Upper Dolpo Trek
Trip Facts
- Destination Dolpo Region Nepal
- Activity Trekking
- Duration 28 Days
- Trip Difficulty moderate_strenuous
- Max. Altitude 5540
- Best Time August to oct & march to June
- Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
- Meals Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation 3 Star Kathmandu and Pokhara & Camping
- Group Size 2 - 10
- Transportation Private Transport/ Kathmandu to Nepaljunge & Jomsom to Pokhara & Kathmandu Flight ticket
Trip Highlights
- Trek through a remote landscape of western Nepal that few visitors see
- Explore the historic monasteries in the Dolpo area
- Learn the distinctive way of life and culture of the mountain people
- Discover the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake
- Discover the wildness of Nepal
- Great views of the surrounding landscape, Crystal Mountain, Kanjirowa Himal, and Mount Dhaulagiri
Introduction
The Dolpo Trek is a distant, difficult, and uncharted trekking path in Nepal. The trek is through a remote landscape in western Nepal. In Nepal’s mid-western region, behind the Dhaulagiri range, is the Upper Dolpo Trek.
The stunning scenery, remote villages of Ringmo, captivating Shey Phoksundo Lake, and centuries-old monasteries are the major attractions of this trek. Due to the limited tourism infrastructure in Dolpo, expeditions there can be challenging, making scheduled trips a necessity. This trek offers a genuine wilderness experience.
The routes lead to Shey Gompa, which is frequently referred to as Upper Dolpo’s sacred heart. Dolpo has boundaries with Tibet, a country whose culture and most of its terrain are similar to those of its northern neighbor.
The Upper Dolpo is a mysteriously beautiful region. Additionally, its isolation heightens the tourists’ sense of adventure. The largest national park in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo National Park, is located in the western portion of the district. It is one of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal.
You must tent and bring your own food supplies, as the tourism infrastructure is quite poor. Upper Dolpo trekking is not permitted alone, and permits are costly. It is also a popular location for ecotourism due to the abundance of Himalayan wildlife, including the rare snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and Musk deer.
The Caravan, Nepal’s first English-subtitled film on Dolpo, was also a big hit and received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Strong physical fitness and prior trekking experience are prerequisites for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
This place has even more barren scenery than the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. The path meanders among massive Himalayan peaks, passing across five towering passes: lower Sangda La (5,035 m), Chharka La (5,015 m), Sangda La (5,515 m), Kang La (5,380 m), and SALDANG La (5,060 m).
Best seasons
What is the best time to do the Upper Dolpo Trek? Considering each season, let’s know the best time to trek to Upper Dolpo.
Spring (March to May)
Trekking in Lower Dolpo is best enjoyed in the spring. But snow in the early spring can be hazardous for the Upper Dolpo. The ideal season to visit Upper Dolpo, as with most of Nepal, is spring (April to May), when the weather is pleasant, the skies are clearest, and there is less danger of snow at higher elevations. The beginning of August to the end of October, and often even into the middle of November, offers the finest temperatures.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August)
Consider adding an extra two to three days in case your flight is canceled if you decide to trek at this time of year. The weather is perfect right now. It is anticipated that you will see people gathering Yarshagumba, a fungus that grows on caterpillars and is sold for its aphrodisiac qualities. Schools and local businesses will, therefore, be closed. Typically, this occurs between mid-May and late June.
Fall / Autumn (September to November)
Trekking in Upper Dolpo is also recommended throughout the autumn season, which runs from September to November. The weather is pleasant and dry, with bright skies and comfortable temperatures. However, as this is the Himalayas, we advise you to pack appropriately in case of unexpected snowfall.
Winter (December to February)
It might be particularly difficult in the Upper Dolpo region during the winter months of late December to early February. It is strongly advised against trekking in the Upper Dolpo in the winter. The Dolpo experiences a harsh and snowy winter, with snow covering all of its high passes.
Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty
Without a doubt, the hardest and most taxing hike is the Upper Dolpo Trek. However, it is among the most daring treks you will ever undertake in Nepal. In early spring, several passes could still be impassable due to snowblocks. If necessary, be ready to reroute your path.
The degree of difficulty in Upper Dolpo during the fall might vary based on a number of factors, such as the selected trekking route, altitude, personal fitness levels, and prior trekking experience.
You will traverse multiple passes over 5000 meters in elevation on this hike, like Shey La Pass and Kang La Pass. In the rain shadow area, the rain will remain hidden. Only the trails that are likely to rain require rain gear. It might be raining, making the lower paths slippery.
The hike to Upper Dolpo also has some uphill and downhill terrain and usually takes five to seven hours to complete each day. Consequently, it is advantageous to have prior trekking experience, particularly over 5000 meters.
The increased precipitation may make the river crossings and streams along the walking routes more difficult or even dangerous. The area is renowned for its erratic weather patterns, which can change in a matter of hours from being bright and sunny to chilly and rainy.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport, pickup to hotel – 1,300m
Day 02 : Kathmandu day sightseeing – 1,300m
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepal – jaunge 1 hrs and drive to hotel
Day 04: Fly from Nepal junge to Juphal 30 min / trek to Dunai 2,100m – 03 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Chhpaka – 2,700m
Day 06: Trek to Renje – 3,150m
Day 07: Trek to She – Phoksundo Lake – 3,600m
Day 08: Rest day in Lake – 3,600m
Day 09: Trek to Naga / dalo phadi – 4,500m
Day 10: Trek to Shey gompa / Vai Nagadalo pass – 5,350
Day 11: Trek to Namgung Gompa / Vai sele gela – 5,100
Day 12: Trek to Saldang – 4,100m
Day 13: Rest day in Saldang -4,100m
Day 14: Trek to Shimen /ganou – 3,900m
Day 15: Trek to Tiniegaou – 4,150m
Day 16: Trek to Yak khakhra – 4,350m
Day 17: Trek to Chharka bhot – 4,350m
Day 18: Trek to Khola camp – 4,500m
Day 19: Trek to Nulung Samde kharkha – 4,600m
Day 20: Trek to Jungnala phadi vai Hi pass jungbe la 5,416 / Trek to ghalden khola camp 4,300
Day 21: Trek to Santa – 3,750m
Day 22: Trek to Khagbani – 3,000m
Day 23: Rest day Kaghabani – 3,000m
Day 24: Morning drive to Jomsom fly to Pokhara – 850m
Day 25: Rest day in Pokhara – 850m
Day 26: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu – 1,300m
Day 27: Rest day Kathmandu – 1,300m
Day 28: Departure from Kathmandu Airport
Detailed Itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport, pickup to hotel - 1,300m
Altitude: 1300mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 5 Star hotel in Kathmandu -
Day 2 : Kathmandu day sightseeing - 1,300m
Altitude: 1300mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 5 Star hotel in Kathmandu -
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepal / jaunge - 01 hrs and drive to hotel
Altitude: 540mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: 3 star hotel -
Day 4: Fly from Nepal junge to Juphal 30 min / trek to Dunai 2,130m - 03 hrs
Altitude: 2130mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Tea house -
Day 5: Trek to Chhpaka 2,700m - 05 hrs
Altitude: 2700mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 6: Trek to Renje 3,150m - 06 hrs
Altitude: 3150mMeals: Breakfast /lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 7: Trek to She Phoksundo Lake 3600m - 05 hrs
Altitude: 3600mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 8: Rest day in Lake 3600m
Altitude: 3600mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 9: Trek to Naga Dalo phadi 4,500m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4500mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 10: Trek to Shey gompa 4100m / Vai Nagadalo pass 5,350m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4100mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 11: Trek to Namgung Gompa 4,400m / Vai sele gela 5,100m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4400mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 12: Trek to Saldang 3,900m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 3900mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 13: Rest day in Saldang - 3,900m
Altitude: 3900mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 14: Trek to Shimen ganou 3,900m - 06 hrs
Altitude: 3900mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 15: Trek to Tiniegaou 4,110m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4110mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 16: Trek to Yak khakhra 4,500m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4500mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 17: Trek to Chharka bhot 4,302m - 06 hrs
Altitude: 4302mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 18: Trek to Khola camp 4,400m - 07 hrs
Altitude: 4400mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 19: Trek to Nulung Samde kharkha 5,000m - 06 hrs
Altitude: 5000mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 20: Trek to Jungnala phadi vai Hi pass jungbe la 5,416m - 08 hrs
Altitude: 4400mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 21: Trek to Santa 3,800m - 06 hrs
Altitude: 3800mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Camping -
Day 22: Trek to Khagbani 2,800m - 08 hrs
Altitude: 2800mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Tea house -
Day 23: Rest day Kaghabani - 2,800m
Altitude: 2800mMeals: Breakfast / lunch / DinnerAccommodation: Tea house -
Day 24: Morning drive - 30 min to Jomsom fly - 25 min to Pokhara 850m
Altitude: 800mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 4 star hotel Pokhara -
Day 25: Rest day in Pokhara - 850m
Altitude: 800mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 4 Star hotel Pokhara -
Day 26: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 1,300m - 30 min fly and 30 min drive to hotel
Altitude: 1300mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 5 star hotel Kathmandu -
Day 27: Rest day Kathmandu - 1,300m
Altitude: 1300mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: 5 Star hotel Kathmandu -
Day 28: Departure from Kathmandu Airport - 1,300m
Altitude: 1300mMeals: Breakfast
What's included
- International ,Domestics pickup and drop
- An Experience English speaking guide and porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- Trekking permits, Upper Dolpo ,special permits and Annapurna conversation permits
- Food , Accommodation and Tea/Coffee during the trek
- Camping ten and kitchen staff during the camping trek
- Kathmandu to Nepaljunge and Jupal /Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu flight ticket
- Guide, porter ,Kitchen staff , Driver insurance with food and accommodation
- Trekking Map
- Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with private jeep and tour guide (Local Monuments entrance fee included) Basic Medical kits
- Sleeping and duffel bag, down jacket, trekking poles (should be returned after the trek)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Service Arrangement Only (should cover by your travel insurance)
- All required paper works and government taxes
- RP Adventures T-shirt
What's not included
- International Flight
- Nepal Travel Visa Fee
- Personal Medical and Travel insurance (Should cover helicopter evacuation)
- Guide, Porter and Driver tips
- Personal Gears (equipment)
- Personal bill
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- All other personal expense of beverages (hard and soft drinks)
- All other things not mentioned in the inclusion.
Trekking Gears
To ensure a safe and comfortable trek in the Himalayan region, it is highly recommended to bring the appropriate equipment and gear to cope with the cold temperatures. The following is a list of essential equipment and gear, which can be purchased either in the Thamel market or brought from your home country:
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
- Lightweight thermal gloves
- Hiking boots
- 2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks.
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof (trousers / jacket)
- Base layer shirts
- Underwear (4)
- Sun hat or scarf
- Thin, lightweight (inner socks) (4)
- Head lamp ,spare bulbs, & batteries
- Small padlock to lock trek bag
- Plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
- Small wash towel
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Sun protection (including total bloc for lips)
- Trekking poles
- Down jacket
- Water bottle 1 liters
- Hand wash
- Snow glasses and sunglasses
- Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
Additional Equipment Checklist
- Headband or Beanie
- Swiss army knife
- Lip guard
- Sun lotion
- Scarf or neck Band
- Rain jacket/ Umbrella
What Not To Pack?
- Jewelry and valuables things, Heavy zoom lenses for your camera, Too many cotton clothes/ more than one pair of jeans, Bulky towels
During Himalayan tours, including activities such as hiking, trekking, peak climbing, and expeditions, we strongly advise against bringing items such as jewelry, gold, excessive cash, large cameras, too many cotton clothes, thick towels, etc.
FAQs of Upper Dolpo Trek
-
How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The moderately difficult yet lengthy is Upper Dolpo Trek. Trekkers will have to endure several high, icy passes in addition to passing through valleys and wooded places like the Phokshundo National Park. To finish this trekking, you don't need any prior adventure experience, but you should be able to walk for six or seven hours each day in the mountains. -
What is the best season for Upper Dolpo Trek?
The best seasons to visit Upper Dolpo are spring and fall, just like many hiking routes in Nepal. The Dolpo Trek is fairly notorious for the heavy snowfall that blankets the area, so Himalayan Trekkers will recommend that you schedule your journey during the summer. -
What are the ways to Prevent Altitude Sickness?
To allow your body to adjust to reduced oxygen levels, gradually ascend or descend to a high altitude. Drink as much water as you can, eat meals to the fullest each time, and abstain from alcohol. Avoid flying straight to an area at a high height. -
What kind of money should we carry?
You won't need much cash because there aren't many opportunities or requirements to spend it along the route. The most amount of Nepali Rupees (NPR) that you can spend will cover the cost of energy bars or drinking water. -
What lodging options are available for the trek?
There aren't many teahouses or lodges in this area, so it could be difficult to find lodging on your own. So you should better book your accommodations prior to your visit. These lodges often get packed during the peak seasons. -
Does the Dolpo Region have internet and phone service?
If you wish to maintain contact with friends and family, we highly advise buying a local Nepalese sim card such as NCELL or NTC. Since it is quite remote, there is no assurance that you will receive reception everywhere. -
Is it necessary to get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is unquestionably necessary for treks as remote and high altitude as the Dolpo treks.
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