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Duration
26 Days
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Difficulty
Challenging
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Max Elevation
5360m
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Group Size
1-10 pax Person
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Accommodation
Tented Camp During Trek
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Start/End
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
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Destination
Dolpo
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Best Season
April, May, June and Sep, Oct and Nov
Dolpo region or valley is the most remote and one of the least developed district in Nepal. Dolpo region is situated between the plateau of Tibet and the Dhaulagiri Himalaya range. Since 1984, it has been the country’s largest national park and conservation which sustains a wide variety of wildlife including musk deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and elusive Snow Leopard. It is also inhabited by the fascinating race of Tibetan speaking people. The wonderful adventure to upper Dolpo region begins encountering interesting places, villages, people, valleys and forest of pines, oaks, and rhododendron. The trek then passes many gigantic mountain ranges leading to the Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo village in the “Phoksundo National Park”.
The Himalayan range of Dolpo region can be seen in all its splendor and the view of Phoksundo Lake, surmounted by Rigma village provides the breathtaking view. Dolpo is an ancient kingdom of Tibet which lies in the northeast part of Nepal. The trek to Dolpo region is the trek from Jomsom to Juphal which crosses more than eleven mountain peaks, seven out of them are higher than 5,000m. Trek starts from Pokhara, the route then goes through high and remote alpine area and finally reaches to Do Tarap which is a beautiful village at high altitude. The trek then moves towards She Ghampa which will take to the beautiful premise of Phoksundo Lake, from here the trek will take a flight to return back to Kathmandu.
Why this trek is the Challenging trek?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is often regarded as one of Nepal’s toughest and most remote trekking areas, drawing only veteran trekkers who crave a genuine Himalayan experience. Nestled in the northwestern part of Nepal, Upper Dolpo is a nearly inaccessible isolated area close to Tibet. The difficulty of this trek is due to a combination of natural and logistical factors that distinguish it from popular trekking routes such as Everest or Annapurna.
One significant challenge of the Upper Dolpo Trek is the extreme remoteness of the area. The region has minimal road access, modern facilities, and communication networks. Trekkers have to depend on simple teahouses or camping throughout most of the trek. Due to this isolation, logistics like food supplies, accommodation, and emergency services are limited, which means that the trekker needs to plan and prepare carefully.
The high altitude is another great difficulty. The trail crosses a series of high mountain passes, including the Kang La Pass (5,360 m) and the Sela La Pass (5,094 m). Several days of walking above 4,000 meters dramatically increase the risk of altitude sickness. To complete the trek safely, trekkers require adequate acclimatization, physical fitness, and experience in high-altitude trekking.
Besides the long time required and rough terrain, Upper Dolpo remains physically exhausting. Generally, itineraries last between 18 and 25 days, and trekking is conducted each day on rocky trails, narrow mountain paths, and remote valleys. As the region receives little rainfall and lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the terrain is mostly barren, windy, and, at times, harsh. Trekkers can walk for hours without encountering a village or facility.
Weather changes in Dolpo are often unpredictable, too. High winds, low temperatures, and sudden weather variations can make trekking more arduous, especially when crossing the high passes.
Nevertheless, Upper Dolpo presents an extraordinary and memorable cultural and natural experience. Trekkers find themselves immersed in the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, come across age-old monasteries such as Shey Gompa, and behold the breathtaking turquoise lake of Phoksundo. As the region is rarely visited by tourists, the trek allows for a truly genuine and tranquil Himalayan escapade.
For those who want to experience untouched nature, cultural richness, and real adventure, the Upper Dolpo Trek is undoubtedly one of the most challenging but utterly rewarding treks in Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Venture into Upper Dolpo’s wilds – Spend time in a region of Nepal that remains almost untouched, where traditions thrive and the landscape appears much as it has for generations.
- Visit the Spectacular Shey Phoksundo Lake – The deep blue water of the alpine and mountain lake, Shey Phoksundo, is one of the main attractions here. Besides, the scenery around it, with the pine forests that blend with sheer rocky cliffs that in turn are backed by snow peaks of Himalaya mountains, makes Shey Phoksundo a dream destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
- Discover the historic Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Monastery - The most sacred Buddhist monastery in the Dolpo region is the Crystal monastery, renowned for the centuries of history that it embodies, its deep spiritual meaning, and its beautiful mountain setting.
- Experience Authentic Tibetan and Bon Culture - It is rare for the local people to have been affected by the passage of time to any great extent and, in this remote area, it seems that the culture of the people of Tibetan and Bon origin is still being passed down from father to son.
- Traverse Shey Phoksundo National Park – You will get to explore Nepal’s largest national park, home to a range of landscapes and wildlife including Himalayan griffons, blue sheep, musk deer, and elusive snow leopard.
- Cross high Himalayan passes with sweeping panoramas – Tackle the toughest parts of your journey in exchange for breathtaking mountain vistas, including the Dhaulagiri range, Kanjirowa Himal, Crystal Mountain, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Visit Traditional Villages Like Ringmo, Saldang, Tokyu, and Dho Tarap – Be captivated by charming stone villages in which there are old monasteries, multicolored prayer flags, and hospitable locals to make the trip an experience full of cultural encounters you won’t forget.
- Explore the Historic Yangze Bon Monastery – Get to know one of the oldest Bon monasteries in the Himalayas as well as how the religion of Bon existed long before Buddhism came to Tibet.
- Escape the crowd-trekking trails and have a unique Himalayan experience. You can do so by walking on quiet trails or crossing dramatic canyons and valleys along untouched mountain views.
- Featuring breathtaking scenery, Himalayan traditions, ancient religious sites, secluded villages, and mesmerizing mountain vistas, Upper Dolpo promises an exceptionally thrilling trekking adventure in Nepal.
Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Day - Welcome to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350m
- Drive Distance: 6 Km
- Drive Duration: 20 minutes
- Accommodation: Three Star Standard Hotel
Hello to Nepal!
Once you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport, our agent (Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday P.L) will meet you personally and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you may choose to have a short rest after your long flight or take a little stroll around Thamel, one of Kathmandu’s most popular tourist areas that you can enjoy walking around while dining at restaurants enjoying trekking equipment purchasing and getting a local market vibe. You will join your trek guide in the evening to get a detailed description of the trip, check the suitability of the equipment and be reminded on what is ahead of you as your adventure. It’s not wrong either to come up with some questions here to make sure that all your items are properly loaded for you to go back at one of the most secluded Himalayan areas of Nepal.
Day 2
Exploring Kathmandu and Final Trek Arrangements
- Altitude: 1,350m
- Activities: Visit UNESCO sites
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Three Star Standard Hotel
You can spend today exploring the heritage and rich culture of the Kathmandu Valley while also wrapping up your trekking preparations. See some of the world famous sites in Kathmandu like Swyambhu Nath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and the holy Pashupatinath Temple that give one a great insight into the history, religion, and art architecture aspect of Nepal. In the afternoon hours, your guide will help you get all the required permits, check your trekking gear, and finish off the last bits of arrangements to your flight departure toward Nepal’s western parts.
Day 3
Flight From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Altitude of Nepalgunj : 150 m
- Flight time: 50 minutes
- Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Stay: Tea House
After breakfast, you’ll board a flight departing from Kathmandu and heading to Nepalgunj, a beautiful lowland city in the Terai region near the Nepal-India border which will offer you amazing views during the flight that you’ll enjoy as a landscape transitions from the Himalayas to subtropical plains. Upon landing you will be taken to your hotel and you are free to either relax or visit a local market if it suits your fancy for the remainder of your stay. Nepalgunj marks the beginning of your trek toward Dolpo, and spending a night here allows you to rest before your early morning flight the next day.
Notes: The schedule of flights may change depending on weather conditions.
Day 4
Flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupalo Dunai
- Altitude Jhupal: 2,475 m
- Fligut Time: 35 minutes
- Altitude Dunai: 2,140 m
- Trek Distance: 7 Km
- Trek Duration: 3-4 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Sleeping: Tea House
Get a chance to catch an early morning mountain flight which will take you to Juphal, and after that start on an adventure which is going to be one of a kind. The flight will only be a short one but you can be rest assured to be treated with a jaw-dropping scenery that will include the views of the magnificent Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range. After you get on the ground, you will start a short uphill walk in the area where the people living here have been tilling terraced fields, have been living in a series of traditional villages which are spread far apart, they are quite remote, it is quite a beautiful place. The route passes through different suspension bridges, local villages and you also witness a natural river Thuli Bheri at the side. When you arrive at Dunai, the main administrative place of Dolpo District, you will get another first taste of life in the mountain with a unique mix of culture which you will not find on a daily basis.
Day 5
Trek From Dunai to Ankhe
- Altitude: Height: 2,896 m
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Hiking duration: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
Once the trailhead is Dunai, we turn right down a river, followingThuli Bheri. At a distance of about 14 kilometers, there is a major junction with another trail that turns up to Shey-Phoksundo and, hence, we turn away. From here on, we go down a wild forested slope to an altitude of about 2,400 m to arrive at a beautiful, secluded village of Ankhe, which is the starting gateway to Shey-Phoksundo wilderness. It is from this village that one can reach the holy lakes Shey and Phoksundo.
Day 6
Trek From Ankhe to Sulighat
- Altitude- 3180 m
- Distance: 14 Km
- Duration: 6 Hour
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Today’s walk follows through thick forests of juniper, pine, and cedar up and down mountains that are rugged and quite steep. As you ascend the mountains, you will come across some little creeks to cross, gently make your way into the serene valleys and finally get to the narrow cliff-side paths that allow you to witness the view of the waterfalls and the snow-capped mountain range beyond. The beauty of being in such a remote location, with its peacefulness and sense of solitude, makes the journey a truly memorable section on the way to the village of Renje!
Day 7
Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3,610 m
- Trek Duration: 9 Km
- Trek time: 4-5 hours
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The ascent continues with the first few kilometers crossing through a dense forest of larch and spruces before opening into the wide open and the rocky landscape is soon behind you at about the fourth hour. This is quite an experience to reach this beautiful village called Ringmo, truly a hidden gem of Dolpo.
This village of Ringmo is in a mountain valley and there is nothing on this particular hill but these little houses with a Tibetan architecture style and stone walls with prayer flags hanging and all that. Ancient Buddhist ways of life, including rituals and prayers, are still an inseparable part of the lives of the villagers. The whole village is set in a mountain scene that is breathtaking which makes it all the more a unique experience. This village is also your stepping stone to visiting the famous Shey Phoksundo Lake which is in the Shey Shey valley and is surrounded by mountains on the north side but very flat on the southern side. You can get a feeling of a real Himalayan village life there.
Day 8
Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3,610 m
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Tea House Accommodation
This will be a whole day devoted to you enjoying the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, renowned among alpine lakes in the Himalayas. You can imagine the color of the water that will leave you amazed as the turquoise waters mirror the white, snowy mountain peaks and the steep rocky cliffs rising directly above the lake! All this natural beauty and purity is embraced by the boundaries of Shey Phoksundo National Park, making this site among the most treasured and well-known natural areas in Nepal. So, after visiting this wonder, take a walk to some interesting viewpoints and do some exploring around the peaceful lakeside as well as taking photos of the beautiful scenery with the snow-covered mountains in the background. Besides, a few traditional Bon and Buddhist customs can be witnessed in Ringmo Village.
Day 9
Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola
- Altitude: 3,507 m
- Trek Duration: 7 Km
- Trek time: 4-5 hours
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
The opening highlight is a steep mountain trail that follows a lovely river through dramatic surroundings. As the route curves into the hillside and runs alongside the water, you’ll begin to spot several waterfalls, sheer rock canyons, and other scenic features. The walk here also gives you a chance to take in the raw natural landscape, untouched and expansive. This stretch captures the wild and isolated spirit of Upper Dolpo, for which the region has gained its reputation.
Day 10
Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang
- Altitude: 3,910 m
- Trek Duration: 9 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Along with the charming glacial streams and the narrow valleys cut by the trail, you’ll notice the gradual shift into the high alpine zone of Upper Dolpo. The dense forests thin out as the environment opens up, ringed by snowy peaks. Surrounded by this remote Himalayan wilderness, adventurers truly feel they have entered a world yet to be explored.
Day 11
Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa
- Altitude: 4,500 m
- Trek Duration: 8 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
On this day, you get to experience the highlight of the entire Upper Dolpo Trek, making your way across demanding high-altitude terrain and ascending over a major ridge before arriving at the revered Shey Gompa. The old and most revered among the many monasteries in Dolpo, the Crystal Monastery, has always been a spiritual center for the people living around the region.
As the monasteries is surrounded by the beautiful and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes as well as by the sacred Crystal Mountain, you could say that one is not missing out anything by visiting this place since the monastery not only presents stunning views to see, but it also holds the rich, the ancient as well as the modern Buddhist culture.
Day 12
Discover Shey Gompa
- Altitude: 4,500 m
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
This is a lovely rest day after an adventurous day to explore spiritually and culturally the Shey Gompa. Take your time to explore the monastery’s old prayer halls, beautiful murals, prayer wheels, and traditional architecture all the while meeting the monks residing there and getting their perspectives on Tibetan Buddhist beliefs. You may choose to take a light walk and enjoy the spectacular landscape and serenity surrounding this beautiful mountain valley, which will give you a Himalayan experience that you cannot forget.
Day 13
Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaon
- Altitude: 4,800 m
- Trek Duration: 12 Km
- Trek time: 7 hours
- Meal: Breakfasr, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Starting from Shey, continue your journey through remote high valleys, passing by pastures where yaks graze, until you reach Namduna Gaun. Along the trail, you’ll witness dramatic mountain scenery, encounter very few locals—many of whom have carried on their Tibetan heritage for generations—and gain insight into their unique mountain lives. The peaceful setting and genuine mountain culture make this route not just visually stunning but also rich in cultural value.
Day 14
Trek From Namgung Gonpa to Saldang
- Altitude: 3,770 m
- Trek Duration: 11 Km
- Trek time: 5 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
On this day, you meet at the foot of Upper Dolpo’s largest and richest village—Saldang. Being on the old trade route which connects Nepal and Tibet, Saldang is still considered the nucleus of Tibetan culture and traditional trade. While wandering along whitewashed houses, Buddhist monasteries, farms with crops growing, and friendly locals, you are also captivated by magnificent Himalayan views.
Day 15
Trek From Saldang to Yangze Gompa
- Altitude: 4,960 m
- Trek Duration: 12 Km
- Trek time: 5 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
To start the day, head towards Yangze Gompa that belongs to the Bon religious tradition. Bon is considered the ancestor of the Buddhist faith, and up to now, it continues to provide spiritual guidance to most local people. A visit to this ancient temple reveals to you many interesting aspects of ancient Himalayan culture, practices and even religion that you have not heard elsewhere and makes one respect a different lifestyle. After that, you will return to Saldang.
Day 16
Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu
- Altitude: 4,560 m
- Trek Duration: 8 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Sibu being one of the sereneest village located near the confluence of two large valleys, is a place that you can visit without hurrying as the journey to Sibu from Saldang is not long. Your way is dotted with old-time yak mani (prayer) walls, prayer flags, and sweeping views that perfectly showcase the harsh beauty of Upper Dolpo. The route is so well balanced that you get amazing views of the remote mountain valleys throughout the day and the local culture of this seldomly trekked region of Nepal leaves quite an impression.
Day 17
Trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi
- Altitude: 4,900 m
- Trek Duration: 14 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Today, you will start climbing a steep path along the rocky ground, passing by alpine meadows and waterfalls of glacial streams, till you reach the mountain base of a pass in the vicinity, Jeng La Pass. As you move forward, the snow-capped peaks become even more impressive, and the scenery surrounding you is getting more and more spectacular. This is the tranquil and scenic part of the entire hike and a good chance to contemplate and get your head together for the pass crossing the next day while admiring the pristine natural beauties of the high Himalayas.
Day 18
Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng La Pass (5,090 m)
- Altitude: 4,209 m
- Trek Duration: 11 Km
- Trek time: 7 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Crossing Jeng La Pass marks another highlight of your exploration through Upper Dolpo. When you reach the summit of this tall mountain pass, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch across the Dhaulagiri mountain range and the sparkling, snowy summits of the Himalayas. You are then free to relax and have fun descending towards the scenic Tarap valley. It will just be a few miles from this valley to Tokyu – an isolated mountain village in the remote Upper Dolpo region that has preserved the ancient ways of life and the culture of this area in an exceptional way.
Day 19
Trek From Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap
- Altitude: 4,040 m
- Trek Duration: 6 Km
- Trek time: 5 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Descend first in the fertile Tarap Valley and after reaching the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Himalayas, Dho Tarap, you will understand their meaning. The village is the habitat of both the Tibetan Buddhist and Bon communities and is a place of great cultural and historic significance for them. The valley village is also recognized for its ancient rock houses, old monastery, and traditional way of life of its people that make them different from other communities. Strolling along the narrow lanes provides an opportunity to witness the unique customs and lives of those who have continued to live here for many generations.
Day 20
Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola
- Altitude: 3,800 m
- Trek Duration: 18 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Leave behind the spacious valley and the Tarap Stream will be the major route, as soon as your path will be surrounded by deep, narrow gorges which will be carved into towering cliffs at both sides. After you climb the narrow trails and cross the suspension bridges above swift rivers and rapids, you will see an entirely new scenery that is totally different from the snowy mountain terraces you saw when you were at a higher altitude early on in your walk. Such a dramatic view of the canyon makes today’s walk among the most picturesque segments of the returning trip.
Day 21
Trek from Tarap Khola to Khani Gaon
- Altitude: 3,150 m
- Trek Duration: 14 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
From the forested hills and peaceful mountain villages where the trail goes through riverside, you are gradually getting down to a very scenic spot namely Khani Gaun.
The air is becoming increasingly humid and the plants are getting greener as the height is going down. These are pleasant and quite a sharp contrast to the rather dry terrain at higher elevations.While trekking, your path will be crossing the local villagers’ settlements which can serve you as a means to understand more about the people of Dolpo who live at the foot.
Day 22
Trek From Khani Gaon to Tarakot
- Altitude: 2,537 m
- Trek Duration: 16 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
The trail today is along the Bheri River which will lead back to the village of Tarakot. Tarakot is a very old village and was a busy center for the exchange of goods in the past between the people of Nepal and Tibet. The village is the site for the remains of an ancient fortress, traditional dwellings, and agricultural land of Dolpo reflecting its centuries-old role in trade.
You will take your time to explore this important cultural place and will do nothing else but have a pleasant time in the cool hills.
Day 23
Trek From Tarakot to Dunai
- Altitude: 2,140 m
- Trek Duration: 17 Km
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
Following a picturesque riverside trail back from Dunai, with agricultural terraces at the side and beautiful villages along its way, you will also pass under suspension bridges and through beautiful forests.
Such a day will serve as the best opportunity you may ever have to look back on the extraordinary experiences you’ve had, the amazing sights which you’ve enjoyed, and those rich cultural encounters that have made the Upper Dolpo one of most spectacular treks in Nepal. The day of the trek will end with you being tired but proud of your achievements and happy at having had a wonderful time.
Day 24
Trek from Dunai to Jhupal
- Altitude: 2,140 m
- Trek Duration: 11 Km
- Trek time: 4 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
You have the pleasure of a final very easy day while retracing the mountain trail towards Juphal.The trail is quite known, so you get to see it just one time, and enjoy it, and perhaps say your last farewell there to the little settlements as you go.
Day 25
Flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj (160 M) to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Flight Time (Jhupal To Nepalgunj): 55 minutes
- Flight Time (Nepalgunj to Kathmandu): 35 Minutes
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Three star standard hotel
You will have the pleasure of an excellent morning flight which will take you from Juphal to Nepalgunj with a transfer flight going further on to Kathmandu.
Your view from above is going to be of the most spectacular mountain landscapes you’d ever imagine while flying over Nepal. You get a chance to reflect the completion of a challenging adventure as well in Kathmandu by a short trip. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be taken to your hotel, where you can browse for souvenirs, stop by local cafes, or just unwind and relax after wrapping up one of the most remote and rewarding Himalayan treks.
Day 26
Final Departure
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Meal: Breakfast
- Drive Distance: 6 Km
- Drive Duration: 20 Minutes
Your amazing Upper Dolpo Trek ends today. Depending on your flight arrangements, our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport so you can continue your journey. With the pristine turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, and the sacred Shey Gompa, as well as the ancient Bon monasteries, remote Tibetan villages, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes, there is a very real chance that Upper Dolpo will be a journey that none of you are likely to forget anytime soon. We are hoping that the delightful, authentic memories and genuine kindness from the Himalayas have stirred up the courage in you to make another Himalayan adventure with us very soon.
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All airport pick-up and drop-off by private tourist vehicle.
- Three nights' accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at a 3-star standard hotel.
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu, including applicable airport taxes.
- All required trekking permits, including :- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card
- An experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Necessary number of strong and reliable porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), including their salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation.
- Three freshly prepared meals each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Tea house or basic lodge accommodation during the trek. Camping equipment and camping staff will be arranged if required where teahouses are unavailable.
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner on selected trekking days and a cup of Tea/ Coffee.
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag (available on request and must be returned after the trek).
- Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the trekking guide.
- Pulse oximeter for regular oxygen saturation and health monitoring during the trek.
- All government taxes and company service charges.
- Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu after the trek.
- Official trek completion certificate and Token of Love.
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Travel insurance (must cover emergency helicopter evacuation, high-altitude trekking, and medical expenses).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except for the farewell dinner.
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, and laundry services during the trek.
- Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and additional snacks.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, souvenirs, and bar bills.
- Tips for the trekking guide, porter, and other staff (tipping is customary but voluntary).
- Expenses caused by flight delays, cancellations, bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, strikes, or any circumstances beyond our control.
- Personal medical expenses and rescue costs not covered by your travel insurance.
- Any services not specifically mentioned under the "Cost Includes" section.
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Deep, remote valleys of this trek are situated in the Dolpa District of northwestern Nepal, sharing a border with Tibet.
This region forms a part of Shey Phoksundo National Park and is home to the preserved splendor of the Himalayas, monasteries that date back centuries, and vibrant Tibetan culture.
The difficulty of trekking in Upper Dolpo:
This adventure offers a tough experience suited mainly for trekkers with prior experience and strong physical fitness. The trail winds through isolated landscapes and involves traversing high mountain passes. Trekking days tend to be long, and services along the route are far less developed in comparison to better-known destinations like Everest and Annapurna.
Most travelers plan about 26 days for the classic route, beginning and ending in Kathmandu. This itinerary allows for cultural exploration, proper acclimatization, and completing the entire circuit with safety and comfort.
The best seasons for this trek are from April to June in the spring and September to November in the autumn.
Unlike many other mountain regions in Nepal, trekking in Upper Dolpo is still quite possible in July and August, since the area lies on the drier, rain-shadow side of the Himalayas. Here, the influence of the monsoon is minimal because of the mountains’ natural shelter.
To fully enjoy your trek, you must first handle some official requirements before setting off for Upper Dolpo.
We had to secure a Restricted Area Permit specifically for Upper Dolpo as well as the mandatory entry permit for Shey Phoksundo National Park, plus any additional permits requested by the Nepalese government.
Traversing this wilderness is something to dream about, but if you’re traveling alone, it’s only possible to imagine. You must go with a registered trekking company that will arrange permits in advance and provide guidance throughout your time in this unique valley.
Local authorities strictly enforce rules prohibiting independent trekking in Upper Dolpo.
That means no matter how experienced you are, you’ll need to trek with a Nepali guide who is licensed and arranged through a registered trekking agency.
With limited amenities, basic lodging, and challenging terrain at high elevations, the journey is demanding even for experienced adventurers. That’s why having prior experience with high-altitude trekking is a significant benefit before starting this trek.
This adventure features, among others, views of stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, stops at the Shey Palace, a visit to Gompa Yangze Bon Monastery, and opportunities to explore traditional Tibetan settlements like Ringmo. Additionally, travelers can experience spectacular mountain passes and the unspoiled wilderness of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Most nights are spent at simple tea houses and small guesthouses managed by locals. However, in certain locations without lodges—or if lodges are full—camping is necessary depending on your schedule and the season.
You can expect filling and freshly prepared meals, including Dal Bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, Tibetan bread, potatoes, pasta, eggs, and whatever vegetables are in season. As the trail leads into more remote locations and villages, choices become fewer, and meals get simpler.
Yes, one of the main attractions during the 26-day Upper Dolpo journey is a visit to the spectacular alpine wonder, Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is among the nicest natural lakes in Nepal. Usually, the schedules add a day for visiting the lake along with Ringmo village.
The historic Buddhist monastery, Shey Gompa, which is also known as Crystal Monastery, is among the first few in the region. Its spiritual significance is compounded by the scenic Himalayan backdrop, and it is intimately connected with the sacred Crystal Mountain. This is, therefore, a very popular religious place.
Only a couple of villages provide signal, but there’s almost no connectivity in the mountainous remote sections of Upper Dolpo as well. Wireless internet access is also rare. Trekking in such places will likely mean being away from your electronic devices for several days.
Certainly. Obtaining comprehensive health coverage ranks among our strongest recommendations when planning your Upper Dolpo adventure, as with similar treks. The insurance plan, however, must cover high-altitude activities, emergency transportation with a helicopter, treatment of medical issues, and the possibility of trip cancellation
There’s electricity, and a few villages have power, but charging is likely expensive, and you may have to pay extra for electricity usage. Hence, bringing a portable solar battery or a power bank would be a smart choice.
We recommend always using a reusable water bottle together with other water purification devices, e.g. a water purification tablet, a water filtration bottle or a portable water filter to cut on the usage of plastic and to ensure that you always have safe drinking water.
This area is within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which harbors wildlife like blue sheep, Himalayan griffons, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, and many other bird species. Though encounters with snow leopards are rare, the area is regarded as one of their crucial habitats.
The list of essential gadgets and gears consists of good quality hiking shoes, layered up clothing for warmth, rain-proof coat, a thermic bag, trekking sticks, spectacle for sunlight, hand coverings, headgears, sun protection cream, water purification devices, medication for personal use, and a well-padded bag to carry your stuff a day. A full item list can be sent before the trip.
Hikers are drawn to Upper Dolpo because of its dramatic mountain panoramas, authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, remote settlements, and trails away from the busy tourist routes. This blend of pristine natural beauty and rich cultural immersion makes it one of Nepal’s most extraordinary trekking destinations.
At Nepal Royal Tourism, we pride ourselves on crafting exceptional trekking experiences by pairing experienced guides with careful organization, reliable logistics, and outstanding support from your arrival in Nepal until your departure. We emphasize both environmental protection and support for local communities near Dolpo’s trekking paths. Our aim is to deliver a secure, memorable, and authentic adventure, while fostering responsible tourism and contributing to the development of the region’s people.
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Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days
7 Reviews to Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days
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Trip
17 Days
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Grade
Moderate
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Altitude
4500m
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Lucas B
at 10:56 am
A Dream Trek for Adventure Lovers
“If you want to experience the real Himalayas away from the crowds, choose Upper Dolpo. The mountain passes, remote valleys, ancient monasteries, and warm hospitality made every day special. I highly recommend Nepal Royal Tourism to anyone seeking an authentic trekking experience.”
Sophie L
at 1:05 am
The Most Authentic Trek I've Ever Done
“I’ve trekked in Everest and Annapurna, but Upper Dolpo was completely different. The trails were quiet, the scenery was untouched, and meeting the local people was a highlight of the trip. Nepal Royal Tourism organized everything perfectly, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Sarah W
at 9:24 am
Well Worth Every Step
“This trek challenged me physically, but the rewards were incredible. The views, the wildlife, the peaceful trails, and the cultural experiences were unforgettable. The team’s attention to detail and safety gave me confidence throughout the journey.”
David M
at 11:07 am
Incredible Nature and Culture
Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Visiting Shey Gompa and the traditional Tibetan villages gave me a deeper appreciation of the region’s culture. The itinerary was well planned, and our guide shared fascinating stories throughout the trek. So I highly recommend Nepal Royal Tourism Team
Emma T
at 6:12 am
Excellent Guide and Organization
“From airport pickup to the final farewell dinner, everything was handled professionally. Our guide was experienced and friendly, and the porters worked incredibly hard. Upper Dolpo is challenging, but with Nepal Royal Tourism, it becomes an unforgettable journey.”
Michael R
at 8:36 am
An Unforgettable Himalayan Journey
“The Upper Dolpo Trek exceeded all my expectations. Every day brought a new landscape, from the stunning turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake to the ancient villages and peaceful monasteries. Our guide Bibek was knowledgeable, patient, and always made us feel safe. If you’re looking for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, this trek is hard to beat.”
Daniel K
at 1:14 am
Truly Off the Beaten Path
“Upper Dolpo offers something few places in the world still have—silence, authenticity, and untouched beauty. We rarely met other trekkers, and every village felt unique. It was one of the best adventures of my life.”