Upper Dolpo Trek
>1(Min) -12(Max)
mar-may
Overview
Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote region in Nepal’s far west. Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging and remote trek that should be attempted only by experienced hikers. The Shey-Phoksundo National Park protects the territory. Upper Dolpo is located north of the Dhaulagiri Range, which runs along the Tibetan plateau. The trail crosses several rivers and glaciers, as well as rocky paths and numerous steep passes. Extreme weather, such as high winds and cold temperatures, is possible. Because there are fewer amenities along the way, hikers must be self-sufficient along the way. The Upper Dolpo region is even more remote and infrequently visited.
Upper Dolpo is located to the north of the Dhaulagiri Himal and borders the Tibetan plateau desert. The Upper Dolpo region is even more remote and infrequently visited. There are breathtaking views of mountains, grey hills, and grazing deserts in the alpine region, as well as ancient Bon Po and Buddhist sacred sites. The culture of Nepal’s Dolpo district is heavily influenced by Tibetan influences. Upper Dolpo has some virgin wilderness. The area is part of the sedimentary Tibetan Tethys zone, which serves as a barrier against the semiarid climate of the region.
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most difficult treks, lasting over 20 days in the country’s most rural region. Throughout the journey, you will have to cross three 5,000-meter-high passes. Likewise, several nights would be spent inside the camp above 3,500 meters. If you want to trek to Upper Dolpo, you should be able to walk for 7 to 8 hours per day, be physically fit, and have some trekking experience. The Upper Dolpo trek route was opened to foreign trekkers in 1989 as part of Nepal’s restricted area trek. The government was in charge of this to minimize the area’s environmental and cultural impacts.
Itinerary
We take an early flight to Nepalgunj from Pokhara which takes about 30 minutes. Nepalgunj is a town in western Nepal, close to the border with India. It’s hot and humid in Nepalgunj. Then after, we will transport you from the hotel to the airport. Our trek guide will accompany you on the flight. Our office representative will transfer you to the hotel in Nepalgunj.
Destination
Nepalgunj
Hotel
Dinner
1hr
On the second day, we will drive to Nepalgunj airport for your flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The flight time to Juphal will be approximately 35 minutes. We will begin our trek after landing in Juphal. The trail is not difficult because this is the starting point of the trek. To reach Kalagauda, you will walk comfortably and descend for 45 minutes. You will then walk for another 2 hours along the Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai. When you arrive in Dunai, your room will be assigned based on your reservation. Dunai is the administrative center of the Dolpa district.
Destination
Juphal (2,475m) and walk to Dunai (2,140m)
Hotel
Lunch
2475m
3hr
The trek begins on the traditional Dolpo route. The walk is pleasant. We will present the trekking permits to Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Parks at the Suligad checkpoint. We’re now officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail will then take us along the Phoksundo River. Furthermore, as we walk through the lush tropical forest, we will notice a significant change in the landscape. We’ll pass through Kageni, Jutung and Shangta. We will cross a bridge over Phoksundo Lake and meet the Phoksundo and Maiba Khola. To get to Chhepka, we’ll head north. When we arrive in Chhepka, we will set up camp in an appropriate location.
Destination
Chhepka
Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2687m
6hr
Today we will walk along the well-known Lower Dolpo Circuit trek. We’ll walk in the opposite direction of the river. We will cross the Phoksundo River bridge twice. This trail is incredibly peaceful. We will arrive in Rechi, our lunch stops at an altitude of 3010m. After that, we’ll walk along the river again. We will cross a bridge at Suligad Dovan to reach the confluence of the Phoksundo River and the Yulung Khola. Then we’ll make our way to Amchi Hospital, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Destination
Chunuwar/ Amchi Hospital
Camp
Dinner
3000m
6hr
Today, we’ll travel to Shey Phoksundo, Nepal’s deepest lake. To get to Palam, we’ll have to climb through a cedar forest. Palam is a winter settlement of Ringmo’s residents. We’ll start by descending to around 3300 meters. Then we’ll climb 3,875 meters to a ridge with breathtaking views of a 300-meter waterfall, the highest in Nepal, and our first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake. We’ll then descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola and on to Ringmo, with its mud-plastered chortens. It’s a short walk from the settlement to the shores of Phoksundo Lake, where we’ll set up camp.
Destination
Phoksundo Lake
Camp
Lunch, Dinner
3612m
6hr
This is the day to admire the beauty and acclimatize yourself nearby Phoksundo Lake and explore the villages of Ringo and Tibetan monasteries.
3300m
1hr
We will have one of the best trekking days of the Dolpo trek today. We will ascend the narrow trails that run along the cliffs above Phoksundo Lake. This region will consist of the most breathtaking scenarios like we see in fictional movies/books. We will then descend for about an hour and a half through the beautiful forest. Then we’ll head to the Phoksundo Khola camp on the other side of the lake. Then we will ascend the final section of today’s trek to Sallaghari. We’ll set up camp among the lovely pine forest.
Destination
Sallaghari
Camp
Breakfast, Dinner
3630m
6hr
On this day, we’ll take a three-hour hike up to Nangdala High Camp. We will begin our journey by ascending the narrow Tuk Kyaksa river trail. We’ll switch sides of the river several times. Then after, we will arrive at a wide valley after about 30 minutes of walking from the bridge. We’ll walk for another few hours along the canyon from there. Then we’ll set up camp at Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp, a massive rock slab.
Destination
Nangda-La High Camp
Camp
Lunch, Dinner
4717m
6hr
Today, we’ll hike to Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain, the most sacred peak in the Dolpo region. We’ll be entering the truly fascinating Dolpo region today. We must first cross the Kang LA or Nangda LA passes to get there. To cross this pass, we must hike uphill for about 3 hours on a gravel trail. From the top, you can see Crystal Mountain, Tibetan Territory Mountain, and the mesmerizing landscape of the Dolpo region. During the walk, you can also see Shey Shikhar and Kang Chunne. According to the Tibetan calendar, a grand festival is held every dragon year (once every 12 years). We will put our campsite at Shey Gompa.
Destination
Shey Gompa
Camp
Breakfast, Dinner
4343m
6hr
We’ll spend the day exploring the area around Shey Gompa. This monastery is thought to be 800 years old, and it contains an ancient scroll that describes the myths surrounding Crystal Mountain. Shey Gompa is also known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa in the local dialect. Following the exploration, we will begin our journey. We’ll spend about two hours following the trails along Sephu Khola. The typical Dolpo landscape will take your breath away. We’ll be at the top of Shey-LA in about two hours. During the trek, spectacular views of Mustang, Tibet, Kanjirowa, Kagmara, and Crystal Mountain can be enjoyed. We’ll descend for another two hours to get to Namgung. The campsite will be set up here.
Destination
Namgung Gompa
Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4360m
7hr
We set out on our journey early in the morning. First, we will visit the Namgung monastery. This lovely monastery is perched on a high cliff. Following that, we will begin our journey. We’ll hike the trails along Namga Khola. To get to Saldang village, we’ll pass through more summer herding areas. Saldang is a lovely village with a lot of dry lands surrounded by stunning hills. We will walk around the village and interact with the residents.
Destination
Saldang
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3770m
5hr
We’ll hike to Yangjer after an early breakfast. It is the most prosperous monastery in the region. We will explore the monastery and eat our packed lunch while doing so. Following that, we will return to the Saldang campsite.
Destination
Yangjer Gumba
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4590m
1hr
The journey today will take approximately six hours. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Komash Village. Along the Rapyha Khola, we will follow the Saldang Lek. We will climb to 4500 meters and then descend to Komash village. This village is similar to the majority of Tibetan villages. We’ll set up camp in Komash village.
Destination
Komash Village
Lodge
Breakfast
4060m
6hr
After breakfast, we’ll set out on our journey. We might see some rare species like blue sheep and snow leopards on our hike today. During today’s trek, we will pass through several small villages. This section of the trek is made up of highland deserts with shrub-like vegetation. The trails are pleasant and not too difficult. We will arrive in Shimen after walking for about 4-5 hours. Spend the night here.
Destination
Shimen
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3850m
1hr
After breakfast, we’ll set out on our journey. We’ll be following the trails along the Panjyang Khola today. Along the way to Tinje, we’ll pass through some lovely villages and monasteries. The walk will last approximately 5 hours. Tinje is a lovely valley with a natural airstrip where a British plane once landed and took off. Spend the night here.
Destination
Tinje village
Lodge
Dinner
4110m
5hr
On this day, we’ll walk to Yak Kharka, which will take us about 5-6 hours. We’ll follow the trails along the Panjyang River, passing through the small settlement of Chhamdang. Following Chhamdang, we will walk along the riverbank for a while before arriving at the confluence of Chholtam Khola and Panjyang Khola. We’ll cross a bridge over Thalum Khola before arriving at an open grazing area for yaks and sheep which is known as Yak Kharka. Spend the night here.
Destination
Yak Kharka
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4100m
6hr
Today, we’ll travel to Tokyu from Yak Kharka. First, we will cross a bridge over Sulun Khola to reach Choila North pass at an elevation of 5040 meters. This section of the journey is challenging. We will climb for nearly 2 hours to reach the top of Choila pass. We’ll reach Tokyu after descending from the pass, where we’ll set up camp.
Destination
Tokyu
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4240m
2hr
We’ll hike to Dho Tarap today. It’s only about a one-and-a-half-hour walk. We will explore the village of Dho Tarap after arriving there. Dho Tarap is a large village settlement that is colourfully decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. We will enjoy a wonderful natural tour as well as cultural programs with traditional Tibetan dance and songs performed by the villagers. You will have the option of exploring some monasteries near Dho Tarap, so choose wisely. Ribo Bumpa Monastery, Drakmar Dewa Monastery, Mekhyim Monastery, and Dhoro Monastery are among the monasteries.
Destination
Dho Tarap
Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3944m
1hr
Today’s journey will be lengthy because we must travel a greater distance than usual. We will walk along the flat trail to the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Then we’ll cross a bridge over Klang Khola and arrive at Langa Camp.
We will continue to follow the Tarap Khola trails. We will pass through the lovely villages of Sisaul, Gyamghar, and Toltol. Following that, we will arrive at our campsite destination, Naworpani. We’ll set up camp in Naworpani.
Destination
Naworpani
Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3475m
1hr
We will also follow the trails along the Tarap Khola today. After a while, we will notice a change in the view and landscape. As we progress, a green forest will begin to emerge. Then we’ll ascend to Lamchaur, high above Tarap Khola. After crossing the Lahini Odar, we will descend to Chhedhul Gompa. After some time following the Tarap Khola, we will arrive at Laisicap, where we will spend the night.
Destination
Lashicap
Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2775m
1hr
Today, we’ll hike through the green lands above the Thuli Bheri River to Tarakot. We will cross a small bridge over a stream after arriving in Tarakot. On this day, we will pass through Lawan and Byasgad. Today’s hike will take you through some greenery, a forested region, and cultivated terraced fields. Spend the night here.
Destination
Dunai
Lodge
Dinner
6hr
Today we’ll hike along the Bheri River until we reach Kalagawda. We will ascend several times after Kalagawda to reach Juphal. It will be a short three-hour hike up to Juphal.
Destination
Juphal
1hr
Today is the final day of our journey. We’ll eat breakfast and then head to Juphal airport for our early morning flight to Nepalgunj. Today, we’ll fly to Nepalgunj. You will arrive in Nepalgunj in the afternoon for your flight to Pokhara. Now it’s time for the departure, hope you had a wonderful journey. Thank you!
Destination
Pokhara
1hr
Altitude Graph
Inclusion/Exclusion
The Cost Includes
- Accommodations in Tea House/Lodge during the Trekking.
- Pokhara-Nepalgunj – Juphal- Nepalgunj-Pokhara flight costs (includes tax and government fees)
- Trekking Guide, assistant trekking guide for groups with 12 or more trekkers and a porter (Sharing by two clients) with Insurance, food, and accommodations.
- Special Dolpa Region Permit
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
- Proper First aid kit
- A TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) is like a permit.
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Company’s duffel bag will also be provided. (If needed)
- All essential official fees.
Service not included in the Price
- International flight cost
- Your travel insurance
- Excess baggage charge (weight limit 9 kg per person)
- On arrival visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport (30 days- USD 50)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the trek
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc.
- Tips for the Guide and Porter(expected).
- Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude Heli – rescue and evacuation and health care costs (compulsory)
- Additional costs or delays due to circumstances beyond our control like bad weather conditions, itinerary modification for safety, government policy changes
Useful Info
ADDITIONAL INFO
Upper Dolpo trek is an adventurous trek in western Nepal’s remote landscape. If you want to trek to Upper Dolpo, you should be able to walk for 7 to 8 hours per day, be physically fit, and have some trekking experience. It is one of the rare treks because of its toughness. Despite that, the path takes you through some of the most breathtaking Himalayan scenery. It receives very little rain during the monsoon season (June/July/August), whereas other parts of Nepal receive a lot. Dolpo is best visited between the end of July and the beginning of August, and from the middle of November, depending on the weather. The weather is very favourable throughout the trek. Stunning views of the central Himalayan range will be seen. Furthermore, we strongly suggest all of our valued clients come to Pokhara one day before their trip departure date, to participate in the trek briefing. The trip briefing allows you to double-check critical gear and equipment, as well as learn about weather and route conditions. You need to obtain some permits to complete the trekking for which we will assist you. The safety and health issues are the major concerns which will be taken care of.
Send Request
You can send your enquiry via the form below.
Trip name: * Upper Dolpo Trek
