• Adventurous trail
  • See superb scenery throughout the trail
  • Explore beautiful villages
  • Explore stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Cross three high passes Nagdalo La, the Shey La, and Jeng La
  • Experience rich culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the locals, which is highly influenced by Tibetants
  • Observe BonPo traditions and shamanistic influence
  • Visit 800 years old Shey Gompa
  • Witness panoramic views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Crystal Mountain
Trip Details

Upper Dolpo Trek will unfold numerous mysteries, myths, and beautiful villages in front of you. During the Upper Dolpo Trekking, you will explore the grandeur of Nepal’s rugged and remote far west. Touched with the border of Tibet, Dolpo has so many similarities to them from their culture to language and delicacies. Trekking the mystical land of Dolpo will present you centuries-old monasteries, BonPo traditions, and shamanistic influence. Yes, the Dolpo region trekking is all about those thrilling witchy stories.

We, Go For Nepal Treks & Expedition have designed our Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary including Shey Phoksundo Lake. It is the most gorgeous lake in Nepal. You will be trekking through Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. The surreal beauty of this lake will add more satisfaction to the journey. As you will pass by villages, you will get to see the daily lifestyle of the locals. People here are very kind and big-hearted. We assure you that Upper Dolpo Trek with us will add an unforgettable impression on you.

You will explore the 800 years old Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. Located at the base of Crystal Mountain, this gompa holds huge importance and is a pilgrimage site. The three high passes will add more adventure to this trek. The trail is less to no crowded. Only a handful of people visit this region every year.

Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, and you need to get special permission from the government of Nepal to trek in the Dolpo region. The permit is also expensive and will cost you USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. This helps to control the flow of tourists in the Dolpo region and protect it.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu via respective Airlines.
  • Day 2Fly to Nepalgunj and transfer to respective hotels.
  • Day 3Fly to Jhupal (2,475 m) then drive to Dunai (2,140 m); 2 hrs.
  • Day 4Trek to Chhepka (2,838 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 5Trek to Samdua village (2,960 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 6Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,500 m); 5 hrs.
  • Day 7Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.
  • Day 8Trek to Phukshundo Khola (3,640 m); 5 hrs.
  • Day 9Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang; 7 hrs.
  • Day 10Trek to Shey Gompa (4,500 m) via Kang-La (5,360 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 011Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
  • Day 012Trek to Namgung (4,608 m) via Saldang La (5,094 m).
  • Day 013Trek to Saldang (3,770 m); 5 hrs.
  • Day 014Trek to Chagaon (4,910 m); 5 hrs.
  • Day 015Trek to Rakyo (4,160 m) via Darshamna Dovan; 6 hrs.
  • Day 016Trek and Camp at 4,542 m after crossing Jyanta Bhanjyang (5,231 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 017Trek to Murjung (4,965 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 018Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,200 m) via Jeng La (5,090 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 019Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040 m); 5 hrs.
  • Day 020Trek to Ghyamgar (3,759 m); 7 hrs.
  • Day 021Trek to Tarap Khola (3,652) via Chhyugar (3,440 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 022Trek to Tarakot (2,540 m); 6 hrs.
  • Day 023Trek to Dunai, 5 hrs then drive to Jhupal; 2 hrs jeep ride.
  • Day 024From Jhupal morning fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
  • Day 025Transfer to International Airport for flight homeward bound.
Day to Day detail itinerary

Useful Info

Himalayan Penchant

Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the best ways to escape from your daily hectic life into the land known to only a few people. From rich culture to stunning scenery, you will have the most memorable times of your life here. The silence in its air will allow you to spend more time with you and look into your life. You will get to see snow-capped Himalayan mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Crystal Mountain, etc. Plus, you will be crossing high passes like Nagdalo La (5,350 m), the Shey La (5,010 m), and Jeng La (5,220 m).

Upper Dolpo Trek landmark

Upper Dolpo Trek will present culturally rich villages and beautiful landscapes. The trek will take you to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, the jewel of the region. Here, you will get to see the stunning scenery. Further, you will spend the night in several villages like Sladang, Namgung, Dho Tarap, Chagaon, etc. Likewise, you will explore ancient Shey Gompa, where you will get to see hundreds of years old manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures.

Culture & Ethnic Diversity

The people residing here are known as the descendants of Tibetans. The region is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The lifestyle, culture, language, dress, and tradition are similar to the Tibetans. Most of the people follow BonPo religion. You will get to see the most bizarre type of practices here that will blow your mind.

Natural Aptitude

Dolpo region boasts more like grey mountains, shrubs, meadows, and grasslands. From 3,800 to 4,180 meters, you will see several agricultural fields where barley, buckwheat, millet, potatoes, radishes, mustard, wheat, and spinach can be grown. Dolpo is divided into four valleys. Each valley represents unique characteristics. The four valleys are Tsharka - good growing-place, Tarap - auspicious excellent, Panzang - the abode of monks and Nangkhong - innermost place. Likewise, you might get to see a snow leopard.

Upper Dolpo Trek difficulty

Upper Dolpo Trek is a difficult trek. There are many steep ascends and descends. You have to walk for 6 or more hours per day. Moreover, the isolation of the region makes it even harder because you can not stop in the middle of two destinations as there will be no option to spend the night unless you are camping. The terrain is different from other parts of Nepal and is challenging.

Altitude Sickness and Prevention

There are chances of getting high altitude sickness during Upper Dolpo Trek. During the trek, you will reach above 5,000 meters, which definitely is a high altitude. Including enough rest days in between the trek and drinking plenty of water can help avoid altitude sickness.

Transportation and Bag Pack

Upper Dolpo Trek 25 Days starts with back to back flight to Nepalgunj and Jhupal. From here, you will move towards Upper Dolpo passing by stunning Phoksundo Lake.

Here is the list of things that you should carry during Upper Dolpo Trekking:

  • Pair of hiking pants and casual pants
  • T-shirts
  • Thermal Wears
  • Breathable Underwears
  • Trekking shoes/socks
  • Rain jacket
  • Gloves
  • Sun hat
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking Pole
  • First aid kit
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sunblock, towel, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins, etc)
  • Miscellaneous (camera, extra batteries, journal, cards, bars, snacks, water purification tablets, etc)

Food and Accommodation during Upper Dolpo Trekking

During the Upper Dolpo Trek 25 Days, you will be staying overnight in either teahouse or camp. Teahouses are not fancy at all. You will get the bare minimum facilities that are enough to spend the night like a bed, blanket, pillows, etc. The washrooms will mostly be in the sharing of the term. Likewise, there are some places where you will be staying overnight in camp.

For food, the first thing you have to know is this place is the most secluded part of Nepal and resources are scarce. Therefore, a variety of food will be limited. In a teahouse, you will get meals as per their menu. While staying in camp, the meals will be prepared by porters.

Best time to go on Upper Dolpo Trek

The best time to visit Upper Dolpo Trek is from April to May and late-September to November. These months have the most stable weather, moderate climate, and clear skies. All of these factors make the journey exciting and more joyful.

Upper Dolpo Trek cost

Upper Dolpo Trek cost includes your food, accommodation, and expenses of guide & porters during the trek along with all ground transportation as per the itinerary and permits. There are also a few things that are not included in the package cost like travel insurance, airfare, tips, and personal expenses. The cost can range from one travel agency to another, however, with us, Go For Nepal Treks & Expedition, you will get the most genuine Upper Dolpo package cost and best service.

Miscellaneous

  • Carry extra cash as there will be no ATMs on the trail or villages
  • Make sure to take out insurance
  • Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated
  • Get a good map
  • Walk slowly and safely