Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude trek that passes through some of the highest settlements in the world and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This trek provides a beautiful experience with a spiritual and mysterious aura in the remote far west of Nepal.
Upper Dolpo Trek typically takes about 28 days. It's a lot of adventure for trekkers who want to trek through the remote and rugged region of the Himalayas. The trek is considered challenging in grade. It is recommended that trekkers have prior trekking experience and good physical condition. The maximum altitude the trekkers venture through is 4,960m at Yangze Gompa.
Trekking in the Upper Dolpo region is an adventure of wilderness with fascinating landscapes and breathtaking mountain views. The breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa, Kagmara, Churen Himal and the Tibetan Himalayan plateau will take adventurer breaths away. Quaint settlement and villages never leave their serene surroundings and offer a unique lifestyle. Upper Dolpa is considered sacred by the Buddhist and Bon people.
This trek passes through the arid landscape, mostly dry regions and varied atmospheres to experience different topography of the Himalayas. Trekkers have a chance to encounter wildlife such as musk deer and Himalayan blue sheep making this trek a trek-to-remember destination. The diversity of flora and fauna along the hiking trail will add to your experience.
Upper Dolpo Trek is a complete camping trek. Teahouses are available at several points along the trek and have only basic facilities. Local families run these teahouses, so they may not offer the level of service you would expect in the city.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude trek in a remote part of the country. Therefore, there is always the risk of high altitude sickness. So, taking precautions before and during your trek would be advised. It is also recommended to trek with a proper guide to ensure beauty and culture don't go unnoticed.
Start/Finish
Destination
Grade
Max Altitude
Juphal & Nepalgunj
Nepal
3
4,960 meters
Region
Stay
Group Size
Season
Dolpo Region
28 Days and 27 Nights
2-12
September-November, March-May
Whether you want to modify a tour package on our website or want an itinerary built from scratch, you can talk with the local travel specalist to create your ideal trip.
✔️ Standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
✔️ Camping Equipment
✔️ Domestic flight
✔️ Guide and Trekking Staff
✔️ All ground transportation as per itinerary
✔️ Meal During the trek
✔️ All permits ( special permits, National park, Conversation area)
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a complete camping trek. Teahouses are available at several points along the trek and have only basic facilities. Local families run these teahouses, so they may not offer the level of service you would expect in the city. The trekking team will prepare all meals during the camp trekking. Typical foods include Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari. You can get Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian from time to time. The higher the altitude, the higher the cost of food and lodging. Most toilets have squat toilets without toilet paper and other necessities.
Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the best times for this trek. In Spring, you can enjoy clear skies and wildflowers such as Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Autumn is a time of pleasant and predictable weather with little chance of rain and snow. Rain and snow pour down on the trail in monsoon and winter, making them slippery. Both seasons enchant travelers to discover the mystical valleys.
This trek is a strenuous trek with steep uphill with 6-8 hours of hiking per day. Therefore, few travelers visit Upper Dolpa. The trail includes multiple climbs and descents on steep and unstable paths. So, prior knowledge of trekking and a high level of physical fitness is required. As the journey leads to 5,000m+ elevations, altitude sickness is very common on this trek. Acclimatization is necessary to avoid altitude sickness.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude trek in a remote part of the country. Therefore, there is always the risk of altitude sickness. So, taking precautions before and during your trek would be best. If you have a chronic medical condition that requires attention, we strongly encourage you to let the company know. And if you take medication regularly, at least stock up for the trek. When hiking the trails, keep your pace, walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Medical facilities are basic in Upper Dolpa, so insurance is mandatory.
The duration of the Upper Dolpo trek can vary, but it typically takes about 2-3 weeks to complete.
The highest altitude reached on the Upper Dolpo trek is around 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) at the Shey Gompu pass.
The best time to do the Upper Dolpo trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is generally clear and dry.
The Upper Dolpo trek can be challenging, as it involves long days of hiking over rough terrain at high altitudes. It may not be suitable for beginner trekkers, but those with some trekking experience and a good level of fitness should be able to complete it.
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo trek is usually in basic teahouses or tents. The facilities in the teahouses can be quite basic, with shared toilet and washing facilities. Trekkers should be prepared for a rustic and simple style of living.
Some essential items to pack for the Upper Dolpo trek include good quality walking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, a sleeping bag, sun protection, a first aid kit, and snacks and water. It's also a good idea to bring a head torch, as there is limited electricity in the remote villages.
The Upper Dolpo trek is generally considered safe, but as with any trek in a remote area, it is important to be prepared and take necessary precautions. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and properly acclimatized to the high altitude. It is also advisable to hire a reputable trekking company and a local guide, who can provide guidance and assistance if needed.
Electricity can be limited on the Upper Dolpo trek, and it may not always be possible to charge electronic devices. It is advisable to bring a power bank or portable charger and to use it sparingly. Some teahouses may have a generator that can be used for a small fee, but this is not always available. It is best to be prepared for limited access to electricity and to use electronic devices sparingly.
To reach the Upper Dolpo region, you will need to fly to Nepalgunj, which is the nearest city to Upper Dolpo. From Nepalgunj, you can take a jeep or local bus to Jhupal, which is the starting point of the Upper Dolpo trek. The journey from Nepalgunj to Jhupal takes about 8-9 hours by jeep or 12-14 hours by bus, depending on road conditions. It is also possible to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes about 1 hour.