NepalUpdated Nov 26, 2024
Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide
Manaslu suits experienced walkers who want a quieter restricted-area circuit. Permits, guide requirements, remoteness, and the Larkya La crossing shape the plan.
Upper Dolpo To Dhaulagiri and Mustang Trek
Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo and Dhaulagiri Trek.
Duration
22 Days
From group price
US$ 7,500
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Upper Dolpo To Dhaulagiri and Mustang Trek
Trip overview
The essentials, in one place
Journey overview
A quick read on the route, the comfort level, the pricing rhythm, and the details most travelers want before they get in touch.
Activities covered
1In short
Upper Dolpo To Dhaulagiri and Mustang Trek is a guided trek in Nepal usually presented as a 22 Days itinerary. It is designed for travelers comparing route fit, pacing, inclusions, and booking support before sending an inquiry. Key route focus: Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo.
Quick route highlights
The four details travelers usually care about first.
Short, practical, and easy to scan before you dive into the longer trip description.
Highlight
Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo
Upper Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area of Nepal. It is surrounded by high mountains on all sides namely Kanjirowa
The 22-days Upper Dolpo to Dhaulagiri trek is Amigo Treks & Expedition standard package; however, we can always prepare your
The trek begins with a flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj and slowly advances through Shey Phoksundo National Park along with
Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo and Dhaulagiri Trek. The trans-Himalayan region located in western Nepal is also one of the remotest places in the country. The remoteness of the region is well complimented by the authentic Tibetan lifestyle and culture of the locals.
Upper Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area of Nepal. It is surrounded by high mountains on all sides namely Kanjirowa (6612m), Hiunchuli Patan, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche ranges. The protected region of Dolpo District was first opened for tourists in 1989. Today, tourists are required to obtain a special permit to trek in the region. The inhabitants of Dolpo are known as Dolpali. Their ethnic lifestyle, Tibetan-influenced culture, and the practice of trans-border trade through Yak Caravan were documented for the first time by Eric Valli in his Oscar-nominated docudrama “Himalayas.” In opposition to the common practice in modern Buddhism, some Dolpalis still practice Bon-religion and perform anti-clockwise circumambulation of their shrines.
Useful details at a glance
- How many days do you need?
- 22 Days
- Where does this trip operate?
- Nepal
- What type of trip is it?
- Remote Trek
- Who is this trip best for?
- Amigo Essential service with Active Trek comfort profile
- What is the main route focus?
- Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo
Why travelers plan with Amigo
Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo and Dhaulagiri Trek.
Day-by-day route outline
Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day details
At the Tribhuvan International Airport, a company representative will greet you. You can get to your hotel by taking a short drive through the City of Temples. You can rest and unpack your belongings at the hotel. You can also choose to explore the surrounding areas as the day draws to a close. Meal Included: Dinner Highlights of the day: Newar culture, traditional dances, and music, local cuisine
Day 2
Trek preparation Day
Day details
Today will be spent preparing for the journey. Your guide will inspect your equipment and gear to see if it is of high quality. You can purchase any necessary gear or equipment, including trek accessories and snacks, at a nearby store. We will arrange for trek permits and national park admission on your behalf. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: UNESCO world heritage sites in the valley, medieval art, and architecture
Day 3
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj/ flight
Day details
After an early breakfast, you'll drive to Kathmandu airport and board a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, southwest of Kathmandu. Nepalgunj in Surkhet District, close to the Indian border in the south, remains one of the Terai region's major cities. In Nepalgunj, you can choose to wander the city at noon, visit the local zoo, or visit the popular 'Hath Bazaar' or street market. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: aerial views of the diverse Nepalese landscape, exploring the Terai city of Nepalgunj, unique culture and lifestyle
Day 4
Nepalgunj to Juphal/Dunai
Day details
You'll take an early morning trans-Himalayan flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The short flight takes you over the mountains of western Nepal to Juphal, the gateway to the Dolpo region. Following a brief layover, you will begin trekking and hiking to the nearby village of Dunai. It is nearly 3 hours away from Juphal and follows the terraced farmlands alongside the Bheri River. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: views of the lush hills, unique hilly culture, and traditions, the first taste of what's to come on the trek
Day 5
Dunai to Tarakot
Day details
The Dolpo region's administrative headquarters are in Dunai. It connects Juphal and other major Nepalese cities to the Dolpo district. After leaving Dunai, continue along the trail alongside the Bheri River, passing through deep gorges, numerous suspension bridges, and tiny settlements on your way to Tarakot village. To get to Tarakot, walk east from Dunai, past the colorful terraced fields of Dolpo. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: views of the Bheri River, local ethnic settlements, numerous Hindu temples
Day 6
Tarakot to Musi Khola
Day details
After leaving Tarakot village, the trail ascends and continues straight for a while. After lunch at Laisicap, you'll continue walking through the region's dense forests. To reach Musi Khola, trek east along the Bharbung River, passing through Tashigaon. It's a small village with a couple of lodges where you'll spend the night. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: Lam Gompa and other monasteries, a few Hindu shrines, incredible lush landscape
Day 7
Musi Khola to Kakkot Gaon
Day details
After leaving Musi Khola, continue along the trail through deep forests, crossing a small river at first and then a large river. After crossing the large river, the trail climbs steadily for several hours. From here on out, you'll be dealing with some rough terrain. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Putha mountain range from Kakkot Gaon. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: off-beat trekking trails, views of Puta Himal range, company of the Bharbun River
Day 8
Kakkot Gaon to Terang village
Day details
The trail continues along the Bharbung River from Kakkot Gaon. You have the option of going straight to Terang village or taking a short uphill hike to see the Mukut and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trail descends towards Pimarigaon, passing a couple of temples along the way. You then continue on to Terang, where you will spend the night camping by the river. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: a couple of Hindu temples, lush vegetation, isolated trails
Day 9
Terang to Mukut Gaon.
Day details
You'll walk for 15 minutes ahead of Terang village to cross the river. From here on out, the trail is straight for a while before heading steadily uphill. While you will initially follow the Phar Khola, in the final sections you will join the Mukut River. Before arriving at Mukut Gaon, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the nearby Sita Chuchura (6611m) and Dhaulagiri range. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: off-beat and secluded trails, views of the Dhaulagiri range, Mukut Himal (6087m)
Day 10
Mukut Gaon – Rest day
Day details
Today, you’ll spend the day acclimatizing at Mukut Gaon and exploring the surrounding. While admiring Mukut Peak, you can explore a hidden valley (6087m). Mukut Gaon is one of Nepal's most remote areas, with few trekkers passing through. You can take a short hike to a nearby vantage point and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: explore the nearby viewpoints, relish the scenery of surrounding landscapes, the panorama of Sita Chuchura, Dhaulagiri, and Putha Hiunchuli range
Day 11
Mukut Gaon to Yak Kharka
Day details
You'll start the day with an uphill climb as you leave Mukut Gaon. After leaving the small settlements, you'll travel to Yak Kharka, a local grazing area for yaks. Yak Kharka is a vast expanse of pastureland that is surrounded by the tranquil Dhaulagiri ranges. Along with the views of Timalibahi Danda, the trek passes by numerous glaciers. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: lush and tranquil pastures, a surreal scenic vista of the Dhaulagiri range
Day 12
Yak Kharka to Nulungsumda
Day details
After leaving Yak Kharka, continue along the trail to the 5,600-meter Mula Pass. The trek will be a little more difficult due to the rugged terrain, but it will still be exciting and fun. Throughout the trail, you can take in the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Nulungsumda, a nearby village (4987m). Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: cross the Mula Pass (5600m), views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and its ranges, Tukuche and Tashi Kang ranges
Day 13
Nulungsumda to Ghaldang Ghuldung | Crossing two passes Niwar pass (5120m) and Jugbenla pass (5880m)
Day details
After leaving Nulungsumda, the trail ascends for 2 hours before reaching the river. The trail ascends gradually to the first pass, Niwar La, from which you can see Thorang Peak (6144m), the Annapurna range, and the Muktinath Himal range. After passing through the first pass, you'll continue on to the next. To get to the top of Jugbenla, the trail goes straight uphill through difficult terrain. From the peak, you have a panoramic view of the valley. The trail from Jugbenla leads directly to Ghaldang Ghuldung village. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: cross Niwar Pass (5120m) and Jugbenla Pass (5880m), views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges
Day 14
Ghaldang Ghuldung to Hidden Valley/ (Khola camp)
Day details
As you leave Ghaldang Ghuldung village, you'll begin your journey through the narrow terrain into the secluded Hidden Valley. The Hidden Valley, which lies in the shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), is rarely visited, hence the name 'Hidden Valley.' After arriving in the valley, you'll make your way to a nearby river to set up camp for the night. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: Hidden Valley, enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, enjoy the Buddhist influence in the valley
Day 15
Hidden Valley Rest Day can see the different mountains like Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, and several small peaks.
Day details
Hidden Valley is a popular stop on the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and is surrounded by the Dhaulagiri range. Today, you'll take a tour of the valley and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains in all directions. Hidden Valley is also a great place to see the endangered Blue Sheep. You'll walk a short distance from Hidden Valley to Dhampus Peak's Base Camp (6012m). Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: explore the Hidden Valley, icy mid-afternoon winds in the valley, views of the Dhaulagiri range
Day 16
Climb Dhampus peak
Day details
To get to High Camp, take the trail that gradually ascends through an over the glaciated mountain pass from the base camp. You'll make your way to the summit after finishing your final preparations with ropes, crampons, harnesses, and ice-ax. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Annapurna I (8091m) and its entire range, as well as Annapurna South (7219m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), and other snow-capped peaks, once you reach the summit. After that, you'll return to base camp. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: climb Dhampus Peak (6012m), views of the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri ranges, enjoy the sublime geographic structures in the Annapurna region
Day 17
Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka
Day details
You'll continue eastward from the Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka. The trail in the middle on the way to Yak Kharka is a little difficult, so be cautious while walking (nearly 15 to 20 minutes). You'll arrive at Yak Kharka after crossing the sloped hill. The entire trek continues through pasturelands, with gradual ascents and descents. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: easier trek after a few strenuous days, views of the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Muktinath Himal ranges
Day 18
Yak Kharka to Marpha
Day details
You'll travel to Marpha village from Yak Kharka. Marpha is a well-known location in Mustang, known for its local apples and apple products. On your way to Marpha, stop by the local monastery. A Buddhist Chorten is painted onto the cliff face above the monastery, and there are numerous small stone Chortens on the ledges below. You can spend the night sampling the local apple-derived alcoholic beverages while taking in the culture. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: Thakali culture and traditions, Apple products like dried apple and Marpha, visit a few monasteries, views of the Nilgiri ranges
Day 19
Marpha to Jomsom
Day details
You'll travel north along the Kali Gandaki River from Marpha. The trek begins in Marpha and continues to Sayang village. After passing by several monasteries, you'll continue along sandy banks to Jomsom, where you'll spend the day. Jomsom is the district capital of Mustang and is located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: strong mid-day wind, unique Thakali culture in the town, views of the Kali Gandaki River
Day 20
Jomsom to Pokhara/ flight and Pokhara to Kathmandu/ flight
Day details
You'll fly from Jomsom to Pokhara early in the morning on a trans-Himalayan flight. On the flight, you can also take in the incredible views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountain ranges. After arriving in Pokhara, take a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. The short flight will last approximately 25 to 30 minutes. You will be escorted to your hotel once you arrive in Kathmandu. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: aerial view of the Himalayas in Annapurna range, explore Pokhara or Kathmandu
Day 21
Free Day
Day details
In Kathmandu, today is a free day. You can choose to go on a city tour of Kathmandu and see the sights you might have missed earlier in your journey. You can visit a local spa, a massage center, or any other wellness center in the city. Alternatively, there are numerous hiking opportunities in the Kathmandu Valley. Meal Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Highlights of the day: visit the prominent tourist attractions in the city, rest at local spas or meditation centers, shop for souvenirs
Day 22
Departure Day
Day details
It's your last day in Nepal today. Our representative will transport you to the airport in time for your return flight. Meal Included: Breakfast
Group pricing tiers
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2-10 travelers
US$ 7,500
per personTraveler suitability
Is this guided trek right for you?
This guided trek in Nepal is planned across 22 Days around route flow, support logistics, traveler comfort, and realistic operating conditions. The pace protects acclimatization, daily effort, and weather flexibility.
Best for
- Travelers comparing a guided trek in Nepal with local planning support.
- Guests with roughly 22 Days available who want route, permit, transport, and guide coordination handled together.
- Travelers comfortable with a active trek travel profile.
Not ideal for
- Travelers only looking for the cheapest possible package.
- Guests who need every day to feel low-altitude, low-effort, or fully predictable.
- Travelers who cannot allow flexibility for weather, roads, flights, permits, or border processes.
- Duration
- 22 Days
- Destination
- Nepal
- Trip style
- Remote Trek
- Difficulty profile
- Active Trek
- Service level
- Amigo Essential
- Route focus
- Experience the mystical land of shamanistic roots and the ancient Bon-Po religion of the Dolpo region on the Upper Dolpo and Dhaulagiri Trek. The tra...
Why this itinerary is designed this way
We review Nepal routes around altitude or road rhythm, daily effort, guide support, permit timing, accommodation flow, and traveler comfort before confirming the final version.
