Juphal is a small STOL, or short take-off and landing, airstrip serving the town of Dunai and the wider Dolpo region, reached via a connecting flight from Nepalgunj and the standard air access point for both the Lower and Upper Dolpo treks. The airstrip itself, carved into difficult mountain terrain, is typical of the small, weather-sensitive runways found throughout Nepal's more remote regions, and flights here are subject to delay or cancellation depending on conditions, a factor every itinerary into Dolpo needs to account for.

From Juphal, the trail begins immediately, descending toward the Thuli Bheri river before continuing on to Dunai and the district's administrative centre, the first proper stop on the long journey into Shey Phoksundo National Park and the culturally rich, historically isolated valleys beyond. The landscape around Juphal itself is typical of the lower Dolpo region, terraced hillsides and modest villages giving way gradually to the starker, higher-altitude terrain found further into the restricted areas ahead.

Because Juphal represents the only realistic air access point for this entire region, weather delays here can have a significant knock-on effect on itineraries, and experienced operators build buffer days into their schedules to absorb the inevitable disruptions common to mountain aviation in this part of Nepal. For trekkers, the flight into Juphal itself, weaving between hills and offering glimpses of the remote terrain ahead, is often the first genuine indication of just how far removed from Nepal's more developed regions this trek will take them.

Local guides with specific knowledge of this stretch of trail add real value, both for navigation and for the cultural context they can offer along the way.

A gradual, well-paced ascent through this section remains the best defence against altitude-related discomfort further along the route.

Basic but adequate teahouse facilities are typically available, offering a hot meal and a simple bed for trekkers passing through.

Facilities along this stretch of trail remain simple, and trekkers should carry sufficient cash, since cards are not accepted and ATMs do not exist beyond the larger towns.