Regd. No: 88333/068/069, Tourism License No: 1408

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek
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Facts About Upper Dolpo Trek

Grade

Strenuous

Max Size

1-15

Altitude

5490m

Transportation

Car/Bus/Jeep/ Plane

Accomodation

Lodge/Hotel/Camp

Major Activity

Trekking & Tour

Himalayan Sights

Dolpo Himalayan Region

Starts/Ends

Kathmandu - Kathmandu

Duration:

25 Days

Trip Overview

Upper Dolpo Trekking is the most remote, hidden and isolated trekking destination in far western Nepal situated between the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range. Upper Dolpo Region comprise of tranquil and natural beauty like mysterious monasteries, beautiful mountain, blue lakes and unique landscape.

Upper Dolpo Region also known as the home of herbal land is famous for unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments and unique human society at high altitude. Observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views and beautiful lakes are the primary feature of Upper Dolpo Region.

Upper Dolpo Trekking begins with walk through the remote villages of Nepal following the bank of Bheri River to our camp at Dunai in about 2 to 3 hours. The route follows Snowy Horizon at isolated village of Ringmo, crystal mountain at Shey Gompa, deep blue Shey Phoksundo lake and finally back to Juphal. The Upper Dolpo trekking route passes through many gigantic mountain ranges and the Shey Phoksundo Park. The Shey Phoksundo Park has an area of about 3500 sq. km where we can find the wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and huge birds Himalayan called griffon.

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Food
Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu, you are welcomed by hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our airport representative will explain briefly the program and preparation for trek.

Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation
Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

After breakfast, our tour guide will take to you for historical monuments sightseeing around Kathmandu valley such as Bhkatapur, pasupatinath, Boudhhanath, Kathmandu durbar square & Swaymbhunath (monkey temple) and prepare for the Upper Dolpa trekking because this day is required to make Upper Dolpa special trekking permit with original passport.

Day 3 : Drive or Fly to Nepalgunj
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
150

From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, we have the option to either take a bus or fly with a domestic carrier from Kathmandu. The flight takes approximately 1 hour, while the bus journey can take up to 8 hours. Upon arrival, we will stay overnight at a hotel or lodge, which is just a short 10 to 15 minute drive from the airport.

Day 4 : Fly from Nepaljunj to Juphal,then trek to Dunai 4half hour walk.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
2150

We commence our trek today with a 35-minute flight to Juphal, followed by a descent to Kalagauda and a two-hour hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River. En route, we pass by Roop Ghar, a water mill, before reaching Dunai (2150m), the district headquarters. Here, you can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery, and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire town, including the upper Dunai village.

Day 5 : Trek from Dunai - Chhepka, 6hour walk.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
2689

Today marks the beginning of the thrilling Dolpo Mustang trek. We will take the classic route via Sulighar and obtain permits for Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park. Along the way, we will cross the Phoksundo River and admire the surrounding landscapes. We'll make our way to Shangta, passing through tropical forests. Our trek for the day will come to an end upon reaching Chhepka.

Day 6 : Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital 6hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3000

Today, we will be trekking through the Lower Dolpo circuit. Our route will take us over the Phoksundo River twice, and we will stop for lunch at Rechi. From there, we will follow the Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola until we reach our final destination for the day, the Amchi Hospital. This hospital is known for its use of traditional medicine made from herbal remedies found in the Dolpo region, and is a fascinating place to learn more about the local culture and healing practices.

Day 7 : Chunuwar/ Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake 5/6hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3600

Today, we ascend through the dense forest and make our way towards Ringmo village. Along the way, we admire the breathtaking views of the highest waterfall and unique flat-roofed stone houses adorned with mani walls. Crossing a bridge, we continue our trek towards Phoksundo Lake and set up camp there for the night.

Day 8 : Phoksundo - Rest/explore around.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3600

Today, we take a break from our journey and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding Ringmo village. We will explore the area and make our way to Tshowa, a Bon Monastery situated on the lake shore. Afterwards, we will descend along steep-sided cliffs to reach Phoksundo Lake and continue our nature tour.

Day 9 : Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sallaghari, 6 hour walk.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3630

Starting our journey to Dolpa, we climb along a narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically above Phoksundo. After descending through a dense forest, we reach our final destination for the day, Sallagari, where we set up camp inside the pine forest.

Day 10 : Trek from Sallaghari to Nangdala, 3/4hour
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4717

Today, our trekking journey takes us on a three-hour walk to reach Kangla/Nangdala Base Camp. We will need to cross the Tuk Kyaksa River to get there. Along the way, we will traverse a wide valley before embarking on a two-hour hike to finally reach the Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 11 : Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa (4343m) crossing Nangdala pass (5350m)/ 5-6hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
5350

Today, we will embark on a trek to Shey Gompa, a spiritual destination that houses the sacred peak of Crystal Mountain in Dolpo. The journey to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass begins with a walk along a graveled trail, offering breathtaking views. After 3 hours of trekking, we arrive at Shey, a territory known for its grand festival that occurs every 12 years according to the Tibetan calendar. We will spend the night here, taking in the serene surroundings.

Day 12 : Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360m) crossing Shey La Pass (5100m)/ 6-7hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
5100

Today, we will set out to discover the beauty of Shey Gompa and embark on a trek up to the Shey La pass. The ascent will take approximately 2 hours from Sephu Khola, following which we will continue along the path leading to Namgung. Along the way, we will be treated to breathtaking views of Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and Riu Dhukta. Our journey for the day will conclude at Namgung, where we will spend the night.

Day 13 : Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3770m)/ 4-5hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3770

After exploring the monastery set on the flanking cliff of Namgung, we will continue our journey towards Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village surrounded by hills, where we will learn about the Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo. We will end our trip here by visiting local houses and drinking some salt butter tea.

 

Day 14 : Saldang Day hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590m)
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4590

Today after breakfast, we will embark on a day hike to Yanher. We will bring packed lunch and return after exploring the most opulent monastery in this area. Once we return, we will spend the night at Namgong.

Day 15 : Yangjer Gumba to Saldangto Komash Village (4060m)/ 6 hrs trek
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4060

Today, we will trek for six hours following the Saldang Lek and Raphya Khola to reach the village of Komash. We will spend the night there after a long day of hiking.

Day 16 : Komash Village to Shimen (3850m)/ 6hrs walk
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3835

Today, we have the chance to spot some endangered animals as we trek from Komash to Shimen. The 5-hour trek offers the possibility of encountering rare creatures such as snow leopards or blue sheep. Our day ends as we reach Shimen, where we will spend the night.

Day 17 : Shimen to Tinje (4110m)
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4110

Today marks the start of our journey along the banks of Panjyang Khola. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to visit some picturesque villages and gompas before reaching Tinje where we will spend the night.

Day 18 : Tinje Village to Yak Kharka
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4190

Our journey continues today as we leave Tinje village and make our way towards Chhamdang settlement. We will trek along the trails that wind along Chholtam Khola and Panjyan Khola, enjoying the beautiful scenery as we go. After crossing the Thalum Khola bridge, we will arrive at Yak Kharka where we can observe the grazing yaks on the grassy meadow. We will set up camp here and spend the night in this tranquil location.

 

Day 19 : Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4240m)
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
4240

After crossing the Sulun Khola bridge, we will embark on the challenging trek towards Choila North Pass. The route is difficult and will require two hours of trekking before we reach the peak of Choila Pass. From this vantage point, we will be able to take in the stunning views of Tokyu Camps. Our trek will conclude with a camping experience in Takyu.

Day 20 : Tokyu to Dho Tarap (3944m) Rest day
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3944

Today is a designated rest day for us, but we will still embark on a short trip to Dho Tarap which is just an hour and a half walk from Tokyo. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to explore the area and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and monasteries. We will also enjoy a nature tour and take part in a cultural program that includes traditional Tibetan dances and songs. Our overnight stay will be in Dho Tarap itself.

Day 21 : Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475m)
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
3475

We will commence our journey today by crossing Tarap Khola and Mirububane Khola. Along the way, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the arid landscape as we pass through Sisaul and Toltol village. Our trek will be quite lengthy, but we will press on and eventually make a stop at Nawarpani where we will spend the night.

Day 22 : Naworpani to Lashicap (2775m)
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
2775

Our journey today will take us through a lush green forest as we make our way along Tarap Khola. We will ascend towards Lamchaur for a short while before eventually making our way down the hill towards Chhedul Gompa. Our final stop for the day will be at Laisicap where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 23 : Lashicap to Dunai 6hrs
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
2600

Our trek today will commence from Lashicap and take us to Tarakot, which we will reach by crossing the bridge over the Thuki Bheri River. The route will take us through a forested region and past cultivated terraced fields. Our final destination for the day will be Dunai, where we will spend the night.

Day 24 : Dunai to Juphal
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Tent
Elevation
2473

After breakfast a few hours of trekking from Dunai, we will arrive at Juphal where we will spend the night.

 

Day 25 : Juphal to Nepalgunj flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

We will take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. Once we arrive in Nepalgunj, we will have some time to rest at a hotel before taking an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. We will be accommodated at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Cost Includes

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • 3 night hotel in Kathmandu
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Domestic flights
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (necessary porters) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
  • Dolpo special permits
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Altitude Graph

Fequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Upper Dolpo located?

Upper Dolpo is located in the northwestern part of Nepal, bordering Tibet. It is part of the Dolpa district and is one of the most remote and least developed regions in Nepal.

What is the best time to go for Upper Dolpo trek?

The best time to go for Upper Dolpo trek is during the months of May to September. This is the time when the weather is favorable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. However, it is important to note that Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude region and temperatures can drop rapidly, even during the summer months.

How difficult is the Upper Dolpo trek?

The Upper Dolpo trek is considered to be a challenging trek, suitable for experienced trekkers. The trek involves long days of walking and steep ascents and descents. Additionally, the high altitude and remote location can also make the trek more challenging.

What is the altitude of Upper Dolpo?

The altitude of Upper Dolpo ranges from 3,000 meters to 5,200 meters above sea level. The trek involves several high passes, including the Kang La Pass at 5,350 meters.

Do I need a permit for Upper Dolpo trek?

Yes, a special permit is required for the Upper Dolpo trek. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency and is valid for a limited period. Additionally, trekkers are required to have a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card.

What is the accommodation like on the Upper Dolpo trek?

Accommodation on the Upper Dolpo trek is basic, with simple lodges and tea houses available along the way. In some areas, camping may be required. It is important to note that facilities may be limited in remote areas and it is advisable to carry essential supplies.

What are the highlights of the Upper Dolpo trek?

The Upper Dolpo trek is known for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and rugged terrain. The trek also offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the Dolpo region, with its traditional villages and monasteries. Additionally, the trek passes through the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to a wide range of flora and fauna.

Additional Information

Additional Information About Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging and remote trek that takes you through the rugged terrain of the Dolpo region in western Nepal. Here are some additional pieces of information about this trek:

Location:

Upper Dolpo Trek is located in the Dolpo region of western Nepal, which lies in the northwestern part of the country.

Altitude:

The trek starts from the town of Juphal at an altitude of 2,475 meters (8,120 feet) and reaches its highest point at the Kang La Pass at an altitude of 5,360 meters (17,585 feet).

Permits:

As Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, you need a special permit to trek in this region. You need both the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and the Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit to undertake this trek.

Duration:

The trek usually takes around 25 days to complete, depending on your itinerary.

Accommodation:

There are basic teahouses and lodges along the trail, but they are few and far between. You will need to carry your own tent and camping equipment for some parts of the trek.

Difficulty:

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging trek that requires a high level of fitness and experience in trekking in remote and high-altitude areas. The trail is rugged, and you will need to cross high passes and walk for long hours each day.

Highlights:

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. You will also get to visit the Shey-Phoksundo National Park and the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, which is one of the main highlights of the trek. The trek also offers a chance to explore the unique culture and way of life of the Dolpo people.

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