 6 hours of trekking past dramatic river scenery, arrive in Dunai. We've now come full circle, returning to this village marking the start and end point of our trek.
• Spend one final night under Dunai's star-filled skies, reminiscing about your journey's highlights.

• We start our final day of trekking along the Bheri River. Passing through the villages of Kalakonda and Motipur and their teahouses.
• Soak in the last views of the dramatic river landscapes we've grown so familiar with.
• As you near Juphal, the trail ascends slightly uphill towards the airstrip.
• After 2 to 3 hours of hiking, arrive at Juphal.

• Another chance to enjoy this great flight and savor the final glance of the majestic Dolpo and the Himalayas.
• Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.
• You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.

The grand finale of our adventure in the Dolpo District has arrived! Today marks the conclusion of our remarkable 24-day trek to Upper Dolpo. Our airport representative will accompany you to the International Airport, ensuring a smooth departure for your journey back home.

As we bid you farewell, we hold the hope that your wanderlust brings you back to Nepal once more. Safe travels!