Holiday Treks & Expedition

Upper Dolpo Trek

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Days
28
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US$ 750
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From US$ 5,200
US$ 4,450
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Max. Elevation
5360 m / 17585 ft
Group size
2 - 10 Pax
Level
Advance
Transportation
All ground transportation and domestic flight as per itinerary
Best Season
Spring, Autumn, and Monsoon
Starts at / Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accomodation
Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj and Tented Camp During Trek
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Trip Route

Highlights

Trekking in Upper Dolpo, located in the remote western part of Nepal, is an extraordinary experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and fascinating encounters. Here are some highlights of the Upper Dolpo trek:

  • Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote and least developed regions in Nepal, offering pristine and untouched landscapes. You'll trek through rugged terrain, deep valleys, high passes, and picturesque villages surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
  • The trek takes you through the stunning Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake. The lake is a mesmerizing shade of blue and is surrounded by barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks, creating a surreal atmosphere.
  • Upper Dolpo is inhabited by people of Tibetan origin who have preserved their ancient culture and traditions for centuries. You'll have the opportunity to visit traditional Tibetan villages, monasteries, and interact with the friendly locals, gaining insight into their way of life.
  • Along the trekking route, you'll encounter the spectacular Phoksundo Waterfall, cascading from a great height into the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. The sight and sound of the waterfall amidst the rugged landscape are truly mesmerizing.
  • The Upper Dolpo trek involves crossing several high passes, including the challenging Kang La Pass (5,360m) and the Numa La Pass (5,330m). These passes offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park is rich in biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna. You may encounter rare Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep, snow leopards, musk deer, and various species of birds including the colorful Himalayan Monal.
  • Upper Dolpo is dotted with ancient monasteries and gompas, showcasing the region's deep spiritual heritage. Visiting these sacred sites, such as Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain, provides insight into Tibetan Buddhism and its practices.
  • Despite the remote location, the people of Upper Dolpo are known for their warm hospitality and generosity. You'll be welcomed into local homes, offered traditional Tibetan cuisine, and treated with kindness by the villagers throughout your journey.
  • The Upper Dolpo trek is a truly immersive adventure that offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is challenging with high altitude and uneven terrain, but the rewards are worth it. The natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking and the cultural experiences will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. To fully enjoy the Upper Dolpo Trip, it is important to prepare well. Make sure you have the necessary gear, such as a warm sleeping bag, good walking shoes and a sturdy backpack. Physical fitness and good endurance are also important.

The Upper Dolpo Trek continues from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun, but to get there you have to pass the Saldang La (5200m) pass. You will reach Saldang village and spend the next night there after the previous night at Namduna Gaun Tented Camp. Heading north along the Nang Chu River, you will eventually reach Yangze Gompa, also known as Bon-Po Monastery, on your 15th day of trekking. You will follow your original route back from the Yangtze through Namduna Gaun to Saldang Village and finally to Sibu. To reach the base of Jeng La Pass, you have to go east, following Nam Khong Khola about two hours after leaving Sibu. You can reach Tokyo Gaon the next morning via Jeng La Pass (5090 m). From the Upper Dolpo trek, you can see Dhaulagiri and other mountains in detail. You leave Tokyu Gaon and head east to the Buddhist influence of Dho Tarap.

Upper Dolpo Trek Best Time, Season, Months
The best time for Upper Dolpo Trek is from May to October. During this period, the weather is usually stable and clear, with warm days and cool nights. The monsoon season runs from June to September, but the area is relatively dry with less rainfall than other parts of Nepal. May and June have excellent visibility and clear skies, making it a great time to hike. In July and August, the temperatures are warmer and the monsoon season is in full swing, so it is important to be prepared for possible rain and mud on the road.

September and October are considered the best times for trekking in the Upper Dolpo region. Because the rainy season is over, the sky is dry and clear. At this time, the weather is clear and there is a good view of the mountains and valleys. In short, the best time to trekking in the Dolpo is September and October, when the weather is dry and clear, providing the best conditions for hiking. However, the weather in the area can change quickly, so it is important to check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your hike.

Food Availability on Upper Dolpo Trek
Due to the remoteness and lack of infrastructure in the Upper Dolpo Trekking region, food and meal availability might be an issue. Throughout the whole trek, we will provide breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. There are various ways to guarantee that you have access to enough food that is also nourishing while on your trek.

Packed Meals: You can arrange for packed meals, such as energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruits, which are convenient and easy to carry. These can provide a quick and easy source of energy during the trek.
Tea Houses: Some tea houses along the trek route offer basic meals, such as dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), pasta, and potatoes. These meals are simple but filling and provide a good source of carbohydrates.
Camping Trek: For those undertaking the camping trek, a cook and kitchen staff will be provided, and meals will be prepared fresh and cooked on-site.

It is advised to bring some snacks and extra food supplies, like energy bars and dried fruits, as a backup in case the tea houses run out of food. To prevent altitude sickness and other health problems, it's crucial to keep hydrated throughout the journey and drink enough of water. Although it is possible to find clean drinking water in places like streams, rivers, and lakes, it is also advisable to take water purification pills or a water filter device.

Accommodation Facility on Upper Dolpo Trek
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo Trek is primarily provided in the form of tea houses or camping. Here's what you can expect:

Basic lodges and Tea Houses that offer simple rooms and meals. The rooms are typically shared and equipped with basic amenities such as a mattress, blanket, and pillow. Tea houses along the Upper Dolpo Trek route are often rustic and simple but provide a unique and authentic experience.

For those undertaking the camping trek, tents will be provided, and a cook and kitchen staff will prepare meals and set up camp. Camping provides a more testing and adventurous experience, but also requires a higher level of preparation and planning. Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to be prepared for basic and rustic conditions, as the Upper Dolpo region is remote and has limited infrastructure.

Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty Level
The Upper Dolpo Trek is considered a difficult trek and is not suitable for inexperienced or low-fit trekkers. The trek involves long days on rough and steep terrain and reaches high altitudes, making it physically and mentally demanding. Some of the challenges of Upper Dolpo Trek are:

Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of up to 5,400 meters, making it important to properly acclimatize and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Terrain: The trek involves hiking over rough and steep terrain, including rocky trails and steep ascents and descents.
Remoteness: The Upper Dolpo Trek is in a remote and isolated region, making it important to be prepared for potential challenges such as poor trail conditions and limited access to basic necessities.
Weather: The weather in the region can change quickly and unpredictably, making it important to be prepared for all conditions.

Requirement of Travel Insurance during Upper Dolpo Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for anyone undertaking the Upper Dolpo Trek. The trek is in a remote and isolated region, and it is essential to have insurance coverage in case of any unexpected events such as injury, illness, or evacuation. Some of the key benefits of having travel insurance for the Upper Dolpo Trek include:

Emergency Medical Expenses: Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses in case of injury or illness during the trek.
Emergency Evacuation: Travel insurance can cover the cost of an emergency evacuation in case of a medical emergency or other situation that requires immediate attention.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Travel insurance can provide coverage in case you have to cancel or interrupt your trek due to unforeseen circumstances such as a family emergency or illness.

Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of preparing for the Upper Dolpo Trek. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events and is essential for anyone undertaking this challenging trek.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies during Upper Dolpo Trek
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common concern for trekkers in the Upper Dolpo region, as the trek reaches altitudes of up to 5,400 meters. It is caused by the reduced amount of oxygen at high altitudes, and can cause a range of symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. 

Gradual ascent: Gradually acclimatizing to the altitude by taking rest days and not exceeding a height gain of 300 to 500 meters per day can help prevent altitude sickness.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial for preventing altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body.
Proper nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates can help the body adjust to altitude.
Medications: Diamox is a commonly prescribed medication for altitude sickness, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Descend: If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, it is important to descend immediately to a lower altitude.

It's important to take altitude sickness seriously and be aware of the symptoms. If you experience symptoms, it's best to descend immediately and seek medical attention. By taking the proper precautions, you can reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek in the Upper Dolpo region.

Important Note

Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Meet on airport and transfer you in hotel. After arrival, the group will be formally introduced to Guide for the activities over the next few days. One should pay attention to the safety aspects of the briefing. Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified at this time. We check your insurance details and other requirements for your trekking.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will start an interesting tour of Kathmandu. Try to give a full taste of our vibrant cultural scene and the enchanting way of its people with an English-speaking guide (any language speaking guide can be provided if desired). During our trip we will visit Swayambhu Nath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, this complex of palaces, courtyards and temples was once the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. A fascinating piece is a stone inscription from the 17th century placed on the wall of the palace with inscriptions in 15 languages. Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and civic center of the city.

Swayambhu Nath: This 2,000-year-old hilltop stupa is the world's grandest Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The lid of the main temple is a gilded copper, brass and the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha are painted on its four sides.

Pashupatinath: The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the holiest and most famous temple in Nepal. Located 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda-style structure with a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. There are baths and cremation places, which are of interest to tourists especially in the morning and during festival days.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the domestic airport from where you will fly to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, located in the western part of the country. The one-hour flight opens up wonderful views of the Terai region. You will visit a hotel in Nepalgunj. One of the most vibrant cities in Nepal, Nepalgunj is located near the Indian border. Here you can explore local markets and towns, as well as a small zoo.

Overnight in Nepalgunj.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the domestic airport for your flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna (8091m) during the flight (8167m). Meet the rest of your team at Juphal and we begin the most exciting Upper Dolpo Trek. After a short walk, the farmsteads reach the catchment of the river Bheri. The route takes you to Dunai, the gateway to the administrative center of the Dolpo region.

Overnight in Dunai.

After breakfast in Dunai, we leave Dunai at the suspension bridge and head west along the forest path. The Upper Dolpo trek continues to Thulo Bheri Valley. On the way you will enjoy amazing views of Kagmara Peak. The road passes through small villages and walnut farms. When you reach Ankhe, you will descend into the forest and spend the night in a tented camp.

Overnight in Teant.

This morning you climb a difficult path along a wooded riverbank. Today's walk has many ups and downs, but thanks to the numerous streams along the route, you can keep calm. The Upper Dolpo Trek route continues past the grassy hill after leaving the trees. Then you go through a dense forest until you reach a rock. You go down here by a rough, rough staircase; to take care of You will walk further along the riverbank until you reach Sulighat. 

Overnight in Sulighat.

Today you will walk to the junction of Phoksundo and Pung rivers. After crossing the bridge from here, you can walk along the west bank of Pungmo Khola. The upper Dolpo trail continues and flows into the cedar forest before reaching Palam settlement. Then you climb the ridge and descend through the thick and green birch trees. Passing Phoksundo Kola, the Ringmo settlement can be seen. Lake Phoksundo is a short walk from here.

Overnight in Phoksundo Lake.

This is a day of relaxation to acclimatize to the altitude. You will spend the day on a short excursion in the village of Ringmo. Here you can see an old Tibetan Buddhist monastery. You can observe the daily activities of the locals as well as their extensive culture and traditions. Afterwards, you will spend some time admiring the magnificence of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake and its surroundings.

Overnight in Phoksundo Lake.

While hiking along the western shore of Phoksundo Lake, you come across a crack. It is a rough and unstable road. The upper Dolpo footpath takes you across green meadows and onto the Phoksundo Khola plateau from the westernmost point of the lake. Continue through the valley and cross the river bridge here. Phoksundo Khola, where you live, has been reached. You will stay on a campsite.

Overnight in Phoksundo Khola.

Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream meet at the junction of the Upper Dolpo Trek route, which takes you north through a glacial valley. You will go northeast and after crossing a dilapidated bridge you will reach a beautiful sheep pasture. The trip takes you to the top of a steep pass with an amazing view of Kang La Pass. You can also see great views of Chamlang Peak 6 (6739m) and Peak 7 (6105m).

Overnight in Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Early within the morning, you'll climb a difficult path toward a pass. Although the rising will be troublesome, the see of the surrounding region from the summit will be marvelous. You'll moreover do a soak path plunge and a walk by a river's edge. You'll travel over glades and cross this stream different times at various locations. The knoll is domestic to a few yaks, mountain goats, and sheep that are brushing. You'll inevitably arrive in Shey Gompa for the night after crossing a log bridge.

Overnight in Shey Gompa.

The Upper Dolpo Trekking trail, today is the second day of rest day at Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa, an ancient temple built in 1655. The Gompa is famous for its large bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha covered in gold. East of the gompa you will see Crystal Mountain. Considering that the cliffs are covered with quartz and various marine fossils, this mountain is one of the most unique mountains in all of Nepal. Afterwards, you will walk through the village of Shey. Here you can see what Bon Po's life is like.

Overnight in Shey Gompa.

After passing Juniper bush trees, the Upper Dolpo Trekking Path will proceed to drop until it comes to a rough canyon. From here, you'll climb up to the summit of Saldang La Pass by taking after a crisscross way over rough territory. The course at that point turns south and leads to Namduna Gaun. You may appreciate a picturesque see of sheep and yaks grazing within the knolls along the way. You may see the noteworthy Namgung cloister at Namduna Gaun, which was developed of ruddy stone.

Overnight in Namduna Gaun.

Upper Dolpo trekking trail departs from Namduna Gaun today. From here you start climbing the slope and follow a dusty path to Saldang. After 3-4 hours of hard climbing, you will reach the height of 4800 meters. You will then descend a steep hill to the picturesque settlement of Saldang, located on a plateau high above Nam Khong Nala. Saldang, the largest village in the Lower Dolpo region, is prosperous due to both agriculture and its favorable location along the trade route to Tibet.

Overnight in Saldang.

You start your day walking north along the Nagon Khola Desert. Your Upper Dolpo trek today is very easy with only a few ups and downs. Later, you will cross the Panzang River after passing the villages of Marang and Ki. When you reach Yangze gompa, the old Bon Po monastery, the path turns east and you cross another river to get there.

Overnight in Yangze Gompa.

There are two ways to go to Sibu. You will return to Saldang Village by the easy way. To go to Namdo village from Saldang, you have to follow the river and pass the stupa, chorten, paddy field and Mani stone. After visiting Namdo Temple, continue to Upper Dolpo for another 2 hours to reach Sibu.

Overnight in Sibu.

The Upper Dolpo Trek route runs with caravans following the Nam Khong Khola. You will eventually reach the meeting point of two small streams as you continue your walk east. From there, the difficult path goes up to the pasture below Jeng La Pass. You spend the night in a beautiful meadow.

Overnight in la Phedi.

Get up early this morning and start your tour of Tokyu Gaon. The first step of the Upper Dolpo trek is the climb to the Jeng La Pass, which offers spectacular views of the northern side of the Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167m). The path descends along a rocky path to the Tarap valley. From here you have to go to Tokyu Gaon where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Tokyu Gaon.

You pass a grassy area that gives a new view of inner Dolpo as you descend into the flat valley. On the way, you pass a swamp typical of a desert mountain region. Additionally, from here, the upper Dolpo Trek route takes you to the Dho Tarap settlement, which is surrounded by sloping stone walls. Here you can practice the unique Bon Po and Chaiba religions.

Overnight in Dho Tarap.

This is the third rest day in the village of Dho Tarap for acclimatization. This rest day helps you get used to it and gives you the opportunity to get to know the community and its surroundings. You can talk to the locals and learn about their lifestyle, culture and traditions. The religions practiced here are Chaiba and Bon Po. You can taste their offerings and admire their beautiful clothes.

Overnight in Dho Tarap.

The Upper Dolpo Trek descends from Dho Tarap into a wide valley that narrows much further into a canyon. Flocks of blue sheep can be observed wandering among the juniper and wild rose plants. You will arrive at the meeting point of Lang Khola and Tarap Chu. You will stay on a campsite near Tarap Khola in a pleasant meadow known as Kamakharka.

Overnight in Tarap Khola.

After breakfast, you will walk to Tarap River Valley. Along the way you will see locals moving their animals for grazing, cutting grasses. The Upper Dolpo hiking trail goes through a very small valley, you can easily walk from one place to another. It will be a tough test. Crossing small streams on foot makes the test even more exciting, as bridges can break or wash away.

Overnight in Khanigaon.

After breakfast, trek to Lalber village on Upper Dolpo Trek route. Later, the route passes through a deep forest area before descending into another canyon. Walking through the gorge, you will eventually reach the river. Tarakot can be reached by trekking along the river where you can visit Sandul Gompa. The confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu is 8 kilometers (8 mi) east of Gompa town. You will have a halt at Tarakot and spend the night in a camp.

Overnight in Tarakot.

You will return to Dunai by the same route. You cross a bridge near Lawan village and walk behind the Bheri River. The Upper Dolpo trail climbs up to Byas Gadi and heads west on an easy path. After crossing the river near Lochakhola Gaon, climb up to reach Dunai.

Overnight in Dunai.

You can walk along the Bheri River and enjoy the amazing views along the way. It will also pass through the villages of Dhupichaur and Rupgad. Follow the Upper Dolpo Trekking Trail past the villages of Motipur and Kalagaonda and you will reach a small airfield where you can return to Jhupal.

Overnight in Jhupal.

After breakfast, depart Juphal in the morning for a short flight to beautiful Nepalgunj. Flying over the foothills of the Himalayas offer spectacular views of the northern peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. After your journey through Dolpo, you will reach Nepalgunj and board the next flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and rest for the day. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.

This day is a free and relaxing day for you in Kathmandu. You can use that day for shopping, message, as relax. If you want can wander the Thamel area yourself.  

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast check your flight schedule then will drop you in international flight depart before Three hours then flight time. 

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Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary. 
  • Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu in Bed and Breakfast Plan. 
  • Kathmandu city tours including tour guide, entry fees, and private vehicle.
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee) prepared by our expert cook.
  • Twin-sharing tented camp accommodation during the trek.
  • Experienced guide, Sherpa, required a number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment.
  • Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek).
  • Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then Juphal and vice versa.
  • Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in Nepalgunj. 
  • Safe drinking boiled water will be provided during the trek.
  • A comprehensive first aid kid bag
  • All necessary permits and paper works including Upper Dolpo special permits.
  • All government and local taxes.

Doesn't Include

  • Travel insurance – Compulsory.
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • All cold drinks such as alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill, etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking crews
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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal