Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Meet and greet with tour representatives, followed by transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for the expedition.

Key Metrics: Drive: ~25 mins | Overnight: Hotel

Transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for an afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, a vibrant city in western Nepal near the Indian border. Evening orientation and briefing.

Key Metrics: Flight: ~50 mins | Overnight: Hotel

Early morning 40-minute flight to Talcha Airport (1,870 m) in Mugu. Ascend over stepping stone paths through pine and mixed forests to reach a high ridge. Descend to catch breathtaking views of Rara Lake—Nepal's largest freshwater lake. Walk along the lakeshore to the camping site and join the support team.

Key Metrics: Flight: ~40 mins | Trek: 4-5 hrs | Asc: +550 m | Desc: -220 m

Retrace steps briefly before turning left to climb a scenic ridge. Descend for two hours into Gamgadhi, the administrative headquarters of Mugu District. Cross a stream via a bridge and walk alongside the powerful Karnali River—flowing directly from Mt. Kailash. Pass traditional mountain villages to reach Lumsa.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +380 m | Desc: -1,400 m | Overnight: Camp (School ground)

Enjoy a pleasant walk to Chala Village, passing traditional watermills used by local caravans to grind corn, barley, and rice. Follow the mountain stream continuously upwards, taking lunch along the trail before arriving in Phale.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +1,000 m | Desc: -530 m | Overnight: Camp

Trek along the Mugu Karnali River, crossing bridges and witnessing the confluence with the Namlang River originating from Mount Kanjirowa. Continue along the riverbank before ascending to the Tiyar Monastery complex.

Key Metrics: Trek: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +400 m | Desc: -300 m | Overnight: Monastery Camp

Briefly retrace steps to join the trail leading to Salenchaur Kharka. Gentle ascent through lush, quiet forest along the stream. Encounter nomadic traders along this off-the-beaten-path route before reaching the open alpine meadow of Salenchaur.

Key Metrics: Trek: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +800 m | Desc: -300 m | Overnight: Camp

Rest and acclimatization day. Take a day hike toward Mugu Village with a packed lunch. Explore local tea stalls, interact with locals, visit a serene local park with a Buddha statue, and soak in remote culture.

Key Metrics: Trek/Excursion: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +630 m | Desc: -630 m | Overnight: Camp

Cross the Mugu Khola and turn into the Chhyam Khola gorge. Ascend along a narrow canyon trail, crossing Babar Khola to emerge into the expansive, beautiful alpine pastureland of Thajuchaur.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +1,225 m | Desc: -100 m | Overnight: Camp

Early morning start. Ascend rocky moraine terrain to cross Chyargo La Pass (5,150 m). Enjoy packed lunch at high altitude before a steep, technical descent requiring careful footwork. Reach the riverbed and walk gently to Takla Khola.

Key Metrics: Pass: Chyargo La (5,150 m) | Trek: 7-8 hrs | Asc: +1,100 m | Desc: -1,365 m

Cross Takla Khola over a wooden bridge and climb a narrow ridge offering panoramic views of Tibetan peaks. Descend sharply to Kaitpuchonam Khola for lunch. Cross the stream (crossing temporary bridges if needed) and ascend steeply into the high Chyandi Khola valley.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +1,450 m | Desc: -400 m | Overnight: Camp

Depart early with packed lunch for a challenging climb up to Yala La Pass (5,414 m). Descend across glacial debris into the Swaksa Khola riverbed and continue down to the wide pasture of Pung Kharka.

Key Metrics: Pass: Yala La (5,414 m) | Trek: 7-8 hrs | Asc: +1,350 m | Desc: -1,100 m

The most demanding day of the trek. Ascend along Swaksa Khola over Ridge Pass (5,450 m), followed by an immediate push up to Nyingma Gyaltsen Pass (5,563 m)—the highest point of the trip. Descend long rocky moraines, passing ancient mani walls, down to isolated Pho Village in Dolpo.

Key Metrics: Passes: 5,450 m & 5,563 m | Trek: 8-9 hrs | Asc: +1,100 m | Desc: -1,700 m

A well-earned rest day to recuperate after crossing high passes. Explore the unique culture, ancient traditions, and Tibetan-influenced architecture of isolated Pho Village.

Key Metrics: Rest Day | Overnight: Camp / Local Homestay

Descend to Tora Khola, cross the bridge and pass through giant natural stone gateways and caves. Ascend 3-4 hours to Yambur La Pass (4,813 m) before descending into Bhijer Village, home to ancient monasteries and a school supported by French NGOs.
Key Metrics: Pass: Yambur La (4,813 m) | Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +1,200 m | Desc: -1,425 m

A shorter trek following the clear Yamchho Khola stream with a steady, gentle ascent up to Nangla La Phedi (Pass Base Camp). Allows full recovery and preparation for tomorrow's high pass.

Key Metrics: Trek: ~4 hrs | Asc: +780 m | Desc: -100 m | Overnight: High Camp

Ascend to Nangla Pass (5,400 m) revealing sweeping vistas of Mount Dhaulagiri and Tibetan peaks. Descend through high ridges into Saldang, the largest and most prominent village in Upper Dolpo.

Key Metrics: Pass: Nangla Pass (5,400 m) | Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +840 m | Desc: -1,410 m

Explore Saldang’s ancient monasteries in the morning. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed 3-hour walk past intricate chortens and mani prayer walls along the gentle valley trail to peaceful Chaa Gaon.

Key Metrics: Trek: ~3 hrs | Asc: +160 m | Desc: -30 m | Overnight: Camp

Ascend alongside Dachun Khola, passing through Rakyo Village and narrow canyon gorges. Multiple river crossings required. Pass Darsuna Dobhan and climb steeply up to the base camp of Jyanta La.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +900 m | Desc: -100 m | Overnight: Camp

Cross the broad saddle of Jyanta La Pass (5,130 m) offering majestic views of Dhaulagiri. Descend along Tarak Khola past Tokyu Village and the famous Crystal Mountain School to Dho Tarap, a rich Tibetan cultural hub.

Key Metrics: Pass: Jyanta La (5,130 m) | Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +350 m | Desc: -1,090 m

Full rest day in Dho Tarap. Take time for laundry, hot showers, and resting. Explore local Bon and Nyingma monasteries, interact with local Tibetan-heritage families, and visit community projects.

Key Metrics: Rest Day | Overnight: Camp / Teahouse

Cross Dho Khola and trek into Schipshok village. Visit historic Nyingma-pa and Bon monasteries before entering a narrow alpine gorge. Ascend steadily to Jharkoi La Phedi.

Key Metrics: Trek: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +800 m | Desc: -100 m | Overnight: High Camp

Steep morning climb to a ridge leading up to Jharkoi La Pass. Spectacular rewarded panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal (>7,000 m). Packed lunch on descent into nomadic alpine pastures at Lajar Kharka.

Key Metrics: Pass: Jharkoi La | Trek: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +700 m | Desc: -720 m | Overnight: Camp

A 90-minute climb brings you to Mola La Pass (5,030 m) with superb Dhaulagiri range panoramas. Descend gently to Chharkha Bhot, the easternmost stronghold village of Dolpo bordering Mustang.

Key Metrics: Pass: Mola La (5,030 m) | Trek: 5-6 hrs | Asc: +400 m | Desc: -850 m

Trek along Barbung Khola, cross Mulung Khola bridge, and navigate a narrow river canyon with multiple stream crossings. Camp on the scenic riverbank of Mulung Khola.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +750 m | Desc: -200 m | Overnight: Camp

Cross Nirwa La, then ascend alpine slopes to Jungben La Pass (5,555 m)—the ultimate high pass looking over Kali Gandaki valley. Cross Kok La Pass (5,120 m) before a steep descent over Ghandang Ghuldung Khola to camp.

Key Metrics: Passes: Jungben La (5,555 m) & Kok La | Trek: 7-8 hrs | Asc: +780 m | Desc: -1,340 m

Trek through varied terrain with view of Ghok village. Arrive at traditional Sangta Village for lunch. Continue across gravel roads towards open terrain with colorful Mustang valley vistas.

Key Metrics: Trek: 6-7 hrs | Asc: +250 m | Desc: -700 m | Overnight: Camp

Trek to a high ridge offering iconic vistas of Mt. Tilicho, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Descend to the Kali Gandaki riverbed and arrive in Kagbeni (2,840 m). Lunch and tour of Kagbeni Monastery before driving to Jomsom.

Key Metrics: Trek: 3-4 hrs | Asc: +160 m | Desc: -1,530 m | Drive to Jomsom | Overnight: Hotel

Morning scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 mins), followed by a connecting flight back to Kathmandu (25 mins). Hotel transfer and afternoon leisure.

Key Metrics: 2 Short Scenic Flights | Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Contingency buffer day for potential flight delays in mountain airstrips. Optional full-day guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g., Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square) or wellness/ayurvedic massage.

Key Metrics: Leisure / Buffer Day | Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast at hotel. Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to scheduled departure flight.

Key Metrics: Airport Transfer | End of Services