Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT Nepal Traveller Reviews

A tent-based trek through the remote and culturally diverse Upper Dolpo region of Nepal, crossing several beatiful high altitude passes and ending in Jomsom, in the Mustang area of Nepal

The tour operator's organisation was excellent from start to finish. with the trek planned in as much detail as could be expected for such a remote and difficult area. The team they employed on the trek were all hardworking, cheerful and professional, and managed the trip without fuss or any apparent difficulty.

Vast landscapes, ancient monasteries and tiny remote villages, a twenty seven day trek through the Upper Dolpo region of north west Nepal, culminating in crossing the seldom traveled Ghami La pass into the Upper Mustamg region. A glimpse of a fast disappearing ancient Tibetan culture set amongst sights such as Phoksundo lake.

Roland provides very detailed notes on all aspects of the trek and promptly answers any queries. Right from being picked up at Kathmandu airport, all aspects of this trek were covered including the complex regional permits and travel arrangements.. Nat the group leader and all of the Nepalese crew couldn't be bettered. this is the second long remote area trek that I have done with the Mountain Company.

This has to be one of the top treks in the Himalayas. It is long (4 weeks, 350km), high (average altitude 4,000m, max altitude 5,700m) and challenging (most days over seven hours walking, two rest days). But the international leader and the local guides took care that I could manage. It is very rewarding. Every day was different as we passed through forests, next to lakes, over high barren boulder strewn passes, through arid valleys and wading rivers. We visited a number of temples, all very different, and met and chatted with some of the monks. We were excited to see paw prints of snow leopard, to hear a cuckoo at over 4,000m and to gaze at soaring eagles and vultures. The new exit via the Ghami La adds to this trip, being very remote, using a route that is rarely taken even by the local herders and traversing terrain that is stunning in its beauty and isolation. This is well worth the extra cost for the additional Mustang permit.

This was my third trek with the Mountain Company. Roland Hunter runs a very good company with strong ethical values. He pays particular attention to safety, risk assessment, care for the crew and trekkers and respect for the environment. He takes a personal interest in every individual and goes the extra mile to ensure satisfaction. Nat Wilson was our international leader. This was my second trek with her. She is very experienced, has high standards and is caring to both trekkers and crew. A great team.

I had a most amazing camping trek in Dolpo, Nepal organised by the Mointain Company. This was over 4 weeks in a remote part of the country at high altitude

The Mountain Company is a serious tour operator specialising in treks in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and North India. It is an impressive outfit with a commitment to safety and health, high quality sustainable travel and, importantly, ethics in the way it cares the crew locally. I have nothing but praise for Roland Hunter and staff and associates in Nepal. I felt inspired by its ethos and way I was looked after generally. I’ll certainly return.

This was my 8th trek in 13 years with The Mountain Company and my second time in Upper Dolpo. Why go back? Because of the remote cultural magic; Shey Gompa with its spiritual mystery- because it is tough, stunningly beautiful, utterly rewarding and I got to spend a month with the most fascinating, diverse, friendly and like-minded travelers and crew. We soaked up this unique experience together, shared stories and we laughed. Congratulations to Roland and TMC for having the courage, foresight and skill to get this logistically tricky camping trek going again in that first post- pandemic window. No easy task and the crew were simply top notch. This was undoubtedly in my mind a complete success with the bonus of a 30 minute snow leopard sighting. I love that place- three months on those lovely memories remain vivid and linger. I’ll keep on trekking and I would even go back again. Mark S

Roland and TMC are first class. Personable, honest, speedily answer queries and very happy to hear from you, even if a minor question.

Debbie and I have trekked six times in the Himalaya over a total of eight months. This trek leads one through multiple ecological zones, eventually into the Dolpo region of Nepal, where the way of life is still largely as it was decades ago. There is some encroachment of modernity, but nothing compared with most other areas of Nepal. We saw this firsthand as we descended into the Kali Gandaki River Valley of Annapurna fame at the end of our trip. We had trekked there in 1984 and 1989 and the changes are significant. Your friends may not know where Dolpo is, but you will never forget it.

Dolpo requires perseverance and flexibility, something The Mountain Company possesses in abundance. The very professional staff were great fun and wonderful to get to know. This company also treats its porters very well. The planning was top notch and incorporated adequate time for acclimatization. This is our third trip with The Mountain Company, and I would give them our highest recommendation and without reservation.

Upper Dolpo is a remote region in mid West Nepal close to the Tibet border. The scenery throughout the trek is amazing … forest environment, snowy mountain peaks and dry arid mountain ranges. The trek goes through Shey Phoksundo National Park. Camping at Phoksundo Lake with lake front view from the tent is like staying at a five-star resort. Encountered a variety of wild life … different species of birds, blue sheeps and a SNOW LEOPARD. Though it is a strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because the remoteness enable one to connect with oneself and Mother Nature by taking one away from the hectic pace of modern life. One also gets a sense of history and lives in this region by interacting with friendly villagers and visiting gompas/monasteries.

The Mountain Company (TMC) offers a variety of trekking holidays. Each trek is well researched and are tested by TMC guides. The itineraries are designed for getting the best experience and acclimatisation when altitude is involved. Roland, the Managing Director, is very responsive to all inquiries. He is committed to responsible and ethical tourism. He ensures no garbage is left behind. He also ensures the well-being and safety of clients and crew are well look after. Roland set up a Hardship Fund so the trekking crew got paid even though there was no trekking during COVID. The crew really appreciate the caring nature of Roland. In return, they show their appreciation by taking care of the trekkers. I have completed five treks with TMC since 2015. If no COVID, I would have completed a couple more. Looking forward to more trekking with TMC!

Trekking from Dunai through lower and upper Dolpo to Johnsom. This is a fabulous but demanding trek past the beautiful Lake Phoksundo and over 6 x 5,000+ passes. Absolutely stunning scenery and challenging walking which was exactly what we hoped for. We were extremely well looked after.

The tour was very well organised and the staff knowledgeable, professional and fun. I highly recommend them

This was a wonderful 30 day trek in a remote area of Nepal, along a section of the great himalayan trail. We were a group of ten, seven of whom are friends from New Zealand who have previously trekked together in Nepal, while the other three were from the UK. There were 25 days of walking, averaging 8 hours per day, mostly at altitudes over 4,000 metres and crossing six passes over 5,000 metres. This is a remote and quite arid region, with endless spectacular vistas, and rich with Tibetan culture. It was superbly organised by The Mountain Company, in partnership with their Kathamandu agent: www.themountaincompany.co.uk

The Mountain Company is based in the UK with a partner in Kathamandu. They are experienced mountain trekking operators, and we have previously trekked with them up to the base of Mt Kachenjunga in the east Nepalese Himalaya.

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An incomparable and profound journey into isolation and stunning beauty. A highly challenging trek into Upper Dolpo that denmanded blood, sweat and tears.

First class. Clearly a company that delivers what it promises and deals fairly, squarely, honestly and with efficiency with any problems that arise through exemplary leadership. Roland Hunter remains as personable and committed as ever to his clients and company. Almas, Chandra Rai and Jo are highly professional managers and accomplished grass roots troubleshooters!