Price starts
US$ 2250
Trip Duration
26 DaysGroup Sizes
2-16 PeopleTransportation
Car, van, flightDestination
NepalMax. Altitude
5,115mActivities
Difficulty
DifficultMeals
Start & End Point
KathmanduAccommodation
Long forbidden to foreigners, cut off from eastern Nepal by the imposing Dhaulagiri massif (8167m), the Upper Dolpo trek has now become a popular destination since its accessibility from 1989.
Famous for its distinctive travel journey, the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary takes trekking enthusiasts back in time to the long-gone world of ancient Tibet.
The hidden valley of Dolpo rests peacefully in the Shey Phoksundo National Park in central-western Nepal hidden behind the breathtakingly beautiful Dhaulagiri Himal and Tibetan Highlands. The very high mountain Passes and large pile of snow most of the time has secluded this valley for a long time. Thus the region has successfully passed on the ultimate experience of solitude and wilderness to generations of trekkers.
But it is not only the pristine nature that you feel in the Upper Dolpo Trek. You will also feel the spiritual rejuvenation and an intimate and unadulterated relationship with Mother Nature. Such as you feel when you reach the green waters of Lake Phoksundo located high up in the mountains which is not just breathtaking but regarded as a gate to heavenly tranquility.
Apart from the mesmerizing Lake, our 26-day-long Upper Dolpo trek itinerary also involves the crossing of several 5000 m high passes, with the exploring opportunity of some famous religious buildings such as Shey Gompa, Luri Gompa, Dolpo Tulku, and Yangjer Gompas before reaching the former Mustang Kingdom.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is also a fascinating opportunity for a cultural study as you will come across the original settlers of the region- the Dolpopas. Followers of the original Bon Buddhism, they have their own special forms of social organization, polyandrous marriage system as well as the unique land tenure system.
Dolpo also boasts a very well-preserved ecosystem that includes a wild and wonderful variety of plant and animal life thus making the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary an experience you will not soon forget.
All in all, the Upper Dolpo trek is not only a physical journey through the Dhaulagiri region but also a journey into one’s self where you can experience nature as an immediate presence and enjoy it in complete harmony with life.
The Upper Dolpo trek like any other trip commences from Kathmandu. After a quick flight to Nepalgunj and Juphal, we will begin our walking part of the expedition. The Thuli Bheri River will be our beautiful companion marching us toward Dunai. We will cross the rickety bridges to reach Chhepka and continue on the rocky tracks to reach Ringmo village.
We then advance towards Phoksundo Lake and are amazed by the serene water that mesmerizes us with its majesty and clarity. Overcoming the slippery muddy trail and steep slopes, we will set foot in Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
Next, the Kang La Pass of 5350 m altitude will be tackled after which we arrive at the historically rich Shey Gompa. After the short visit of the Gompa, we march towards Namgung village walking across the grassy terrain. Then marching past the Saldang settlement, we will step in the Yangjer Gompa.
Following the Khoma, Shimen, and Yak Kharka, we will head to Dho Tarap. While admiring the meadows, we progress towards Tarakot. A short walk takes us to Dunai and a flight takes us to Nepalgunj. Finally, we fly to Kathmandu where the Upper Dolpo trek culminates.
Note: For further details, you are kindly requested to contact us.
2250 US$
It is hard to believe but the best time for the Upper Dolpo trek is usually summer/monsoon months (June to August). Because of the influence of the Tibetan continental climate, temperatures in Dolpo can reach up to 30 °C in summer.
And since it lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri, it rains very little so the trekking conditions in Dolpo and Mustang are very good during the monsoon season. It is also the time when people are mostly active in the fields, villages, and monasteries.
However, the internal flights from Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Juphal can often be canceled due to the clouds and rainy days. So the other favorable time for the Upper Dolpo trek is the autumn period (September to November).
The weather is very pleasant with temperatures of over 20 degrees during the day and cooler nights, and it doesn’t really rain anymore. The visibility is particularly great, the clear air gives you particularly good views of the mountains, even if they are only visible in the distance.
From the beginning of March to the end of May, spring brings high temperatures reaching over 30 degrees with the dry and dusty climate in Dolpo. But in the lower regions, the rhododendrons are in bloom, you will see a wonderful spectacle.
In winter (December to February), temperatures can fall to -15 °C. Since most locals migrate to India or lower regions during the winter period, almost all teahouses are closed at this time.
Covering a distance of approximately 230-270 km, the Upper Dolpo trek needs at least 26 days to see all the wonders the region has to offer. Our adventure to little Tibet commences after we take an hour flight to Nepalgunj spanning a total length of 364 km.
Dunai marks the starting point of the trek, situated just 12.3 km away from Juphal Airport. The enchanting alpine pastureland of Yak Kharka will be our highest resting place for the night as the land is nestled at an impressive elevation of 4500 m.
Whereas, the mighty Kang La Pass with its remarkable altitude of 5350 m will be our highest point of the entire journey.
During the 26-day Upper Dolpo trek itinerary, we will spend 21 days hiking and take 4 rest days in between. The hiking hours will be quite long as we traverse through forests, streams, and alpine terrain, encountering sharp vertical ascents and descents, as well as crossing several long metal bridges.
On average, we will walk for 5 to 6 hours each day, aiming to cover a distance of 15 to 20 km. The easiest and shortest walking trip will be on the first day of the trek, from Juphal to Dunai, taking only 3 hours.
The longest day will be on the 23rd day when we will walk for 6 to 7 hours on the return journey from Lashicap to Dunai. Although the walking duration will only be 5 to 6 hours, the days involving the crossing of high passes will be the toughest.
The Upper Dolpo trek is truly an exhilarating experience but the most demanding and arduous trekking tour in western Nepal. The trip involves crossing several over 5000 m high Passes to reach Mustang at the end of the journey. It doesn’t involve the glacial crossing though but it still is a serious undertaking due to the great isolation and the sometimes difficult paths.
The route leaves the well-known paths and walks on an extremely rarely used, old trade route towards Mustang. We hike through a primeval and archaic mountain world and climb through deep gorges. Our route takes us to medieval villages and mystical mountain monasteries and through one of the most remote mountain regions in all of Nepal thus requiring us to spend most of the nights under tents.
On the other hand, the dry Tibetan weather and the high altitude often play a trick on our health. However, the rest days we have planned in Kathmandu, Ringmo, Saldang, and Dho Tarap and the gradual walks for minimal hours as much as possible will help us to some extent adapt to the high altitude dry air.
Thus very good stamina, strong health, and the right mental attitude are important in order to enjoy this trek. Anyone who can adapt to these conditions will have a lot of fun on this journey back to the Middle Ages.
The Upper Dolpo trek itinerary is designed for seasoned trekkers and hikers who have already gained practical knowledge of high-altitude trekking in Nepal or Tibet. The trek requires you to stay in tents in the remote and isolated villages of Dolpo where the herds of yaks or sheep and, a few shepherds can be your only company.
On the other hand, the long walks through the dry arid land resembling Tibet and the high elevations often cause physical and mental discomfort on the trek. The high mountain passes that you have to cross not one not two but several although not technically challenging do require some experience along with high physical endurance.
Mental readiness is equally important when you must prepare yourself for the most basic accommodation and comfort. So before attempting the upper Dolpo trek, please hike in the mountains in your home or join some easy trekking in Nepal itself.
The Upper Dolpo trek is a truly unique journey into the heart of nature wonderland. The strenuous long hikes are a small sacrifice for the unparalleled beauty of nature you get along the trek. In order to fully appreciate the trekking adventure, it is important to be physically in good shape and in good health.
Strong leg muscles and endurance are vital for traversing the rugged terrain of Dolpo. We therefore suggest you engage in activities like running, biking, or swimming for a minimum of 2 to 3 months leading up to the trip.
A hiking expedition to high mountains, such as short treks in your own country or in Nepal, can also be beneficial. In the case of Nepal, you can go for the Mardi Himal Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Kori Himal Trek, Khopra Danda Trek or Sarangkot Trek, etc.
Likewise, mental readiness is just as significant as physical health for the Upper Dolpo trek. Please watch some videos about Dolpo and Mustang or even Tibet so you will know the conditions you will be facing. And make your mind ready for the tent stay in the secluded region under the clear night sky.
The Upper Dolpo trek involves high altitude throughout the journey starting from the fourth day. Within just half an hour, you will transition from an altitude of less than 1000 m in Nepalgunj to over 2000 m in Juphal. The elevation will then steadily increase as you follow your Upper Dolpo trek itinerary.
Thus you will feel altitude there is no doubt. Our bodies respond with headaches, decline in condition, balance disorders, nausea and loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
If you experience such symptoms of altitude sickness, you should at once stop climbing and rest. Some drugs such as Aspirin and Diamox help but ensure you are not sensitive to these medications.
The most important treatment is to prevent altitude sickness for which acclimatization, or the gradual acclimatization of the body to more difficult conditions is a must. Drink plenty of fluids to combat the symptoms and postpone the trek if necessary after discussing with our guide.
There is an alternate route to the Upper Dolpo trek which begins from Juphal as usual and joins the route to the Laini Odar, Nawarpani taking you to Dho Tarap. The route from here follows the Jyanta La pass at 5120 m.
After crossing the Pass, the track follows Saldang and Namlhong taking you via Shey La Pass to Shey Gompa. Then crossing the Kang La Pass, you will trek down to Ringmo and Lake Phoksundo eventually returning to Juphal via Chhepka.
The Mustang trek can also be integrated with the Upper Dolpo trek where the Chharka Village serves as the connecting point between Dolpo and Kali Gandaki.
It takes five to six days of walking between Chharka and Jomsom. Additionally, there is a route connecting Chhedul Gompa, located on the Tarap River before Dho, to Jomsom through three passes.
Alternatively, you can also add a Jumla trip by taking a route from Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) heading west from Dolpo. It is a route much favored by enthusiasts who like to know the genuine Nepalese life in the lower altitude tree regions.
Our Upper Dolpo trek package has incorporated the transportation services throughout the journey. We provide both international and domestic airport transfers and private transport will be arranged for your Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Additionally, we will take care of your flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and back, as well as from Nepalgunj to Juphal and back.
You will spend four nights in Kathmandu at a three-star hotel in a double room with breakfast included. In Nepalgunj, you will sleep for one night at a three-star hotel with free breakfast. During the trek, meals including breakfast, dinner, and lunch will be provided at lodges and camps. While camping, a tent for two members of the same gender will be provided.
The meal options in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj are varied, offering Nepali, Indian, and international dishes. However, along the Upper Dolpo route, the meals mainly consist of Tibetan cuisine, including bread, buttered salted tea, porridge, dal vat, tsampa, and sometimes noodles.
In Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and a few villages along the initial route of the Upper Dolpo trek, mobile communication, device charging, and internet connections are easily accessible. However, the Upper Dolpo region has limited mobile reception coverage. Both NTC and NCELL may have sporadic signals.
Lodges along the route are equipped with solar panels for charging devices, and solar chargers will be beneficial during camping. Internet signal should not be expected, although NTC or NCELL data may work intermittently.
It’s important to remember that the Upper Dolpo trek is about experiencing nature, so we suggest you disconnect from the digital world for a few days and reconnect with the natural environment.
Our guide will take care of getting the Upper and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, the permit for Shey-Phoksundo National Park, and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card that you need for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
Our Upper Dolpo trek not only offers breathtaking natural experiences and challenging hiking routes but also gives us a deep insight into the culture and traditions of Nepal.
We have the chance to visit the high-altitude Shey Gompa, Luri Gompa, Dolpo Tulku, and Yangjer Gompas and learn about the ancient nature religion Bon, which we encounter in the form of Gompas.
From the Chhoi La, Sheyla and Kang La passes we have breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Tibet.
Yes, you can just hike up to Lake Phoksundo and then head back to Kathmandu if that’s what you prefer.
Your insurance must cover altitudes exceeding 5000 m and include extreme adventures at high altitudes. It should also provide coverage for injuries and emergency evacuations as necessary.
2250 US$