Upper Dolpo Trek - 24 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:24 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 5360m/ 17581ft
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 2 - 14
  • Best Season: Spring and Autumn

Highlights

  • The Upper Dolpo trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
  • The Dolpo trek takes you through lush forests, high-altitude lakes, and remote villages.
  • Dolpo trek offers a cultural experience and takes you through traditional Tibetan villages, and Centuries-old Shey Gompa (Monastery), giving you a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyle of the Dolpo people.
  • Remote and untouched wilderness: The Upper Dolpo trek is less explores remote treks in Nepal, allowing you to explore the unspoiled wilderness. This area is home to Blue Ship, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer.
  • The trek offers a challenging adventure, with steep climbs and descents, rugged terrain, and high altitude, making it a perfect destination for experienced trekkers.
  • The best part of the trek is a visit to Phoksundo Lake, a stunning blue lake nestled in the heart of the Dolpo region. It is considered one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in the Himalayas.

The less-explored upper Dolpo trek offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion. Experience the once-in-a-lifetime trek that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

The Upper Dolpo trek is a challenging and less explored trekking area in Nepal that takes you through the rugged and wild landscapes of the Dolpo region. Situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, the trek is considered one of the most remote treks and offers a true wilderness experience.

The Trek to Upper Dolpo starts right after you land in Juphal, a small hill town in the Dolpa region, and takes you through traditional Tibetan villages such as Rigmo, Saldang, and Dho Tarap along with the spectacular landscapes.

The Route to upper Dolpo takes you through lush forests, rivers, high-altitude lakes, and remote villages. This trek will allow you to see a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.

During the trek to Dolpo, we must cross the three high passes which are over 5000m, the trek is very challenging and demands a healthy and good level of fitness. It's important to be well-prepared for the trek and to have the necessary trekking equipment and supplies.

Major Attraction of Upper Dolpo Trek

Phoksund Lake

During the trek to upper Dolpo, visiting Phoksundo Lake is one of the most excellent parts of the trek. The stunning blue lake is situated at an altitude of 3,611 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a beautiful Himalayan range. The lake is considered one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in the Himalayas and is a must-visit for any trekker in the area.

Stunning View of Mountains

The Upper Dolpo Trek presents incredible views of the mountain ranges, including Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Kanjiroba, and Himal Chuli. The alpine forests are home to some exotic wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, Musk Deer, and many species of birds.

Century Old Shey Gompa (Monastery)

Located in the Upper Dolpo area, the Shey Monastery (Gumpa) is one of the important cultural and spiritual sites in the region and it’s believed that the monastery was founded in the 11th century. The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is a main attraction of this monastery.

The Shey Gumpa is an important center of Buddhist spiritual practice and culture. It is a must-visit site for those who come to explore the beauty and history of the Dolpo region. The surrounding landscape, with its Rocky Mountains and pristine forests, adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the area and makes it a truly unique and special place.

People’s Culture and Lifestyle

The Lifestyle of Dolpo (also known as Dolpa) people highly depend on agriculture and animal husbandry. Nowadays, the number of tourists is increasing little by little, which has become their source of income as well. The culture of migration for livelihood and livestock is a very common and interesting part of survival because of the extreme climate.

Although the Dolpo is a territory of Nepal, the people's culture and lifestyle are heavily influenced by Tibetans, and they mainly depend on the Tibetan areas to maintain their livelihood. As you will pass through traditional Sherpa villages Such as Saldanga and Doh-Tarap, you can learn about the unique culture and lifestyle.

The Dolpo is one of the remote regions of Nepal but trekking to upper Dolpo is a wonderful experience for trekkers looking for an adventure in a remote and untouched wilderness.

What Makes Green Society Adventure Unique and Why Book with Us

Green Society Adventure Team and our local guide work on every little detail to make your Upper Dolpo Trek experience enjoyable and smoother, this makes us a top choice for travelers seeking to trek in the Himalayas.

Our 24 day Upper Dolpo Trek cost is very reasonable. Although the special entry permit and organized trek cost may make this adventure more expensive than other trekking areas, you can trust that you will be spending your dollar for the right reason and traveling with a professional, experienced company with over 15 years of expertise in the field. Join us and experience the difference. Book your Dolpo Trek for 2023/2024 today and prepare for a lifetime adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary
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We can Customize the trip to suit your interest and help you make it fit your budget. 

Once you arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, a member of our trekking team will be there to welcome you and help you to transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you can take some time to relax. Later in the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner to kick off our journey.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/ 4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

After breakfast, we will gather to discuss and plan our Upper Dolpo trek. In the afternoon, we will take a flight to Nepalgunj, a major city in the southern lowlands of Nepal that lies just 8 kilometers from the Indian border. In the evening you can take a ride on a cycle rickshaw to explore the area. We will spend the night at a hotel in Nepalgunj.

  • Max. Altitude:150m/ 492ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast and Dinner

Today, we will have an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The sight of the snow-capped mountains from the airplane along the flight is amazing. While just a gravel airstrip amidst the mountains, the Juphal Airport is a welcoming sight. From Juphal, we will walk down a small path among wheat fields to the Thuli Bheri River. Further on, the path then leads to Dunai. Overnights stay.

  • Max. Altitude:2160m/ 7085ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Dunai Bazar is situated on the bank of the Thuli Bheri river, we start our hike alongside of the Bheri river. The trek today is mostly uphill and gradual and we must cross a few suspensions bridge over the Phoksundo river. After 6 hour's hike, we will reach our today destination, Chhepka a tiny village in mountains.

  • Max. Altitude:2650m/ 8692
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we start our hike on the gradual trail alongside the river through the forest. Today most of our trek goes on an up-and-downhill uneven trail and we need to cross small bridges. After a three-hour hike, we can reach a small place called Raichi, where we can take our lunch break. We continue our hike to Chunuwar which will take about 2 hours. Chunuwar is a small town before Phoksundo Lake, where we can visit the year's old monastery and wander around. Overnight in Chunuwar.

  • Max. Altitude:3170m/ 10398ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, we will make our way toward one of the most impressive highlights of the trek: Phoksundo Lake, which happens to be one of the deepest lakes in Nepal. The trail to reach Phoksundo is mainly uphill. After a 20-minute hike on the smooth gradual trail, the path becomes steep as we climb further up.

After a two-hour uphill climb, we will reach a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the highest waterfall in Nepal, breathtaking mountains, and landscapes. From the viewpoint, it takes another 10-minute uphill walk to catch the first glimpse of Phoksundo lake. The trail descends and smooths as we pass through a pine forest before reaching the small Sherpa village of Rigmo. We will set up camp by the side of Phoksundo Lake, and after lunch, we will explore the lake and visit the nearby monastery. We will spend the night in Phoksundo.

  • Max. Altitude:3650m/ 11972ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Phoksundo Lake is a boundary between the Upper and Lower Dolpo, from today we enter into the restricted area of Dolpo. We hike on the salt trading route that is used by local and Tibetan people. Hiking on the side of a beautiful lake with a surrounding mountain view will be an amazing experience. This will be the best part of the trek.

The first part of the trek will be on a gently ascending path. After an hour and a half of hiking, we'll arrive at one of the most magnificent vantage points, offering a breathtaking view of the mesmerizing landscape of Dolpo, including the strikingly blue Phoksundo Lake and the awe-inspiring mountainous vista. We'll continue our journey, following the trail that leads us to the opposite side of the lake where we'll pause for lunch. Post-lunch, we'll need to trek for another two hours to arrive at our destination for the day.

  • Max. Altitude:3665m/ 12021ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we embarked on our trek through the pine forest alongside the river. The weather was turning cooler, providing a scenic view of the mountains. As we crossed the river, we entered through a narrow rocky passage flanked by towering walls on both sides, eventually leading us to a stream that we had to cross several times during our hike.

After three hours of hiking, we'll arrive at a spot beside a brook, where we'll break for lunch. Following that, we'll need to trek for another hour and a half to arrive at Kang La Base Camp, an expansive area near a small stream. We'll spend the night at the base camp.

  • Max. Altitude:4120m/ 13514ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunce, and Dinner

Today is going to be a demanding day as we'll need to cross the Kang-La Pass (5350m) and trek a long distance. The initial leg of our journey will be an exhausting ascent, and the high altitude may add to the difficulty. After two hours of climbing, we'll eventually reach the top of Kang-la pass. The steep descent will require us to walk for 4-5 hours to arrive at Shey Gompa. The glimpse of the Himalayas and the arid mountainous terrain is awe-inspiring. We'll spend the night at Shey Gompa.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/ 14465ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is our first rest day at Shey Gompa. We can visit the century-old monastery, explore the crystal mountain, and relax our day in this beautiful mountain land.

The Shey monastery hosts a summer festival known as the Shey festival which is most popular among Buddhist followers. The Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa is well explained in the book “The Snow Leopard” written by Peter Matthiessen and pictured in a movie called “Caravan” by Eric Valli.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/ 14465ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we must cross another high pass (5000m) named called Shey-La. The trek around the upper Dolpo valley and encounter with Local sherpa people, yaks, mountain goats, and other wildlife is simply an amazing experience. The first 2 hours of the trek go on a gradual climb, when we reach the top of Shey-La, the trails continue down on dry mountain land. After 4 hours of hiking, we will reach Namgong Gompa, a small salter beneath the mountain nearby a monastery that is set on a high cliff.

  • Max. Altitude:4200m/ 13776ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s trek will be short and easy compared with the last two one. The trail is wider and gradual, the first 40 minutes will be a steep climb and after that, the trek goes mostly on downhill.

Sanding is the largest village in the Upper Dolpo region and the route to Tibet for trade. This beautiful village is surrounded by wonderful hills, and it has wide farmland as well. After our lunch, we will explore the village. Here, people follow the ancient Amchi Buddhist tradition. The lifestyle of locals is highly influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition.

  • Max. Altitude:3980m/ 13055ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start our trek through the Sandang village, we walk down to the monastery and take a short visit and continue our hike through the terrace field, stupa, and mane walls. Today we hike mostly on a gradual trail, along the way we pass through several Sherpa villages and experience their lifestyle and warm greeting. Along the way, we must cross the knee-deep river several times and we will camp on the small open ground surrounded by high mountains and thorny Juniper bushes.

  • Max. Altitude:4230m/ 13875ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, our journey leads us to the base of the Last high pass. Our hiking trail follows the river, which we'll need to cross multiple times, freezing water without proper footwear. We'll stop for a lunch break before attempting on, traversing through the alpine vegetation. The last leg of our trek is the most demanding, involving a gradual uphill climb for an hour. However, we'll have the opportunity to relish the picturesque landscape that envelops us. Our stop for the night is Jyantala Base Camp. 

  • Max. Altitude:4380m/ 14365ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we start our journey to Jyanta-La Pass on a steeply uphill trail which will take about an hour. From the top of the Pass, we can see the breathtaking Himalayan scenery including mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the barren lands of inner Dolpo. The trail goes all the way down and gradually to the Tarap valley. After two hours walk from our lunch place, we will reach the beautiful town of Tokyu.

  • Max. Altitude:4200m/ 13776ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Hiking down to the lower land will be easier than climbing a high mountain. Today we took a short hike to Dho Tarap on a nice and flat gradual road. Dho village is one of the biggest and highest villages in Lower Dolpo and from here the route to Jomsom, Mustang, and Tibet separates. Overnight in Dho Trap.

  • Max. Altitude:3910m/ 12824ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a long hike around the high Himalayas, our bodies need some rest. Today is our rest day at Dho village, we take a rest and relax our bodies. We can take a short walk around the Dho village and visit the Monastery. Overnight at Dho.

  • Max. Altitude:3910m/ 12824ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail today goes all the way downhill to Nawar Pani in a wide gorge alongside the Trape river. We will cross the river multiple times, and along the trail, we can encounter mules, horses, and yaks as they use as transportation. And we may have a chance to see some wildlife such as Musk deer and Himalayan Thar. Nawar Pani is a small place on the bank of the river where we can set out the tent and spend the night.

  • Max. Altitude:3545m/ 11627ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

As we move forward, our route mostly follows the river, leading us up and down on uneven trails. The temperature will rise, and the trek will become easier as we descend. Along the way back of our journey, we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the river and waterfalls. However, one hour before reaching Linda Odar, we'll come across a steep, dusty, and gravelly path that demands our undivided attention. Our lodging for the night is at Linda Odar.

  • Max. Altitude:3160m/ 10365ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today the first part of the trek will be on a steep downhill. We cross the suspension bridge, check our entry permit, and continue our trek to Tarakot on a wide and gradual road. Along the way, we will meet and be greeted by local people, and enjoy the terraced farmland and the view of the mountains. After 2 hour hike from the lunch stop, we will reach our destination.

  • Max. Altitude:2543m/ 8341ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking to Dunai will be easier on a gradual incline. After we cross the suspension bridge, we walk on the newly constructed road along the shore of the Thuli Bheri river. The 5 hours hike will reach us at Tarakot, the district headquarters of Dolpo. In the evening we can wander around the town. Overnight in Dunai. 

  • Max. Altitude:2160m/ 7085ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the final day of our long journey around the Dolpo region. After breakfast, we started our hike to Jhuphal mostly on the wide rode. The final part of the trek will be more challenging on steep climbs on narrow trails. Today we say goodbye to most of our crew members. overnight stay in Juphal.

  • Max. Altitude:2570m/ 8430ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner

Early in the morning, we will fly to Nepalgunj from Juphal. And we can get a connecting flight to Kathmandu in the afternoon. In the evening, we can enjoy our farewell dinner.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/ 4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Farewell Dinner

The 3-week long journey around the Dolpo region, Nepal came to an end today. Until next say goodbye to our friends. Green Society Adventure will arrange the airport departure. Have a safe flight back home and keep in touch for your upcoming adventure with us.

    Route Map
    Upper Dolpo Trek - 24 Days map
    Cost Details
    Includes
    • Free airport and hotel transfers.
    • Two nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
    • One night Hotel in Nepaljung with Breakfast and Dinner.
    • Teahouse Accommodation in Dunai and Jupal.
    • Accommodation in a tent during the trek.
    • All domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj -Jhuphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu, including departure tax.
    • Three times Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with Tea, Coffee during the trek in mountains.
    • Fresh and can fruits as a dessert in the Evening.
    • Cookies and chocolate bar with tea after reaching the camp.
    • All ground transportation as per the itinerary program by private vehicles
    • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (guide).
    • All necessary staff: Cook and Kitchen helper, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide.
    • Donkey/ Horses to Carry a bag pack, tent, food, and all necessary goods.
    • All salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging for Trekking Guide and staff.
    • Restricted area entry permit fee for Upper and Lower Dolpo.
    • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee.
    • Trekking Equipment such as a Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, and a trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
    • Green Society Adventure complimentary free T-shirt, route map, and duffle bag (if needed)
    • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Medical kit bag with an oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse level during the trek.
    • All government and local taxes.
    Excludes
    • Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20 kg of luggage, the cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
    • Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen.
    • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (in the case of an early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
    • Travel and rescue insurance.
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled water, shower, heater, etc. 
    • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended.
    • Tips for guides and porters.
    Departure Dates
    PLAN TRIP
    Useful Information

    Best Time for Upper Dolpo Trek

    The best time for the Upper Dolpo Trek is spring and Autumn, normally this season has a pleasant climate.

    Spring Season: welcomes a melodrama of flora along the trails and offers pleasing treks. It is the best season for climbing peaks as well.

    Autumn Season: This is the most popular season for the trek in Nepal. The trails become dry and easier to walk on while the sky clears up and the magnificent views of the mountain come into sight easily.

    The Difficulty Level of Upper Dolpo Trek

    The Difficulty level of the Dolpo trek is Strenuous, if you have early experience in hiking and can carry a weight of 4 to 5 kilograms per day bag pack, you can plan for the Upper Dolpo trek. If you're healthy and in good physical shape and don't have any significant illnesses, you can get ready for the amazing Dolpo adventure. A month before the trek starts, you should start exercising and going for an hour each day of light hiking. Your training makes your upper Dolpo trek easier and more enjoyable.

    Checking List: What to Pack for Dolpo Trek?

    Preparation is very important when you plan and get ready for Upper Dolpo Trek. For a comfortable and easy trek, do get prepared as early as you can.

    Essentially, you need an easily fitted day backpack as you carry it every day for 5 to 6 hours. Make sure your backpack is waterproof, or it has a special cover. Check the link for the trekking equipment list and pick up all the necessary needs for yourself. And if you need to discuss more the equipment, please feel free to ask us.

    Drinking Water

    When you trek to high mountain land, it's crucial to consume enough filtered water and maintain body dihydride levels. During the upper Dolpo trek, one should drink 3-4 liters of water every day.

    During this trek, only some places have small teahouses and shops. In most places we use spring water to cook food as well as to drink, so we strongly advise bringing a reusable water bottle with you. You can fill the water bottle and can use an inbuilt filtration system like Life Straw or Steripen. You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water.

    Dolpo Trekking Permit and Trip Cost

    Trekking to The Upper Dolpo requires three kinds of entry permits, the Restricted Area (Special entry) permit for Upper and Lower Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit.

    • The Upper Dolpo special entry permit cost USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person for additional days.
    • The lower Dolpo special entry permit cost USD 20 per person per week and USD 5 per person for additional days. (Note: 2 entry permits to lower Dolpo USD 40, required for the trekkers to upper Dolpo).
    • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit cost USD 30 per person.

    Insurance

    It is critical to maintain your health and safety while trekking on this challenging Everest high pass to complete the trip. We always suggest you walk slowly and steadily with plenty of rest. We highly recommend making insurance for the insured a comprehensive expense that might gain due to medical issues or accidents. We do not offer or sell travel insurance, however, if you need advice, just let us know.

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