Upper Dolpo Trek

Benefits of Booking Upper Dolpo Trek with HPA

• Quick response to all inquiries by email, WhatsApp, and Messenger
• Provides clear details of the trekking package, including transparent cost breakdowns
• Offer tailored itineraries based on client preferences and fitness levels with comprehensive package services.
• High Pass Adventure prioritizes safety with well-trained guides, first aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans. 
• Flexible and easy booking, reservation, and payment system
• To meet all customers at Kathmandu International Airport for pickup and drop-off services
• First aid medical kit and oxy-meter for checking pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes during the trek, which may be necessary in certain cases
• Regular health checks and acclimatization schedules minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• Easily arranges all logistics to ensure a hassle-free experience in Nepal for all clients
• Complimentary extra luggage storage service provides throughout the trek
• Arrangements of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking pole (if you don't have your own)
• Company T-shirt and warm hat as souvenirs for trekking, along with a tour certificate upon completing the trip

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote and culturally rich trekking routes in the northwestern region of Nepal. It is famous for its remote wilderness, stunning natural landscapes, unique Tibetan-influenced culture, and challenging trekking routes. This region protects one of the last relics of traditional Tibetan culture, where the Bon-Po religion (pre-Buddhist religion) is still practiced. Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries, and the high-altitude desert terrain are the main highlights, making it a remarkable destination for those seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. 

Located between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges, the Upper Dolpo region is known as the 'rain shadow' area because it is situated behind the Dhaulagiri massif and remains arid during the monsoon season. As a result, it is a perfect destination for trekking during the monsoon season. Until 1989, Upper Dolpo was restricted for trekking, which helped it remain pristine, unspoiled, and somewhat mysterious.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is known for its challenging terrain and high-altitude passes, requiring moderate physical fitness, strong determination, or previous trekking experience. This trek allows for the exploration of areas that are relatively untouched by modern tourism. The region is home to elusive wildlife, including the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal), and various species of birds. The high-altitude environment supports a variety of unique and hardy plant species adapted to harsh conditions."

"Moreover, the beauty of Upper Dolpo has been mentioned by David Snelgrove in Himalayan Pilgrimage, Peter Matthiessen in The Snow Leopard, and George Schaller in Stones of Silence."

Upper Dolpo Trek highlights

• Enjoy a scenic mountain flight experience from Nepalgunj to Juphal and from Jomsom to Pokhara, featuring breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
• Traverse through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows. 
• Crossing several passes over 5,000 meters, you'll experience both the challenging and rewarding aspects of the trek, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes.
• Experience the unique lifestyle and traditions of the local communities in villages of the Dolpo Region. 
• Explore ancient Mani walls, prayer wheels, and stupas along the route. You'll also have the chance to participate in local festivals and witness traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices.
• Visit ancient monasteries, including Shey  Gompa, and encounter Tibetan-influenced culture, especially in the upper parts of the trail.
• Explore the mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear water and striking turquoise color.
• The trek takes place in Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area that is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan thaar, blue sheep, and various bird species.
• Experience the off-the-beaten-path atmosphere of Nepal, which is less crowded compared to other regions, providing a more remote and peaceful camping experience.
• Have the chance to visit the medieval village of Saldang and the nomad camps at Dho Tarap, the highest human settlement in the world.
• The trek is physically demanding, requiring good fitness and acclimatization. Encounter a mix of steep ascents, descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails, giving a strong sense of achievement.

Trekking route from  Dolpo to Jomsom, Mustang

The Upper Dolpo Trekking package – 25 days begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. After arriving in Juphal, the trek starts with a hike to Dunai for the first night. From Juphal, the trek heads to Phoksundo Lake over three days, passing suspension bridges over rivers, forests, tiny settlements, and agricultural farms.

After spending a night at Phoksundo Lake, the trek continues to Shey Gompa. Between Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa, there are no settlements or tea houses, so we need to prepare for tent camping. The first night will be spent camping at Sallaghari (Forest Camp). We will then cross the Ngangda La Pass (5,360 meters) to reach the High Camp of the pass for overnight stay and continue to Shey Gompa the next day. This section is challenging but offers a rewarding trekking experience.

Shey Gaun is a famous place, known for its ancient monastery (Shey Gompa), the spiritual center of Dolpo. The Shey Gompa hamlet is the best place to explore for a couple of days to experience the interesting local culture, lifestyle, and history.

After exploring Shey Gompa, the route follows the upper trail to Kagbeni and Jomsom, passing through several places such as Namung, Saldang, Khomagaun, Shimengaon, Phalwa, Tinjegaon, Rapka, Chharka Bhot, and Sangda Phedi, with many ascents, descents, and high passes in the high-altitude terrain. Along the trail, you will encounter many beautiful villages, wildlife, birds, and mountain views. It takes 10 days to reach Kagbeni and Jomsom from Shey Gompa, but it is challenging. 

From Jomsom, you will take flights to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu, although there is also road access from Jomsom to Kathmandu. After spending the night in Pokhara and relaxing, you will depart for Kathmandu the next morning for your final departure home or to your next destination. This trip is the longest and most challenging route in the Dolpo region due to the numerous ascents and descents in high-altitude terrain.

Preparation for Upper Dolpo Trek 

Trekking to Upper Dolpo for 25 days is a long-duration adventure for all trekkers in the Nepal Himalayas. It is a rewarding experience that requires careful preparation to ensure a safe, memorable, and enjoyable journey. Physical fitness, hiking training, mental health, determination, and previous trekking experience are important factors. Additionally, choosing a reputable trekking agency, hiring an experienced guide, and packing the right gear, keeping it necessary but light, are essential before participating in the trek.

If you do not have previous trekking experience, you need to build endurance and strength through activities such as walking, day hiking, running, biking, jogging, and swimming. These practices are beneficial in preparing for the trek, which takes you through farmland, terraces, diverse landscapes, narrow trails, forests, rocky paths, high-altitude terrains, and altitudes ranging from 2,475 meters to over 5,000 meters. The trek involves numerous ascents and descents, requiring a good level of physical fitness to maintain 5 to 8 hours of daily trekking.

It is highly recommended to seek medical advice from a doctor prior to embarking on the trek, especially if you have respiratory concerns. Travel insurance is also important, and we recommend getting insurance that covers emergency evacuation for the Upper Dolpo Trek, as the trek takes place in a remote area where emergency medical care may be difficult to access. Additionally, adhering to an acclimatization schedule is necessary to avoid altitude sickness and other illnesses

In summary, physical fitness, strong determination, packing the right gear, booking with an experienced and reputable trekking agency, and hiring an experienced trekking guide are the main factors in preparing to successfully complete the Upper Dolpo Trek. 

Important Note for the trip:

• During your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu, we provide you with a free T-shirt and a warm cap (beanie), as well as a refundable duffel bag for packing your trekking gear.
• We assign one porter for every two trekkers, so the duffel bag should weigh around 10 to 12 kg, which is carried by the porter throughout the trek. Additionally, we can arrange other working team members according to your requirements.
• You must have your own special daypack with a waterproof cover for carrying your daily necessities things like cash, necessary papers, a water bottle or bladder, sunglass, mobile phone, power bank, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, lip guard, a notebook, light clothing, etc. 
• The guide will check your trekking gear and give you suggestions on what to pack and what not to pack. Any unnecessary items (non-trekking items) can be stored at the hotel or our office in Kathmandu.
• A down jacket and a sleeping bag are required for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. The sleeping bag should be rated for temperatures between -10 to 20 degrees Celsius, depending on the trekking route. If you don't have either of these items, you can rent them in Kathmandu for USD 2 per day. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you will be required to pay the cost of USD 100 per item.
• Every day, the guide will brief you about the walk, nature, food, accommodation, culture, and other aspects of the trek. It's important to listen to and follow the local rules and guidelines provided by the guide.
• Respect locals' privacy before photographing them or their children and appreciate the local culture and customs. Always walk together with your guide and stand in a safe place while animals are passing. Do not smoke or drink alcohol at elevations above 3000 meters. 

Important Note for Itinerary:

The itinerary provided given below is a just guideline for the Upper Doplo  Trek. If you have your own itinerary, we are flexible to follow it. If not, we will be happy to create a new itinerary based on your requirements and vacation time frame. This trek can be customized according to your preferred duration, budget, and schedule.