Upper Dolpo Trek - 27 Days

Know before you go
  • Duration 27 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Best Season March to May and Mid-Sep to Nov
  • Trip Area Dolpo Region
  • Maximum Altitude Nangdala pass (5350m.)

Highlights

  • Embark on an adventurous and challenging trek in the remote far west of Nepal
  • Explore the grandeur of the Upper Dolpo, a region that remained untouched and pristine 
  • Witness the jaw-dropping beauty of the Phoksundo Lake, the gem of Nepal
  • Trek in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, exploring diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna
  • May get to see an exclusive snow leopard 
  • The trail includes deep valleys, high passes, rushing rivers, giant mountains, and ancient monasteries
  • Enjoy a camping trek, as the tourist infrastructure is almost nonexistent in Upper Dolpo
  • Witness varied landscapes from lush hills and valleys to barren, arid sceneries
  • Get to see Bon religion and the unique lifestyle of the locals
  • Cross two 5,000 meters above mountain passes

Explore the grandeur of Nepal's rugged and remote far west on the Upper Dolpo trek 27 days. Home to gorgeous Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Bon Buddhism, and exclusive snow leopards, the Upper Dolpo boasts trans-Himalayan landscapes. The Upper Dolpo trek is a true adventure camping trek in the Himalayas made for only strong and resilient individuals. 

Only a handful of trekkers do the Upper Dolpo trek every year, making the trail empty and tranquil. The region was opened for tourism in 1989, and before that, only some highly privileged expeditions had occurred here. The terrain is similar to the Tibetan plateau. The Upper Dolpo trekking route includes deep valleys, high passes, rushing rivers, giant mountains, ancient monasteries, arid landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. 

Upper Dolpo trekking is very challenging as the tourist infrastructure is almost non-existent here. The region is underdeveloped and quite poor. You have to be self-reliant to do this trek. Likewise, it is also a restricted area in Nepal, so you have to get expensive trekking permits and trek in a group of at least two trekkers. These adversities have kept Upper Dolpo untouched and pristine.

Upper Dolpo has a geographical advantage because it is located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Unlike the famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks, you can do the Upper Dolpo even in the monsoon season (June to August). Following the tropical forests, the trail ascends to the beautiful Phoksundo lake. Explore the flora and fauna of Shey Phoksundo National Park as you trek and cross many high mountain passes. 

The cultural heritage of Upper Dolpo

Even though there are no accommodation facilities along the Upper Dolpo trail, you will still trek past many picturesque, remote settlements. The locals are indigenous communities with close ties to Tibet, as many of them are descendants of Tibetans. You will have memorable encounters with the locals. 

They welcome trekkers with the kindest smile. The locals of Upper Dolpo are welcoming and humble individuals. Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion in Upper Dolpo. The trekking route is dotted with monasteries, stupas, mani stones, chortens, and prayer flags. 

The locals highly depend on agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade with Tibet for their livelihood. Shey Gompa, Yangze Gompa, and Namgung Gompa are some of the most significant religious places you will visit during the Upper Dolpo trek. Many families also practice the Bon religion. It is also referred to as Bonpo or Bon Buddhism and predates Tibetan Buddhism. 

Landscapes and mountain views along the Upper Dolpo trail

Upper Dolpo trek is famous for jaw-dropping landscapes. From verdant hills and valleys to arid, barren sceneries, the diversity in landscapes is huge on this trek. You will see paddy fields, dense forests, meadows, and hamlets along the trail. Likewise, the trek offers surreal views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Kanjiroba (6,883 m/22,582 ft), and Crystal Mountain. 

The Upper Dolpo trek is also known as Inner Dolpo Trek. On this 27 days adventure in the remote Himalayas, you will get to witness many lovely sunrises and sunsets. Spend nights under the sky full of stars and share laughter and stories over bonfires with your crew. Far away from the noise of the city, you will dwell in the stillness of the Upper Dolpo.

Join us on the Upper Dolpo trek 2024 trek season. Trek with a team of experts who know how to make the journey smooth and memorable. Get the best Upper Dolpo trek cost with us and freely customize the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary as per your requirements. We, Nepal Nirvana Trails, offer full camping support during the Upper Dolpo trek 27 days and ensure a safe trip. 

Attractions of the Upper Dolpo trek

Phoksundo Lake

Phoksundo lake is one of the most breathtaking lakes in Nepal, located at 3,612 meters (11,851 ft) from sea level. The lake is situated in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Its crystal-clear, deep blue waters against the backdrop of the surrounding arid landscape and the towering Himalayan peak, make the lake look spectacular. 

Phoksundo Lake stretches over an area of approximately 4.94 square kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of about 145 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in Nepal. What makes Phoksundo Lake particularly special is its unusual and changing colors, which can range from deep blue to turquoise or green, depending on the time of day and the angle of sunlight.

*Fact: There is no aquatic life in Phoksundo lake. 

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park is situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, covering a vast area in the Dolpa and Mugu districts of Nepal. It extends from the Tibetan Plateau in the north to the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges in the south. The park is named after two of its most iconic elements Shey, which refers to the Shey Monastery, and Phoksundo, which is the deep blue lake of Phoksundo. 

The park encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests in the lower altitudes to alpine meadows and barren highlands. The Phoksundo river, fed by the stunning Phoksundo Lake, flows through the park. The park's elevation ranges from around 2,130 meters (7,000 feet) to over 6,800 meters (22,300 feet) above sea level. 

*Fact: Shey Phoksundo National Park houses rare and elusive wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and various species of pheasants and other birds.

Bon Monastery (Bon Buddhism)

The Bon Monastery is an important center for Bon Buddhism in Ringmo settlement in upper Dolpo. Bon predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibetan Buddhism. It includes a belief in a multitude of deities and spirits, rituals, and a strong connection to the natural world.

The Bon Monastery in Upper Dolpo plays a crucial role in preserving and continuing the Bon tradition. It serves as an educational and spiritual center for the local community and practitioners from around the world.

Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa is a significant religious and cultural site located in the Upper Dolpo. Shey Gompa is one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in the region. It is believed to have been founded in the 11th century by a Tibetan Buddhist saint and scholar, Lama Nagpopa. The monastery is associated with the ancient Bon religion, as well as Tibetan Buddhism.

Dolpo Yak Caravan

The Dolpo yak caravan is a traditional and iconic method of transportation in this remote area. This unique and fascinating mode of carrying goods and supplies has been used by the indigenous people of Dolpo for centuries. It plays a critical role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the region. 

The Dolpo region is characterized by its rugged and challenging terrain, including high mountain passes, deep valleys, and narrow trails. Yaks are well-suited to navigate these conditions, making them invaluable for transporting goods across the region. Yak caravan is a common, intriguing scene for trekkers in Dolpo.

Caravan Movie

"Caravan" is a 1999 American adventure drama film that was shot in the stunning landscapes of the Dolpo region in Nepal. Directed by Eric Valli and co-directed by French filmmaker Michel Debats, the film is known for its breathtaking visuals and portrayal of the unique culture and way of life in Dolpo. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 72nd Academy Awards and won awards at various international film festivals.

The Great Himalayan Trail

The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is an extensive network of trekking trails that spans the entire length of the Himalayan mountain range, from the westernmost point in Pakistan to the far eastern regions of Bhutan and India. One of the most iconic and challenging segments of the GHT is the Upper Dolpo route. This route covers the remote and pristine region of Upper Dolpo in Nepal.

Namgung Gompa

Namgung Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery is dedicated to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, which is one of the oldest and most traditional schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery houses ancient scripts, religious texts, and valuable religious artifacts that are integral to the religious and cultural life of the region.

The Nepal-Tibet Border: Sumdowa

The Nepal-Tibet border in the Upper Dolpo region, known as Sumdowa or Samling, is a significant geopolitical and geographical boundary that marks the northernmost extent of Nepal and the southern border of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Sumdowa is located near the village called Tinje.

The border area has cultural importance for the locals of Dolpo, who are of Tibetan origin and have maintained deep cultural and historical ties with Tibet for centuries. Sumdowa served as a significant trade route where traders from Dolpo would exchange salt, barley, and other goods for Tibetan goods such as tea and clothing.

Be part of the Shey festival in 2024 (Celebrating from 16th to 19th September 2024)

The Shey festival is one of the most significant events in the upper Dolpo. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of locals. The festival involves various rituals, ceremonies, and traditional practices, including masked dances, cham (ritual dances), chanting of prayers, and offerings. 

One of the highlights of this festival is the vibrant masked dance performances by monks, which often depict stories from Tibetan Buddhist mythology and history. It's an occasion for Dolpa families to reunite, exchange greetings, and share their experiences.

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

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  • Hotel
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  • Hotel
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    Useful Info

    Upper Dolpo trek difficulty

    Upper Dolpo trek is strenuous in every way, whether we consider terrain, weather, altitude, or remoteness of the region. This trek is for trekkers who have high-altitude experience and are physically and mentally strong. You will cross two 5,000-meter-above i.e. Nangda La (5,350 m/17,552 ft) and Shey La (5,100 m/16,732 ft) and three 4,000-meter-above mountain passes i.e. Kang La (4,500 m/14,765 ft), Saldang La (4,800 m/15,749 ft), and Jeng La (4,209 m/13,810 ft). The terrain is steep and rugged. 

    Each day, you will trek for roughly 5 to 7 hours. The distance covered during the Upper Dolpo trek depends upon your itinerary. In general, you will cover 250 kilometers to 300 kilometers (155 miles to 186 miles). Doing this trek means you are going completely off-grid and relying on satellite phones to occasionally contact your loved ones. 

    Your adjustment level, patience, and endurance also matter a lot during Upper Dolpo trekking. You have to understand and accept the limitations of this region, and then only you will be able to truly enjoy the pristine nature of Upper Dolpo. Preparation is important for this trek. Train your body and mind before the trek starts. 

    Altitude sickness on the Upper Dolpo trek 

    From Jhupal (2,500 m/8,202 ft), the starting point of the Upper Dolpo trek, the trail ascends over 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) in less than 10 days and spends many nights over 4,000 meters (13,123 ft). Usually, altitude sickness starts to trigger when you are above 3,000 meters to 3,500 meters (9,842 ft to 11,483 ft). However, if you are well-acclimatized, you can avoid it. 

    We cannot say who will suffer from altitude sickness or who will not, but if you are acclimatized, hydrated, aware of your body, and maintain your pace, you can definitely do this trek without getting altitude sickness. Our Upper Dolpo trek 27 days itinerary is built with ample acclimatization days, so you do not have to worry. 

    These are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness. Most of it will go quickly if first aid is taken on time. So, if you feel any discomfort or see this symptom, inform your guide.

    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Intense headache
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dizziness
    • Difficulty in sleeping

    Upper Dolpo trek permits

    To do the Upper Dolpo trek, trekkers need Lower Dolpo Restricted Area entry permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit (Not required for Lower Dolpo), Upper Dolpo Restricted Area entry permit. Shey-Phoksundo National Park is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu. Likewise, Restricted Area Permits are issued by the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. 

    • Lower Dolpo Restricted Area entry permit cost: USD 20 for first week and USD 5 per day after day per person
    • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit cost: USD 30 per person
    • Upper Dolpo Restricted Area entry permit cost: USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 per day after that per person

    Best time to go on the Upper Dolpo trek 

    The best time to do the Upper Dolpo trek is, no doubt, spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). The Upper Dolpo trek is also possible in the summer/monsoon season (June, July, and August) because it is located in the rain shadow area and sees no rainfall. However, while flying from Nepalgunj, the flights may not always be on time because of rainfall and bad weather. 

    Once you enter the Upper Dolpo area, it is all dry and lovely. During the Upper Dolpo trek, the elevation ranges from 2,500 meters to 5,350 meters (8,202 ft to 17,552 ft), so you will come across a wide range of vegetation, climate, and landscapes in a very short time. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F)  in the spring and autumn seasons. 

    The weather remains stable, with clear views and a moderate climate. While trekking to Upper Dolpo in winter (December, January, and February) is not possible regardless of your experience and expertise. Some pass, and a few sections of the trail get closed because of heavy snowfall and bad weather conditions. 

    Last minute booking 

    Last-minute bookings are not always possible for the Upper Dolpo trek 27 days. This trek demands lots of preparations, and booking the trek at the very last moment will not give you and us the needed time to get ready for the journey or arrange all the logistics on time, respectively. Anyways, you can still contact us to book the Upper Dolpo trek at the last minute. We will see what we can do and move further. 

    *Note: Last-minute bookings require full payment of the package. If you fail to join the trek because of any reason, no refunds will be made. 

    Accommodation and Meals

    Unlike the majority of trekking routes in Nepal, the Upper Dolpo trail has no lodge or even tea house facilities. It is a camping trek, so you have to be self-sufficient. There are also almost no tea shops along the way. We will provide all the camping gear, tents, and meals on this trek. 

    As the trek is long and you will be spending many days in the mountains, we have to transport enough food and camping equipment to last throughout the journey. And to do so, we need a large crew. Usually, for two trekkers, up to 10 Nepali staff, including a guide, are needed for the Upper Dolpo trek. Moreover, they also need the same gear to survive the journey. 

    We make sure you get to have a very good night's sleep throughout the trek, so we provide sturdy alpine tents that will protect you from the weather outside. Likewise, you will get a high-quality sleeping bag and all other necessities. Our dining and toilet tents are built separately. 

    There will be a cook and kitchen staff in the group who will make sure you get nutritious and delicious meals. We plan the meals as per your taste and of course, include a variety of Nepali and Western dishes in the menu. If you have any allergies or specific requirements, feel free to share them with us.  

    Travel Insurance

    Upper Dolpo has nothing. Even the locals rely on traditional medicine and small health posts scattered around the area. Trekking to Upper Dolpo requires travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medical bills. You cannot join this trek without travel insurance. 

    In case you fall sick or get injured during the trek, our last resort (after providing first aid) is to air evacuate you to a hospital in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu. So make sure you get nice travel insurance for this trek. It's rare we use travel insurance, but it is best to be well prepared while traveling in regions like this.

    Travel tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)

    • We will carry fuel and solar systems to provide electricity to our tents during the trek. So, there will be no issue with charging. For backup, have power banks with you. Likewise, we highly recommend getting a solar charger for a long trek like this. It is always good to have options in case one doesn't work.
    • Once you touch the upper part of the trail, there will be no network. You will be off-grid for multiple days. You can get a satellite phone if you wish, however our team leader will be equipped with satellite phones that you can use to stay connected with your friends and family. 
    • There is no ATM on this trekking route. Withdraw some Nepali cash in Kathmandu to use during the trek.
    • This trek is only possible with the support of our crew. So, make sure to tip them fine at the end of the trek because they carry all heavy equipment, and make sure you are trekking comfortably. 
    • Budget your international flight fares, travel insurance, tips, shopping, etc, as these are not covered in our Upper Dolpo trek cost. 
    • You will carry a backpack during the trek. It shouldn't go above 5 kg. Likewise, each trekker gets a 10 kg duffel bag weight limit where you can pack your clothes and other necessities. Leave any extra suitcases in the hotel's locker room at the time of the trek. 

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