Trip Overview
Kulha Palsang, also known as Kulha Thongdrol, is a profoundly blessed holy pilgrimage site located in Bentshang, Dolpo—a remote snowland beyond the Himalayas, renowned for its deep devotion to Tibetan Buddhism and ancient ties to the Zhangzhung civilisation and Tibetan dynasties.
Concealed by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) as a hidden treasure site (terma) for future generations, it is regarded as a “mind-territory” of realisation, where the natural mandalas of enlightened deities abide, particularly the Deshek Drupa Kagye (Eight Mandalas of the Blessed Ones). Devout visitors can accumulate immense merit and experience direct liberation through faith and the site’s inherent blessings.
The sacred Guide Book, originating from Guru Rinpoche’s hidden teachings, was first discovered by the great practitioner Sangye Singey, who later revealed it. He prophesied that a yogi named Nyima Singey would fully open the site, which was fulfilled when Nyima Singey retrieved the text and formally inaugurated Kulha Thongdrol.
Classified in Dolpo’s sacred geography as the supreme “Pilgrimage of Mind” (contrasting with sites of Body and Speech), it stands as one of the region’s central holy places, consecrated alongside nearby temples and valleys.
Today, Kulha Palsang remains a powerful gateway to spiritual awakening, embodying the unbroken lineage of enlightened masters and the enduring faith of the Dolpo people.
Detailed Itinerary
As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park.
It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay will be at hotel or lodge that is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport. Our representative will pick you up in the airport and take you to the hotel.
Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and takes you to the airport. Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal.
The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River.
We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2150m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some schools government and private, college, police check post and some government offices.
You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai too.
As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighat, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled 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 Shangta.
At Shangta 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.
Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital.
The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch.
Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Amchi Hospital. Amchi refers to traditional doctors who heal infections and diseases using the herbal medicine found in Dolpo.
Amchi Hospital is the treatment center of the locals of Dolpo, where expert Amchis treat the patients. We will settle our camps by side of Amchi Hospital.
We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village.
The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.
Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).
The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.
The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake.
This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake.
This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels.
To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.
Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Kangla/Nangdala Base Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.
Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp- our campsite for the night.
Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby ‘Crystal Mountain’, the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass .
The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views.
The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass includes Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river.
A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.
Full Rest day at Shey Gompa. Your Guide will visit a Tsakhang Gompa and a Shy Sumdo Gompa. You can also visit the local people and the local animals. There are so many local farmers and animals.
Today you will start hiking through gradual uphill, and after 2/3hrs you will slightly gain elevation, the trail leads you towards the Sela Pass(5095m), and once you are at the best camp, the steep uphill for an hour. Reach the top of Sela Pass, do take enough time to celebrate and enjoy the widest range of views from there. And continue to hike to Namgung Gompa, which is downhill.
Today, first you will trek uphill, then only downhill. You will see a full view of Saldang Village with clarity. You will reach lunch time at your camp today, which is Saldang. Having lunch, if you have good energy, you can visit the Saldang Gompa and Saldang School.
This morning, after breakfast, to sightseeing in a village and hiked to the next camp. You will cross a little Pass, and you will reach at lunch time at your Camp. You can visit a Gompa. In Komas, there are a lot of Gompas.
To continue a trek to the next camp. You will meet local people in traditional dress. There are a lot of farms. You will reach an early at your camp early. In the evening, sightseeing or a visit to Gompas.
Wake up and refresh. Having breakfast to continue the day hike to Tinje Village. Native people will be preparing for the Kulha festival the next day. This trail is a very interesting trail for the trek and the uphills and downhills. You had an overnight stay at Tinje, which allowed you to get a good night’s sleep and relax in preparation for the next festival.
This pilgrimage site was opened by the noble master Dar Chöje Sakya Singey.
It is a place where practitioners purify karmic obscurations through physical hardships, circumambulation, and venerating the sacred terrain.
This site, opened by the great adept Drupchen Singey Yeshi, is revered as the mandala of Avalokiteśvara. It is said that the sound of the snow lion resounds naturally here, symbolising the unceasing compassion of the Bodhisattva.
Kulha Palsang represents the most profound category – the Pilgrimage of Mind, where realisation dawns directly through devotion, trust, and the blessings of the place itself.
Wake up and have breakfast, then prepare essential supplies for the day hike. These trials are also uphill and downhill. And an interesting trail. You will reach a Yak Kharka. There are no houses, only tents of the local people for the restaurant and animal farm. Have a good sleep and rest for the next crossing pass.
Wake up, and have tea and refreshment after eating breakfast. Then, prepare the necessary things for a day hike and crossing the Pass. These days, you will cross the Chhoila Pass (5040m). After reaching the top of the pass, then celebrate and take a group photo, and see another different pass. Then, to continue the day hike. There is downhill. That day, you will reach Dho Tarap, and you will touch the Lower Dolpo part or region.
Today is a full day of rest. Your guide will help to visit a Bon Gompa and other Gompas as well as a School. After lunch, you can wash a washcloth and bathe your body and relax, and take a rest.
To continue the next camp. This trail is downhill and landscaped. At Nawarpani, you will meet the Lower Dolpo Local people and farmers.
To continue a further camp, which is Lasicap. This trail is also only downhill. There are forests and nature.
Wake up and tea time. After breakfast, get ready for the day hike. Then, to continue the next camp. These days, you will follow the Dunai River, also known as the Thulo Bheri River, and finally, you will reach a Dunai Bhajar.
Wake up at 5:00 AM and freshen up by 5:30. Ready for the final hearty breakfast at Dolpo. Make sure you have packed all your belongings to take airport with our supporting crew member while you have your breakfast. Right after breakfast, leave for the airport and do the security check. Your guide will get the boarding pass for the flight. Fly out from Juphal, and it will be a 30 – 35-minute flight to Nepalgunj. Once you land at Nepalgunj, do collect your baggage and walk to the entry gate for the connecting flight. Do the security check for the baggage, and the guide will get the boarding pass for the connecting flight. An hour flight to Kathmandu, our company representative will come to pick you up from the airport and drive to the hotel.
Our company representative will come to pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the airport.