The Upper Dolpo trek in Nepal is a remote and less-trodden trekking route that offers stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural experience. Also, Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most phenomenal and spectacular trekking destinations in Nepal, bordering Tibet. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the region is wild, raw, and remote. This Upper Dolpo trek takes you across an array of landscapes and microclimates. The region is geologically a part of the sedimentary Tibetan-Tethys zone and falls in the middle of the greater Himalayas and the border Himalayas. The Himalayan mountain chains act as cloud barriers causing a semi-arid climate yet getting its name the little Tibet.
This Upper Dolpo trek takes you across the lush deep wilderness, high alpine valleys, pristine lakes, high mountain passes, and arid mountain landscapes. Apart from the natural beauty, it is a perfect chance to learn about Bon culture, which predates Buddhism. This Upper Dolpo trek takes a high level of physical and mental fitness, as you will be trekking across a long-distance and changing landscape.
The Upper Dolpo trek with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and another flight to Juphal. From Juphal you will be traversing across various landscapes to the Phoksundo Lake, the lower Dolpo region. From Lower Dolpo head towards Upper Dolpo a region rarely visited by international tourists, from here you will be staying on camp on some sections, crossing high pasture lands and mountain passes. Along the ancient trading route to Tibet. Along the way witness settlements remaining frozen in time, explore ancient monasteries, and gompas, and learn about the traditions and culture of the indigenous people of the region.
Upon landing at Kathmandu airport, a representative from Overland trek Nepal will welcome you and assist you with your accommodation. After a brief rest head out to explore the city. In the evening join in for a dinner program and later attend a brief orientation regarding the trip.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Welcome dinner
Accommodation:- Hotel
After breakfast head out on a guided tour of the city. The city has various attractions to choose from, head towards various ancient landmarks of Hinduism and Buddhism, visit Palace complexes and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people. In the afternoon meet up with your trekking guide for a brief orientation about the trek.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Breakfast
Accommodation:- Hotel
After breakfast heads towards the domestic airport and catches a flight to Nepalgunj. The flight takes you to the mid-western part of the country. Upon reaching Nepalgunj head towards your accommodation and later head out to explore the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 495 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Hotel
Today after breakfast head towards the domestic airport in Nepalgunj and catch a flight to Juphal. The flight takes you across cities and dense woodlands with views of snow-capped mountains. After a 45-minute flight, you will reach Juphal, the starting point of your trek. From Juphal head towards the settlement of Dunai. Dunai is the administrative center of the Dolpo.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,156 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
From Dunai, start early traversing across woodlands following the river course. This section of the trek is covered with lush woodlands of oaks, pines, and varieties of ferns and orchids.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,660 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Following a small narrow path, ascending, and descending along the forest trail following the river course you will settle in Shulighat. The trail is covered with majestic views of lush deep wilderness and as you progress on the trail the tree line fades bringing you to rock and dry terrain. After crossing a bridge at Ryajik village you will eventually reach Shulighat
Maximum Altitude:- 3,520 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Start early from Shulighat following the trail and crossing the western part of Phoksundo Khola and following the Pungmo Khola. From here follow the trail toward Ringmo Valley. As you pass Ringmo Valley you will witness a series of Chortens and Mani walls along the trail. Progressing on the trail covered with cedar and pines you will reach Ringmo. After a brief rest head out to explore Phoksundo Lake.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,679 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you have an entire day to witness the grand views of Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding areas. Explore the banks of the lake, and head towards a vantage point to get a different perspective of the lake. Later visit the various monasteries and gompas of the region and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,679 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast following the western bank of the Phoksundo river head into the trail. As you progress on the trail you will reach a wild Himalayan meadow, a region covered with wildflowers on the banks of Phoksundo Khola. Today you will be sleeping under the stars on a tented camp. Upon reaching Phoksundo Khola head towards your tent and later explore the area.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,525 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Start early traversing along the flat terrain along the northern side of Phoksundo Khola. Following the trail cross a wooden bridge and several streams, as you progress you will be ascending high hills and steep canyons. As you gain altitude witness the views of Kang La Pass, which you will be crossing tomorrow. After a short ascent, you will reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,415 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head towards the trail, the climb is technical in some sections so take caution. The uphill climb is strenuous so rest frequently and make photography your excuse. Upon reaching the summit witness the grand view of the valley below, lush woodlands, and river networks. After spending a brief time at the summit follow the downhill tracks towards the Gushing River following its bank and crossing the river course several times. As you reach Shey Gompa you will be trekking across high Himalayan pasture lands. Upon reaching Shey Gompa head towards your accommodation and rest.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,126 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today is your second day of rest. The village has various attractions to visit. The region nestles the biggest monastery in Nepal, Shey Monastery renowned as the Crystal Monastery. Another attraction of Shey Gompa is Crystal Mountain located on the eastern side of Gompa, which looks like an entire mountain made up of crystal quartz. Explore Shey and learn about the ancient Bon culture predating Buddhism.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,126 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you be crossing another high mountain pass. Following the arid rocky trail head towards Saldang La Pass. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude can be a problem, so take it slow and have frequent rest. From the summit of the pass witness grand views of the landscape. After spending a brief time at the summit descend towards the village of Namduna. The village is marked by a red stone monastery and several Stupas. A tiny settlement with small stone houses is one of the highest settlements in Nepal.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,400 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
After breakfast head into the trail, following the trail covered with boulders and rubble head toward Saldang through the barren country. Saldang is the largest settlement in the Upper Dolpo region, stretching out for 2 km on a high wide slope, the region nestles eighty houses and around seven hundred inhabitants. The settlement is the trading point for the people of Dolpo and Tibet.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,903 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Start early today, passing through various villages and sections of woodlands you will reach Sibu. Along the way explore various Monasteries. Exploring Namdo Monastery the second largest Monastery in the region nestles on the riverbed. From Namdo after around two hours of trek, you will reach the small settlement of Sibu.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,942 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Head into the trail, you may witness a caravan of yak heading toward the Tibet Border along the way. The trail is easy and provides you with grand views of high Himalayan pastureland. At about five to six hours of trek, you will reach the base of Jeng La, another high mountain pass that you will be crossing tomorrow.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,369 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Start early today, the climb is non-technical, and the summit push takes around two to three hours. Upon reaching the summit witness majestic views of snowcapped mountains, alpine meadows, and lush woodlands. Next descend toward Dho Tarap Valley traversing on rocky trails. Once you reach Tokyu Gaun head towards Tokyu Monastery nestled at an elevation of 4200 meters explore the monastery and start friendly conversations with the locals.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,369 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you will be trekking on a different landscape, covered with wetlands and high alpine pasture lands. Upon reaching Dho Tarap heads out to explore this village lost in time. Learn about the ancient Bon and Chaiba, culture, and lifestyle along this ancient trading route.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,090 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Wake up early and witness the grand sunrise. After breakfast stroll around the settlement. Start a friendly conversation with the inhabitants and relax soaking up the energy of the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,090 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Follow the trail leading towards a wide valley as you progress the trail narrows down towards a gorge following the trail you will come across sections of lush pine and juniper woodlands. Keep an eye out as you may witness the wildlife of the region. Upon reaching Tarap Khola head towards your camp and locate nearby a cave on the banks of Tarap Khola.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,800 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today’s trail is a bit adventurous as there are some tricky sections, and you will have to make your trail at some parts. Follow your guide and take it slow. You will be crossing several bridges to get to Khanigoan. Upon reaching Khanigoan head towards your camp on the banks of Tarap Khola.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,550 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you will be joining on the main trail, leaving behind the raw and unexplored regions of Dolpo. As you progress on the trail you will reach the lower section of Dolpo. As you reach Tarakot you will be welcomed by a series of Chorten and Gompa. Upon reaching Tarakot head towards your accommodation and rest.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,282 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today you will be traversing mostly downward sections. Crossing various settlements and trekking along lush woodlands with miles of undergrowth. Upon reaching Dunai head towards your accommodation and later explore the region.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,145 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Teahouse
Today is your last day of trekking. Start early and head towards Juphal. Traversing across several villages and a series of woodlands. Upon reaching Juphal celebrate your last night and the success of your trip with your team members and guides.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,502 m
Meals:- B / L/D
Accommodation:- Guest House
After breakfast catch a flight towards Nepalgunj and the next flight to Kathmandu. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation later take a stroll around the city. In the evening join in for a special dinner program to mark the end of your successful adventure with your team and our representative.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- B /D
Accommodation:- Hotel
A representative from Overland Trek Nepal will drop you at the airport before your flight. Bid you farewell to Nepal and the friends you made.
One of the popular trekking agencies that offer the Upper Dolpo trek is Overland Trek Nepal. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the Upper Dolpo trek with Overland Trek Nepal:
In popular trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu, there is a menu system with various ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some locations provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, and these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook who focuses on clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, and every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water.
If you buy a water purification tablet in Kathmandu, you can take water tap water and purify it yourself, saving money and reducing plastic pollution.
The Upper Dolpo trek is a challenging and remote trek that typically takes around 24 to 28 days to complete. This includes several days of trekking through remote and rugged terrain, as well as rest days for acclimatization.
Trekking in the Dolpo region requires special permits. Overland Trek Nepal will typically assist you in obtaining the necessary permits, which may include the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and the Restricted Area Permit for Upper Dolpo.
Overland Trek Nepal will provide you with a detailed itinerary for the Upper Dolpo trek. The trek usually starts and ends in Kathmandu, with flights to and from Juphal in the Dolpo region.
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo trek is typically in tea houses or camping. The level of comfort can vary, especially in the remote parts of the trek where tea houses may be basic. Overland Trek Nepal will arrange for accommodation and meals throughout the trek.
Overland Trek Nepal usually provides experienced trekking guides and porters who are familiar with the region. Having a guide is essential for navigation and cultural insights.
The Upper Dolpo trek is known for its stunning landscapes, including deep gorges, pristine lakes, and high mountain passes. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the local Tibetan-speaking communities and experience their unique culture and traditions.
The trek can be physically demanding due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain. It’s important to be prepared for varying weather conditions and be physically fit for the challenges of the trek.
The trek reaches high altitudes, so acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Overland Trek Nepal will plan the itinerary with acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude.
Travel insurance is required for all clients participating in any activity. We strongly advise you to obtain a complete insurance plan from a reputable insurance company to cover personal injury, death, hospital expenses, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan.
The Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu must issue each client with a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return.
The cost of the trek with Overland Trek Nepal will vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, group size, and services included. Be sure to inquire about the cost and what is included in the package.
Before embarking on the Upper Dolpo trek with Overland Trek Nepal or any other trekking agency, it’s important to research the trek thoroughly, ensure you are physically prepared, and discuss any specific requirements or expectations with the trekking company. Additionally, stay up to date with the latest travel advisories and permits required for trekking in the Dolpo region, as regulations may change, And Be a part of this phenomenal and spectacular trek with Overland Trek Nepal
