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Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) - Part 3: Western Wilderness & Dolpo
🏕 GHT EXPEDITION TRAVERSE
Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) - Part 3: Western Wilderness & Dolpo
Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) - Part 3: Western Wilderness & Dolpo
Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) - Part 3: Western Wilderness & Dolpo
Western Nepal (Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Rara Lake & Humla) · Nepal

Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) - Part 3: Western Wilderness & Dolpo

Extreme ★ 5.0 (12 reviews)
Duration 33 Days
Max Altitude 5,563m
Best Season Spring (Apr - Jun) & Autumn (Sep - Nov)
Route Grade Extreme

Part 3 of the Great Himalaya Trail represents the untamed final frontier of the Nepal traverse. Rigorously structured in a continuous East → West orientation departing directly from Jomsom across Lower and Upper Dolpo, this 33-day expedition terminates at Simikot in remote Humla, establishing seamless geographical continuity with Part 2.

Trekkers cross into Lower Dolpo via Tuche La and Niwas La (5,120m) to reach the ancient mud-brick fortified settlement of Charka Bhot. Traversing Baga La (5,169m) leads to the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake and the ancient Bon monastery of Tshowa. Crossing Kang La (5,360m) brings the party to mystical Shey Gompa (Crystal Mountain). The route then achieves the highest elevation of the entire 144-day master traverse at Nyingma Gyanzen Pass (5,563m) before entering Mugu, circling tranquil Rara Lake (2,990m), and trekking the remote Humla trail along the Karnali corridor to finish triumphantly at Simikot.

EXPEDITION & ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
  • Rigorously reversed Westbound traverse (Jomsom to Simikot) ensuring unbroken continuity
  • Exploration of Tibetan-influenced Upper Dolpo: Charka Bhot, Dho Tarap, and Bhijer
  • Hypnotic turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake and 900-year-old Tshowa Bon Gompa
  • The spiritual heart of Dolpo: Shey Gompa and pilgrimage trails of Crystal Mountain
  • Reaching the highest pass of the entire GHT: Nyingma Gyanzen Pass at 5,563m
  • Traversing remote Mugu valleys to the sparkling shores of Rara Lake (Nepal's largest lake)
  • Epic trek along the upper Karnali river trail terminating at Simikot in Humla
  • Internal scenic mountain flights: Simikot → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
33 Days Itinerary · Click any day card to view detailed terrain & route notes
Day 112 TREK Trek Jomsom / Kagbeni to Santa (Sangda) — Jomsom / Kagbeni -> Santa (Sangda) • Gateway to Dolpo (3,777m) ▲ 3,777m
Depart Jomsom across the Kali Gandaki, ascending arid canyons into Santa (Sangda), ancient gateway to Lower Dolpo.
Day 113 TREK Trek Santa to Ghalden Ghulden Khola — Santa -> Ghalden Ghulden Khola (4,200m) ▲ 4,200m
Traverse wild, wind-sculpted ridges and high desert passes to camp beside the secluded Ghalden Ghulden Khola.
Day 114 TREK Cross Niwas La & Tuche La to Nulungsumda Khola — Ghalden Ghulden Khola -> Nulungsumda Khola | Pass: Niwas La (5,120m) ▲ 5,120m
Ascend through high lunar mountain deserts, surmounting Tuche La and Niwas La (5,120m) to Nulungsumda.
Day 115 TREK Trek Nulungsumda Khola to Charka Bhot — Nulungsumda Khola -> Charka Bhot (Ancient fortified village) (4,302m) ▲ 4,302m
Arrive at Charka Bhot, an extraordinary ancient walled settlement with medieval stone alleys and Tibetan monasteries.
Day 116 TREK Trek Charka Bhot to Chap Chu — Charka Bhot -> Chap Chu (4,320m) ▲ 4,320m
Trek along open high plateaus following braided rivers through wild yak grazing grounds to Chap Chu.
Day 117 TREK Trek Chap Chu to Maran — Chap Chu -> Maran (4,350m) ▲ 4,350m
Ascend scenic desert valleys beneath unnamed snow peaks toward the high passes of central Dolpo.
Day 118 TREK Trek Maran to Dharamsala (Pass Base Camp) — Maran -> Dharamsala (Pass Base Camp) (4,750m) ▲ 4,750m
Establish base camp at Dharamsala beneath the steep scree approaches to Baga La.
Day 119 TREK Cross Baga La Pass to Danigar — Dharamsala -> Danigar | Pass: Baga La (5,169m) ▲ 5,169m
Conquer Baga La pass (5,169m), offering stupendous vistas across the Kanjiroba massif and Dhaulagiri range. Descend to Danigar.
Day 120 TREK Trek Danigar to Temche — Danigar -> Temche (4,000m) ▲ 4,000m
Trek through alpine valleys and birch forests along clear glacial meltwater streams to Temche.
Day 121 TREK Trek Temche to Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) — Temche -> Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3,640m) ▲ 3,640m
Arrive at Ringmo village and the breathtaking, deep-blue waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, framed by sheer rock pinnacles.
Day 122 REST Rest & Exploration at Phoksundo Lake & Tshowa Gompa — Ringmo -> Phoksundo Lake & Tshowa Bon Gompa (3,640m) ▲ 3,640m
Rest day exploring the 900-year-old Tshowa Bon Gompa on a cliff above the sacred emerald lake. Acclimatization and photography.
Day 123 TREK Trek Ringmo to Waterfall Camp (Chabluk Chu) — Ringmo -> Waterfall Camp (Chabluk Chu) (3,820m) ▲ 3,820m
Hike the famous 'Devil's Trail' cliff-hugging path carved into cliffs above Phoksundo Lake to Waterfall Camp.
Day 124 TREK Cross Kang La Pass to Shey Gompa — Waterfall Camp -> Shey Gompa | Pass: Kang La (5,360m) ▲ 5,360m
Climb steeply to Kang La Pass (5,360m) and descend into the mystical valley of Shey Gompa at the base of Crystal Mountain.
Day 125 TREK Trek Shey Gompa to Bhijer — Shey Gompa -> Bhijer (3,850m) ▲ 3,850m
Traverse remote valleys and ancient trade paths past hermit caves to the historic fortified village of Bhijer.
Day 126 TREK Trek Bhijer to Pho (Phokgaon) — Bhijer -> Pho (Phokgaon) (4,087m) ▲ 4,087m
Cross high ridgelines into isolated Pho village, one of the most remote inhabited communities in all of Nepal.
Day 127 TREK Cross Nyingma Gyanzen Pass to Pung Kharka — Pho -> Pung Kharka | Pass: Nyingma Gyanzen (5,563m) ▲ 5,563m
Highest pass of the entire 144-day Master Traverse: conquer Nyingma Gyanzen (5,563m) with views into Tibet. Descend to Pung Kharka.
Day 128 TREK Trek Pung Kharka to Chyandi Khola (Enters Mugu) — Pung Kharka -> Chyandi Khola (Enters Mugu District) (4,830m) ▲ 4,830m
Cross into wild Mugu District, navigating glacial moraines and untracked terrain along Chyandi Khola.
Day 129 TREK Trek Chyandi Khola to Takla Khola — Chyandi Khola -> Takla Khola (3,785m) ▲ 3,785m
Descend alpine valleys alongside rushing glacial rivers through birch and juniper copses to Takla Khola.
Day 130 TREK Trek Takla Khola to Thajuchaur — Takla Khola -> Thajuchaur (4,050m) ▲ 4,050m
Ascend to scenic open meadows at Thajuchaur beneath western mountain ridges.
Day 131 TREK Trek Thajuchaur to Shilen Chaura Kharka — Thajuchaur -> Shilen Chaura Kharka (2,940m) ▲ 2,940m
Descend into warmer temperate pine and fir forests, arriving at Shilen Chaura Kharka.
Day 132 TREK Trek Shilen Chaura Kharka to Tiyar — Shilen Chaura Kharka -> Tiyar (2,418m) ▲ 2,418m
Follow river trails passing seasonal shepherds' shelters to Tiyar village.
Day 133 TREK Trek Tiyar to Lhumsa — Lhumsa -> Rara Lake approach (2,360m) ▲ 2,360m
Trek through lush agricultural terraces and pine forests approaching Rara National Park.
Day 134 TREK Trek Lhumsa to Rara Lake (Nepal's Largest Lake) — Lhumsa -> Rara Lake (Nepal's largest lake) (2,990m) ▲ 2,990m
Enter Rara National Park, reaching the pristine azure shores of Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and most tranquil lake.
Day 135 REST Rest & Exploration at Rara National Park Rim — Rara Lake -> Rara National Park rim & Murma Top (2,990m) ▲ 2,990m
Excursion to Murma Top (3,700m) for panoramic views of Rara Lake and surrounding Himalayan ridges. Relax beside the water.
Day 136 TREK Trek Rara Lake to Bam (Enters Humla) — Rara Lake -> Bam (Enters Humla trail system) (2,700m) ▲ 2,700m
Depart Rara Lake and cross into the rugged trail system of Humla District at Bam village.
Day 137 TREK Trek Bam to Jogimara — Bam -> Jogimara (2,800m) ▲ 2,800m
Traverse rugged cliffside paths high above river canyons to Jogimara.
Day 138 TREK Trek Jogimara to Piplan — Jogimara -> Piplan (1,700m) ▲ 1,700m
Descend towards the deep Karnali River gorge, reaching Piplan village.
Day 139 TREK Trek Piplan to Apsia Lekh — Piplan -> Apsia Lekh (3,195m) ▲ 3,195m
Steep climb out of the gorge onto the scenic highlands of Apsia Lekh.
Day 140 TREK Trek Apsia Lekh to Punkha Khola — Apsia Lekh -> Punkha Khola (3,010m) ▲ 3,010m
Trek through remote pine forests past traditional Khas hamlets to Punkha Khola.
Day 141 TREK Trek Punkha Khola to Yanchu Khola — Punkha Khola -> Yanchu Khola (2,700m) ▲ 2,700m
Follow the remote river trail approaching the final valley toward Simikot.
Day 142 TREK Trek Yanchu Khola to Simikot Terminus — Yanchu Khola -> Simikot (Trek Expedition Terminus) (2,950m) ▲ 2,950m
Final trek ascent to Simikot (2,950m), the district headquarters of Humla and the official Western Terminus of the 144-day Great Himalaya Trail!
Day 143 FLIGHT Flight Simikot to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu — Simikot -> Nepalgunj -> Kathmandu (Internal flights) (1,400m) ▲ 1,400m
Spectacular morning flight out of Simikot airstrip through deep Himalayan gorges to Nepalgunj, connecting onward to Kathmandu.
Day 144 ADMIN Kathmandu Buffer / Debrief / Departure — Kathmandu -> Buffer / Debrief / International Departure (1,400m) ▲ 1,400m
Celebration banquet in Kathmandu, expedition debriefing, certificate of completion presentation, and international departures.
✓ All statutory permits: Upper Dolpo RAP ($500/10 days), Shey Phoksundo NP, Lower Dolpo RAP, Rara NP & Simikot RAP
✓ Official Government Liaison Officer (certified) & senior wilderness expedition leader
✓ Comprehensive 25-day self-sufficient expedition camping setup staged from Jomsom Hub
✓ Professional mountain expedition cook team preparing fresh, balanced expedition meals
✓ Dedicated pack animals (yaks/mules) and high-altitude porters with full mountain insurance
✓ All tented camp accommodations in the wilderness and teahouse/lodge stays where available
✓ All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with hot drinks) throughout the 33-day expedition
✓ Domestic scheduled flights: Simikot to Nepalgunj, and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
✓ Satellite telephone, emergency oxygen cylinders, gamow bag, and advanced wilderness medical kit
✓ All local municipal taxes, conservation royalties, and environmental cleanup bonds

EXPEDITION BLUEPRINT & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Traversing the Great Himalaya Trail requires meticulous operational preparation, statutory government permits, dedicated staging hubs, and certified mountain support personnel.

Key High Passes

4 High Passes Crossed: Tuche/Niwas La (5,120m), Baga La (5,169m), Kang La (5,360m), Nyingma Gyanzen La (5,563m — highest point of GHT traverse).

Strategic Resupply

Hub 3 · Jomsom (Mustang): Compulsory staging point to assemble camping crew and 25-day dry provisions for Dolpo.

Terminus · Simikot (Humla): Air exit validation at Simikot for scheduled flight to Nepalgunj.

Required Government Clearances & Protected Area Regulations

Region / Sector Permit Requirement Issuing Authority Special Regulations
Upper Dolpo Upper Dolpo RAP ($500/10 days) + Shey Phoksundo NP Dept of Immigration / DNPWC Liaison / Certified Guide mandatory
Lower Dolpo & Mugu Lower Dolpo RAP + Rara NP Entry Dept of Immigration / DNPWC Checkpoints at Ringmo & Gamgadhi
Humla (Simikot) Simikot RAP (if bordering Changla) Dept of Immigration Air exit validation at Simikot
Expedition Leader Note: Across the Great Himalaya Trail, total passes exceeding 5,000 meters number 11. Adequate weather contingency windows must be maintained throughout the route for safety and acclimatization.
🏕 BESPOKE EXPEDITION DESK
Price on Request

Great Himalaya Trail traverses require specialized high-altitude staging, certified liaison guides, pack animals, technical gear, and statutory government restricted area permits.

⛰
Himalayan Expedition Operations
Lead High-Altitude Logistics • Kathmandu HQ
Priority reply within 2–4 hours
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Direct Dispatch Hotline: 📞 +977 9841234567
Expedition Onboarding Steps
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Route Feasibility: We analyze team experience, pass conditions, and acclimatization windows.
2
Custom Blueprint: Tailored camp, porter, lodge, fuel, and domestic flight schedule.
3
Statutory Permits: Government RAP & Conservation Area paperwork arranged.
4
Kathmandu Briefing: Satellite beacon check, medical review, and crew assignment.
✓ 100% Bespoke Private Logistics & Certified Sherpa Lead Team
✓ Official Restricted Area Permits (RAP) & Checkpoint Liaison
✓ Satellite Comms & Emergency Heli Evacuation Plan
✓ Government Licensed
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