Trip Highlights
- Less-explored and off-beat trek
- Mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Diverse wildlife and natural attractions
- Highest Kang La Pass (5,375 m)
- Tented Camping
- Traverse through beautiful villages (Chumling, Chhokangparo, Nile)
- Buddhist Monasteries and Milarepa Cave
- Untouched nature and varying cultures and ethnicities
- Immerse yourself in the Himalayan lifestyle and culture of locals
- Stunning views of snow-capped peaks (Siring Himal, Buddha Himal, Tabsar Himal, etc.)
trip Overview
Occupying a large area in the northwest of Nepal; Dolpo (also called Dolpa) is an arid, desert-like high mountain region lying in the Himalayan rain shadow. The region falls between the Great Himalayan Mountain range running along the southern edges of this region and the lesser Himalayan range bordering Tibet. Lying as it is beyond the Himalayas, Upper Dolpo is one of the remotest districts in Nepal. However, it has been a region of curiosity for anthropologists and geographers. Eric Valley made the harsh lives of people, who live here by adjusting to the extremely hostile environment, the subject of his film “Caravan”. The images of this film, released in 1997, have since lingered in everyone’s mind.
But alpine desert-like land alone does not dominate this region. Nepal’s biggest national park, the Shey Phokshundo, is located in this region. The park derives its name from a monastery named Shey, and a huge glacial lake named Phoksundo. Together the park is meant to protect both the natural ecology and culture of the area. The park is home to such rare wildlife like Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, and Snow Leopard. The occupations of people living here are animal husbandry and trade with Tibet.
In the Upper Dolpo trek, we will pass through several villages, valleys, and forest areas with coniferous vegetation above several passes. Finally, we pass through Numala Pass (5400m) before reaching Phoksundo Lake. We will spend a day or two in Ringmo village near the lake and then visit the legendary Shey monastery as well. This trek is intended to take you to this mysterious place and explore its unique lifestyle and strange land formations.
Itinerary
Why book with us?
Outdoor Himalayan Treks, Founded by professionals with long experience in adventure and community-based tourism, the company is dedicated to delivering high-quality service to its clients.Experiences since 2004, 50% Repeated customers, Awarded on TripAdvisor
What's included
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (Either Hotel Mums Home or Hotel Friends or similar); Tented camp in the remote trekking area on a sharing basis
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu; 3 meals a day during the trek (meals will be prepared by the cook that we provide)
- Transportation: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj- Juphal and flight tickets for clients and guides. Airport-hotel-airport transfers by private transport.
- Human resource: Professional English-speaking trekking guide and required porters, with their entire expenses covered (wages, meals, insurance, etc.)
- Equipment: Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, kitchen equipment, etc.
- Permits: Lower Dolpo permit, Upper Dolpo permit (costs USD 500 per person per week), TIMS (Trekker's information management system) Card
- Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges, or fees. We hereby guarantee you no 'hidden charges' afterward.
- Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with live cultural show)
- Emergency Rescue Service: Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation. Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
What's not included
- Beverage (cold drinks, bottled mineral water, tea/coffee, etc.)
- Any other expenses of a personal nature (extra meals, battery charging fees, photography charges, etc.)
- Tips or donations
- Your travel insurance
Trip Reviews
2020
Allison Bauman
United States
Great Himalayan low/high Route Combo
I don’t know how to sing enough praises for the entire team at OHT. Prior to our arrival in Nepal, we emailed 15-20 different trekking agencies with extensive and detailed questions about a four month trip we were planning. Most agencies didn’t respond, and the ones who had, only partially answered us. However, OHT answered every single question we had sent, plus offered additional details. Upon arrival to Thamel in Kathmandu, every single person we spoke with at OHT was professional and helpful. We never once felt they were trying to upsell us (a common theme we’d been running into). In fact, even in situations where we thought we’d have to spend, they would graciously let us know it was unnecessary. They spent hours going through our region by region itineraries and maps with us. We felt they genuinely listened to us when we expressed our hopes for our trip. We are planning to return to Nepal again in the future and wouldn’t dream of going to any other agency. Again, from start to finish, we were so impressed with OHT and know they’d take wonderful care of all their customers. We can’t recommend them enough!
2020
Allison Bauman
United States
Great Himalayan Trail
I don’t know how to sing enough praises for the entire team at OHT. Prior to our arrival in Nepal, we emailed 15-20 different trekking agencies with extensive and detailed questions about a four month trip we were planning. Most agencies didn’t respond, and the ones who had, only partially answered us. However, OHT answered every single question we had sent, plus offered additional details. Upon arrival to Thamel in Kathmandu, every single person we spoke with at OHT was professional and helpful. We never once felt they were trying to upsell us (a common theme we’d been running into). In fact, even in situations where we thought we’d have to spend, they would graciously let us know it was unnecessary. They spent hours going through our region by region itineraries and maps with us. We felt they genuinely listened to us when we expressed our hopes for our trip. We are planning to return to Nepal again in the future and wouldn’t dream of going to any other agency. Again, from start to finish, we were so impressed with OHT and know they’d take wonderful care of all their customers. We can’t recommend them enough!
Guidelines
Accommodation
- Mostly tented camping during this trek.
- Locally owned teahouses or lodges in 2-3 stopovers.
- Very basic but comfortable teahouses (beds, quilts, and pillows).
- Bathrooms are mostly outside the teahouses.
- Pay an additional cost for Wi-Fi service in Dunai.
- Internet and phone networks are unstable and mostly no networks.
- For emergencies, there is a satellite phone service.
Meals
- Full-board meal options during the trek. (B+L+D)
- The meals served during the trek are healthy and hygienic.
- The meals are prepared by our professional cook during tented camping.
- Limited variety of meals to choose from such as Nepali Dal-Bhat, soup, porridge, noodles, hot coffee, ginger honey tea, etc.
Drinking water
- Fill boiled water at stopover teahouses paying an additional cost.
- Fill tap water and use a water purification solution to prevent water-borne diseases.
- During tented camping, boiled water for drinking is served.
- Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution.
Transportation during the Upper Dolpo Trek
- Kathmandu - Nepalgunj- Juphal flight (two-way)
Best Time for Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo is a strenuous trek and is very demanding. The ideal seasons for this trek are Spring and Autumn as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas. Since Dolpo is a rain-shadow area, this region receives minimum rainfall. Thus, the Upper Dolpo trek can be also done during the Monsoon season. In winter, this trek is not possible as heavy snowfall occurs and the region is closed for trekking. Read More
Trekking Permits for Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek requires compulsory four permits i.e. Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Shey Phoksundo National Park, and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
USD 500 per person (10 days) + an extra USD 50 per person per day (beyond 10 days)
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
USD 20 per person per week (first 4 weeks) + USD 5 per person per week (beyond 4 weeks)
Shey Phoksundo National Park
All Trekkers- NPR 3000/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty
Upper Dolpo is a strenuous trek with a maximum elevation of 5,375 m. It is difficult due to its long duration, high altitude, and challenging terrain. It involves long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and crossing High Mountain passes. Also, the facilities are limited or very rare. Read More
Altitude Sickness in Upper Dolpo Trek
The maximum elevation during the Upper Dolpo trek is 5,375 m (Kang La Pass) and requires crossing several high mountain passes. Hence, there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness and acclimatization rest is essential to prevent it. Read More
Fitness Level
Upper Dolpo trek demands trekkers to have top-notch fitness levels as it is very demanding. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. With proper preparation, good physical fitness, and following the guide’s instructions Upper Dolpo Trek is achievable. Read More
Skills
Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points.
Travel Insurance
It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.
- Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
- In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.
Required Equipment/Gears
Upper Dolpo is a strenuous trek. This trek requires crossing high passes which is challenging. This trek requires standard equipment and gear which trekkers can hire or bring on their own. Read More
Documents required
- Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
- Travel Insurance
- Restricted Area Permits (Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo)
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- TIMS
FAQs
Which seasons are best for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov), and Monsoon (Jun-Aug) seasons are best for the Upper Dolpo Trek. The weather and temperature are favorable, and the views are clear.
What is the trek duration of the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The Upper Dolpo Trek typically takes around 20 to 25 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and your trekking pace.
What are the wildlife and natural attractions on the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The Upper Dolpo region is known for its diverse wildlife and natural attractions. You may encounter rare species like the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, and various bird species. The trek also takes you through beautiful valleys, alpine meadows, and the stunning Phoksundo Lake.
Is previous trekking experience fruitful for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Since it is a challenging trek, it involves high altitudes, rugged terrains, and long days of walking. Excellent physical fitness and experience in high-altitude trekking are very fruitful for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
What permits do I require for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Both the Upper and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry, and TIMS Permit are required for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is physically demanding due to its long duration, high altitude, and challenging terrain. It involves steep ascents, descents, and walking for several hours each day.
What to do to prevent altitude-related risks during the Upper Dolpo Trek?
To prevent altitude-related risks during the trek, take proper acclimatization rest, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and descend if you experience the symptoms.
During the Upper Dolpo Trek, how is the accommodation?
Since this is a camping trek, most days trek consists of camping in designated camping areas. There are limited tea houses or lodges available. Camping equipment, including tents and sleeping bags, is typically provided by your trekking agency.
How is the drinking water during the Upper Dolpo trek?
Drinking water is safe and easily available but to avoid waterborne illnesses carry a water bottle, water purification tablets, or use a water filter. Bottled water may not be easily available, so it's important to be prepared with water purification methods.
What is the maximum altitude during the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The maximum altitude during the Upper Dolpo Trek is 5375 m, Kang La Pass.
What should I pack for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
For the Upper Dolpo Trek, consult with your trekking agency for a detailed packing list. Some essential items include warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a first aid kit, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.
What are the main attractions during the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The main attractions during the Upper Dolpo trek are ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, unique traditions, & the lifestyle of the Dolpo people, and the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake.
Is it possible to customize the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary?
Yes, the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences and time constraints. However, it's important to consult with a professional trekking agency or guide to ensure that the necessary logistics, permits, and acclimatization are properly accounted for.
Are there any communication facilities available during the trek?
Communication facilities such as mobile network coverage and internet access are extremely limited during the Upper Dolpo Trek.
Do I need a guide for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Upper Dolpo Trek. A guide provides valuable support in terms of navigation, cultural interpretation, and ensuring your safety. They are familiar with the terrain and can help make your trek more enjoyable and informative.
CANCELLATION
- Free cancellation up to 60 days prior departure
- 30% of the total cost of the trip will be charged if cancelled between 60 to 30 days prior to departure date
- 60% of total cost of the trip will be charged if cancelled in between 30 to 14 days prior to departure date.
- No refund will be provided if cancelled within 14 days prior of departure date.
- No refunded will be provided if the guest will not show up.
- Regrettably, in case where the trek/tour can not be completed due to customer's own problem or sickness or unfavourable weather there will be no refund.
- If the trekking/tour is extended more than given itinerary extra charge will be applied accordingly
- If the agreed trip can not be organised due to bad weather or any unforeseen events, similar trip will be organised (in the mutual understanding with the travellers)