Upper Dolpo Trek - 27 Days

Trip Video
  • Duration 27 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Tented Camp Based Trekking
  • Best Season March to November
  • Group Size 2 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,350 m

Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the restricted parts of Nepal. This region is only allowed to visit by obtaining an expensive special permit. The trek lets you explore the upper part of the Dolpo region, which was opened to foreign tourists in 1989. Explore the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges during the Dolpo Trek.

 Explore remote north-western Nepal and walk on an ancient salt trade route, relishing arid landscapes and majestic mountain views.

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is a camping trek. The trail ascends through high passes and pastures to the gem of the Himalayas, Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m). You'll be trekking in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Get ready to come across a range of exotic flora and fauna. If lucky, you may get to see the rare snow leopard. 

Likewise, you get to visit the ancient Shey Gompa (4,200 m) and other old stupas while trekking. Meet with the locals who follow Tibetan Buddhism and the BonPon religion. One of the major highlights of Upper Dolpo Trekking is Crystal Mountain. A mountain cliff is covered with marine fossils and quartz. 

If you want to read about the wonders of the Upper Dolpo, we recommend the famous book The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen and the Himalaya movie by Eric Valli. 

What are the highlights of the Trek to Upper Dolpo Route? 

  • Leave the crowded trails of the Himalayas behind and embark on a tranquil journey in one of the restricted areas of Nepal.
  • Travel back in time and get to see the ancient lifestyle of the locals.
  • Witness Tibetan Buddhism and Bonpo cultural heritage.
  • Visit old monasteries like Shey Gompa and stupas while trekking.
  • Walk on the ancient salt trade route and get to see arid landscapes.
  • Cross multiple high passes and walk through deep river gorges.
  • Come across gorgeous waterfalls and meadows.
  • Explore the stunning Phoksundo Lake and the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Views during Upper Dolpo Circuit Trekking

The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek offers excellent views of roaring rivers, cascading waterfalls, and deep river gorges. The lush meadows and verdant valleys of field views along the trekking route are outstanding. Mountains and hills decorate the path with their dominating presence. And the colourful prayer flags add more colour to the scenery. 

How difficult is Trekking to Upper Dolpo?

The Trekking to Upper Dolpo is not for soft hearts. You have to be physically strong with high endurance to keep up with the routines of the region. As it is a camping trip, our crew carries all the essentials, from fuel to food and tents. 

The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trekking Route crosses many high passes, including Kang La (5,380 m) and Sangda La (5,515 m). The terrain is rough and steep. You may not get a network connection for several days when at high altitude. Check out our Upper Dolpo Trek Route Map for a complete presentation of the route. 

The Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary lasts 27 days and is for experienced trekkers. You get truly off-grid from the rest of the world which makes this trek very special for adventure lovers.

What kinds of Training are required for Trek to Upper Dolpo?

The trainings are required for Trek to Upper Dolpo. Hiking, short treks, swimming, cycling, and running are recommended to build stamina and endurance. Long walks (6 to 7 hours) once every week will get your legs ready for the trail. 

What do we offer in our Upper Dolpo Trek Package 2024?

Anyone can do this trek if prepared properly, and we help you get ready for the journey. Our team supports you with lodging and meals. You do not have to carry heavy tents and other essentials or cook meals unless you enjoy cooking with a view.

Our reasonable Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost and experienced team members are all you need to explore this isolated area. To book this trip, you can send your booking request through our site. It's an easy and simple process.

Itinerary

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We pick you up from Kathmandu airport as per your flight landing time on your arrival day. Our airport representative will assist you in check-in at the hotel and leave you to freshen up. Feel free to explore the nearby area. You have a meeting with the trip manager in the evening who will address your needs and brief the program in detail. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Kathmandu sightseeing is around 5 to 6 hours long. You visit places like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. All of these places are significant monuments with great historical backgrounds.

After the tour, there'll be a small break, and we once again meet with our trek guide. The guide will brief the journey, and we begin packing our duffel bags.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Flying over the entire western Himalayan range, we fly to Nepalgunj, one of the hottest cities in Nepal. From here, we take another flight to Jhupal, which is around 45 minutes, enjoying the superb views of the Himalayan foothills. From Jhupal, we load our luggage in the jeep and drive to Dunai where the trek begins.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,140 m

We pack the luggage and get ready to begin the first day of the trek. The trail crosses a bridge over the Bheri River and walks on the left side of the route to Shulighat. It's the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Trekking through many small settlement areas, we reach Chhepka village.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,670 m

We gradually ascend along the valley through lush forest. The route further has numerous small ascents & descents. We cross a river on a small bridge and reach Raichi. Here we have lunch. Further, the trail takes us across an impressive point where we can see two rivers of different colours merging to form a single Phoksundo river before reaching Chunuwar.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,130 m

We slowly walk uphill via the densely forested slopes. The route presents fantastic mountain views. Soon, we will get to see the spectacular view of Phoksundo Lake. The views we get to see today are unbelievable. We will spend the night in the Ringmo Gaun, situated near the lake.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,640 m

It is our day off in Ringmo. We explore the gorgeous Phoksundo lake and enjoy its beauty. Later, we visit ancient monasteries in the Ringmo villages. The locals of this village follow the BonPo religion. 

We will have a great opportunity to see their lifestyle and learn about their traditions.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,640 m

We begin the day by gradually ascending a carved path along the cliffside overlooking the lake. It is an uphill walk mostly, and the views are remarkable. We take a small break at a rocky area and further trek through the lush forest to Phoksundo Khola Camp.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,750 m

The trail winds through the Tuk Kyaksa River. We alternate the sides as we walk further along the river. The trail then crosses a gorge, and we climb to Nagdalo High Camp.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,700 m

Today, we reach the Shey Gompa, a very prominent place in the Dolpo region. But first, we have to cross the Nagdalo La pass. From the high camp, we ascend on a steep path to reach the top of the pass that offers breathtaking mountain scenery. Further, the trail steeply descends to Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery situated on a grassy slope.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,350 m

On our second acclimatization day, we explore Shey Gompa and Tsakang Gompa. Tsakang Gompa is more like a retreat centre. Later, we visit the Shey Gompa, built in the 11th century. We get to see superb views of Crystal Mountain to the west of Shey Gompa. The cliff of this mountain is laced with quartz and a wide range of fossils.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,360 m

After having breakfast, we begin trekking towards Shey La Pass. The path is zigzag and rocky. From the pass, we descend to the pastures and walk towards Namgung Gompa.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,094 m

From Namgung Gompa, we steeply ascend to a ridge at 4,700 meters. The trail from here drops down to Saldang village. It is a short and scenic walk today. Saldang is one of the biggest villages in Dolpo.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,620 m

Here comes our third rest day. We take all these rest days between the trek to acclimatize our bodies and explore the villages. We hiked to Yangtsher Gompa today. Encompassing dunes, we visit centuries-old Samye Choling and Jovo monasteries. Along the way, there are many mani walls and prayer flags. We also visit hidden hamlets around Saldang village.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,560 m

The trail from here onwards gets quiet and isolated to Khoma Gaun. We trek enjoying diverse landscapes of bare hills and dunes to white-washed villages, colorful chortens & mani walls. On the way, we cross many streams and ascend & descend a few times before reaching Khoma Gaun.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,260 m

We pack up our belongings and begin trekking towards Shimen Gaun. The trail passes through old traditional villages and mani walls. We cross Shimen La pass (4,375 m) and descend to Panjyan Khola. Shimen village is located at the bank of this river.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,850 m

We trek on a downhill path that gets off-trail above Panjyan Khola. Along the way, we visit another ancient and significant monastery called Pu Gompa. From Tinkyu, the scenery gets exclusive, and the culture of the locals makes the trek very special.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,110 m

We begin walking following the Panjyang Khola and reach Chhamdang. The trail then goes through arid shrublands to Thalum Khola. From here, we trek and reach Yak Kharka.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,100 m

We cross a bridge over Sulun Khola and begin trekking upstream to Choila La (5,040 m). It is the last 5,000 meters on this trek. The route is tough and steep, but the outstanding view from the top of the pass pays for all of our hard walks. The trail from here descends to Tokyu for the night's stay.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,240 m

We visit the ancient Tokyu monster early in the morning and have breakfast. The trail then moves to Dho Tarap. We pass by hamlets and terraced fields. Along the way, we get to see huge cattle grazing on huge green pastures. The views are heavenly. Visiting Chaiba Gompa further, we pass by the chortens and mani walls before reaching Dho Tarap.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,040 m

Passing by several small villages, we trek through the Tarap valley. The trail is packed with chortens and some occasional gompas. The scenery today is fantasy. Further, we walk along the Tarap Khola and a narrow gorge to reach our campsite at Ghyangmar.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,755 m

The rough trail continues through the gorge. We alternate walking from one side of the river to another, and eventually open up to a wide area called Chhyugar.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,440 m

The day begins by crossing a bridge and walking alongside the Tarap Khola. It's an impressive route today. The trail leads us to the beautiful Tarakkot village, where we'll be spending the night.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,540 m

After having breakfast, we begin walking along the banks of the Thuli Bheri River. The trail then goes through forests and terraced fields to Dunai village.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,000 m

Our last day of the trek is here. It's an easy and relaxing walk to Juphla from Dunai. Enjoy the views while trekking and celebrate in the evening. We have completed one of the toughest and longest treks in the Himalayas.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,475 m

We take a back to back flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. It's your last day in Kathmandu, so enjoy the remaining day as you wish. Shopping and spending some time in the spa sounds great. We meet in the late evening to celebrate and have a farewell dinner.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our airport team members will take care of the airport drop as per your flight departure time. Have a safe flight, and see you soon!

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit you, we customize your trip per your interests and time frame. Click here for the Tailor-Made program.

Map

Upper Dolpo Trek - 27 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
  • One expert tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast
  • Kathmandu – Nepaljung – Jhupal – Nepaljung – Kathmandu round flight ticket inclusive of domestic taxes
  • Full board meals with tea and coffee prepared by our expert cook
  • One highly experienced English-speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
  • Two men's tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek
  • Upper Dolpo special permit fee and other necessary permits
  • Upper Dolpo Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assistance if needed
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance – Compulsory
  • Nepal entry visa.
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staff (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness in Upper Dolpo Trekking Route

One may suffer from altitude sickness during the Upper Dolpo Trekking Route because of its high elevation. To avoid it, trek slowly and don't ascend more than 500 meters. Also, take acclimatization days in the trek and drink lots of water. Do carry prescribed altitude sickness medicine with you. 

These are some symptoms of altitude sickness:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
     

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek Route Permit Cost Information 

You need a Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit and an Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit for this trek. 

The permit costs for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek Route are as follows;

  • Upper Dolpo restricted area permit: USD 500 for the first 10 days per person and USD 50 per day after 10 days 
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit: USD 30 per person
     

Best Time to do a Trek to Upper Dolpo Circuit

Below we have mentioned the three best seasons of the year to do a Trek to Upper Dolpo Circuit.

Spring (March to April)

Spring is one of the best times of the year to trek anywhere in the Himalayas. But for Upper Dolpo, it may not be the same case. In the early days of spring, the passes are still covered with dense layers of snow, which make it impossible to cross. From the end of April, the snow begins to melt, and the trail becomes more approachable. The temperature varies from -10°C to 13°C.

Summer/Monsoon (May to September)

Because Upper Dolpo lies in the rain shadow area, there is no rain in the monsoon season in this region. Therefore, monsoon/summer is an excellent time to explore Upper Dolpo. The temperature ranges between -4°C to 17°C. You may see issues with a flight to Jhupal and Nepalgunj because of rainfall in these parts of Nepal, but once you hit the trail, the weather is just fantastic. 

Autumn (October to November)

Autumn is another great time of the year to trek in Dolpo. Do not begin the trek in late November because the region begins to see snowfall, and the trail can get slippery. The climate is pleasant and the weather is stable with clear skies. It's a harvesting month for the locals, so the journey becomes further immersive. The temperature ranges between -3°C to 20°C. 


Last Minute Booking for Trekking in Upper Dolpo 

Before you book the Upper Dolpo Trip, please note that it is a restricted area trek. Therefore, there must be 2 trekkers. You cannot do this trek solo and without a guide. For last-minute bookings for Trekking in Upper Dolpo, please complete the booking process for confirmation of the trip. You must send us your passport details and a few other basic information with 100% of the trip price for booking. 


Travel Tips for Trek to Upper Dolpo Region  

Accommodation: It is a camping trek. Our crew will carry all the tents and necessities during the trek. We provide high-quality alpine-grade tents and other gear for a comfortable journey. Two members in the group share a sleeping tent, and there will be separate dining & washroom tents. 

Food: All the meals are cooked and prepared by our crew members. The menu ranges from dal bhat to momo, noodles, sandwiches, pasta, soup, and veg/non-veg curries & bread.

ATM: There is no ATM on the route to Upper Dolpo. Get some extra cash in Kathmandu to use while trekking.

Charging: Carry spare batteries or a solar charger. This is the only way you can charge your device during the trek. In some villages, you may see charging stations.

Luggage: One porter carries a load of two trekkers. The weight limit is 10 kg for each trekker. Likewise, for a day pack, the weight limit is 5 kg.

Personal Expenses: Some things like international flights, tipping, shopping, and extra nights in Kathmandu are not covered in the trek package cost. So, make a budget for these things.

Travel Insurance: It's better to trek with travel insurance in the Upper Dolpo area because there are no proper healthcare facilities here. If by chance any medical emergency occurs, we have to airlift you to the nearby hospital in a city.

FAQs

  • Q1. How do you get to Dolpo from Kathmandu?

    From Kathmandu, you can reach Dolpo by taking two flights, one to Nepalgunj and then to Jhupal. From here, you can trek through Lower Dolpo and gradually ascend to Upper Dolpo. It is the most famous and common route to reach Dolpo.

  • The Upper Dolpo trek, is classified as one of the most strenuous treks in the Himalayas. It is a long trek consisting of 27 days, crosses many passes, and involves numerous steep ascents & descents. Dolpo trek is for experienced trekkers.

  • As per our itinerary, the starting point of the Upper Dolpo trek is Dunai, at 2,140 meters. From Jhupal, you drive 3 to 4 hours to reach Dunai.

  • We organize a camping Upper Dolpo trek. Therefore the accommodation during the trek tents. There are tea houses in some villages along the way, however whether you'll get a room to spend the night is not sure. And to be honest, sleeping in tents will be more comfortable than in teahouses.

  • Yes, you can get boiled water to refill in the teahouses. We carry all the cooking supplies and raw materials to cook meals, so there will be no issue with food. Likewise, we also carry water purification tablets to double purify the water.

  • There is no WiFi service along the way, so carry a Nepali sim to use the internet. The network will not be stable all the time. Especially when you touch an elevation above 3,000 meters, you may have to go without network for 2 or 3 days.

  • Yes, a trek like Upper Dolpo requires travel insurance. The trail is way too secluded to trek without travel insurance. 

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