About Upper Dolpo Meditation Trekking

Regulus drafted Upper Dolpo—Meditation Trek introduces you with one of the oldest religions of the world—Bon Po. Upper Dolpo is the only place in the world where Bon Po is followed and practiced in ancient manner.

The core lesson of the Bon Po is that everything existing in the world, be it living or non-living things, has spirit. On the foundation of this principle the religion suggests human being to treat everything with respect and kindness. It asks us to respect human beings, plants and even stone or hills. This principle of Bon Po is still applicable in today’s modern world where the planet is threatened from every side like war, fight, environmental challenges and many more.

Trekkers under Upper Dolpo—Meditation Trekking will experience splendid beauty of nature. The heart melting beauty of Phoksundo Lake, Crystal Mountains, the snow-capped peaks and the Shey Monastery will change your heart transforming you towards humanity. 

Bon Po religion used to be practiced in Tibet as it (Tibet) is the origin of the religion. But, the Cultural Revolution of China in 1959 destroyed the religion leaving almost no signs of it in the area.

Upper Dolpo shares border with Tibet, Autonomous Region of China and the destination has influence of Tibetan culture and traditions since long time back. People from Tibet used to visit here to meditate and practice Bon Po then. Due to the exchange of culture many people living here started following Bon Po since past. Due to this reason Dolpo remained as sole place in this planet where Bon Po is practiced as the religion was completely destroyed in Tibet.

Bon Po is similar to existing Buddhism but differs slight in the principle. It was introduced in the world before existing Buddhism. One of the popular dynasties of Tibet, Zhangzhung, used to perform Bon Po rituals then.

Upper Dolpo is true place for meditation because it is said that Guru Rinpoche discovered Upper Dolpo as ‘hidden valley’. He said that this is the right place to meditate for those people who want to purify their mind and thoughts through meditation. Following him (Rinpoche) many people from Tibet flocked here to practice meditation.  

Itinerary

Expand allCollapse all

Upper Dolpo Meditation Trekking Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu (1300m) - 30 min.

Our officer will receive you at the airport and guide you to your hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be briefed about meditation sessions and the inner transformation you’ll experience after the Upper Dolpo Trek. Have a delicious dinner. Overnight stay in Kathmandu Hotel.

    After breakfast, you’ll traverse to UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. Lunch at a restaurant and return to the hotel in the afternoon. You’ll be briefed about the trek by your trekking guide. End your day with a healthy fresh dinner.

      Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

      Take a domestic flight to Nepalgunj. A city connected with the border of India, Nepalgunj provides you with varieties of Indian influenced street food. Do not hesitate to try spicy chat, sweets, biryani, ravage, etc., for lunch. Explore the city by bicycle or rickshaw. Visit the Bageshwori temple and return to the hotel for evening meditation.

        Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

        Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal Airport. Observe the geography of Nepal, a canvas with greeneries, hills and mountains. You’ll feel a sudden change in temperature once you reach Juphal. From there, take a short walk to Dunai (Headquarter). Spend your night at the tented camp.

          Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

          After breakfast, trek from Dunai to Ankhe. You’ll pass through a suspension bridge leading to the bosom of Thulo Bheri valley. On the way, you’ll notice Kagmara Peak and the vegetation like Juniper, Pine, hemlock, Birch, etc. Cross the stream, and you’ll reach Ankhe after a short hike. Spend your night at the tented camp.  

            Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

            You are feeling livelier after yoga and local breakfast; prep yourself for today’s strenuous trek. After the ups and downs of the trail, you’ll notice a slight difference in vegetation. The dark forested trail slowly converts into the barren, scarcely green track. Pass through several streams and rocky trails. After a few hours of trek, you’ll reach Renje via Sunlight. Spend your night at the tented camp. 

              Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

              Wake up with vibrant energy as you’re heading towards the Upper part of Dolpo. As you enter the national park area, you might notice endangered species like blue sheep, excellent Tibetan sheep, Ghoral, etc. Travel along with Pungmo Khola to Palam village and have lunch. Stepping through boulders, you’ll be astonished to notice the waterfall at the highest altitude. Continuing your trail, you’ll finally reach Shey (pristine) Phoksundo lake. A crystal clear, the turquoise lake will transcend you from your physical nature. Housed in the Rigmo village, the lake itself has spiritual significance, and people here often come to practice Bon-Po culture. Meditate in the lake premise and end your day at the tented camp.

                Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                Today you don’t have to hurry for a long trek, so after a yoga session and breakfast, explore the serenity of Shey Phoksundo lake. Meet the warm-heartworm-hearted people of this autonomous region and listen to their story about the myth of Phoksundo lake. Taste their butter tea and visit ancient gompas to rejuvenate ancient Tibetan Buddhism. Meditate beside Chortens and mani walls in the evening. Spend your night at the tented camp. 

                  Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                  Wake up, breathing the chilly air of this Beyul “Hidden valley by Guru Rinpoche”. After yoga and breakfast, you’ll trek to Salla Ghari, a place where the first Nepali movie with English sub ‘Caravan’ was shot and nominated for an Oscar. Travel with the flocks of Himalayan beasts through rocky steps and boulders. After a few hours of trek, you’ll reach Salla Ghari. Spend your night at the tented camp.

                    Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                    Today you’ll be trekking through the glacial valley of Lar Tsa. Cross swift-flowing Phoksundo Khola that will lead you to Kang Gompa after an hour. Walk slow and steady in the snow-covered terrain, enjoying the beautiful view of Shey Shikhar (6139m). Descend to Lar Tsa, located at the riverside. Meditate listening to the sound of the flowing river. Spend your night at the camp.

                      Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                      Cleansing your energy in Phoksundo lake, today you’ll finally visit the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo, ‘Shey Gompa’. Walking through a strenuous trail, you’ll reach Kang La pass. Then descend towards Shey Gompa. The path here is said to have treasured a valuable herb Yarsagumba. After having lunch in this remote nature’s playground, you’ll reach Shey Gompa in the evening. Not only religiously but aesthetically also rich, this Gompa tells its century-old history to the visitor. Meditate near Shey Gompa and spend your night at the camp. 

                        Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                        Today you’ll get plenty of time to explore Shey Gompa ‘Crystal Monastery’. The monastery is said to be 800 years old and houses ancient Tibetan scripts. After practising your yoga and finishing the breakfast, explore the big mani walls and Chortens. Interact with villagers who will tell you the myth of Shey Gompa. Observe the paintings of great gurus like Milarepa and Padmasambhava inside Gompa.

                          Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                          Your morning led to practice your last yoga session at Shey Gompa. After a light breakfast, head in the East direction. Trek via Saldang La pass (5200m) to reach Namduna Gaun. Meditate in the evening. Spend your night at the camp. 

                            Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                            Today, you’ll get to trek a short yet exciting trail. Descent from Namduna Gaun to reach the beautiful village of Saldang. Compared to past remote villages, you’ll find a few more local inhabitants here. Visit Samye Choling Gompa, a contrast in the terraced farms. Spend your evening enjoying the landscape and meditating. Spend your night at the camp. 

                              Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                              After yoga and breakfast, you’ll trek from Saldang to Sibu through a few ups and downs. Pass through several mani stones, chortens and stupa. You might encounter nomadic shepherds camping to graze their yaks. As you descend to Nam Khong Khola, you’ll see the Chaiba Monastery, a red and white coloured Gompa. Then, we continue to fall through the gorge of the Namkhong Khola and reach today’s camping site Sibu. Meditate on the premise of the beautiful settlement of Sibu. Spend your night at camp.

                                Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                Today, we continue our journey to Namkong Khola Valley. On the way, meet with jingling yak caravans that will entertain you through the ups and downs of the trail. From Nam Khong Nala, head towards the East. After you reach the two small tributaries, prepare yourself to climb the steep trail. You’ll finally get a beautiful meadow below Jengla Pass. Spend your night at the camp in the Jengla Phedi.

                                  Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                  Today’s trek is easy, and you’ll get to see the North Face of the Dhaulagiri range. After walking through rugged trails, you’ll be relieved to see green patches here and there in Tokyu Gaun. Meditate near Tokyu monastery in the evening. Spend your night at the camp.

                                    Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                    Dho Tarap ( heart of Dolpo) houses human settlement at its highest altitude. The downhill trek will take you through flocks of sheep and similar gompas. You’ll be meditating and camping in the vast trail of Dho Tarap. 

                                      Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                      Wake up to the view of the glimmering Dhaulagiri range. After finishing your yoga and breakfast, trek through the valley that narrows into a gorge. Continue your walk Southward. You’ll finally reach the confluence of Tarap Khola and Lang Khola. Spend your night at the camp. 

                                        Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                        Today’s trial will be full of excitement and thrill. You’ll walk through a very narrow gorge and bridges. You might need to cross an icy, cold stream on foot. Camp in the beautiful meadow of Khanigaun.

                                          Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                          Today, you’ll walk through the narrow valley via Tichu-Rong valley down to Barbung Khola. Colourful terraced farms of barley, millet, buckwheat, etc., will lead you to Tarakot.

                                          In the evening, visit Sandul Gompa; you can recite mantras and meditate there. Spend your night at the camp.

                                            Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                            Trek along with Barbung Khola. Head to the West direction via Byas Gadi. Once you cross Lochakhola gaun, you’ll reach Dunai.

                                              Morning session: 6-7 a.m/Evening session: 5-6 a.m [ Yoga & Meditation]

                                              Today, you can explore the local market of Dunai. From Dunai descend to Jufal. Spend your night at the lodge. 

                                                Take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, take another flight to Kathmandu.

                                                  This will be your last breakfast in Nepal. Then finally you will be transferred to the airport 2 hours before your departure.

                                                    What to Expect

                                                    • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
                                                    •  3 nights deluxe accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 3* hotel in Kathmandu 
                                                    • Kathmandu and Nepalgunj city tour as per the above-mentioned itinerary 
                                                    • Round trip domestic flight tickets and airport tax.
                                                    • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the Lodge trek.
                                                    •  Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
                                                    • 1 experienced helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, types of equipment & insurance.
                                                    • All transportation by private vehicle.
                                                    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
                                                    • All necessary permits.
                                                    • Meditation Instructor and his food, accommodation, salary, flight tickets, and insurance.
                                                    • First aid medical kit box.
                                                    • Office Service charge
                                                    • All Government Tax.
                                                    • Any meals (Lunch and Dinner)in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj other than breakfast.
                                                    • Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
                                                    • International airfare to and from Nepal.
                                                    • Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
                                                    • Items and expenses of personal nature.
                                                    • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone calls, internet.
                                                    • Personal Trekking equipment like sleeping bags, and jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
                                                    • Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
                                                    • Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, strikes, etc.
                                                    • Any other costs whatsoever, that are not mentioned in the cost included.
                                                    • Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
                                                    • Tips for guide, porters, and driver (Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory)

                                                    PRICES & DATES

                                                    Departure note

                                                    Let us know your travel date so that we can manage your itinerary for Upper Dolpa Meditation Trek  as per your convenience.