What to Expect

  • Adventurous flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
  • Opportunity to view worlds' second deepest lake (Shey-Phoksundo).
  • Trek between Dhaulagiri range and Tibetan Plateau.
  • Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Kangirowa and Tibetan mountains along the way.
  • Ancient religion pre-Buddhist Bon Po is still practiced in this region.
  • Thrilling High passes, Kang-La and Saldang-La Jyanta-La.
  • Breathtaking Landscapes, Deserts and striking Dho, Saldang and Tarakot valley.
  • Deep gorges and colorful monasteries along the way.

About Upper Dolpo Trekking

The Upper Dolpo Trekking makes a fascinating journey into one of the most remote and uninhabited regions of the Himalaya. This Upper Dolpo Trek is an exciting option for people looking for an adventure unlike anything else in Nepal. The stark landscape of Upper Dolpo is serene and will often the beauty will take your breath away.

Caravan, an award-winning film, was filmed on location in Dolpo. The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen, and Himalayan Pilgrimage by David Snellgrove are highly acclaimed books on the region.

The Upper Dolpo Trekking region is restricted to regular travel and requires special permits. It was opened to tourism in 1989 but still, only a relative handful of trekkers visit each year. To the north is the border of Tibet. People of this region have trade with their northern neighbor for centuries.  Many residents in the Dolpo area have origins in Tibet and maintain cultural ties with Tibet and their customs and traditions adhere to a Buddhist way of life in the tranquil mountains. Their particular brand of Buddhism is strongly influenced by Bon practices which precedeTibetan Buddhism.

The trekking journey to Upper Dolpo begins with a flight over the scenic landscape to Jhupal. We then start hiking, and the route goes through splendid forests and rural settlements. As we ascend to the north, we will have marvelous views of Dhaulagiri (7th highest peak in the world), Churen, Kanjiroba, the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges and Macchapuchre (aka Fishtail Peak) among other peaks soaring into the skies.

The Upper Dolpo Trekking route traverses mountain passes with thrilling panoramas. Highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek includes majestic Phoksundo Lakewith nearby waterfalls and the charming settlement of Ringmo. The route continues to follow an ancient trade way to cross a mountain pass to the celebrated SheyGomba Monastery and nearby Crystal Mountain.

SheyGomba is the main destination of our Upper Dolpo Trekking. We take a day here to explore the territory and perhaps make a hike around Crystal Mountain.

From here we will head eastward. We will have a chance to relish continued experience of striking scenery before making a traverse of a final high pass. The route then drops down to the airport at Jomsom in of Mustang District or to Dunai. From there we take a scheduled flight back to Kathmandu.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a camping journey. High Camp Adventure will arrange a crew of porters to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

There is a lot to explore in the Upper Dolpo Trekking area and it can be easily combined with the Guerrilla Trek, the Annapurna Circuitand more if you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey in this area.

Please Note: Our Upper Dolpo Trek has set departure dates from both Pokhara and Kathmandu and this trek can be personalized to accommodate your specific wishes and timetable.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Trek Preparation day (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Flight 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 4Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,320 mt.), Dolpa. and trek to Dunai (2,140 mt.). Flight 45 min. Walking 2-3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 5Dunai to Ankhe (2,660 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 6Ankhe to Rechi (2,940 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 7Rechi to Ringmo ( 3,640 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 8Rest day to explore around Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,610 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 9Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola (3,500 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 10Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,400 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,160 mt.) via Kang-La pass (5,380 mt.). Walking Walking 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12Rest day for acclimatization and exploration. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 13Shey Gompa to Namgung (4,430 mt.) via Saldang-La pass (5,060 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 14Namgung to Saldang (3,770 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 15Saldang to Sibu (3,940 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 16Sibu to Jyanta-La Phedi (4,700 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 17Jyanta-La Phedi to Tokyu (4,210 mt.) via Jyanta-La pass (5,220 mt.). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 18Tokyu to Dho Tarap (3,945 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 19Rest day for exploration. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 20Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3,800 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 21Tarap Khola to Khani Gaon (2,950 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 22Khani Gaon to Tarakot (2,540 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 23Tarakot to Dunai (2,140 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 24Dunai to Juphal. Walking 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 25Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to back Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 26Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 27Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
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What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Four nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation to and from trek starting point (including airfare).
  • Tea-house lodging during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport, insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Equipment (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Walking poles).
  • Conservation Area and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, recharging electronic equipment, bar bills, drinks and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness and et cetera.
Departure note

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this Upper Dolpo Trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen a 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share a room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the camping trek. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst farewell dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking Crew

An experienced and licensed Guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. In a teahouse trek, generally, one porter is provided for every two clients who carry between 15 to 20 kg. However, on a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipment such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipment, fuel, and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you don't' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Upper Dolpo Trek is a strenuous trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking uphill and downhill in a day carrying a personal day pack. Some days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Upper Dolpo Trek is high altitude trek which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Some time mental aspect also plays a vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise a few weeks prior to the trip is better but technical skill is not required for this trek. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy the good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Upper Dolpo Trek. Where normally days are sunny, a temperature is perfect, the sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. You can do it in Winter (December to February) if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.

Domestic Flights

Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. Air travel between Nepalgunj to Juphal is frequently delayed due to weather conditions and poor visibility. Flights often get behind schedule and delays can even last for days. Under these situations, High Camp Adventure will do its best to re-schedule flights to and from Juphal at first availability. However, the possibility of postponements of flights and even cancellations is a real possibility. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra two days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.

Ground Transportation

In an alternate of the flight, we can drive to and from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.