Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration: 22 Days Based on 3 Reviews Price from: US$3375
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Adventurous
  • Trip Style: Hiking & Trekking
  • Transport: As per Itinerary
  • Food: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge and camping
  • Group Size: Min.2
  • Max Elevation: 5350mtr

Highlights

  • Adventurous trail
  • Trek through beautiful villages
  • Experience the rich culture and tradition of the locals that is highly influenced by Tibetans
  • You will cross three passes, Jengla Pass, Sele La Pass, and Kang La Pass
  • Explore stunning Phoksundo Lake
  • Get to see stunning scenery on the trail
  • Witness excellent Himalayan mountains views Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Manaslu, etc 

About Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is a mystical journey in the far-western part of Nepal that leads to one of the remotest parts of the Himalayas. You will get to the travers unspoiled part of Nepal. Upper Dolpo Trekking is the best way to take yourself away from the daily hustle of your life and spend some time in the tranquil nature. During Upper Dolpo Trek 27 Days, you will get to see the rich culture and tradition of the locals. As this part of Nepal is highly influenced by the Tibetans, you will get to see the cultural similarity. Moreover, you will visit ancient monasteries and stupas on the way. 

Upper Dolpo Trek is closed for foreign visitors for a very long period of time. The exceptional beauty of the region has been beautifully described in the Snow Leopard, a lovely book written by Peter Mathesons and the Oscar-nominated movie, Himalaya/Caravan. Even though the region is now open for trekkers, the Nepal government has enforced special permits that you need to get before traveling here. And, these permits are very expensive, which controls the tourist flow in the region. 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.

Land at the Airport and meet with our representative at the terminal gate. He will transfer you to the hotel and quickly brief you about the day program. Rest for a few hours and meet with other team members over welcome dinner. 

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Begin the day with a visit to a few monuments like the holy Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later, in the day, you will arrange and check all the gears along with your guide. If any of it is broken or not working properly, you will also do shopping. 

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you fly to Nepaljung. The flight will offer you aerial views of the lush green hill and settlement area. Upon landing at the airport, you move to the hotel. Rest for the day and visit the nearby markets.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

It is the first day of your trek, but before that, you will take a short flight to Jhupal, the starting point of the trek. From here, you will slowly ascend to Dunai through terraced farms and small villages.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail passes through rocky and blue pine trees. With many ascends and descends, you pass through Thuli Bheri River and small villages. Leaving Byasghar village, the trail becomes difficult and move through a narrow rocky section to Lingdo.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The day begins with ascending to Lahini Odar. Today, the trail offers the most beautiful views. Passing through mani wall and chortens, you walk by rock-strewn trail. Further, you cross a long suspension bridge and reach Laisicap. From here, trekking through lush forest of pine, you descend and ascend to a riverbed. A short walk from here takes you to Laini Odar. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

After having breakfast, you begin gradually ascending towards Shim Odar. The trail will be difficult at some point and passes through small settlement areas & villages. You will also get to see the wonderful scenery on the way.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

From today onwards, you will notice a change in vegetation and landscape. Most parts of the trail will offer barren landscape views. From Shim Odar, the trail ascends passes through a few villages and small bushes. Further, following Tarap Khola, you pass by mani walls & chortens and reach Dho.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

Today is a rest day. You will explore and have enough time to gain back your energy. Here, you will visit several monasteries around the village including the oldest one, Ribo Bumpa Monastery. This monastery is believed to be built 1000 years ago. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail gradually ascends towards the High Camp through grassy and rocky areas. On the way, you get to witness stunning views of mountains and landscapes. Upon reaching the High Camp, you will set the camp and rest for the day.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camp

From High Camp, the trail gradually ascends towards Jengla Pass. You will wake up early and begin moving along a steep and rugged path. Upon reaching the pass, you get to witness fantastic landscape views. Further, the trail descends to Nagan Khola, where you will be doing camping for the day.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camp

The trail today lead you to the biggest town of inner Dolpo, Saldang. The trail passes through the dusty mountain ridge side, forested paths, and small villages before reaching Saldang. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

This is a rest day. You will explore the village and visit the ancient Saldang Gompa. You can also go on a hike to Karang from where you can see tempting views. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail moves along Nagon Khola and continues towards Marang & Ki towns. On the way, you get to see extremely isolated and wild landscapes. Crossing tributary of Panzang River, you trek in the east and cross one more stream to reach Yangze Gompa.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

Trekking through juniper trees, you pass by a stony ravine and rough path. Further, the trail drops down to Namgung Gompa. This village offers a rich cultural heritage and an ancient red stone monastery.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The day begins early in the morning today. After having a light breakfast, you slowly ascend to Sele La Pass. The trail will be a bit challenging. From the top of the pass, you can see stunning views. The trail further descends to Shey Gompa. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

You will spend the day exploring this lovely village. Here, you will experience the rich culture and unique lifestyle of the locals. You will visit Shey Gompa, where you will see the golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the east of the gompa is suited to the very famous Crystal Mountain, which houses numerous quartz and marine fossils. Also, visit the Tsakang Gompa.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

Today, you will ascend to Kang La Pass. The trail will be difficult and rugged. From the top, you get to see stunning views of the surrounding. Further, the trail descends to Kang La High Camp, where you will be camping. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camp

After having warm breakfast, you begin climbing and reach Kanhuriea Phedi. From here, you drop down on steep trail to a river. Further, trekking through lush forests you reach Phoksundo North. On the way, you get to see superb views of Kanjirowa Himal.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camp

Today, you will wake up early and begin trekking towards Phoksundo Lake. Upon reaching the lake, you get to see heavenly views. The trail the slowly descend to Ringmo through lush forests.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

From Ringmo, you gradually descend to Rechi. The trail then ascend and steeply descend. Crossing a khola, you reach old Rike village and pass by a lovely waterfall. Further, you trek on narrow forested path and reach Rechi.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

After having breakfast, you begin trekking towards Kagbeni. The trail passes through small villages and lush forests. Likewise, you will get to see wonderful views on the way. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail passes through small villages and descends to Jhupal. It is a short trekking day, therefore you will have enough time to rest.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Lodge

Taking a flight from Jhupal, you fly back to Nepalgunj. After landing at the airport, you will soon board for the flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is leisure for you.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You can go on a sightseeing tour and visit the local market. Stroll on the bustling streets of Thamel and buy souvenirs. Later, end your 26th day with a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • Meals: Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, we say goodbye to each other until next time. One of our representatives will drop you at the Airport.

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfer services to/from both airport as per itinerary
  • Three-star or similar hotels for accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepaljung
  • Experienced and government-licensed trekking guide, Experienced cook & all the staffs during the trekking
  • Schedule flight tickets for Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Juphal-Kathmandu 
  • All the camping equipment like; cooking utensils, Tent, kitchen tent, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs and sleeping tent twin basis
  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea/coffee) during the journey
  • Welcome & farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant 
  • All the food and fuel for trek
  • All necessary permits for upper Dolpo & lower Dolpo
  • All wages, equipment, medicals, and accidental insurances for involved staffs
  • First Aid medical kits
  • Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call
  • Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator provided on requirement of guest with appropriate charge
  • Complete pre-departure information
  • Flight ticket reconfirmation
  • Visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
  • Free Ascent Trails T-shirt, brochure, duffel bag, etc

What's Excluded

  • ​​​​​Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the welcome & farewell dinner)
  • Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking
  • Any personal expenses like laundry, charging, etc
  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc
  • Extra transportation out of the itinerary program
  • Any additional staff other than specified
  • Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests and hospitalization expenses
  • Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue
  • Wallie-talkies & filming permit (if any special camera or walkies-talkies are taken on the journey)
  • Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone & Internet expenses
  • Tips and gifts for staff 
  • Airfare of international flights
  • Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)
  • Any extra services or products or offers or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any other item not included in the “COST INCLUDES” section

Useful Info

What to expect during Upper Dolpo Trek Trek?

As the trail is least developed, you have to properly plan the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary for the smooth venture. The trail passes through lush forests of pines, rhododendrons & oak. You get to see breath-taking scenery and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. You will cross three passes Jengla Pass, Sele La Pass, and Kang La Pass. Likewise, you will visit the astonishing Phoksundo Lake. Upper Dolpo Trek offers a perfect balance of adventure and experience. No doubt, Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of the best journeys in the Himalayas.

Why trek to Upper Dolpo Trek with us?

We are a team of professional climbers and trekkers who have mapped almost every trail of Nepal. We have led countless numbers of groups to their destination successfully. We provide the best service and affordable prices. Moreover, we are also a big believer and follower of eco-friendly treks and tours. With us, you will not only venture through the region, but also get to know in-depth about the region, and help to promote the economy of that place, as we work closely with the locals. 

Upper Dolpo Trek map

Our Upper Dolpo Trek map will help you understand the route and navigation. We have designed our map following the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary that we are offering. On the map, you can see all the villages, where you will be staying overnight. Likewise, the surrounding highlights can also be seen on the map. 

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Symptoms & Prevention

Upper Dolpo Trekking is a high altitude journey that involves chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This is also known as a high altitude sickness that can happen to anyone. Not acclimating your body properly with the altitude while trekking is one of the main reasons to suffer from this. There are also a few other things you have to be careful to avoid altitude sickness.

Read below to know more about its symptoms and preventive measures:-

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Preventive measures

  • Include an adequate number of rest days in the itinerary
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not gain more than 500 meters in a day
  • Try to spend the night in lower altitude
  • Acclimatize properly at a lower altitude
  • Inform your guide immediately if any of the symptoms you see
  • Do not push yourself

Upper Dolpo Trek difficulty

Upper Dolpo Trek is a difficult journey. You have to walk for 6 to 7 hours a day. There are many ascends and descends. Likewise, the trail also includes rugged and steep paths. Upper Dolpo Trekking trail has not many options on the way to stop by and spend some time. The remoteness of the region and a completely different lifestyle of the locals makes the journey more challenging. 

Best time to go to Upper Dolpo Trek

The ideal month to go on Upper Dolpo Trek is quite opposite to the usual time to trek in Nepal. You can go on this mystical venture from June to October. Yes, monsoon is the best time to go on Upper Dolpo Trekking because this region falls under the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, which in result receives little to no rainfall. The days are bright, shiny, and clear, which makes the journey fantastic.

Accommodation during Upper Dolpo Trek

Teahouse and camping are the main accommodations during Upper Dolpo Trek 27 Days. You will get teahouse in many villages. The facilities are pretty basic with a small twin-sharing room and a common washroom. As this is one of the least developed trekking trails in Nepal, you will not find many facilities. Likewise, in some places, you have to do camping. We will carry all the tents and amenities with us. 

Food & Water on Upper Dolpo Trek

You will eat meals as per the menu of teahouses, and while camping, meals will be cooked by our team members. As the region is highly influenced by Tibetans' culture, you will see Tibetan dishes on the menu. Likewise, you will also find Nepal and a few Indian dishes. Upper Dolpo Trek limits the food option very much, and you have to survive on a few available options. 

While camping, we will offer you delicious meals. You can get boiled water in the teahouse. and can fill your bottle. Plastic water bottles are available on the trail, but it will cost you a fortune and only increase waste. Therefore, we highly suggest you carry reusable water.  

Tailor-Made Options

Along with providing a fixed itinerary, we are also open to custom made itineraries. You can design the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary as per your needs. This helps us to provide the best service to our guests as well as meet their requirements. Therefore, feel free to share your queries with us, so that we can arrange the best possible venture for you.

Environmental Practices

While traveling with us, you will clearly see the efforts that we put on our trips. As we spend lots of our time in nature, it is very important for us to conserve and protect it. We make sure, we are not harming nature in any way during our journey. From recommending not to use plastic water bottles on the trail to cleaning the base camps while returning from the journey, these small steps that we are taking do make a difference.

 

Client Review

fabulous Dolpo

Rating:
Review by:els eyckmans, Belgium

Since I read the book "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiesen in 2000, I wanted to travel to Dolpo. What finally happened In October 2019, it became my 10th trek in Nepal and one of the most beautiful. The trip was a great success in all respects. Walking through the incredibly beautiful landscapes, the age-old culture, the contacts with the local population, too many to mention. Our guides made sure that everyone begins to walk every morning with great pleasure, and that at evenings (sometimes tired) but very satisfied, we reached the campsite again after a beautiful day. An excellent cook surprised us 3 times a day with a nutritious well-kept meal. Every time we looked with surprise at what he managed to bring on the table. The Dolpo trek is really a unique experience, one that I will always remember with great nostalgia.

Sinds ik in 2000 het boek "De Sneeuwluipaard" van Peter Matthiesen las, wilde ik al naar Dolpo reizen. In oktober 2019 wat het dan eindelijk zover, het werd mijn 10de trekking in Nepal en één van mijn mooiste. De tocht was in alle opzichten een groot succes. Het lopen door de ongelooflijk mooie landschappen, de eeuwenoude cultuur, de contacten met de locale bevolking, teveel om op te noemen. Onze gidsen zorgden ervoor dat iedereen elke dag weer met veel plezier op weg gingen en 's avonds (soms moe) maar heel voldaan na een prachtige dag weer de kampeerplaats bereikten. Een uitstekende kok verraste onze elke dag 3 keer met een voedzame verzorgde maaltijd. Met verbazing keken we elke keer naar wat hij op tafel wist te toveren. De Dolpo trekking is echt een unieke ervaring, één waar ik nog steeds met veel heimwee aan terugdenk.

Unforgettable

Rating:
Review by:Dirk Kempeneers, Belgium

You decided at last to hike in Upper Dolpo than this is a good package to explore this region for the first time. It includes traversing 3 high passes (all above 5000m), visit Buddhist monasteries, meeting the locals, go alongside the perfect blue Phoksundo Lake, visit Shey gompa at the feet of the mythical Crystal mountain. Yes, you see a lot of blue sheep and the snow leopard will definitely see you. You have a nearly 100% chance to see the impressive Himalayan vulture with wings spread more than 3m! The distant views on the northern side of the Dhaulagiri range and on the mountain range on the border with Tibet leave an unforgettable impression. I did the trekking with the excellent guide Baboo Magar in the month of October (2019) and a lot of people were harvesting before the winter, very authentic. The route as described give you enough time to acclimatize well before the first high pass with one resting day at Dho Tarap (don’t miss the yak caravans in the morning!). Other companies will go first to Shey but then the first pass comes too soon for good acclimatization. My personal highlights: ancient trading place Tarakot, the nearly inhabited long valley of Tarap Khola (one need 3 days for passing and enjoying this beautiful valley), crossroad Dho Tarap with monasteries, yak caravans, local people), the first pass Jyanta La and its view on the Dhaulagiri range, the farmer villages Saldang and Karang and its friendly people, the second pass Sela La and at last after so long dreaming of it (book the Snow leopard!) arriving in Shey (and its beautiful rock monastery), the third pass Nogdola La and the view on the Kanjirowa Himal, Phoksundo Lake and its unforgettable blue (one camps and on the north side and on the south side), Ringmo and its ancient monastery, passing the biggest waterfall of Nepal, and so on and so on … Thanks again for the great support we received from the guide Baboo and his team (Amrit, Ramresh, Man, Narrean, Baboolal, Amar, Sidhi, Darke) making this a top range experience…

Dolpo 2019

Rating:
Review by:Kim Hendrickx, Belgium

After the succesfull climb of the Mera Peak last year (april 2018) with Babu Magar, we completed in october 2019 again a challenging trek to Lower and Upper Dolpo. The Dolpo-region remains unspoiled by the hordes of trekkers found in other parts of the country (f.e. Upper Dolpo is a restricted area: access fee and limited visitors per year), so this makes it a more authentic, special and exclusive experience trekking destination. It’s not only amazing because of the magnificent scenery and animals you see (passing yaks, a lot of blue sheeps, birds, … but unfortunately no snow leopard 😉), but also because it offers an insight into the culture and traditions of this region. We visited a lot of ancient colourful monasteries, schools and interesting small villages where we made contact with the local people. The trip was planned in advance in consultation with Babu and having himself on our trip was an added value! We were a group of 8 trekkers of different ages (range 35-67 year), ability and level of fitness but they were able to made us traveling together as 1 group. So with attention for enough acclimatisation-time, we all crossed the 3 high passes succesfully in our own pace. Babu, Amrit and the rest of the crew (with local people), made our trip as safe and comfortable as possible. They were committed to their job and working very hard with a smile. They made us feel on a luxurious trekking with 5 star-meals every day!!! 😊 Not only taking care of us, but also of the environment. Thank you very much for the advice and guidance on the trail. I enjoyed the trip and I absolutely recommend trekking with these guides from Ascent Trails!

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