Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo trek is one of the remote valley treks to far-west of Nepal, where the culture and much of the landscape is like a northern neighbor, Dolpo borders Tibet. Nepal’s largest, She- Phuksundo National Park situated to the western part and home to the district and one of the legendary regions, the arid and stunning valley has less than 5000 residents spread across the gigantic landscape and mostly follow a Bon Buddhist religion.

Upper Dolpo is one of the shadow states of western Nepal, which is underdeveloped and quite poor, in comparison to other regions of Nepal, there is not much tourism infrastructure, and it is necessary to camp and must carry own food supplies, Upper Dolpo is one of the restricted regions so, the permits are expensive and individual trekkers are not allowed to trek independently.

Upper Dolpo reward trekkers with the best trekking experience on-to the deep valleys, high passes, and peaks, centuries-old Trans Himalayan trade route, link with Tibet and it is more exciting to explore the holy She- Phuksundo Lake, the 800 years old monastery and some rare wildlife including the exclusive blue sheep, snow leopard. The trek offers the best experience into the “wild west” of Nepal to the enthusiast trekkers.

Best Season for Upper Doplo trek

The best time to trek Upper Dolpo is Spring (April to May) and Autumn/Fall (October to November), the temperature will be mild and stable, skies will crisp blue, and less chance of snow storm at high altitudes, early April and late November snow can affect this trek and block the high passes.

Highlights of Spring and Autumn Season

The pristine views will be clear due to the perfect weather.
Easy to cross the high passes
The flight will not be delayed as winter and monsoon
Perfect and stable weather for camping and trekking
Less chance of a snowstorm

Permits for Upper Dolpo

Lower Dolpo Permit
Upper Dolpo Permit
Shey-Phuksundo National Park Permit

Mode of transportation for getting there and away

Flights, Private Jeep or Local Bus

Overview

Trek to the unspoiled valley of Nepal that few trekkers make their way to explore
High chance to see the Snow leopard and blue sheep in the highest wildlife concentration parks in the world, Shey-Phuksundo National Park

The beautiful scenario of the Turquoise water of holy Shey-Phuksundo Lake
Trek through the century-old trade route, exploration of 800 years old Shey Gompa
Trek to the remotest valley of Nepal, far away from development and infrastructure.
Trek to the valley where Caravana Documentary was filmed

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO NEPALGUNJ (30 MIN) We take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, western Nepal located near to the Indian border, let's explore the local town market in the evening. Our accommodation will be in a normal hotel. Overnight at Nepalgunj
DAY 2: FLY TO JHUPAL (2475M-30MIN) AND DRIVE TO DUNAI (2140M-2 HOURS) Today we take an early morning flight to Juphal, a beautiful town in the Himalayas, where we can enjoy the stunning views of Mt.Annapurna, Mt Dhaulagiri in the north, we take a drive to Dunai, the headquarter of the Dolpo region. Overnight at Dunai Accommodation: Tea house
DAY 3: TREK TO CHHEPKA (2838M-6HOURS) Today we will leave Dunai and descend along the terrace and reach the Bheri River, we will enter inside the Shey Phuksundo National Park after crossing the long suspension bridge, our first check-point where we will entry permit, we continue our trek towards Chhepka via Suli Khola, a small village, Lush forest of Bamboo, Juniper and Cyprus. Overnight at Chhepka Accommodation: Tea House
DAY 4: TREK TO SAMDUA VILLAGE (2960M-6 HOURS) We start our trek after breakfast, we follow the descending trail along with the green lush forest and riverbank then trek through the ascending trail by enjoying the forest walk, crossing the suspension bridge will take us to Ryajik village, then few hours walk will take us to Samdua. Overnight at Samdua Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 5: TREK TO PHOKSUNDO LAKE (3500M-5 HOURS) After early morning breakfast, we will start our trek to Phuksundo Lake, by crossing Pungmo Khola and several streams. We will follow the descending trail up to Phuksundo Khola then we pass the Ringmo village to reach Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake Accommodation: Camping
DAY 6: ACCLIMATIZATION AT PHUKSUNDO LAKE Today we will rest to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the Tibetan Monastery at Ringmo Village by hiking few hours, also we will get a chance to explore the remote life and local culture, we will enjoy our rest of the time by exploring around Lake. Overnight at Phuksundo Accommodation: Camping
DAY 7: TREK TO PHUKSUNDO KHOLA (3640M-5 HOURS) After early morning breakfast, we will trek by following the rugged and unsteady trail also cross the wooden bridge, we can feel the remoteness of the region from today, we will continue our pace through a meadow and after passing the valley and a river will take us to Phuksundo Khola. Overnight at Phuksundo Khola Accommodation: Camping
DAY 8: TREK TO PHUKSUNDO BHANJYANG (7 HOURS) After early morning breakfast, we start the trek with an easy walk to pass the glacial valley, we will lead towards the convergence of Phoksundo Khola after crossing an old wooden bridge, then follow the ascending trail through a meadow to reach Phuksundo Bhyanjyang. Overnight at Phuksundo Bhyangyang Accommodation: Camping
DAY 9: TREK TO SHEY GOMPA (4500M) VIA KANG-LA (5360M-6HOURS) Today the trail climbs steeply towards the Kang-La pass, where we can enjoy the stunning views of the landscape, after the pass we trek through the descending trail and cross the river several times, in between Shey Gompa we will enjoy the walk through meadows and can see the blue sheep and other wild animals. Overnight at Shey Gompa Accommodation: Tea house
DAY 10: ACCLIMATIZATION AT SHEY GOMPA Today we will rest at Shey Gompa and visit Shey Gompa (Monastery), we can see the sculpture of Shakyamuni Buddha in the Monastery, in the east of the monastery, there is a crystal mountain which is decorated with quartz and numerous variety marine fossils at the top. We will explore the Shey village and Bon Po culture followed by the local villager. Overnight at Shey Gompa Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 11: TREK TO NAMGUNG (4608M) VIA SALDANG LA (5094M-7 HOURS) Today we will pass the Saldang La by following the descending trail to the stony canyon and stony trail then ascent to the top then descend to reach Namgung and visit Namgung Monastery. Overnight at Namgung Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 12: TREK TO SALDANG (3770M-5 HOURS) Today after breakfast we follow the ascending trail and barren mountain, 4-5 hours ascending trail will lead us to Saldang village, the largest and beautiful village of inner Dolpa, let's explore the unique culture and lifestyle of local villagers. Overnight at Saldang Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 13: TREK TO CHAGAON (4910M-5 HOURS) Today we will cross the Nang Chu river and trek along the Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran, a small village resident by cattle herder, from here we will walk an hour to reach to Chagaon. Overnight at Chagaon Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 14: TREK TO RAKYO (4160M) VIA DARSHAMNA DOVAN (6 HOURS) Today we start our trek after early morning breakfast, through the main route then follow the southwest trail towards Rakyo, and trek along the riverside, and terrace farm to reach Darshama Dovan, the beautiful village residents by farmers and cattle herder, we will continue our pace through the pasture land and arrive at Rakyo. Overnight at Darshamna Dovan Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 15: TREK TO JYANTA BHYANJYANG (5231M) AND CAMP AT (4542M-6HOURS) Today we will start our trek after breakfast, today we will camp at 4542m altitude after crossing the Jyanta Bhyangyang, the area is completely isolated and we will not see any human settlements here, today we will be rewarded by the wonderful scenario of Mountain range and continue pace towards Jyanta Bhanjyang then descend to pasture land where we will overnight. Overnight at Jyanta Bhanjyang Accommodation: Camping
DAY 16: TREK TO MURJUNG (4965M-6 HOURS) Today we will trek along a small stream and pass by yak and mules, we trek along the century-old trade route which is the link with Tibet and our moderate walk will take us to Murjung. Overnight at Murjung Accommodation: Camping
DAY 17: TREK TO TOKYU GAON (4200M) VIA JENG LA (5090M-6 HOURS) Today we follow the ascending trail to a ridge from where we can enjoy the stunning views of the Dhaulagiri range, after enjoying some moment we continue our pace through the descending trail to Tarap valley, from here the walk is easy and lead us to Tokyu Gaon. Overnight at Tokyu Gaon Accommodation: Camping
DAY 18: TREK TO DHO TARAP (4040M-5 HOURS) Today the trek is easy we start with a downhill walk along with the grassy land and river, this village is resident by Bon Po and Buddhists culture, beautiful scenario and easy walk will lead us to Dho Tarap. Overnight at Dho Tarap Accommodation: Camping
DAY 18: TREK TO DHO TARAP (4040M-5 HOURS) Today the trek is easy we start with a downhill walk along with the grassy land and river, this village is resident by Bon Po and Buddhists culture, beautiful scenario and easy walk will lead us to Dho Tarap. Overnight at Dho Tarap Accommodation: Camping
DAY 20: TREK TO TARAP KHOLA (3652M) VIA CHHYUGAR (3440M-6 HOURS) After early morning breakfast, we trek through a narrow gorge and cross Toltol, we will enjoy the scenario of the unique huge cave hanging over it, the trail leads us to the convergence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, in between trekking we will get a chance to see the wild animals like Naur and Blue Sheep. Overnight at Tarap Khola Accommodation: Camping
DAY 21: TREK TO TARAKOT (2540M-6 HOURS) After early morning breakfast, we trek through the small village and pass by a wooden valley, after walking through the river trail we will reach to Tarakot and visit Sandul Gompa and the ancient fortress.
DAY 22: TREK TO DUNAI (5 HOURS) THEN DRIVE TO JHUPAL (2 HOURS) Today is our last day of trekking, we will cross the river from Lawan village and gradually trek through the Bheri river bank, then ascends to Byas Gadi, again cross the river then climb to Dunai via Locha Khola, from here we take a jeep drive to Jhupal. Overnight at Dunai Accommodation: Teahouse
DAY 23: FLY TO KATHMANDU VIA NEPALGUNJ FROM JHUPAL We take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj and take a connecting flight to Kathmandu, we will transfer you to the hotel, enjoy your moment in Kathmandu.