Upper Dolpo Trek

24 days

Duration

Demanding

Trip Level

Min 2 person

Group Size

5350 m

Max-altitude

The Dolpo region is familiar with the Tibetan Plateau, but it is yet to be unexplored. It has maintained its natural beauty, although the territory is less frequent by the waves of modernization. However, it makes you an essential destination for trekkers who admire the value of serenity. Upper Dolpo Trek is a restricted area only opened for tourism in 1989. It belongs to the Shey Phoksundo National Park, and the Upper Dolpo trek route usually goes above 4,000 meters. And this unknown land influences the Tibetan culture.

The trail goes on the way to leaving a small airstrip at Juphal and passes through the settlements. The forest views and high snow-capped mountains reach the deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake, 3600 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, the Kang-La Pass connects the Phoksundo Valley and Shey Gompa. The Kang-La Pass is the trek’s highest point, where beautiful mountains and landscapes may be seen. The Upper Dolpo trek joins with a visit to the Shey Gompa after exploring the Shey Phoksundo Lake. Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain provide a retreat and personal charm with the serenity it possesses.

Despite the natural beauty and impressive scenery, the trail brings you the hidden Saldang and Yangtser Gumpa, which is about the secret of Upper Dolpo no one is talking about. Hence, the journey makes you a beautiful retreat of the Upper Dolpo region.

Highlights

Explore the mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is crucial for its crystal clear water and turquoise shape.

A unique camping experience together with the various landscapes of the area and its hidden treasure.

Buddhist holy places Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa observe the unique Bon Buddhist culture.

High passes over 5000 meters of extraordinary mountain views, meet locals, and visit monasteries.

Visit the medieval village of Saldang and the nomad camps at Dho Tarap, the highest human settlement in the world.

Explore diverse flora and fauna in the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Upper Dolpo Trek at Glance

Duration	24 days
Max. Altitude	5360 meters
Difficulty	Challenging
Trek Mode	Camping
Trek Start/Ends	Juphal

Upper Dolpo Trek Map

24 Days Upper Dolpo Trekking itinerary

Days	Destination/Itinerary	Altitude in Meters	Trek Distance
1.	Fly to Nepalgunj	150	0h55 by flight
2.	Fly to Juphal, then trek to Dunai	2160	0h40, then 3h00
3.	Dunai to Chhekpa	2650	6h15
4.	Trek to Jharana Hotel	3170	6h30
5.	Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake	3650	4h00
6.	Acclimatization day!
7.	Trek to River Bed Camp	3660	at 6h00
8.	River Bed Camp to Nando – La High Camp	4120	6h30
9.	Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang – La Pass (5360)	4400	6h00
10.	Rest & explore Crystal Mountain
11.	Trek to Numagung via Shey – La (5000)	4200	6h30
12.	Numagung to Saldang	3970	3h30
13.	Trek to Yangtser Gompa	4400	5h30
14.	Luri Gaon to Rapa Gaon	4230	5h00
15.	Trek to Jeng – La Phedi	4370	5h30
16.	Jen – La to Tokyu via Jeng – La Pass (5170 m)	4200	6h00
17.	Trek to Dho Tarap	3900	2h45
18.	Rest & explore Tarap Valley
19.	Trek to Serkam	2600	6h00
20.	Serkam to Shahar Tara	2170	7h00
21.	Trek to Dunai	2160
22.	Dunai to Juphal	2570	3h00
23	Fly back to Kathmandu
24.	Leisure day, fly to Kathmandu.

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Upper Dolpo Trek route

The Upper Dolpo trek route goes through several passes, rivers, and monasteries. The prayer flags, the stupa, the Tsyorten, and the Mani stones are visible during the journey. The Upper Dolpo trek still runs on a camping basis and makes sense to you as a wilderness experience. The visit is worth rewarding despite all these difficulties. The views of the area are genuinely fascinating and magnificent. The untouched culture, lifestyle of the people, landscapes, rare wildlife, and vegetation all create a real adventure that can not be felt while staying in a cozy room at your home. The Dolpo region and its daring itineraries combine the upper and Lower Dolpo trekking routes. However, it is recommended for those trekkers who could have both crucial and religious influence.

If you plan a trek, here is everything you need to know about Upper Dolpo Trek Cost. Ask a local expert if the above itinerary is unsuitable for you or if something changes in the program.

Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be greeted and welcomed by our agency’s representative in front of the Arrival gate with a Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.

During the free day, you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu Valley. We conduct the pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing, where you meet the trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information

Day 3: Flight to Nepalgunj – (150m)

As per the flight schedule; about an hour superb airstrip to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. It crosses a whole range of the western parts of the Himalayas, like Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Comparatively, it is warmer than Kathmandu. Nepalgunj lies near the Indian border.

Day 4: Flight to Juphal – 2475m and trek to Dunai.

It requires making a fight in Juphal in the morning. Forty-five minutes of amazing flight provides super visibility of Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mastiff. After reaching Juphal and arranging luggage and other kinds of stuff, then an easy walk to Dunai.

Day 5: Dunai – Chhepka (2630 m) 6h00 walk.

The first day of the adventure takes a bit more time to set up all the luggage. As we cross a bridge over the Bheri River, take a left trail that leads us to Shulighat, the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail goes along the Phoksundo Khola, passing through several small settlements to Chhepka.

Day 6: Chhepka – Chunuwar (3170 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail gradually climbs up along the valley through the forest. The trail follows several small ups and downs paths; you must cross the river over small bridges leading to Raichi for lunch. At one point between Raichi and Chunuwar, there is a dramatic point where two rivers of distinctly different colors merge to form a single Phoksundo River. Then, we continued to walk to Chunuwar.

Day 7: Chunuwar – Phoksundo Lake (3620m) 4h00 walk.

The trek goes steeply uphill for the first three hours. There is minimal vegetation, and the hills are dusty in the dry season. As we arrive at the view tower, we can see the highest waterfall in Nepal, with a height of 107 meters, and mind-boggling scenery surrounding the hills. Ten minutes uphill from the view tower, we can get the first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake. Then, the trail gradually descends through the pine forest to the small village of Ringmo.

Day 8: Acclimatization and exploration day!!!

Today, we will admire the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and possibly hike the small village of Ringo and its Tibetan monasteries. The people of this area are following the Bon Buddhist, known as pre-Buddhist, too.

Day 9: Phoksundo Lake – Forest Camp (3640m) 6h00 walk

Ringo village is the boundary between Lower and Upper Dolpo. We will enter a restricted area of Upper Dolpo and follow the trail of the Oscar-nominated movie HIMALAYA, directed by Eric Valli. The trail is a salt trade route between the people of Dolpo and Tibet. The twisted trail is more adventurous along the lake. As we reach a height of 4085 meters, it gradually descends through the dense forest. It climbs up towards an open valley with a spectacular view of Kanjirowa Himal with an elevation of 6612 meters. Then, we reach a beautiful camping place.

Day 10: Salla Ghari – Base Camp (4120m) 6h00 walk.

The Trekking trail is unique. We enter through high rock walls on both sides and cross a few streams without bridges. The river flows inside the gorge; the walk is uphill but not steep. There is wide open space on the river shore, with stony ground and thorny juniper bushes.

Day 11: Base Camp – Kang-La Pass – Shey Gompa (4320m) 7h00 walk.

The trail goes steeply for the first two and a half hours over Sandy Mountain to Kang-La, with an elevation of 5350 meters. The feet slid at every step, and altitude sickness may take hold at this point. After walking down the hill from the pass for about 4 hours, we get to Shey Gompa.

Day 12: Rest Day – Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

You can explore around Tsakang Gompa. It is not a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang had been a meditation center of many great lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery, and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. She is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo, the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. Drutup Yeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo Valley. Many years ago, he came to Dolpo and encountered a wild people whose supreme God was a ‘fierce mountain spirit.’ Crystal Mountain is to the west of the Shey monastery. It is an extraordinary mountain, indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with various marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kwangju Nala and Yeju Nala. Near the confluence is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels.

Day 13: Shey Gompa – Namgung (4430m) 6h00 walk.

We have to cross a pass with a height of 5,000 meters named Shey-La. Then, the path zigzags over bare rocks and coarse, eroded soil. The trail subsequently descends to the pastures. It means our approach to Namgung.

Day 14: Namgung – Saldang (4046m) 4h00 walk.

The trek leads us steeply climb up, feeling very hard as we arrive at 4700 meters pass. Then we walk down the picturesque village of Saldang. It is one of the largest villages of this region’s strategic location on the trade route to Tibet.

Day 15: Saldang – Sibu (4000m) 6h00 walk.

The trek goes to pass through terraced fields, stupas, chhortens, mani walls, monasteries, and several villages. We walk along the gorge, where the bottom is populated with the green field of local barley. We must cross a knee-deep river twice as we arrive at the campsite. A beautiful open ground, thorny juniper bushes are the only vegetation.

Day 16: Sibu – Jeng-La Base Camp (4480 m) 5h00 walk.

This is the last pass of the journey; mentality requires preparation. We walk up a mild horizontal along a river site. We cross the river twice at some point in the trail for a long stretch. But towards the end, it becomes steeper. As we left valleys and villages, we entered the barren hill, almost the highest camp of the journey.

Day 17: Jengla Base Camp – Jeng-La Pass – Dho-Tarap (4200m) 7h00 walk

Today, we cross the last pass of the journey that walks up steeply uphill to the pass. We can see the beautiful sceneries of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri and the barren lands of Inner Dolpo. The trail goes down from the pass, gradually descending initially, then steeply down towards Tarap Valley. A further 2 hours’ walk from Tokyo Goan, we get to Dho-Tarap (the highest village of the Dolpo.) and a junction from where the route diverges to Jomsom, Mustang, and Tibet.

Day 18: Dho- Tarap – Serkam (3630m) 7h00 walk.

The trail leads you downhill in a windy gorge along the Tarap River. There are hanging ridges on both sides; sometimes, it even disappears between and under the hills. The trail goes through the narrow gorges with the rushing river. Many mules, horses, and Yak will encounter along the trail to transporting the goods. In the afternoon, the trail seems to have some improvement in construction and sees a modern steel bridge to facilitate the movement of people and animals.

Day 19: Serkam – Shahar Tara (2280m) 5h00 Walk

The same course, walk along the river to the narrow gorge a gentle incline through the dense forest. Sometimes, several ups and downs appear along the trail due to the huge rocky stones that represent the quality of the trail and take attention while on trek possibility slippery.

Day 20: Shahar Tara – Dunai (2109m) 5h00 Walk

The trail is easy to walk, gradually inclined along the shore of the River. The trail sometimes climbs to the top of the hill and sometimes deep to the level of the River open space trail that leads us to Dunai.

Day 21: Dunai – Juphal (2404m) 3h00 Walk

The trail retrace the steps to Juphal while the journey to the mountain. Just walk along the motorable road to Kala Gouda. A steep climb up to Juphal passing through the cultivated rice fields

Day 22: Juphal – Nepalgang – Kathmandu

Early morning, we take a flight to Nepalgunj. It is a wonderful 35-minute flight over the Himalayan foothills, with fine views of the main peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north. You then catch up on the connecting flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu.

The day can be occupied as security day in case of flight interruption. Alternatively, you can explore the Heritage site of Kathmandu if you arrive on the scheduled itinerary.

Day 24: Final departure

You will be transferred to the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your home country

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please, arrive at least 3 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Tips for Guide and Porter.

Prices are quoted in US$ dollars and payable in convertible currencies. All prices published on our website are set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. However, we guarantee our prices which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.

Is the water at Upper Dolpo Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Upper Dolpo Trek. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost in Kathmandu).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of, beges and listen to your guide if he thinks you have asymptotic might not be apparent).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

What about simple medication during the trek?

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.