Upper Dolpo Trek

Major Attraction of Upper Dolpo

• Remote and Unexplored Trails

Upper Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most remote and least explored trekking regions, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. The trails pass through rugged terrain, deep valleys, and isolated villages untouched by modern civilization. Trekkers can witness pristine landscapes, untouched nature, and an authentic way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. The sense of isolation and tranquility makes this trek unique, perfect for those seeking solitude in the wilderness. With fewer trekkers compared to other popular routes, it provides a pure and immersive trekking experience.

• Shey Phoksundo National Park

The trek takes you through Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, known for its incredible biodiversity. The park is home to endangered wildlife species such as snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. The lush forests of pine, juniper, and rhododendron create a stunning contrast against the barren landscapes of the higher elevations. Besides the diverse wildlife, the park also protects the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Nepal. The park’s rich ecosystem makes it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

• Tibetan Buddhist Culture

Upper Dolpo is deeply influenced by Tibetan culture, with centuries-old monasteries, Buddhist stupas, and prayer flags adorning the trails. The region is home to ancient Bon and Buddhist traditions, practiced by the local Dolpo-pa people, who have preserved their unique customs and rituals. Shey Gompa, one of the most significant monasteries in Dolpo, is an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Bon followers. The local lifestyle, deeply rooted in spirituality, reflects in their traditional attire, yak caravans, and sacred ceremonies. Trekking in Upper Dolpo offers a rare opportunity to witness a way of life that closely resembles the Tibetan plateau.

• High Himalayan Passes

The trek includes the challenge of crossing three major high-altitude passes: Nagdalo La (5350m), Shey La (5010m), and Jeng La (5220m). These passes offer some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Kanjiroba Himal, and other surrounding peaks. The journey over these passes is demanding, requiring physical endurance and acclimatization, but the reward is breathtaking scenery and a sense of achievement. Trekkers will traverse snow-covered landscapes, rocky paths, and high-altitude deserts, experiencing the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Each pass provides a new perspective of the region’s dramatic terrain and the vast, open skies.

• Shey Phoksundo Lake and Scenic Beauty

One of the highlights of the Upper Dolpo trek is the mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo Lake, known for its deep turquoise-blue waters. The lake, situated at 3,600 meters, is considered sacred by Buddhists and Bon followers, who believe it holds spiritual significance. The surrounding cliffs and waterfalls enhance its beauty, making it one of Nepal’s most picturesque locations. The tranquility of the lake, combined with the reflection of snow-capped peaks, creates a surreal atmosphere. Watching the sunrise and sunset over the lake is a magical experience that leaves trekkers in awe of nature’s wonders.

Best Season for Upper Dolpo Trek

The best time to go trekking in Upper Dolpo is during the spring-the months between March and May-or in autumn, during the months from September to November. During this time, it usually has fine weather, and stable skies make temperatures neither very hot nor too cold; therefore, making trekking a whole lot easier and enjoyable. This is the same season when most of the grand landscapes, culture, and Himalayas become visible. Though the trek could always be done in every season, each has its difficulties and ways of experiences.

• Spring Season:

Spring is the rhododendron time from March up to May, featuring heavy verdure and pleasant temperatures. The routes abound in the bright colors; the more dynamic the wildlife. Usually, the days are hot and nights at altitude may become cool. Indeed, that will be the season for seeing everything at its very best.

• Summer Season:

Summer/Monsoon: Most of Nepal gets heavy rainfalls during this time, making it the least liked among trekkers. However, Upper Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area, which in turn means less rain compared to any other region. Landscapes wear greener looks; this could also be a pretty quiet and peaceful time. Nevertheless, challenges like humidity, occasional rains, and landslide issues along the way to Dolpo might make it disappointing.

• Autumn Season

The most favored season is autumn, from September to November, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and awesome mountain views. The weather remains stable, especially for high-altitude trekking. Autumn’s added attraction of local festivals, Dashain and Tihar, adds to the cultural experience and makes the time ideal for trekkers.

• Winter Season:

Winter runs from December to February, and it’s freezing and filled with snow, which makes trekking really hard. It is hardly possible to cross high passes, and most of the lodges are shut down for the winter period. It is at this time when winter allows a trekking adventure only to solo and experienced trekkers among breathtaking, snow-covered landscapes with a beauty visible only at this time of the year.

Route of Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, the gateway of Dolpo. From Juphal, the trek routeways down to Dunai, headquarters of Dolpa, and then up along the Bheri River till Suligad-the gateway to Shey Phoksundo National Park. Passing some beautiful forests, terraced fields, and small villages, it reaches Chhepka and Rechi-places where the trekker encounters the beauty of the region undisturbed. From Rechi, the trail follows the Phoksundo Khola to reach Ringmo village that lies beside the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake.

From here, having taken in the breathtaking views of the lake, the trek moves to Shey Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery right in the middle of Upper Dolpo. High passes like Kang La at 5,350 meters grant spectacular views of the Himalayas. Shey Gompa is out-of-the-way, mystical, and a spiritual highlight of this trek. Beyond Shey Gompa, the route goes to Namgung and Saldang villages, symbolizing traditional Tibetan style in Upper Dolpo. It is really a haven for Tibetan culture, full of traditional mud-brick houses and ancient Buddhist stupas.

Further on, the trek continues through Yangze and reaches the Jeng La Pass (5,220m) for a striking panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks. From there, the route drops down after crossing the pass toward Dho Tarap, the next big village where one can experience the Dolpo-pa way of life in tradition. It traces a route that is a bit different on its return, which is via the Tarap Valley, Tokyu, and Lang to Tarakot, which is beautifully perched-actually famous for ruins of an ancient monastery and a fort. The last part of the trek goes to Dunai and Juphal, whence one flies to Nepalgunj and then onwards to Kathmandu, drawing to a close the unforgettable adventure of the far-flung Upper Dolpo region.

Typical Day in Upper Dolpo Trek

A typical day in the Upper Dolpo Trek begins with an early rise and a warm breakfast. After packing is over, the trekking restarts, where every day approximately 6 to 8 hours of walking is done.The journey includes steep ascents and descents, river crossing, and rugged trails; hence, the journey is tiring yet worth it. On route, the trekkers give some short rests to have thrilling views of nature and take wonderful snaps of those surroundings. Lunchtime is taken after noon, so trekkers take an hour’s rest either at a campsite or at local teahouses where lunch is taken along with rest. The second half of the day is spent at more trekking through remote landscapes and high-altitude passes with occasional interactions with the people of Dolpo-pa, the locals here. Physically exhaustive but the range of snow-covered peaks, centuries-old monasteries, and deep valleys encourage the trekkers to move ahead. Usually, the camping site is reached by afternoon, so there is ample time to rest and roam around the vicinity villages to interact with the people. They visit Buddhist monasteries, traditional Tibetan culture, and know about something about the day-to-day living of people residing in these isolated areas. Dinner: 6:00 – 7:00 PM: local and international cuisine, freshly prepared. After dinner, generally, trekkers relax around and share the experiences; some do star gazing as well before heading to bed early for the following day.

Trekking Difficulties in Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek, one of the most difficult treks in Nepal, is basically because of remote location, high altitude terrain, and physically demanding trails. It reaches an elevation above 5,000 meters, and hence altitude sickness could be a serious concern. Proper acclimatization, good hydration, and a slow steady pace are factors that can minimize the problems encountered at altitude. The absence of medical facilities makes it mandatory for trekkers to have a good resistance level and an overall good condition of health.

This trek crosses over several high passes at 5,350m Kang La, 5,220m Jeng La, and 5,010m Shey La with loads of endurance and strong physical fitness. Most trails are uneven and steep, also highly exposed to extreme weather, including heavy wind, snow, and freezing temperature. Long days of walking per day are common, often over rocky, uneven trails that really make this an overall tough trek.

Other challenges involve remoteness with no modern infrastructural or other facilities developed in the Upper Dolpo Region. Teahouses are few and far apart, and much of the trekking needs to be supported by camping. Since there are only limited food supplies, it restricts meal varieties; hence, it is better to take extra energy snacks and food with you. This would mean that the communication networks cannot be relied on to be reliable or not, always, outside of the camp. Hence, it is always quite vital to travel with a highly experienced guide and/or a trekking team. Notwithstanding the difficulty, the Upper Dolpo Trek represents an outstanding undertaking for serious trekkers in pursuit of an adventure into some of the untouched and mystifying regions of Nepal. Then, the breathtaking landscapes, the culture of Tibet, and the spiritual ambiance of the monasteries will make it all worthwhile. Proper preparation, physical fitness, and mental determination are the keys to completing this once-in-a-lifetime trek.

Guide and Porter

Upper Dolpo Trek is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re traveling with colleagues, friends, family, or as a solo female trekker, this trek is a great choice for those with moderate fitness levels. Please note that according to local regulations, foreign visitors are required to have a guide and porter during the trek.

At our company, we are proud to offer highly qualified and experienced guides and porters who are fluent in English. Our team is renowned for their kindness and professionalism, ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. We can also arrange for a translator, if necessary, to facilitate clear communication and enhance your cultural immersion.

Our comprehensive …-day trekking package is designed specifically for group treks. As each porter can carry up to 25 kg, efficient packing is essential. We provide porters to assist with carrying warm clothing and personal belongings, and the number of guides and porters we assign depends on the size of your group. Our priority is to ensure that you have the necessary support for a successful and memorable trek.

The number of guides and porters we provide will depend on the size of the group as follows:

Number of Trekkers Numbers of Guide Numbers of Porter

In summary, our upper dolpo Trek package offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion in the Himalayas. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that you have an unforgettable adventure, and we look forward to providing you with an enriching and safe trekking experience.

Acclimatization during the Upper Dolpo Trek

The so-called most strenuous trek in Nepal, the Upper Dolpo Trek ranges 180-200 kilometers with an altitude of 5,350 meters above sea level. Because the altitude and rate of ascent are high proper acclimatization must be performed against altitude sickness, whose signs and symptoms may include headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

Above 3,000 meters, the thin air may be a problem for trekkers coming from lower altitudes. Acclimatization days have been judiciously included in the schedule at strategic locations such as Ringmo and Shey Gompa so that altitude sickness could be avoided. These stops allow trekkers to acclimatize while exploring the breathtaking surroundings.

Acclimatization hikes to viewpoint ridges overlooking stunning landscapes and traditional Tibetan villages in untouched valleys; these little altitude gains not only help with acclimatization but will also make it an enjoyable trek. Visits to ancient pre-Buddhist Bonpo monasteries, interaction with local villagers, the possibility of encountering blue sheep and Himalayan griffon vultures-especially depth-enhancing elements within this adventure.

Guides will ensure that the trekkers are always well-hydrated by making them drink lots of water, herbal tea, and soup very frequently for minimizing altitude sickness. The altitude is to be gained gradually, it should feature in the itinerary in such a way that the trekkers are able to gain it safely. Guides are first-aid trained, also carrying equipment to deal with altitude emergencies hence enabling a safe and memorable journey to this remote and amazing region of Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Permit

Upper Dolpo Trekking falls into the restricted areas of Nepal for which multiple permits are required to enter. The region falls under the conservation area of Shey Phoksundo National Park, which boasts a unique wildlife and traditional Tibetan culture.

Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: The same is quite imperative, and it can only be availed via a registered trekking agency. It costs 500 USD per head for the first 10 days, with an additional charge of 50 USD each per extra day.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entrance: An entrance permit to the national park; 3,000 NPR/foreign participant and 1,500 NPR/SAARC participant. This can be availed in Kathmandu as well as at the park entrances.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): This permits record the trekkers for their safety. Available from Nepal Tourism Board: 20 US$ for foreign trekkers.

Contrary to Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, and it does not allow independent trekking. Trekkers have to go through a government-registered trekking agency and should be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Accommodation and Food on Upper Dolpo Trek

Accommodation: On arrival in Kathmandu, trekkers will be accommodated in a comfortable 4-star hotel. The accommodations during the trek are simple: teahouses, homestay, or camping are the major options. As it reaches higher and remote areas, there is no other option than camping, and our team makes all necessary arrangements to provide comfortable tents and healthy meals.

Food: The trekkers are supplied with manifold eatables, from traditional Nepali dal bhat, tarkari, and roti, to Tibetan and Indian cuisine. Tsampa-a barley flour (Tibetan staple)-butter tea, and momos are preferred in Upper Dolpo, having been influenced by Tibetan culture. Meals are taken hygienically to keep your energy level strong during the aggressive trek.

The locals are very hospitable, and this allows the trekkers to sample the more genuine flavors of Tibetan and Himalayan cuisine and adds to the culture one is able to witness on this trek.

Drinking Water

Since Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote areas, access to clean drinking water is limited. Because of this, plastic bottles are not allowed in the conservation areas to maintain environmental sustainability. Trekkers should bring reusable water bottles and refill them at lodges, where boiled or purified water is available for purchase.

We do not recommend drinking water directly from streams or even from taps without proper filtration. It is highly recommended to bring water purification tablets, a personal water filter, or a Steripen to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Travel Insurance

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude trek, and it’s required by every active trekker to have their travel insurance policies covering the following:

• Altitude sickness and medical expenses
• Helicopter evacuation above 5,000 meters
• Emergency rescue and ambulance service

Since Graceful Adventure does not provide insurance to the trekkers, one has to prepare and manage it before going for the trek. Some global recommended insurance providers are Travelex, Mondial Assistance, and Insure My Trip. A copy of the insurance certificate has to be sent prior to the trek date as a safety procedure.

Electricity and Communication on Upper Dolpo Trek

Most of the basic facilities regarding electricity and internet are available in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, but in Upper Dolpo, they are very minimal. Some villages are dependent on solar power or micro-hydropower, and charging electronic devices may incur extra charges.

A portable power bank with a number of charges is important to bring for trekkers in order to keep in contact and shoot the stunning landscapes. For some isolated areas where mobile networks do not work, satellite phones might be necessary in emergencies.

ATM and Money Exchange

There are ATMs and foreign money exchange in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, but once in Upper Dolpo, there is no banking facility. So trekkers should have adequate Nepalese rupees to bear the expenses towards food, water, and supply.

It is better to change foreign currency in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj before the start of the trek. Proper financial planning ensures a hassle-free experience while trekking in this really remote, beautiful area of Upper Dolpo.