True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration
24 days
Max. Elevation
5350m
Group size
Min 2
Level
ADVANCE
Transportation
 Flight
Best Season
OCT-NOV-DEC, Mar-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Accommodation in Kathmandu. Camping Accommodation during Trek
Meals
3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route
Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal - Dunai - Syanta - SomDu - Phoksundo - Sallaghari - Yak Kharka - Shey Gompa - Namgung - Saldang - Rakyo - Pass Camp - Dho Tarap - River Side - Nawarpani - Laisicap - Dunai - Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

Highlights

Overview

The prized goal of the Upper Dolpo trek is to appreciate natural beauty and wildlife of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The park has a pristine ecosystem and a great variety of floral and faunal species including Blue Sheep, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, orchids, oaks etc. The Phoksundo Lake which is the centre of attraction of the park attracts visitors in thousands. 
 
Located in mid-western Nepal, Upper Dolpo is a natural and cultural jewel of the central Himalaya. It lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park and sits on the laps of Dhaulagiri Massif. 
 
Upper Dolpo is a remote region with no roads and direct air connection. The nearest road head is Nepalgunj about 200km south and the nearest airport is in Juphal. Hence, the Upper Dolpo trek starts with a short flight or day-long bus ride to Nepalgunj and then a short flight to Juphal, from where the trekking begins.
 
Visiting villages and interacting with local local people who have similar culture as Tibetans is simply joyful. The locals here follow Bonpo religion that predates Buddhism. Dolpo is regarded as a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Shey Gompa (4200m) and Tsering Gompa (4400m) are two of the most important Buddhist monasteries in this region. 
 
The greatest challenge of Upper Dolpo trek comes at the crossing of two high passes of Kang La (5270m) and Jeng La (5080m). These passes offer majestic views of Dhaulgairi, Kanjiroba, Kang Chhune, and Kagmara as well as sprawling Tibetan landscape. 
 
Upper Dolpo Trek has been graded moderate to strenuous and is mostly a mix of tea-house and camping trek. Special permit is required to enter into this area and trekkers are allowed only in groups. 
 
If you have seen Oscar-nominated documentary Caravan directed by Eric Valli, then you would know where and how amazing Upper Dolpo region is.

Important Note

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.

Trip Itinerary

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can also choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing.  By late afternoon, you will drive back to your hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Our representative will take you to the airport for a flight to Nepalgunj. In Nepalgunj you will be taken to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Max. altitude

150m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

BLD
Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m.) and trek from Juphal to Dunai (2140 m.) takes about 4 hours. Catch a morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal you start trekking to Dunai, which is the headquater of Dolpo, a remote district of Nepal. You will walk through farms and villages along Bheri River. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

2475m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Dunai to Shyanta (2478 m.) takes about six hours. You will walk along the forest of pine and rhododendros. Cross a suspension bridge and climb towards  We Thulo Bheri enjoying views of Kagmara Peak. Further you will enter into a forest before reaching Syanta. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

2478m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Shyants to Somdu (3038 m.) takes about seven hours. This day, you will follow the banks of Suligar River. The trails is a mix of  forests of pine, fir and birch and hills You will pass up the villages of Kageni, Raktang and Jyalhasa. The cliffs here are of unique geographical features. Further up you will come across Tibetan settlements with shops. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3038m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Somdu to Phoksundo (3600m.) takes about five hours. En route, you will pass a picturesque waterfall. Along the trekking route, you will cross some mind blowing pasturelands. You will follow the path along Phoksundo and Pungmo Khola to reach Phoksundo Lake at an altitude of 3,600m. The lake is  waylaid by 300m high waterfall and Ringmo village full of chortens and Mani walls.Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3600m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Rest day at Phoksundo to explore the Phuksundo Lake. It is the deepest lake of Nepal listed in Ramsar sites. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3600m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3756 m.) takes about seven hours. Leaving Pokshundo by the west side you will have to walk up a gangway before the path gives way to lush meadows pass the rocky craggy cliffs. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3756m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Sallaghari to Yak Kharka (3856 m.) takes about seven hours. As you move higher following Poksundo Khola you will encounter rocks and boulders with occasional streams.  The trail than passes a meadow and then a ravine. From here you can see the spectacular Shey Gompa and the nearby Kang-La pass. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3856m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Yak Kharka to Shey Gompa (4160 m.) via Nagadlo La Pass (5350 m.) takes about eight hours.  This is quite tough day of your trek as you will crossNagadlo-la pass. The pass offers beautiful views of landscape and rivers. The trail then follows numerous streams that are hemmed in my mud caves and meadows that are grazed by yaks, sheep and mountain goat. Before long you will be at Shey Gompa which is dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism.  Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

5350m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung (4360 m.) takes about five hours. You will pass through a beautiful trail having alpine trees and meadows. The path opens through a forest of juniper trees and climbs a canyon to get to Saldang-la pass. This is a highland where you will be able to see nomadic lifestyle of yak and sheep herders. Enroute you can visit Namgung monastery just above a gorge which is distinct by its red stones. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

4360m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Namgung to Saldang (3770 m.) takes about four hours. This section passes up few villages and climb up to a ridge topped with prayer flags overlooking a beautiful landscape of Panzang valley.  From here the landscape looks a bit barren with few houses made in Tibetan style village with mani walls. These villages are surrounded by barley fields which is regularly visited by migrating and resident birds. We make our camp near Saldang Gompa. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3770m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Saldang to Rakyo (3850 m.) takes about six hours. En route you will visit Rapa Gompa. The trail passes through a vast barren landscape surrounded by mountains. With occasional villages in between, the walk is pleasant till you reach Rakyo. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3850m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Rakyo to Pass Camp (4700 m.) which takes about six hours. You will walk alongside the riverbanks of Nagaon River in the beginning and later Dachun River. The last section of the path is steep up till you reach Pass Camp which offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

4700m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Pass Camp to Dho Tarap (3944 m.) takes about seven hours. This village has the human settlement at the world’s highest altitude. You will enjoy the walk through a narrow valley which is part of inner Dolpo. You will see rough patches of green grasses here and there. Dho Tarap is influenced by Bon po and Tibetan Buddhism and has a long history of settelement. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3944m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Rest day at Dho Tarap to explore and interact with local people and their lifestyle. You can visit local gompa, learn about the Tibetan lifestyle and try Tibetan tea and cuisines. Stay overnight at camp.

Accomodation

3944

Meals

BLD
Trek from Dho Tarap to River side (3756 m.) takes about six hours.  You will walk along the riverbank of Tarap River throughout the day. The trail ahead opens up into a wide valley which is drenched by Tarap river. The landscape is dotted with juniper and bushes. This is the finest spot to see endagenered blue sheep. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3756m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from River side to Nawarpani (3475 m.) takes about seven hours. After leaving the beautiful valley of Dho Tarap, the trail passes through deep gorges and age old cliffs.  You will pass through Laini Odar and Chhyugar, two small hamlets before reaching  Pibke or Nawarpani.Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

3475m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Nawarpani to Laisicap (2775 m.) takes about six hours. Today, you will walk through the pine forest and pastureland.  Ahead lies a trail of forest and gorge before getting down to Tarakot which is famous for its fort. Further up is Barbung Khola on whose bank stands the old Sandul Gompa. This trail is used by caravans travelling between Tibet and Nepal. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

2775m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Laisicap to Dunai (2140 m.) takes about six hours. The trail follows the Bheri River for hours with occasion pine trees in between. It will be a few hours before reaching Dunai a beautiful town surrounded by green hills. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

2140m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD
Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2475 m.) takes about three hours. Stay overnight at camp. From Dunai you will enjoy a pleasant walk to Juphal following the Bheri River all along. Stay overnight at camp.

Max. altitude

2475m

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and same day fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Early morning you will reach Juphal airport for a flight to Nepalgunj and from there to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu you will be transferred to hotel.

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Max. altitude

1400m

Meals

Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Trip

Includes

    a) Kathmandu

    • All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
    • 3 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3 star standards hotel
    • One day city sightseeing with an English speaking tour guide and private vehicle
    • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenirs


    b) Trekking

    • One trekking guide (if there are 10 or more participants, we will provide 2 trekking guides)
    • Camping crews (Cook, Sherpa, kitchen helper)
    • Porters (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
    • Accommodation: Partly in teahouses and most of the nights camping
    • Required equipments: Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, cooking utensil and trekking poles
    • Cooking fuel
    • Camping charges
    • Cargo charge
    • Special trekking permit for both Lower and Upper Dolpo
    • Entry permits for She-Phuksundo National Park
    • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
    • Flight tickets: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathamndu
    • Insurance and equipments for the guides and porters
    • First aid kit
    • Tax, VAT and our service charge
    • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips for involved staffs
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu 
    • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Professional Company, Awesome Place And Fabulous Guide”

The lower and upper Dolpo trek was amazing. Specially Upper Dolpo,great views, nice people, had hard 2 weeks over 4000 meters, 5 passes over 5000 meters. Trek was good organized+ thanks to guide Karmajit Budhamagar and horseman :) Extremely big thanks to Nava!!! Estonian Groups Kaitti and 6 persons

E
Estonian Groups

Equipment List

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff  

Sun-worn Items

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries), 

Liquid/Snacks

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials

First Aid Kit

Optional

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal