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Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to one of the most remote and hidden regions of mid-western Nepal, which borders the Tibetan Plateau. Part of the trek lies in the amazing Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. It is one of the best remote treks in Nepal, with only a handful of visitors, and was opened to foreigners only in 1989. The  Oscar award-nominated movie ‘Caravan’ by Éric Valli was shot in this region.

Duration
31 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5550 M
Group Size
2-12
Starts
Juphal
Ends
Jomsom
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
May -June, Sept - Oct

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers a great adventure experience on the off-the-beaten-path of the mystical Trans-Himalayan region, with the opportunity to explore the unique culture and traditions of the people that have remained unchanged and unaffected by modern society. The people of the Upper Dolpo practice Bon (A pre-Tibetan Buddhism religion) and Tibetan Buddhism. It is an ideal trek to uncover and explore the mysteries of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. The trek passes through the beautiful and peaceful villages situated at high altitudes, accompanied by the warm hospitality of the people. Buddhist monasteries, chortens, gompas, prayer flags, mules, and Yak caravans can be seen throughout the trek, along with amazing landscapes and mountain scenery. The Upper Dolpo region is home to a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation, including some rare animals like the Snow Leopard. Yarsagumba or caterpillar fungus, which is of high medicinal value, is also found in this region. 

Our 31-day Upper Dolpo Trek starts from Juphal and ends at Jomsom, which includes 24 days of full-on camping trek in the remote wilderness of the Dolpa district. The trek is physically challenging because it includes lots of high passes. However, it is completely worth the difficulty and challenge. The experience one gets on this trek can't be described in words.   
 

Highlights

  • A trek that takes you to one of the most remote and rugged regions in Nepal, which receives very few tourists
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest and only trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal 
  • Unspoiled and unchanged culture and tradition, hugely influenced by Tibetan culture
  • Opportunity to experience the Bon practices (A pre-Tibetan Buddhist religion)
  • Visit Shey Phoksundo Lake, a peaceful and beautiful alpine freshwater lake
  • Home of rare wildlife and vegetation like the Snow Leopard and the Yarsagumba
  • Centuries-old monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon religion

Upper Dolpo Trek Detailed Itinerary

Starts: Juphal
Ends: Jomsom
1Day

Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
2Day

Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
3Day

Fly to Nepalgunj (150 M)

Max Altitude: 150 M
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 50 minutes
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Flight
4Day

Fly to Juphal (2475 M) and trek to Dunai (2140 M)

Max Altitude: 2140 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 35 minutes flight and 3 hours trek
Accommodation: Tent
5Day

Trek to Chhepka (2838 M)

Max Altitude: 2838 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
6Day

Trek to Samduwa (2960 M)

Max Altitude: 2960 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
7Day

Trek to Shey Phoksundo/Ringmo (3600 M)

Max Altitude: 3600 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
8Day

Rest and acclimatization day

Max Altitude: 3600 M
Meals: B,L&D
Accommodation: Tent
9Day

Trek to Salla Ghari North Camp (3650 M)

Max Altitude: 3650 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
10Day

Trek to Ngangda La High Camp (4650 M)

Max Altitude: 4650 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
11Day

Trek to Shey Gompa (4160 M) via Ngangda La (5360 M)

Max Altitude: 4160
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
12Day

Explore Shey Gompa

Meals: B,L&D
Accommodation: Tent
13Day

Trek to Namgung (4430 M) via Sela La (5010 M)

Max Altitude: 4430 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
14Day

Trek to Saldang (3770 M)

Max Altitude: 3770 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
15Day

Trek to Nisal village (3860 M)

Max Altitude: 3860 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
16Day

Trek to Musigaon (4100 M)

Max Altitude: 4100 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
17Day

Trek to Shimengaun (3870 M) via Musi La (5030 M)

Max Altitude: 3870 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
18Day

Trek to Tinjegaun (4150 M)

Max Altitude: 4150 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
19Day

Trek to Rapka Campsite (4535 M)

Max Altitude: 4535
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
20Day

Trek to Chharka Bhot Village (4110 M) via Mo La (5027 M)

Max Altitude: 4110 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
21Day

Explore Chharka Bhot Village

Max Altitude: 4110 M
Meals: B,L&D
Accommodation: Tent
22Day

Trek to Norbulung (4750 M)

Max Altitude: 4750
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
23Day

Trek to Mulom Sumna (4860 M)

Max Altitude: 4860 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
24Day

Trek to Ghaldan Ghuldun Khola (4247 M) via Niwar La (5120 M) and Jungben La (5550 M)

Max Altitude: 4247 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
25Day

Trek to Sangda village (3710 M)

Max Altitude: 3710 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
26Day

Trek to Phalyak (3175 M)

Max Altitude: 3175 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
27Day

Trek to Jomsom (2720 M)

Max Altitude: 2720 M
Meals: B,L&D
Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Lodge
28Day

Fly to Pokhara (825 M)

Max Altitude: 825 M
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 25 minutes
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Flight
29Day

Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle
30Day

Extra day in case of flight delay or cancel due the weather

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
31Day

Final departure

Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details

Includes

  • 4 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu,1 night in Pokhara, and 1 night in Nepalgunj on a BB basis.
  • All the necessary permits, including a special permit for the restricted area, and paperwork.
  • Mules and all the needed staff and equipment, depending on group size, for the trek.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and hot drinks during the trek.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • Flight Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal and Jomsom–Pokhara. 
  • All the staff’s salaries, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Tented camp accommodations during the trek.
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • All airport and hotel transfers.

Excludes

  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Pokhara. 
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing and Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.

Equipments

Head
Head
  • Cap or Hat
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff
Torso
Torso
  • Breathable and quick-drying full sleeve and half t-shirts
  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket (Umbrella, or Raincoat for monsoon)
  • Down jacket (Around -10 degrees Celsius)
  • Thermal wear
  • Fleece
Lower Body
Lower Body
  • Breathable and quick-drying pants and shorts
  • Thermal wear
  • Waterproof pants (For monsoon)
Hands
Hands
  • Light and medium gloves
  • Warm, waterproof, and windproof gloves for winter, early spring, and late autumn seasons
Feet
Feet
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking boots or shoes (Waterproof and ankle protection)
  • A pair of sandals
Others
Others
  • Hiking poles
  • Passport
  • Trekking bag/Day Pack (25-30 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (- 0 to -5 degrees Celsius)
  • Mosquito repellent (For lower altitudes)
  • Sun cream
  • Toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Spare battery for camera, GoPro, headlamp, etc.
  • Power bank (Electricity is not available in all places )
  • First-Aid Kit and medicines
  • Water purifier (Optional)
  • Local SIM card (NTC/Namaste preferred)
  • Water bottle/Water bag
  • Local currency
Download Equipments List
Price Per Person
US$3950
  • No. of travelerPrice per person
  • 2 - 3 paxUS$4500
  • 4 - 5 paxUS$4100
  • 6 - 12 paxUS$3950