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23 days Upper Dolpo Trek

(2) Review(s)
Group Size 2 and more
Mode of Travel Strenuous
Accommodation Hotel/Lodge/Tent Camp
Meals Full Board (during trek) and breakfast in cities
Transportation Private Vehicle/Flight

trip Overview

Upper Dolpo Trek is an off-beat trek in the far northwest region of Nepal which is a unique experience for travelers seeking challenges and newness. 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 including the highest Kang La Pass (5,375m). 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

30-45 min Hotel

Arrival and transfer to hotel in Thamel. Introduction with the guide and final check of equipment and trekking documents.

5-6 hrs Hotel

While we take care of your documentation (issuing of trekking permit and TIMS), you can enjoy a day tour of Kathmandu city with our tour guide. (Optional with an Extra Cost)

50-min flight Lodge

Have breakfast and take a domestic flight to Nepalgunj that takes approx. 50 minute. Get transferred to the hotel with our representative. Later, visit nearby places, the famous Bageshwori temple, and stroll the nearby markets.

30-min flight, 2-3 hrs Tent Camp

In the morning, take a half-an-hour flight to Juphal. Arrive at Juphal, and start the trek on a descending trail. Reach Dunai after passing Thulo Bheri and stop for lunch or light snacks. Continue to trek and submit trek permits at check-post. Admiring the beautiful landscapes traversing the beautiful settlements of Kageni, and Shangta villages. Cross a bridge over Phoksundo and walk to the north to reach Chhepka.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Walk through the forested trail which is full of multiple ascends and descends. Cross a bridge to reach Renje and from there again follow the ascending and descending trail. Reach the confluence of Sulighad and Pungmo Khola and cross Jharana Hotel to arrive at Amchi Hospital.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Follow the trail and ascend to the forest of Cedar to arrive at Palam. A beautiful place and also a winter settlement of the Ringmo locals. Walk for a few hours on the descending and ascending trail and reach Ringmo Gaun. Get a sight of Mani walls and chortens and set a camp near the shores of Phoksundo.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Under our properly scheduled itinerary, a day of our first acclimatization rest. It is very essential to take a rest to adjust the body to the surrounding altitude. Spend the day exploring Ringmo village, interacting with locals, and the mesmerizing Nepal’s deepest Phoksundo Lake. Also, visit the ancient Bon Monastery of Tshowa.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Pass through the stony trail with several ups and downs and enter the wide valley. The forested trail is covered with birches and pines and get a sight of Kajerwala Peak. Trek a little further and reach Chunemba.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Trek through the rocky trail entering the narrow gorge. Walk on an ascending trail cherishing the surrounding beauty for a few hours and arrive at Snowfield Camp.

6-7 hrs Teahouse

A tough trek that commences with a steep climb towards the highest point of the trek i.e. Kang La Pass (5,375m). Slowly ascend and from the top cherish the stunning views of snowy mountains and beautiful valleys. Descend slowly witnessing grazing animals in the grassland. Cross the wooden bridge, walk a little further, and arrive at Shey Gompa.

3-4 hrs Tent Camp

The second scheduled rest day after traversing the highest pass of the trek. Spend the day visiting the peaceful ancient Shey Gompa, Tsakang Gompa, and nearby places. If you wish to interact with the locals, they are friendly. You might get a better understanding of the local’s rural life and their culture.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Commence the trek through a narrow valley and slowly ascend towards Shey La Pass. Traverse the pass and admire the stunning views of Mustang Valley and the Tibetan Plateau. Walk slowly and climb on a steep trail to reach Namrung.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Trek through the Namrung Khola and descend on a steep trail slowly. After a few hours, reach the beautiful Saldang village that is close to the Tibetan border.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

From Saldang, start the trek crossing multiple traditional villages adoring terraced fields. Walk past several ancient Gompas, witnessing numerous Mani Walls and Chortens. Reach Sibu for an overnight stay.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Follow the trail through the shore of Khong Khola towards the village of Lagmo Che. Get a glimpse of herding Yaks and continue to trek and enter Jeng La Phedi Valley.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Ascend slowly to reach Jeng La Pass which is at an elevation of 5150m. From the summit, enjoy fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the southern Himalayas, and enchanting valley views. Descend slowly and reach Tokyu after passing Tarap Valley.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Dho is a beautiful traditional village surrounded by many fields with planted crops like barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Continue to trek to this wonderful village which has numerous Buddhist monasteries. Reach Dho Tarap, and excursion to nearby Ribo Bhuma Gompa, and Shipchaur Gompa.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Descend through the shore of Tarap Khola cherishing the sights of chortens and Mani walls. Then, climb uphill to a pass and again climb downhill to reach Sisaul.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Ascend on a rocky trail traversing chortens, and huge rocks to reach Nawarpani. Descend through the narrow trail traversing pine forest and reach Laina Odar.

4-5 hrs Tent Camp

Walk through the forested trail surrounded by trees of pine, juniper, and fir. Cross the bridge over Thulo Bheri and you might come across some grey langurs. Continue to trek until one reaches Lingdo village.

5-6 hrs Tent Camp

Pass through the forested trail, cross several settlements, and an ancient Gompa. Cross the bridge and walk past the Kalagauda and Dangiwala village before entering Juphal.

80 mins flight (two flights) Hotel

Take a morning flight to Nepalgunj and rest a while before departing to Kathmandu Transferred to the hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. Rest and relax and in the evening, join us for the cultural farewell dinner. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Farewell and airport transfer at your required time.

What's included

  • Accommodation: 3 nights in a deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (Either Hotel Mums Home or Hotel Friends or similar); 1 night in a lodge in Nepalgunj; Tented camp in the remote trekking area on a sharing basis
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj; 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

4.99/5 - Excellent Based on 2 Reviews


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!

our client


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 23 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 consist 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)