Upper Dolpo Trek

  • Private
  • Join Group
Duration24 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
Maximum Altitude5,306 m
ActivitiesCamping, Trekking
Group SizeMin. 2 pax
StartsJuphal
EndsJuphal
Best TimeMarch - June & September - November

Trip Overview

Trekking to Upper Dolpo: An Expedition into Nepal's Remote Wilderness.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a chance to explore the raw wilderness of Nepal deep into its most remote lands. This trekking adventure starts with a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and proceeds to take you to Upper Dolpo. This is a region rich in Tibetan culture set amidst awe-inspiring landscapes. Upper Dolpo promises an ultimate, different off-the-beaten-track trek for those adventurers who are looking for isolation, tranquility, and a peek at historic culture.

This 19-day trek leads you through ancient trade routes crossing high-altitude passes like Kang La (5,306m). The rewarding views of high mountain peaks, steep valleys, and barren ridges in this trek give an otherworldly experience. Dolpo is quite different from the more frequented areas of Nepal; hence, it should be best fitted for a trekker who values uncooked and untouristed wilderness.

Arrival at Shey Phoksundo Lake is a key highlight of this trek, with its turquoise-colored water lying high up to an altitude, considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. Ringmo Village on the edge of the lake is a unique spiritual experience due to ancient monasteries and a strong tradition of Bön and Buddhism in the region.

Further up Upper Dolpo, the trek route passes lonely villages like Phoksundo and Ringmo, where time seems to have come to a standstill. It is here that the Dolpa-pa come in contact with people whose way of life is very closely related to their Tibetan ancestry, with customs, traditions, and a way of life intact for hundreds of years-which give trekkers an enriching cultural experience.

But the Upper Dolpo Trek is not just about experiencing nature; it's a cultural adventure. Hidden monasteries and villages alike are steeped in both Bön and Tibetan Buddhism, with spiritual attachment to the landscapes in every turn. Just as much a spiritual journey as it is a physical one, the deep connections allow trekkers to reach through to the land and its people.

Major Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

  • Nature walks/hiking in the most remote and natural areas of Nepal far from the beaten track.
  • Cross high mountain passes like Kang La 5,306m for great views of snowy peaks.
  • Visit the famous Shey Phoksundo Lake, where turquoise-colored water shines amidst somber surroundings.
  • En-route stoppages to visit old Tibetan Buddhist and Bön monasteries.
  • Stop at most remote villages such as Ringmo or Phoksundo, where ancient customs still prevail, unchanged over centuries.
  • Come across the Dolpo-pa people living in the traditional ways molded by Tibetan culture.
  • Hike across jagged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and a silent high-desert expanse.
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet that goes hand-in-hand with trekking in this infrequently visited part of Nepal.

What to Expect on the Upper Dolpo Trek?

Trek to Upper Dolpo is probably one of the most exciting and difficult treks into the remote areas of Nepal. It provides the experienced trekker with solitude, a unique cultural experience, and nature's beauty on this long journey, taking 25 days in all. Be prepared for as many as 6-8 hours of walking on rugged terrain-high mountain passes and steep valleys-day in and day out. The pathways will take one through a stunning vista: arid mountains, deep canyons, and tranquil high deserts.

You will get to experience everything from the physical challenge of high passes, such as Kang La at 5,306 meters, to the serenity of the turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake. The elevation factor will be highly present in this trek; hence, the proper rest days for acclimatization have been included in the itinerary for both safety and enjoyment.

The trek is moreover truly cultural, as it takes one through some of the most remote villages, including Ringmo and Phoksundo, with locals called Dolpo-pa who follow traditional ways in Tibetan Buddhism and Bön even to this date. You see from the cultural point of view how life has gone unchanged here for centuries.

Accommodation on the trek is basic, with most nights spent in simple tea houses or camping under the stars. The remoteness of the region means that you’ll be trekking far from the usual tourist trails, offering solitude and the opportunity to connect deeply with nature and local culture.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into one of the most fantastic, unspoiled areas in Nepal!

Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure in a private vehicle.
  • All ground transportations by private vehicle.
  • Three nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing, including professional tour guide, and private vehicle.
  • All meals during trekking prepared by the cook in tented camps.
  • Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek.
  • A experienced guide, Sherpa, and the necessary number of porters, including food, lodging, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Required trekking equipment including a two-man tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, and kitchen utensils.
  • Flights from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu including taxes.
  • One nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Nepalgunj.
  • Duffel bag, and sleeping bag during the trek.
  • A comprehensive first aid kid bag.
  • All necessary permits and paper works including Upper Dolpo special permits which costs USD 500 per person.
  • All government and local taxes
  • Service charges
Excluded
  • Meals not specified in the ‘Included Section'.
  • International travel insurance – Compulsory.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa.
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Personal shopping and laundry, phone, internet bill etc.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips for trekking crews/staffs.