After a leisurely morning in Kathmandu, take a late afternoon flight to Nepalgunj in the western Terai. Enjoy the warmer climate and a short orientation walk in this bustling border town near India. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning scenic flight over the mid-hills to Jumla, the gateway to western Nepal’s remote trails. Explore the local market and nearby villages, where traditional wooden houses and apple orchards abound. Overnight in Jumla.

Begin trekking through terraced fields and pine forests, gradually climbing to Gothichaur. The valley here is famous for medicinal herbs and the yarsagumba harvesting season. Overnight in a tented camp.

The trail ascends through mixed forests and traditional Magar villages, with scenic views of the surrounding hills. Chotra is known for its traditional houses with slate roofs. Overnight in a tented camp.

Descend to a river valley before a gradual climb to Kaigaon, a charming village with Buddhist chortens and mani walls. Opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their Tibetan-influenced culture.

Today the Bonpo Sanctuary Trek winds through the low alpine woods all the way to Karelikanda. On the way, we visit the Sipu Kyalmo Gompa , which is the revered monastery in the region. Overnight in the camps at Karelikanda.

Descend towards the Bheri River, passing ancient monasteries and fields of barley. Tripurakot is a historically significant settlement with a centuries-old monastery.

Just across the river, there is a Bon Stupa and a Bon school. This is the very first Bon School, which is managed by the respected Geshe Nyima Kunchap Rokaya.

The school has all the facilities of lodging, food, modern education along with their traditional teachings of Bon. Since the Stupa and all the infrastructures of the school and the running cost are all managed by only person the respected Geshe, the construction of Gompa has left behind. This is in the proposed future plan ant this will be the central Gompa for the Bon sect of Dolpo district.

The trail through several clusters of houses and villages takes you to the village of Baijibara. There are some teahouses on the way. The trail is straight at first and slowly ascends. Nearby the village, there is a sacred site, where people go to pay their homage on special occasions.

There is an old Gompa that has been established nearly a century ago. Since the infrastructure of the Gompa has been in a collapsing condition, the respected Gehse has protected the old Statue by providing extra protection.

This Gompa holds enough legends to explore about the existence and the survival of Bon in Dolpo. Explore the Gompa and stay overnight in the camps at Baijibara.

Retrace your steps to Dunai, allowing time for rest and preparation before heading into the Shey Phoksundo National Park core.

The real adventure of Bonpo Sanctuary Trek begins today. As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Kararsialchaur Temple to Sulighat, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the leveled trail .

We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni.

As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shyangte.

At Shyangte we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka.

Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.

From Chhepka the trail goes through woods and streams by the sides viewing several waterfalls. The journey will be pleasant with the cool natural environment and will stop for the day at the village Pugmo. This is a typical Bon village where you can visit Namgyal Lakhang Gompa/Techen Rabgyaling Gompa.

Arrive at the stunning turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake. The trail passes through Ringmo village, where the houses are built in traditional Tibetan style.

Spend the day exploring the lake’s shores, Ringmo village, and the nearby Bon monastery. The lake’s surreal blue waters and surrounding cliffs offer unforgettable photography opportunities.

The trail leads into remote valleys with increasing wilderness, passing through pine groves and yak pastures.

Gradual but steady ascent into alpine terrain. The high camp offers close-up views of rugged peaks and glaciers.

A challenging but rewarding day as you cross the high pass with magnificent views of Dolpo’s barren landscapes. Descend to Shey Gompa, a centuries-old monastery and spiritual heart of Dolpo.

Trekking along the trail that caters the views of true Tibetan landscapes beyond Tibet, today the Bonpo Sanctuary Trek with Explore Dolpo heads to the campsite at Shyamling Gompa. This Gompa is regarded as the oldest gompa of the region and very worthwhile exploring.

The route passes through dramatic canyons and river valleys, camping in a secluded alpine setting.

Arrive in Saldang, one of Dolpo’s largest settlements, known for its prosperity and cultural festivals.

You can visit the local community museum in the evening.

Follow a scenic ridge and descend into Shimen valley, visiting Komagaon en route. Both villages preserve traditional lifestyles unchanged for centuries.

Pass through barley fields and small chortens before reaching Tinjie, a serene farming village.

In the evening, detour the Poltegaon and the Tinjie school

Gradual ascent into high yak grazing meadows with views of rugged Dolpo landscapes.

A long day crossing the high pass with spectacular Himalayan panoramas before descending to Chharka Bhote, a settlement with unique Bon traditions.

Explore the ancient Bon monastery and learn about this pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition unique to Dolpo.

Climb steadily to high-altitude pastures surrounded by snow peaks.

A challenging day crossing two passes with outstanding alpine scenery.

Descend into a greener valley with mixed Tibetan and Thakali influences.

Enter Mustang’s windswept landscapes, following the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, a medieval village with fort ruins and a unique culture.

Depart Kagbeni following the ancient salt trade route towards Muktinath. The trail gradually ascends through arid Mustang landscapes, with views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. En route, visit the picturesque village of Jharkot (3,550m), home to a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery and traditional Mustang-style houses. From Jharkot, the path continues uphill to Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, famous for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame.

From Muktinath, descend towards the Kali Gandaki valley, taking a scenic detour to Lupra village (2,790m), one of the few places in Mustang where the ancient Bon religion is still practised. Visit the Bon Gompa and learn about pre-Buddhist traditions unique to the region. The trail then rejoins the main route to Jomsom, passing through the wind-swept valley with views of snow-capped peaks. Arrive in Jomsom, the administrative centre of Mustang, where the day ends with a well-earned rest.

Today, the Bonpo Sanctuary trek, goes to Jharkot, where there is a Bon Gompa. We explore the gompa and then head towards the famous revered site Muktinath. Muktinath a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists and Bons is a edifice built in Newari architecture style. Explore the religious site and enjoy the overnight in a teahouse at Muktinath.

Reserve day for possible delays or extra sightseeing. Options include visiting Bhaktapur, Patan, or Pashupatinath Temple.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through Dolpo and Mustang.