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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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