Upper Dolpo Trek – 27 Days: An Epic Adventure into Nepal’s Untamed Wilderness

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers a rare opportunity to explore Nepal’s untamed and pristine wilderness. This epic journey takes you through remote, rugged landscapes, passing snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient monasteries that have stood for centuries. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in a cultural experience like no other, discovering the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism in an area largely untouched by modernization.

This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth. You’ll trek across challenging terrains, marveling at majestic mountain vistas and the tranquil waters of lakes like Shey Phoksundo, Nepal’s deepest lake. The route also leads you to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery deeply connected with Tibetan Buddhism.

Whether it’s the thrill of crossing high passes like the Kang-la Pass (5,306m) or the serene solitude found in isolated valleys, the Upper Dolpo Trek offers breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure unveils the hidden gems of Nepal and promises to leave you in awe of its vast, untouched wilderness.

Immerse yourself in the unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage that Upper Dolpo offers. Make the most of this extraordinary chance to explore the hidden treasures of Upper Dolpo. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable expedition taking you through remote and rugged landscapes, where snowy peaks, clear lakes, and ancient monasteries await. This epic adventure combines awe-inspiring natural scenery with cultural immersion, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover the hidden treasures of Upper Dolpo. Experience the untouched wilderness of Nepal as you traverse challenging terrains, encountering majestic snowy mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage that Upper Dolpo has to offer. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to explore the untapped wonders of Upper Dolpo.

History

The Upper Dolpo Trek has a fascinating history. It was only opened to tourism in 1989, as the region remained a restricted area for decades. This trek takes place within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of Nepal’s most remote and least explored regions. The trekking route, reaching heights of 4,000 meters, closely follows ancient Tibetan trade routes, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The trek begins in Juphal, a small airstrip in the Jumla district, and travels through a strikingly diverse landscape—ranging from lush forests to barren deserts, deep canyons, and high mountain passes. The area’s rich Tibetan cultural influence adds another layer of depth to the experience.

One of the highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek is the chance to interact with the Dolpo people, whose culture and traditions have been preserved for centuries. These people practice Bon Buddhism, a shamanistic religion that predates Tibetan Buddhism, and their way of life reflects deep connections with their Tibetan heritage. Their traditional clothing, especially the woolen chubas and Topi hats, and their mastery of crafts like weaving, woodcarving, and metalwork, reflect the deep artisanal traditions of the region.

A Journey Through Ancient Trails

The trek begins at the small airfield in Jufal, leading you through scattered settlements and lush forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Your path winds through dramatic landscapes, guiding you towards the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake. This pristine lake, the deepest in Nepal, is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty.

As you ascend through the Nagdala La (5,309 m), you’ll reach Shey Gompa (4,343 m), an ancient monastery steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the backdrop of the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya. The trek continues over high passes like Sela La (5,095 m) and Jyanta La (5,220 m), before descending to lower Dolpo.

Wildlife and Scenic Splendor in Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo’s remote location, situated in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri, Churen Himal, and Gurja Himal ranges, makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The region offers a high likelihood of spotting snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, pheasants, wild asses, yaks, and antelopes.

The Kang-la Pass (5,306 m), the highest point of the trek, rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. This trek is not just a journey but an immersion into the serene and untouched wilderness.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

Weather and Best Time to Trek

Upper Dolpo experiences significant seasonal changes. Summers are mild, while winters are frosty. The optimal times for trekking are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). However, if you’re a passionate trekker, winter treks are also possible. Global Holidays Adventure can ensure a safe and memorable trek regardless of the season.

Food and Accommodation in Upper Dolpo Trek

During the trek, most meals will be prepared by your team, offering a variety of alpine dishes designed to meet your nutritional needs. Expect soups, noodles, dal bhat, pasta, and seasonal vegetables.

Accommodation will primarily be in tented camps set up by your crew. These camps will be clean and cozy, providing a comfortable experience. In some areas, tea houses are available, but due to the low volume of visitors, accommodations may vary. Despite these challenges, the trek promises to be a rewarding adventure filled with incredible experiences.

Upper Dolpo Trek Distance

The Upper Dolpo Trek spans approximately 230 to 270 kilometers (143-168 miles), depending on the chosen route and optional side trips. This trek typically takes 18 to 24 days to complete, taking trekkers through rugged, remote landscapes, high Himalayan passes, and pristine wilderness. Along the way, you’ll experience the unique culture of Tibetan-influenced communities, making it one of the most enriching and isolated treks in Nepal.

Detailed Itinerary for Upper Dolpo Trek

Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu:

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers will warmly welcome you. After completing customs formalities, you’ll be escorted to your hotel, where you’ll receive a brief overview of your upcoming journey. Enjoy a relaxing evening and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation:

Your second day in Kathmandu will be spent exploring the vibrant city while preparing for the trek. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Basantapur Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and several ancient stupas. This cultural immersion will give you a taste of Nepal’s rich history. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1,500m/4,900ft): 1-hour flight:

On day three, you’ll fly to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in Nepal’s Mid-Western Region near the Indian border. After arrival, explore the local bazaar via horse cart, a unique experience for visitors. A visit to the famous Bageshwori Temple in the evening is a serene way to conclude the day. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,320m/7,610ft) & Trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 2-3 hours:

The day starts with a scenic 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, offering stunning views of mountain ridges and valleys. Upon arrival, you’ll begin your trek towards Dunai, the headquarters of the Dolpo district. Experience Nepal’s dramatic landscape transformation, transitioning from the Terai lowlands to the mountain village of Dunai. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 5: Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m/9,499ft): 5-6 hours:

Leaving Dunai, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and ascend through the Thulo Bheri valley. Follow the Phoksundo River valley with views of Kagmara Peak. Walk through walnut groves and small villages like Dhera and Rahagaun before reaching the forested trail to Ankhe. Overnight stay in Ankhe.

Day 6: Ankhe to Sulighat (3,500m/11,480ft): 5-6 hours:

Today’s trek features ascents and descents along a wooded riverbank, leading to Sulighat. The lush trail winds through forests and grassy slopes, offering beautiful scenery and streams along the way. The trail becomes challenging at points, but the diverse landscapes are rewarding. Overnight stay at Sulighat.

Day 7: Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,350m/10,988ft): 4-5 hours:

Trek through the valley floor, crossing the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. The trail passes through cedar forests before reaching Palam village. A ridge climb offers breathtaking views of Phoksundo Lake and its spectacular waterfall. Descend through birch forests to the shores of the lake and overnight at a guesthouse near Phoksundo Lake.

Day 8: Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake:

Spend the day acclimatizing and enjoying the beauty of Phoksundo Lake. Take a short hike to Ringmo village and visit a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Interact with the local Dolpo people, learning about their unique culture, clothing, and lifestyle. Overnight stay by the lake.

Day 9: Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola: 4-5 hours:

Today’s trek skirts the western bank of Phoksundo Lake, traversing a rocky ledge and wooden walkways. The trail leads to a lush meadow by the Phoksundo Khola river, where you’ll set up camp for the night, surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Day 10: Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hours:

Follow the glacial valley along the Phoksundo Khola, passing an old wooden bridge before climbing steeply to a sheep meadow. After a challenging ascent, you’ll reach a high valley with views of the Kang-La Pass, preparing for the next day’s journey. Overnight stay at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Day 11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La Pass (5,360m/17,581ft): 5-6 hours:

Begin the day with a steep ascent to Kang-La Pass. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the valley below. Descend into the valley and follow the river to Shey Gompa, a monastery steeped in history and Buddhist culture. Overnight at Shey Gompa.

Day 12: Rest Day at Shey Gompa (Crystal Monastery):

Take a rest day at Shey Gompa to explore the Crystal Monastery and the surrounding area. Crystal Mountain, known for its quartz-laced cliffs and fossils, offers an extraordinary landscape. Learn about the ancient Bon Po culture, which predates Buddhism, and enjoy a peaceful day in this spiritual setting. Overnight at Shey Gompa.

Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) via Saldang La Pass (5,200m/17,056ft): 6-7 hours:

After a scenic walk through juniper forests, ascend towards the Saldang La Pass. The challenging climb is followed by a descent into the Namduna valley. Visit the Namgung Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs. Overnight in Namduna Gaun.

Day 14: Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m/11,874ft): 4-5 hours:

Ascend the dusty mountains to reach the picturesque village of Saldang, located on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala. Saldang is the largest village in inner Dolpo and a key settlement in the region. Overnight in Saldang.

Day 15: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft): 4-5 hours:

Journey further north through wild terrain along the Nagon Khola, passing through small villages and eventually reaching Yangze Gompa, home to an ancient Bon Po monastery. Overnight stay at Yangze Gompa.

Day 16: Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft): 6-7 hours:

Retrace your steps towards Saldang, then continue along the river past terraced fields and small monasteries. Follow the Nam Khong Khola to reach Sibu, a small settlement where you’ll spend the night camping by the river.

Day 17: Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft): 5-6 hours:

Follow the Nam Khong Khola and trek towards Jeng-La Phedi, where you’ll set up camp in a beautiful meadow beneath the pass. Enjoy the serene surroundings and prepare for the next day’s climb. Overnight at Jeng-la Phedi.

Day 18: Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m/13,809ft) via Jeng-La Pass (5,090m/16,695ft): 5-6 hours:

Start early to ascend Jeng-La Pass, which offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri. Descend into the Tarap Valley and reach the monastery near Tokyu Gaon, where you’ll camp overnight.

Day 19: Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251ft): 4-5 hours:

Trek through the scenic Tarap Valley, where both Bon Po and Buddhist traditions coexist. The valley is lush and green, a stark contrast to the arid Dolpo region. Reach the village of Dho Tarap for an overnight stay.

Day 20: Rest Day at Dho Tarap:

Take a rest day to explore Dho Tarap, a vibrant village rich in cultural heritage. Learn about the local way of life, visit monasteries, and take in the surrounding landscapes. Overnight stay in Dho Tarap.

Day 21: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft) – 6-7 hours

The journey continues as we descend from Dho Tarap into a broad valley that narrows into a gorge. The landscape transitions to juniper and wild rose bushes, offering a scenic trek along the edge of the tree line. We may encounter herds of blue sheep along the way. By afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola rivers and set up camp at a meadow known as Kamakharka for the night.

Day 22: Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,332ft) – 4-5 hours

Today’s trek follows the dramatic gorge of the Tarap River, where local herders bring their livestock to lower pastures for winter. The valley narrows dramatically, at points so much that one could jump across the gorge. In places, there’s no visible path, and we must cross stone slabs placed between the gorge walls. Some bridges may be damaged, requiring adventurous crossings of the icy river on foot. After an exciting day, we reach Khanigaon and camp by the river.

Day 23: Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft) – 4-5 hours

Leaving Khanigaon, we take a trail leading to the village of Lalberi, passing through lush forests and another gorge as we follow the river. We arrive at Tarakot, where we can visit the Sandul Gompa, located 8 km east of the village at the juncture of the Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu rivers. The gompa, standing on a hill south of the Bheri River, is a significant site in the region. We camp by the Tarap Chu River for the night.

Day 24: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft) – 5-6 hours

We begin our day by following a trail behind the Bheri River, crossing a bridge near Lawan village. The trail ascends gradually, continuing alongside the Bheri River and passing the Byas Gadi. After crossing the river near Lochakhola Gaon, we ascend towards Dunai. The trek today offers a beautiful walk through a gorge lined with pine trees. We spend the night in Dunai.

Day 25: Dunai to Jhuphal – 2-3 hours

The final stretch of our trek takes us along the Bheri River, passing through villages like Dhupichaur, Rupgad, Kalagaonda, and Motipur. We enjoy the landscape before reaching the small airstrip at Jhuphal for our overnight stay.

Day 26: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu

We take an early morning flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj, then connect to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a restful night after an adventurous trek.

Day 27: Departure Day

Your Upper Dolpo Trek concludes today. After an incredible journey through some of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions, a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers will escort you to the airport for your departure. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Nepal.

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Dolpo Trek?

How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The trek is considered very challenging, requiring a high level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience due to its remoteness, high altitudes, long duration, and the difficult terrain with several high mountain passes above 5,000 meters.

How do I get to Upper Dolpo?

To reach Upper Dolpo, you first need to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then from Nepalgunj to Juphal in Dolpo. From Juphal, the trek begins on foot, taking you through remote villages and over several high passes.

What is the elevation of Upper Dolpo?

The Upper Dolpo region lies at an elevation of approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), with some of the high passes like the Numa La Pass reaching over 5,190 meters (17,028 feet).

How long is the Upper Dolpo trek?

The trek usually takes about 21 to 27 days to complete, depending on the route and pace. It covers around 200 to 250 kilometers (124 to 155 miles) of rugged terrain.

How much is the Upper Dolpo Trek permit?

Trekkers need special permits for Upper Dolpo. The permit costs approximately USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. However, Nepali citizens might face lower permit fees.

Which trek is less crowded in Nepal?

Some of the less crowded treks in Nepal include the Upper Dolpo Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. These treks are remote, challenging, and not as frequented by trekkers due to the difficulty, isolation, and permit requirements.

Upper Dolpo Trek Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs Kanchenjunga Trek

Here’s a comparison of the Upper Dolpo Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Kanchenjunga Trek :-

Feature	Upper Dolpo Trek	Manaslu Circuit Trek	Kanchenjunga Trek
Region	Dolpo (Far-Western Nepal)	Manaslu Region (Central-Western Nepal)	Kanchenjunga Region (Eastern Nepal)
Duration	18-24 days	14-18 days	20-26 days
Distance	230-270 km (143-168 miles)	177 km (110 miles)	220-250 km (137-155 miles)
Maximum Elevation	5,190 m (Numa La Pass)	5,106 m (Larkya La Pass)	5,160 m (Lapsang La Pass)
Difficulty	Very challenging (remote, high altitude, long duration)	Moderate to difficult (challenging high passes)	Very challenging (remote, long duration, high passes)
Cultural Experience	Tibetan-influenced, Bon Buddhism, ancient trade routes	Tibetan and Gurung cultures, Buddhist monasteries	Tibetan-influenced, traditional Sherpa and Limbu culture
Scenery	High-altitude desert, barren landscapes, deep canyons	Himalayan views, rivers, forests, glacial valleys	Remote wilderness, dense forests, glacial valleys
Permit Requirements	Restricted area permit (USD 500 for 10 days) + TIMS	Restricted area permit + Manaslu Conservation permit	Restricted area permit + Kanchenjunga Conservation permit
Accommodation	Mostly camping, some basic tea houses	Tea houses available throughout	Mostly camping, few basic tea houses
Best Season	April-May, September-October	March-May, September-November	April-May, September-November
Crowd Level	Very remote, very few trekkers	Less crowded than Annapurna/Everest, more popular now	Very remote, minimal trekkers
Highlights	Shey Phoksundo Lake, Bon Buddhist monasteries, high passes	Larkya La Pass, Manaslu views, rich cultural diversity	Views of Kanchenjunga, remote wilderness, diverse wildlife