Upper Dolpo Mugu Rara Trek

Trip Highlights

• Magical and turquoise Phoksundo Lake
• Ancient Bon and Buddhist monasteries 
• Upper Dolpo traverse to Rara Lake
• Four high passes above 5000m
• Lush vegetation of Lower Dolpo and Mugu Rara
• Stunning Rara lake in Mugu

Upper Dolpo Mugu Rara Trek (Dolpo to Mugu Trek) via upper Dolpo is an exotic and enthralling path,  a bit strenuous trek is a part of Great Himalayan Trail. Upper Dolpo Mugu Rara Trek (Dolpo to Mugu Trek) takes you from the barren landscape of Dolpo, via Shey Gompa crossing the high passes of nestling Himalayan range to the alpine forest of Rara National Park. This trek is not well-known commercially, as a result only a few groups are approaching ahead through this trail. Navigating of two stunning and breathtaking lakes Phoksundo and Rara is one of the major highlights of Upper Dolpo Rara trek.

Upper Dolpo Mugu Rara trek (Dolpo to Mugu Trek) via Upper Dolpo begins after the safe landing at Juphal, soon we descend down from Juphal to Kaligauda, following the Bhari River for a while we cross the suspension bridge at Army Barag of  Phoksundo National Park check post we stop at Kageni. Heading to the north coming next across dense forest fo Phoksundo National Park along the bank of Phoksundo River we reach Phoksundo waterfall viewpoint. Then climb up 20 minutes ahead, soon trail descend down along the birch and pine forest next is a beautiful Bon village Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake. From the Phoksundo we take northern trail crossing Kang La 5350m and dropping down to the upper bowl of Hubalung Khola all the way to sheer-sided mysterious canyon leading to Shey Gompa.

Shey Gompa is a sacred and spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. The alluring place is situated at the foothill hallowed Crystal mountain. It’s a magical place, situated at the base of Crystal Mountain. Every year the Mountain is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and they make a kora (circuit) around the mountain, it is also known as the Younger Brother of Mt. Kailas. Beyond Shey Gompa, we further continue to the North rewarding views of Crystal Mountain, Kanjiruwa via Tora and Samling Bon Monastery we reach beautiful upper Dolpo village Bijer. After the Bijer we get lost into the wilder for few days and crossing the strenuous high passes Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563 m), the Yala La (5414 m) and the Chyargo La (5150 m) we descend to Mugu Karnali River. Along the Mugu Karnali Riverbank for two days we climb to Rara Lake. A day exploring Rara lake and climbing up to the Murma top makes very worthy of the trek. Finally, we terminate our trek at Talcha and fly back to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu.

Practical Information

Our itinerary has been developed for gradual acclimatization to take place.

The following few points helps on acclimatization process

• Walk slowly: Maintaining your own pace is very important rather than rush and hurry. There is a proverb ‘If you maintain snail’s pace you reach on sky’.
• Drink lots of water- There is easier to acclimatize when your body hydrated. So, drink plenty of water and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• If your condition is going very worse then you may have to go for Diamox.

Communication

We bring a satellite phone for safety, security and emergency use.

A Typical Day On Trek

The days starts with an early morning a mug of tea brought to your tent by one of the cook’s helper. Before going to mess of tent for breakfast it is best to pack your night gear onto your duffle bag. During breakfast the tents will be packed away and after porters have arranged their loads they will set off on the trail in the cool of the morning.

After breakfast around 8 am we start walking. The pace of trek is leisure with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around 11 am at a spot by side of the trail and is prepare for us by the cook.

There is more walking after the lunch and normally you get into the camp by mid afternoon with the tents already puts up by the local staff. In the evening a three course meal is served in the mess tent around 7 pm. After supper guide will discuss the plan for next day with the group. People may stay in the mess tent chatting about the days events for a while before retiring their tent for the night.

Food

While on the trek cook will provide good quality food in sufficient quantities. For the breakfast you make likely to get porridge or cereal, toast of chapattis and range of hot drinks. On arrival to camp in the afternoon you will be given tea/coffee and biscuits and three course meal will follow later in the evening.

Climate

August, September and October are the best season to trekking in Dolpo, where weather give you cordial support, enthralling scenery of blue sky, silver shining mountain and grey brown barren landscape welcomes you and smile on your beforehand.

This trek will have wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and time of the day.In the mountains over 3,000m the nights will be cool, normally 5  and during the day tepretures sometime rise to 25 C.At higher altitude tepreture range from about 15C to -10 C.