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Bhanubhakta Nachhiring
Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek

73 reviews in Tripadvisor

duration-icon

Trip Duration

24 Days
destination

Destination

Nepal
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Max. Altitude

5,305 m.
difficulty-icon

Trip Difficulty

Challenging
group-size

Group Size

1-12
transportation

Transportation

Flight
accommodation

Accommodation

Camping
activity-icon

Activity

Trekking
meals

Meals

All inclusion
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Start / End

Kathmandu
region

Region

Northwestern Nepal
best-season

Best Season

Spring and Autumn
Price starts

US$ 4100

We offer group discounts

  • 1 - person
    US$ 4200
  • 2 - 3 person
    US$ 4100
  • 4 - 6 person
    US$ 4000
  • 7 over 9999
    US$ 3900

Total Cost:

US$ 4200

Trip Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of those trek that seems like entering a secret world. This place is remote, away from the bustling city and huge crowds of Nepal with high mountains and peaceful environments in visibility. It is hidden behind the Dhaulagiri range, offering an adventurous journey that leads you through ancient architecture, old houses, dense forest and wide landscapes that change in every step.

Upper Dolpo Trek

One of the highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek is Shey Phoksundo Lake. This lake is the deepest lake in Nepal and is famous for its visually stunning turquoise color lake and calm surroundings. This journey offers trekkers a genuine experience of Himalayan wilderness as the trail passes over high mountains and the Upper Dolpo Trek makes the experience even more authentic, real and pure because of its remoteness, and very few people visit this place.

Another reason why this Upper Dolpo Trek is truly special because of the cultural experience and the opportunity you get to learn about Bon religion, one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the Himalayas. Villagers here still follow old cultures and traditions and live a simple life. Trekking through these ancient village that still remain untouched gives trekkers a chance to witness a history that has been preserved for centuries.

Where Exactly Is Upper Dolpo?

Upper Dolpo lies way up close to the Tibetan border. This part is called the Inner Dolpo or sometimes people just say the Upper Dolpo region. It’s not like other easy or popular trekking points like Annapurna or Everest. Here you need a restricted area permit, a experienced guide, and be mentally prepared because this trek is not just a trek, its kind of an expedition.

Many people first hear about Upper Dolpo from documentaries, books, or from that famous lake called Shey Phoksundo Lake. If you search online, you will see that blue lake everywhere. But Phoksundo Lake is actually only the beginning. Once you go higher than that, then the real Upper Dolpo feeling starts: silent stone villages, strong winds, desert-looking mountains, and passes like Kang-La or Jeng-La that test your patience and motivation.

Why Choose Upper Dolpo Trek?

Upper Dolpo gives you the chance to witness places that very few people in the world have experienced. You should choose this Trek if you want a real and authentic adventure without the influence of modern world and with no crowds. This place is one of the remaining parts of Nepal where life still remains untouched by the modern things. Along the way to Upper Dolpo, there is no crowd, no disturbance, no rush – just pure nature, ancient culture, and peaceful mountains everywhere.

Upper Dolpo Trek

This trek is perfect for those who are looking for a long trekking day with raw adventure, nature exploration, cultural experience, high mountain passes and camping at night under the bright stars. It is a challenging trek but choosing this trek will not disappoint you.

Best Time to Trek Upper Dolpo

Upper Dolpo Village

Spring (April to June)

Spring is the best season which brings fresh and warm air to the region. Spring offers greener forests and mild weather temperatures, especially at the lower areas. It’s a great time to experience the beauty of the Dolpo region with warm temperatures, soft winds and stunning mountain peaks.

Autumn (September to June)

Autumn is another perfect time because after the monsoon rain the view becomes clearer and the skies clear providing crystal-clear views. The temperature is also comfortable while the morning and the night can be cold but manageable.

Winter (November to March)

In winter the Upper Dolpo Trek can still be beautiful but due to extreme cold and snowy path, the trek can be difficult and risky.

Monsoon (July to August)

Monsoon is not a great time for this trek and is the least recommended. Even though there is less rain compared to other part of Nepal, the trail can still get muddy and slippery which makes it difficult to trek. The cloud also hides the views of the mountains. Additionally, flight to Juphal often get cancelled or delayed due to bad weather, which can be annoying and cancel your whole plan.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

  • Witness the deep turquoise lake surrounded with dramatic cliffs and landscapes
  • Experience the old Bon religion, older than Buddhism
  • Trek across some of the challenging passes like Kang La, Saldang  La and Jeng La with stunning view
  • Visit quite and peaceful village like Ringmo, Saldang etc.
  • No crowds, no noise just beautiful environment and untouched Himalayan nature.

Upper Dolpo Trek - Distance, Duration, and Altitude

Trekking Route Distance (Kilometers) Duration (Hours) Altitude (Meters)
Flight to Juphal and Trek to Dunai 7 KM 2 to 3 hours 2140 m.
Dunai to Chhepka 20 KM 6 to 7 hours 2670 m.
Chhepka to Chunuwar 20 KM 6 to 7 hours 3130 m.
Chunuwar to Ringmo and Shey Phoksundo Lake 14 KM 4 to 5 hours 3611 m.
Phoksundo to Sallaghari 17 KM 5 to 6 hours 3780 m.
Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp 13 KM 5 to 6 hours 4700 m.
Cross Nangdala Pass and Trek to Kagen Pass to Shey Gompa 16 KM 7 to 8 hours 4390 m.
Shey Gompa to Namgung 14 KM 6 to 7 hours 4430 m.
Namgung to Saldang 12 KM 4 to 5 hours 3900 m.
Saldang to Yangze Gompa 15 KM 6 to 7 hours 4200 m.
Yangze to Sibu 13 KM 6 hours 3940 m.
Sibu to Jeng La Base Camp 11 KM 5 to 6 hours 4400 m.
Cross Jeng la Pass and trek to Dho Tarap 16 KM 6 to 7 hours 4090 m.
Dho Tarap to Tokyu and trek to Nawar Pani 14 KM 6 to 7 hours 3780 m.
Nawar Pani to Laina Odar 12 KM 5 to 6 hours trek 3370 m.
Laina Odar to Khanigaon 13 KM 5 to 6 hours trek 2550 m.
Khanigaon to Juphal 12 KM 5 to 6 hours trek 2475 m.

Itinerary of Upper Dolpo Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. After you land from the plane In Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives from Epic Trek Nepal will be waiting for your arrival and take you to your hotel where you can freshen up, rest and enjoy the local food while walking around the busy streets of Thamel.

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Activity: 45 min drive

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Max. Altitude: 1400m./4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

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Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • Permits and fees: All the necessary permits for the Upper Dolpo area will be included in your package. It will include Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit and so on.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in arranged in local teahouses or lodges whenever available. Since many section of Upper Dolpo is very remote, there will be some places on the trakking trail where camping will be necessary. Our staff will take care of all camp arrangement. This also include hotel stays in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj before and after the trek.
  • Meals: This package includes 3 time meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek. It also include hot beverages during breakfast and lunch and seasonal fruit after dinner.
  • Transportation: It include all ground and air transportation as per the itinerary, including flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jupal and return.
  • Guide and Porter: You will be provided with an experienced, English speaking trekking guide and a porter to carry luggage for up to 2 trekkers.
  • First aid kit: A basic first aid kit for emergency support.
  • Trekking map: A detailed map of Upper Dolpo trekking route.
  • Equipment: A duffle bag for personal gear and sleeping bag if needed.

What is not included?

  • International Flight: International Flight to and from Nepal is not included. Travelers need to manage their own ticket.
  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance that cover emergency rescue is not included and you will be expected to have you own.
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses for extra meals, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, shower and other personals cost are not included.
  • Nepal Visa Fees: Entry visa fee for Nepal are not included.
  • Trekking Gear: Trekking equipment, such as hiking boots, trekking poles and other gear are not included.
  • Tips: Tips for guide and porter are not included and left to your decision.

Trip Information

Difficulty Level in the Upper Dolpo

The Upper Dolpo is considered a challenging trek because the trekking day can stretch over 20 days depending on the route. It is a high altitude adventure with unexplored trail and thin air which make the journey more adventurous and thrilling, but it is not suitable for beginners.

Upper Dolpo Trek

The trekking days are mostly 6 to 8 hours of walking, and some days it may even reach nearly 9 hours of walking when traveling through difficult route or terrain. The Upper Dolpo trek is above 4500 meters high and the highest passes are around 5000 to 5300 meters. At this altitude, the oxygen gets thinner and trekkers might feel the signs of altitude sickness. So, proper acclimatization is important.

This trek is not as challenging when compared with other popular treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, but a good fitness level and be preparation for both physical and mental challenges are necessary to complete this trek without any difficulties.

What can you see on the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers a mix of nature, adventure, ancient culture, and high altitude mountain views. Among the major highlights of the Upper Dolpo trek, the turquoise lake known as Shey Phoksundo Lake, is famous for its calm surroundings and bright blue color. The magical view of the lake looks almost unreal when the sun’s ray strike the surface of the lake.

Upper Dolpo Trek

As you trek toward the Upper Dolpo region, you will pass through lush green forests, silent valleys, rocky terrain, beautiful landscapes and stunning mountain peaks covered with snow that stretch endlessly. Villages like Ringmo and Saldang look like centuries old because nothing much has changed in this region.

Along the way, you can see old monasteries, prayer walls, prayer flags and ancient villages influenced by the Bon religion, one of the oldest religion in Nepal. You can see yaks, blue sheep, mountain goats, and birds, and if you are lucky, you can even witness the rare snow leopard.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodations for the Upper Dolpo Trek are primarily camping, because this region is extremely remote with very few tea houses or lodges. You will be sleeping in tents set by the trekking team which are usually placed in open valleys, up close to small villages, or near rivers to give you a serene night under the vast sky of Dolpo. Even though the facilities are basic and limited, the team ensures the tents are comfortable, warm and safe enough for your long journey.

Upper Dolpo Trek

Meals during the Upper Dolpo Trek are simple and filling. Your cook and support crew prepare fresh food every day, mostly rice, lentils, soup, noodles, potatoes, vegetables, and local dishes when certain things become more readily available from the region.

Overall, accommodation is basic camping, and meals are fresh and simple which is enough to complete the Upper Dolpo Trek without any discomfort for the rest of the journey.

Cultural Experience

The culture of the Dolpo region is one of the most fascinating, unique and well preserved in all of Nepal. While other religion are starting to be influenced by the modern culture, people here still follow the ancient Bon Tradition, which is even older than Buddhism. Trekkers can see Bon monasteries, prayer flags and religious symbols that represent the history and daily practices of local people that are deeply connected with nature, mountains and spiritual beliefs.

Upper Dolpo Trek

This region has a strong impact of Tibetan culture, as Dolpo shares both culture and history with Tibet. The life of people in Upper Dolpo is simple and peaceful like time is moving slowly. Trekkers can see people farming, yak herders, children playing outside, and people having deep conversations with a cup of tea.

Walking through these villages feels like you are back in old times which creates a deep connection with the places, people you interact with, and their way of living life.

Permits required for Upper Dolpo trek

For this Upper Dolpo trek you will need a couple of permits because it lies in one of Nepal’s most remote and restricted areas.

  1. Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP ): This is the main and crucial permit that every trekker must have because Upper Dolpo is considered a border sensitive region. It takes around $500 per person for the first 10 days and after 10 days, it takes $50 per person per day.
  2. Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry: Since the Dolpo region lies inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park, every trekker must have this permit to enter inside the National Park. It takes approximately $25 per person and for SAARC citizens it takes around $10.
  3. Lower Dolpo Permit: Most Upper Dolpo itineraries passes through Lower Dolpo first, so this permit is also important for this trek. It takes $20 per person.

What to pack for the Upper Dolpo Trek

Backpack

  • A sturdy backpack with adjustable straps and support
  • Duffle bag for extra items

Clothing

  • Breathable short and long sleeve shirts
  • Warm mid layer like a fleece jacket or down jacket for evening
  • lightweight windbreaker
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Durable trekking pants
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Thermal inner wear
  • Good quality trekking socks and some thermal socks for high altitude

Footwear

  • Strong trekking boots for uneven trails
  • Camp shoes for evening at lodges
  • Extra shoelace in case one snaps

Accessories

  • Trekking poles for stability
  • Layered gloves
  • UV protection sunglasses
  • Headlight or flashlight
  • Neck gaiter
  • Hat for sun protection

Sun protection

  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF

Document and Money

  • Passport and ID copies of permits, travel insurance and papers
  • Local currency

Emergency Items

  • First aid kit
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Duct tape for quick gear repair
  • Plastic bag to organize gear and carry waste

Cancellation Policy for Upper Dolpo Trek

At Epic Trek Nepal, we understand and recognize that sometimes things don’t go according to plan and can change unexpectedly. For that reason, we designed a clear and fair cancellation policy for the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Cancellation Notice

If you need to cancel trek for any reason, please notify us at least 15 days before your scheduled trek start date. This helps us manage permits,  logistics and preparation smoothly.

Administrative Fee

For any cancellation of the trek, a 25% fee will be deducted from the total cost of trek as an administrative charge, which covers the work that we’ve already done for your trip including permits, arrangements and preparation.

Non-Refundable Period

If any cancelations is made within 7 days before the starting date of the trek, then the trek will not be refundable. However, if there is a valid reason for the cancellation, then we can offer a refund after deducting 70% of the total trek amount, because we have already submitted the cost and reserved the spots for you.

Documentation Period

If you wish to make an insurance claim. We are happy to provide the necessary documents to help with your insurance process.

Unused Services

Please note that refunds cannot be granted for unused accommodation, meals, transportation or services, if your trek is canceled due to personal reasons, illness or bad weather.

Our team is always available to help you if you have any queries related to your trek or want to discuss your situation. We value your trust and look forward to guiding you on Upper Dolpo Trek.

Conclusion

The Upper Dolpo Trek is not just a journey, but is a adventure into one of Nepal’s most untouched part. Every step seems special with the raw landscapes, the ancient Bon culture, the sparkling Phoksundo Lake, and the warmth of local people. The high passes and long days are definitely tough, but the sense of achievement, along with witnessing breathtaking beauty, will be truly unforgettable.

If you are looking for raw, real and untouched Himalayan trek with a slice of authentic cultural moments, this trek is perfect for you. Get ready to experience magic of Upper Dolpo with Epic Trek Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upper Dolpo is located in far west Nepal near the Tibetan border known for its peaceful nature and untouched Himalayan views.

You will need a special permit Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit. This permit helps to protect the local culture, preserve the nature and support local communities.

This Trek is considered challenging because of high passes, long walking days and limited no of teahouses along the trek. But a good fitness and some experience is enough to make this journey exciting and adventurous.

The best season for Upper Dolpo Trek are Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) which offer crystal clear views, stable weather and stunning view of the mountain.

Most of the Upper Dolpo trek takes around 20 to 28 days depending on the itinerary and the route you take. Because, this region is remote and large, which makes this trek long, acclimatization is important.

Upper Dolpo Trek is not suitable for beginner due to long trekking days, high altitude and rough terrain. Some basic fitness and experiences make this trek much comfortable.

While trekking in Upper Dolpo region, you can see blue sheep, yaks, Himalayan tahr and if you are lucky you can even witness the rare snow leopard.

Epic Trek Nepal pricing:

  • Solo Trekker: $4,200 per person
  • 2-3 person: $4,100  per person
  • 4-6 person: $4,000 per person
  • Group over 7: $3,900 per person

Includes all permits, accommodation, meals, guide, porter, and ground transportation (no flights required).

Trip Reviews

Price starts

US$ 4100

We offer group discounts

  • 1 - person
    US$ 4200
  • 2 - 3 person
    US$ 4100
  • 4 - 6 person
    US$ 4000
  • 7 over 9999
    US$ 3900

Total Cost:

US$ 4200

  • Price starts

    US$ 4100