Trekking

Kagmara La Pass & Dolpo Wilderness Trek

Duration: 27 Days, including contingency days
Max altitude: Numa La Pass, approximately 5,300m, depending on the confirmed route
Group size: 2+
Grade: Easy
Best season: Late spring to early autumn

Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj where required; tents during the

The Kagmara La Pass Trek is a demanding wilderness journey linking the remote highlands of Jumla with the dramatic landscapes of Dolpo in western Nepal. Crossing Kagmara La (approximately 5,115m), the route enters the rugged mountain country surrounding Shey Phoksundo National Park before continuing towards the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.

From the lakeside village of Ringmo, the expedition continues through high alpine terrain towards Baga La and Numa La, eventually reaching Dho Tarap, a culturally distinctive settlement known for its Tibetan-influenced traditions and traditional architecture. The return journey follows the historic trails of the Tarap Valley towards Tarakot, Dunai, and Juphal.

This is a remote, strenuous camping expedition designed for experienced trekkers who are prepared for long walking days, high elevations, limited facilities, and changing mountain conditions. Much of the route has no regular teahouse accommodation, so a fully supported camping team and careful logistical planning are essential.

Trip Highlights

Cross Kagmara La Pass (approximately 5,115m) between Jumla and Dolpo.
Explore the remote mountain landscapes of western Nepal.
Visit the spectacular Phoksundo Lake and traditional Ringmo village.
Cross Baga La and Numa La, subject to conditions and the approved route.
Discover Dho Tarap and its distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture.
Experience traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and remote Himalayan settlements.
Camp in isolated alpine valleys and high mountain landscapes.
Enjoy views of Kanjiroba Himal, the surrounding Dolpo mountains, and other Himalayan peaks in clear weather.
Experience a genuine wilderness journey supported by a trekking crew and camping team.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Meet the expedition representative and review the general travel arrangements.

Day 2: Expedition Preparation and Permits

Complete the equipment check, confirm the expedition logistics, and finalize the required permits and travel arrangements. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Take a domestic flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. Depending on flight schedules, overnight in Nepalgunj or continue with onward travel if operationally feasible.

Day 4: Fly to Jumla

Take the scheduled flight to Jumla, subject to weather and airline operations. Spend time preparing for the trek and organizing the expedition loads. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 5: Trek from Jumla to Gothichaur

Begin the trek through the hills and rural settlements surrounding Jumla. Continue towards Gothichaur and establish camp.

Day 6: Trek to Nephukhona

Continue along remote trails through forested slopes, grazing areas, and traditional mountain landscapes. Camp at the designated overnight location.

Day 7: Trek towards Nauli Kharka

Continue through the increasingly remote terrain towards Nauli Kharka. The day’s route and camp location depend on trail conditions and the expedition plan.

Day 8: Trek towards Hurikot

Follow the mountain trails towards the Hurikot area. Experience the transition from settled hill country to the more isolated landscape of the Kagmara approach.

Day 9: Trek towards Garpung Khola

Continue through remote valleys and mountain terrain towards Garpung Khola. Camp at a suitable location selected by the expedition team.

Day 10: Trek to Kagmara Phedi

Continue towards Kagmara Phedi, the staging area for the Kagmara La crossing. Allow time to rest, review the following day’s plan, and assess the conditions.

Day 11: Cross Kagmara La Pass and Descend towards Lasa

Attempt the crossing of Kagmara La Pass (approximately 5,115m), subject to weather, snow conditions, and the expedition leader’s assessment. Descend towards the designated camp in the Lasa area.

Day 12: Trek towards Pungmo

Continue through the remote upper Pungmo valley towards Pungmo or a suitable nearby camp. The route and overnight location depend on the confirmed trail and current conditions.

Day 13: Trek to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake

Continue towards Ringmo, the traditional village beside Phoksundo Lake. Enjoy the remarkable landscape surrounding the lake and settle into camp or locally available accommodation if arranged in advance.

Day 14: Explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo

Allow time to appreciate the turquoise lake, traditional village architecture, and surrounding mountain scenery. This day also provides an opportunity to rest before continuing into the higher and more remote section of the expedition.

Day 15: Trek towards Yak Kharka

Leave the Phoksundo area and follow the approved route towards Yak Kharka. Camp in the designated alpine area.

Day 16: Trek towards Danigar

Continue through the high mountain landscape towards Danigar, preparing for the subsequent high-pass section. Camp at the location confirmed by the expedition team.

Day 17: Cross Baga La Pass and Continue towards the Numa La Approach

Attempt the crossing of Baga La Pass (approximately 5,175m), subject to conditions and the expedition leader’s decision. Continue to a suitable designated camp along the approved route.

Day 18: Cross Numa La Pass and Descend towards Dho Tarap

Attempt the crossing of Numa La Pass (approximately 5,300m) and descend towards Dho Tarap, subject to the approved route and prevailing conditions. This is a demanding stage and may require a revised schedule or additional overnight stop.

Day 19: Rest and Explore Dho Tarap

Spend time in Dho Tarap, exploring its traditional settlements and cultural heritage. Rest after the high-pass section and prepare for the return journey through the Tarap Valley.

Day 20: Trek towards Ghyamgar

Begin the descent through the Tarap Valley towards Ghyamgar. Follow the established route through rugged terrain and remote landscapes. Camp at the planned overnight location.

Day 21: Trek towards Chhyugar

Continue descending through the valley towards Chhyugar or the designated camp on the approved route. Overnight in tents.

Day 22: Trek to Tarakot

Continue towards Tarakot, following the valley trails and passing through increasingly settled landscapes. Camp or use available local accommodation as arranged.

Day 23: Trek to Dunai

Continue along the route towards Dunai, the administrative centre of Dolpo. Depending on the confirmed itinerary, the expedition may use available local accommodation.

Day 24: Trek to Juphal

Complete the trekking section by continuing to Juphal. Prepare for the return flight and allow time to reorganize luggage and equipment.

Day 25: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu

Take the scheduled flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu, subject to flight availability and weather. If onward connections are not feasible, overnight in Nepalgunj.

Days 26–27: Contingency and Departure Arrangements

Keep these days available for flight disruptions, weather delays, route changes, or additional recovery time. They may be needed at other points in the expedition and should not be treated as guaranteed sightseeing days.

Important: The itinerary is a planning framework. The expedition leader may change the sequence, camp locations, or duration according to actual route conditions, weather, and participant wellbeing

Included / Not included

Included

Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu, as specified in the confirmed package.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, according to the final itinerary.
Domestic flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jumla, and from Juphal via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, subject to the confirmed flight arrangements.
Required restricted-area permit for the Lower Dolpo section, where applicable to the confirmed route.
Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit.
Required trekking registration and other applicable permits or local fees, as confirmed for the route.
Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with appropriate experience in remote mountain expeditions.
Full camping support crew, including cooks, kitchen staff, porters, and other necessary support personnel.
Camping equipment, including sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and kitchen supplies.
Group tables, chairs, and other dining equipment where practical and included in the expedition setup.
Three freshly prepared meals a day during the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Tea, coffee, and seasonal fresh fruit during the trek, where available and included in the package.
Guide and staff wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation, as specified in the quotation.
Expedition duffel bag for use during the trek, if provided by the operator.
First-aid supplies and emergency communication equipment carried by the expedition team.
Expedition planning, camping logistics, and pre-departure briefing.
Applicable government taxes and service charges.
Trek completion certificate.

Not Included

International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including appropriate coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Personal trekking clothing, boots, sleeping bag, insulated layers, trekking poles, and other personal equipment, unless explicitly included.
Personal snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and additional drinks outside the included meals.
Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj unless specified in the package.
Extra hotel nights caused by early arrivals, late departures, or flight disruptions unless explicitly covered.
Hot showers, laundry, charging, and internet services where available and charged separately.
Personal expenses, shopping, and tips for guides, cooks, porters, and other expedition staff.
Emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, rescue costs, and expenses not covered by the participant’s insurance.
Additional accommodation, meals, and transportation resulting from flight cancellations, weather delays, landslides, natural disasters, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, unless specifically covered by the booking terms.
Extra camping days, additional crew costs, or itinerary extensions beyond the agreed package, unless confirmed in writing.
Any service, fee, or expense not specifically listed under Services Included.

More information

Permits and Regulations

The exact permit requirements depend on the route and the restricted-area wards visited. The standard Kagmara La traverse into the Phoksundo area may require a Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit for the relevant sections, in addition to the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit.

The Nepal Tourism Board lists Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fees at NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens. Fees should be rechecked before departure. <sup>1</sup>

Restricted-area permits must be arranged through the appropriate registered trekking agency in accordance with current regulations. The agency should confirm whether a Lower Dolpo permit, TIMS registration, or other documentation applies to the exact itinerary. Do not automatically advertise a single fixed permit price for every version of this traverse. <sup>2</sup>

Safety and Responsible Travel

This is a remote, strenuous expedition at elevations exceeding 5,000m.
Participants should have prior multi-day trekking experience and appropriate preparation.
The expedition operator must assess the route and pass conditions before departure and throughout the journey.
Pass crossings may be delayed, rerouted, or cancelled because of weather, snow, or other safety concerns.
Suitable travel insurance must explicitly cover the planned altitude and emergency evacuation.
The guide may modify the itinerary if conditions or participant wellbeing require it.
Respect local customs, religious sites, wildlife, and the fragile environment of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Minimise waste and follow the expedition team’s arrangements for carrying out non-biodegradable rubbish.

Booking Notes

This package is intended as a fully supported camping expedition. The final quotation should specify the confirmed route, permit costs, flight arrangements, baggage allowance, staff-to-client ratio, personal equipment requirements, and arrangements for weather-related delays.

The expedition duration is an estimate rather than a guarantee. All high-pass crossings and remote camps remain subject to the expedition leader’s assessment and prevailing conditions.

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