Upper Dolpo Trek

Trip Facts
  • Duration24 Days
  • Trip Grade Technical Challenging
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max Altitude 5,151m
  • Accommodation 3-star Hotel, Lodge
  • Meals B, L & D
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Activity Trekking
  • Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Highlights

  • Pass through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the ethereal turqoise-blue Phoksundo Lake
  • Visit ancient monasteries like 800 year-old Shey Gompa at the base of Crystal mountain
  • Traverse high mountain passes such as Kagmara La Pass and Numa La Pass
  • Gaze over the mind-boggling landscapes and terrains of the Upper Dolpo region
  • Explore charming villages inhabited by Gurungs, Thakuris, and Bon-Po followers
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba Himalayan ranges
  • Interact with hospitable locals and gain insight into their daily lives
  • Challenging trek that requires good fitness and endurance, but with remarkable rewards

Upper Dolpa Trekking is a thrilling adventure that takes you through the unexplored and remote region of Dolpa, Nepal. This trek offers a unique cultural and natural experience, showcasing the rugged terrain, untouched wilderness, ancient monasteries, and diverse ethnic communities. Upper Dolpa Trekking is a challenging journey that requires a good level of fitness and endurance, but the rewards are truly remarkable.

The Upper Dolpa Trekking trail takes you through the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to the deepest lake in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake. The trek starts from Juphal, a small town located in the Dolpa district of Nepal. The route follows the riverbank of the Bheri river and passes through several charming villages, such as Dunai, Tarakot, and Ringmo. These villages are inhabited by the ethnic communities of Gurungs, Thakuris, and Bon-Po followers, who have preserved their unique customs and traditions for generations.

The trek offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba Himalayan ranges. The trail passes through high mountain passes, such as the Kagmara La Pass, at an altitude of 5,115 meters, and the Numa La Pass, at an elevation of 5,190 meters. These passes offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

One of the highlights of Upper Dolpa Trekking is visiting the ancient monasteries, such as Shey Gompa and Crystal Monastery, which are over 800 years old. These monasteries are revered by the local people and have an important place in the Tibetan Buddhism tradition. The trek also offers the opportunity to interact with the local people, who are hospitable and welcoming, and gain an insight into their daily lives.

Upper Dolpa Trekking is a unique and rewarding experience that offers a glimpse into the unexplored and remote region of Dolpa. The trek offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure, making it a must-do for any trekking enthusiast.

Itinerary

Trip Starts

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  • Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
  • Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft
  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
  • Time: 1 hr flight
  • Altitude: 165m/540ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 35 mins flight, 3 hrs trek
  • Altitude: 2,800m/9,186ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,011m/9,878ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hike to Bun (Thasung Chholing) Gompa

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5- 6 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,507m/11,506ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 5,360m/17,585ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 6-7 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,343m/14,248ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4,343m/14,248ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,360m/14,304ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 6-7 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,890m/12,762ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 4-5 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,060m/13,320ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,885m/12,746ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 4-5 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,110m/13,484ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 6-7 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,944m/12,939ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 4-5 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,302/14,114ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Altitude: 4,302/14,114ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 6-7 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,380m/14,370ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 4 hrs
  • Altitude: 4,247m/13,993ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Time: 4-5 hrs
  • Altitude: 3,777m/12,391ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Time: 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 2,720m/8,923ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
  • Time: 1 hour flight
  • Altitude: 822m/2,696ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Altitude: 1,400m/4,593m
  • Meals: Breakfast
Cost Includes
  • Airport Pickup & Drop-off in a private vehicle 
  • Welcome dinner at a fine restaurant
  • 3-star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj with Breakfast
  • Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal round-trip flight
  • Lower Dolpo Special Permit (Restricterd Area Permit) 
  • Upper Dolpo Special Permit (Restricted Area Permit)
  • Experienced and government-licensed Trekking Guide 
  • Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • All standard meals during the trek
  • Lodge accommodation during the trek (with Twin-sharing/Double basis)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals & insurance of all the Nepali staffs 
  • Farewell dinner at a fine restaurant
Cost Excludes
  • International flight fare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Alchoholic beverages & bottled mineral water 
  • Personal expenses during trekking: snacks, Wi-Fi, boiled water etc. 
  • Travel insurance of the trekkers
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation 
  • Tips for guide and porters
Similar Trips
  • Lower Dolpa TrekkingUS$2400US$2500

    Lower Dolpo Trek

    Duration16 DaysMax. Elevation5,151m/16,899ft
    Strenuous

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