Trip Facts
Durations 24 Days
Trip Facts
Max. Elevation 5360 m
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Group Size 2 Min Pax
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Transportation Domestic flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu Pickup and drop from domestic airport to hotel and vice versa
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Best Season Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
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Starts at kathmandu
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end at Kathmandu
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Accomodation Tea house during the trek, 2-night hotel in Kathmandu B/B plan and 2- Night Hotel in Pokhara B/B Plan
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Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with a cup of tea / coffee
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Trip Route Dolpo Region
Trip Facts
Trip Difficulty Moderate

Upper Dolpo Trekking Overview

Upper Dolpo offers unique and challenging isolated region trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts seeking a remote path adventure. It is a popular trekking route located in the Dolpa district of western Nepal. The region was opened for trekking in 1989, but it still remains relatively untouched by modern development. Similarly, it is a high- altitude area with rugged landscapes, beautiful valleys, high mountain passes and deep Georges. Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the major attractions of the upper Dolpo trek which is the deepest lake of Nepal. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes and popular destination for photography and meditation.

The lake is amazing turquoise blue lake surrounded by snow- capped mountains such as Annapurna range , Dhaulagiri range , Gurans Himal, and Kanjiroba Himal. Moreover, the lake is also surrounded by waterfalls such as Rup Gara waterfall, Phoksundo waterfall, Tshowa waterfall, Suligad waterfall, and lush green woods. Furthermore, Shey Gompa is another popular pilgrimage place for Tibetan Buddhists with great religious significance in the upper Dolpo region in Nepal. It is believed to be around 800 years old ancient monastery founded by Luri Gompa. It is a bit challenging still rewarding experience which allows you to explore stunning paintings, sculptures, and monk’s daily lives. Additionally, wildlife and its rich culture add more glamour in the trek. Along the trek, you will interact with the Tibetans who have a distinct culture and way of life and also witness some of the animals and bird species that may be found in the upper Dolpo area include blue sheep, snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, and snow partridge.

1) Permits for Upper Dolpo Trekking

It is a restricted area that was opened for trekking in 1989. As it is restricted area, special permits are required to visit this region which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
1. Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
2. Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
These permits can be obtained from Kathmandu, Nepalgunj or Dunai (starting point of the trek) respectively.

2) Travel Insurance

Any trek in Nepal, including the Upper Dolpo Trek, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking , which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage. When buying travel insurance for the Upper Dolpo trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance.

3) Guide and Porter

It’s always suggested to trek with a knowledgeable experienced licensed guide or join a trekking agency to assure safety and utilize your time in a best way. As they are highly experienced and familiar with terrain, prompt in safety performance and always carry essential safety equipment, first aid kids and gear to enhance your trip experience without compromising on safety.

4) The ideal season for visiting Upper Dolpo

Trekking to the Upper Dolpo is appropriate in every season but the best time allows you best experience till the end. Generally, the different season will offer you with stunning glimpse.
Autum Season (September- November)
The temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively unchanged, the clear skies provide astonishing mountain views, and the day time walking temperature are also the most pleasant overall. However, the high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are warm. You will witness colorful hills as the leaves of trees are turn into yellow, orange, red, and brown pleasing to the eyes.
Spring Season (March- May)
It is the pre- monsoon period when nature regenerates its lost beauty. You can explore a wide variety of flowers blooming making colorful hills such as magnolia, Nepalese national flower Rhododendron and other variety of wildflowers in various part of the country. Spring is the advantageous season to tackle treks with high passes. The temperature of surrounding begins to rise allowing stronger sunlight and the days grow longer.

5) Altitude Sickness

Generally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. When it comes to this illness, one should be pro-active and notify the guide as soon as possible.

6) Fitness/ Experience

Physical fitness level, health, and medical required for upper Dolpo trekking. The trekking trail of upper Dolpo is a challenging still adventurous with rewarding experience. You will be regularly hiking for around 6 hours on average depending on the destination. So, this trek is not recommended for trekkers who are suffering from chronic ailments or have heart or lung diseases. It is better to avoid this trip. However, all the trekkers having an average level of fitness can easily complete this trek. If you have any kind of previous trekking experience or regular exercise it will be an added advantage but not compulsory.

7) Accommodation and Foods

The accommodation in the mountains and remote villages are generally modest and basic. The room, shower and rest rooms are available in a twin- shared basis. The mountain teahouse provides rooms with just a bed, pillow, and blankets but the view is spectacular from the rooms. The standard lodge has two single bedrooms with mattresses, pillow, warm blankets, attached bathrooms and hot water. Teashops and lodges usually provide plentiful and delicious foods which suits the preferences of various trekkers such as Nepali foods, Indian, Italian, Tibetan and Continental food. All the foods will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Highlights

Takes you through remote villages, high mountain passes, deep Georges, and beautiful
valleys
Experience the Nepali wilderness and lives in such scarcity
Visit Nepal deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa
Cross through Cang Mara La Pass (5115 m), Nagdala La (5353 m), and Tyonta (5220 m)
Visit ancient monasteries, gompas, and temples
Interact with the local people and witness pristine Buddhist culture and lifestyle
Experience diverse landscapes of the upper Himalayas including lush forests, barren cliffs,
alpine meadows, and pristine lakes

Important Notes

Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you and mountains are calling you.
This trip is fully customization. Importantly, this trip is available on both a fixed departure and a private group basis. Moreover, we can also customize the trip as per your needs, please contact us at Whatsapp (+977-9843770916) or email us at [email protected]. Let us know how we can help you, and we will do our best to give you the best customer service you’ll get anywhere else.
Furthermore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reputable and reliable company serving relentlessly in the field of tourism to fulfill the dreams of diverse adventure seekers around the globe into reality where they can feel most alive. So, we recommend you to reserve seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a wonderful and unforgettable trip experience.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1,300m/4,264ft)

Overnight in Kathmandu at 2-star Hotel with breakfast

Day 2: Full day Kathmandu City excursion

Swoyambnhunath:
Patan Durbar square:
Boudhanath:
Pashupatinath:
Overnight in Kathmandu at 2-star Hotel with breakfast

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj & Transfer to Hotel

Overnight in Nepalgunj at 2-star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2320m/7601ft) & Trek to Sulighat (2070m/6790ft) (2-3 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Sulighat in a tent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Sulighat to Renje (3010m/9873ft) (5-6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Renje at camp
Melas: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 6: Trek from Renje to Ringmo village (3640m/11940ft) via Phoksundo Lake (3620m/11874ft) (5-6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in camp. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 7: Rest day in Phoksundo Lake and explore around Ringmo village

Overnight stay in Phoksundo Lake at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Phoksundo lake to Phoksundo Khola (3630m/1190ft) (4-5 hrs walk)

overnight in Phoksundo Lake at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4120m/13514ft) (6-7 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Phoksundo Bhanjyang at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey gompa (5160m/16925ft) via KangLa pass (4390m/14400ft) (5-6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Shey Gompa at Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery

Overnight stay in Shey Gomba at Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Trek from Shey gompa to Saldang La (5010m/16432ft) via Namgung village(4430m/14530) (6-7 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Namgung village at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Namgung village to Saldang (3620m/11,874ft) (4-5 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Saldang at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4960m/16267ft) (4-5 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Yangze Gompa at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Trek from Yange Gompa to Sibu (4560m/14957ft) (6-7 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in SIbu at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (4900m/16072ft) (5-6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Jang La Phedi at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Do Tarap (5090m/16695ft) via Jeng La pass (4080m/13382ft) (6-7 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Do Tarap at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Exploration and Acclimatization Day in Do Tarap

Overnight stay in Do Tarap at Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Trek from Do Tarap to Tarap Khola (Karmakharka) (3800m/12464ft) (6-7 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Tarap Khola at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3150m/10332ft) (5-6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Khanigaon at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Trek from Khani Gaun to Dunai (2537m/8321ft) via Tarakot (2030m/6658ft) (5- 6 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Dunai at camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Trek from Dunai to Jhuphal (2320m/7610ft) (2-3 hrs walk)

Overnight stay in Juphal at camp
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Day 23: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu

Overnight stay in Kathmandu at 2-star Hotel with breakfast

Day 24: Final Day Departure at Tribhuwan International Airport

Transfer to the international airport and fly to onward destinatio

If the above Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.

Plan My Trip

Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost Includes

Airport Pick up and drop by private vehicles
Three times meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and accommodation in teahouse/ lodge during
the trek
Lower Dolpo restricted area permits
Shey Phoksundo national park entry fee
Upper Dolpo restricted area permit
One experienced (government licensed) and qualified English speaking guide
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Guide/ Porters: food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment etc
First aids kit and Duffel bag
All taxes and company service charge

Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost Excludes

International airfare and visa fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, wifi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters, laundry
or any other things which are not mentioned by the company
Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
Tips for your guide and porters
Entrance fees during the sightseeing
Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays

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