Upper Dolpa Trek

5.0
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destination
Dolpo Region
duration 28 days
maximum altitude 5000m
trip difficulty moderate
total cost $5500
Travel Styles
Off The Tourist Trails
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Upper Dolpa Trek

Dolpo region is one of the most fascinating destinations, as it possesses rich culture, ethnic diversity, and natural landscapes. It is distinctly categorized as Upper Dolpo and Inner Dolpo. Since 1989 A.D, the potential of this region came to light, as the government permitted the arrival of foreigners to trek. Since the country itself is very rich in giant mountains and lakes, the Dolpo region too consists of oligotrophic Lake Shey Phoksundo and offers unbelievable sights of the enormous peaks like Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, Araniko Chuli, Mukot Himal, etc. Dolpo remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal: time has stood still here for centuries as the inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade the way they have done since time immemorial. The ecosystem encompasses a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and snow leopard. A trek through Dolpo is an experience not easily forgotten. We trek through birch and silver fir forest to Chaurikot.

Scenic views of Patras and Jagadu Himal are visible to the north. This region is very famous for the cultivation of the herb given the suitable climate and land formation. The scattered forests of Pine, Oak, Birches, Cypress, Walnut, Bamboo, and Maple can be seen in this region. Dolpo is found to be a primal habitat for the Snow Leopard, Sheep, Ghoral, Musk Deer, Wild dog, Wolf, Marmot, Weasel, Mouse Hare, Rhesus, Langur, Himalayan Thar, Shrew, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow-throated Marten & various species of birds. From the beginning till the end of the trekking one will be mesmerized by the various features that Dolpo has to offer starting from the distinct beautiful lands to the high passes. Dolpo is the home to various ethnic groups namely Hindu, Buddhist, Shaman, and Bonpo. Throughout the trek, one will bump into different people of different communities showcasing their culture, hospitality, and their unique civilization. We have the option only lower Dolpa trek please visit this link 

 

Highlights of the trek: 

  • Wander in one of the most impressive geographical landscapes of Nepal.
  • The view of some of the tallest mountains in the world is sure to take your breath away.
  • Explore the majestic monasteries built centuries ago, and explore the hidden culture, and religion of the settlement in the region. 
  • Play in the water of the most beautiful lake of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo.

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For Accomodation
  • Three night  Hotel InKathmandu
  • One night hotel in Nepalganja
  • One night hotel in Dunai
  • One night hotel in Juphul
For Meals
  • Breakfast include  in Kathmandu
  • Breakfast include  in Nepalganja
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner  included During the  Trek
Best season
  • Autumn season
  • Spring season
Upper Dolpa Trek

Karma Sherpa

Trip Coordinator

itinerary

itinerary

  • Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
  • You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.
For Meals
  • Breakfast included
Altitude shown
  • 1400m

  • After breakfast, a brief meeting will be held where we will discuss about your stay in Nepal, trekking details, trekking routes, and required equipment for the trek.
  • After the briefing, head out for the spiritual tour of the Kathamandu Valley. We will the cultural hubs of Kathmandu like the Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and Boudhanath which are all enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For Meals

Breakfast included
Altitude

1350m

  • We take an early flight from Kathmandu to the domestic airport of Nepalgunj.
  • Nepalgunj is one of the most important transportation hubs of Western Nepal and lies near the border of India.
  • Overnight in Nepalgunj.
For Meals
  • included.
Altitude

150m

  • After breakfast, we take another short flight to Jhuphal.
  • The flight will be around 45 minutes and upon landing, we start our trek and walk towards Dunai which is the administrative capital of the Dolpo region.
  • Today the trail takes us through terraced fields until we reach the Bheri River gorge. There is time to explore the small town before retiring for the night.
  • Overnight in Dunai.
For Meals

Included 
Altitude

2850m

  • Trek upwards the Thulo Bheri Valley and enter the Phoksundo River Valley.
  • There are a couple of villages on the way and walnut groves to admire and Kagmara Peak is on display throughout the trail.
  • Trek down the dense forest to reach Ankhe.
  • Overnight in Ankhe.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

2896m

  • We trek up and down through forests and over a grassy slope above the river.
  • We follow the trail downwards and carefully descend the stone staircase to the riverbank and finally reaching Suli Ghat.
  • Overnight in Suli Ghat.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3180m

  • We follow the valley floor passing Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers and Pine forests.
  • Walk slowly with the pristine lake shimmering below us and find yourself amidst one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal.
  • The trail then descends through birch forests to the pretty village of Ringmo on the edge of Phoksundo Lake.
  • Overnight in Shey Phoksundo Lakeshore.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3611m

  • To get our bodies familiarized with the high altitude of the region, we will take a day off by the shore of the crystal clear lake.
  • We can wander around the serene surrounding of the lake and explore the gorgeous Ringmo Village on our day-off.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3611m

  • Today leave the lake by following the trail to the west, across the wooden bridge-like structures until we reach a meadow leading to the Phoksundo Khola flood plain.
  • The trail takes us over boggy marsh ground through the valley to the riverbank for our night’s rest.
  • Overnight in Phoksundo River Basin.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3507m

  • Today walk through a glacial valley to the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another stream, marked by an old wooden bridge.
  • Climbing north-east we reach a sheep meadow and onto a steep ravine.
  • Overnight in Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3910m

  • We start the day with a very strenuous climb to the top of the Kang La Pass.  When at the top there are great views of the valley below.
  • The trail descends to the valley floor by a steep trail. We follow the banks of the river, crossing and recrossing the icy waters.
  • Before reaching Shey Gompa we walk through meadows filled with yaks, sheep, and mountain goats
  • Overnight in Shey Gompa.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

4500m to 5360m

  • We take an acclimatization day in Shey Gompa and explore the nearby monasteries and villages around the vicinity.
  • We also explore the Gompa which is of the Bon religion.  This is similar to Buddhism but dates from pre-Buddha times.
  • In this area is also the unique Crystal Mountain. Its name comes from the fact it has quartz and marine fossils embedded in its cliffs.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 4250m

  • Today we walk through juniper trees into a canyon where the trail winds over rocks and loose stones until we reach the top of Saldang La Pass.
  • Today we can see nomadic herders with their yaks and sheep.
  • We arrive in Namdu Gaun and we explore the red monastery built  below a gorge cliff.
  • Overnight in Namdu Gaun.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

4800m to 5200m

  • Today the trail takes us through barren mountains to reach Saldang village on a plateau above the Namga Khola.
  • This is the largest village of the inner Dolpo area and is spread over a long (2km) slope. Interestingly it is not just one, but five villages, combining around 80 houses.
  • Overnight in Saldang.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3620m

  • The terrain is barren as we follow the Nagon Khola through the villages of Marang and Ki.
  • Crossing a tributary of the Panzang River a couple of times we reach another Bon monastery of Yangze Gompa.
  • Overnight in Yangze Gompa.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

4960m

  • Today we pass terraced fields, mani walls (walls with prayers carved into stones), stupas, chhorten, and a monastery to Namdo village.
  • This is another prosperous village of around 60 houses and sits high above the Nam Khong Khola.
  • We will cover another two hours of the trek before reaching the settlement of Sibu.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

4560m

  • Today, we trek to the highland pastures where the Yak and local cattle graze.
  • Overnight in Jeng La Phedi.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 4900m

  • Ascend around 200m from Jeng La Phedi to reach the top of Jeng La Pass.
  • From the pass, we see the amazing sight of the north face of the Dhaulagiri Massif.
  • Crossing the pass, the trail descends along the rough ground to the Tarap Valley and the monastery at Tokyu.
  • Overnight in Tokyu Gaun.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 4209m to 5090m

  • We follow the riverbank trail dominated by different landscapes to what we have been trekking so far.
  • The region is also full of marshes and grass lines.
  • Overnight in Dho Tarap.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 4040m

  • We take a rest day in Dho Tarap to get rid of the built-up fatigue from our long journey.
  • Explore the small village and get to know the local Magar religion and community.
  • There are also some Tibetans living here and Buddhism is still a big feature of the area. There is also a Bon Gompa a short distance from the village.  Today explore the village, Gompa, and surrounding area.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude

3200m

  • The trail takes us through juniper and wild roses towards a wide valley, narrowing to a gorge.
  • Walkthrough the grazing pasture of the local cattle and pass the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola rivers.
  • Overnight in camp by the Tarap Khola (River).
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3800m

  • Today we meet many local people on the way, mainly taking their herds to lower pastures.
  • We walk over stone slabs, logs, and rough bridges and perhaps even through the river itself!
  • After the approximately 5 hours hike, we reach Khanigaun.
  • Overnight in Khanigaun.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 3150m

  • Today follow the path to Lalberi village and on through forests and a gorge until we are following the river again.
  • There is another monastery we can visit today, sitting on a hill above the Bheri River.
  • Overnight in Tarakot (in a tented camp).
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 2537m

  • Today’s walk will be relatively easy as we just descend slowly down the pine-lined gorge and along the Bheri River to reach Dunai.
  • Overnight in Dunai.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 2687m

  • Our trek comes to an end today as we walk an easy and short route back to Juphal.
  • Overnight in Juphal.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 2475m

  • Catch a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj where we stop for a quick lunch.
  • Take another flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and transfer back to the hotel.
  • Overnight in Kathmandu.
For Meals
  • Included
Altitude
  • 1350m

  • Today will be the day to relax and unwind or if you wish, you can explore the wonderful city of Kathmandu and do some souvenir shopping.
For Meals
  • Breakfast included
Altitude
  • 1350m

  • Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.
For Meals
  • Breakfast included
Altitude
  • 1350m

Travel Gear List

Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.

  • Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
  • Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
  • Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
  • Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
  • Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
  • Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
  • Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.
  • Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
  • Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
  • Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
  • Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
  • Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
  • Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)

includes

  • Airport pickups and drop-offs
  • Accommodation(BB) in Kathmandu 
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu 
  • Government licensed & English speaking guide/leader
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter) 
  • Domestic Flight Fare
  • Meals during trekking 
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Dolpo Trek permit & TIMS card
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Duffel bag, t-shirt
  • Farewell Nepali Dinner
  • office Service charge
  • Government & Local Taxes

excludes

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International Airfare
  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Tips for staffs; Guide& porter

Map

FAQs

Upper Dolpa trek takes you at the height of 5,000 meters from sea level.

In context to the level of difficulty, the Upper Dolpa trek is a short moderate level trek. The maximum walking hour of this trek is about 7-8 hours a day. 

Soul Himalaya Treks & Tours has well-experienced and certified guides/leaders with over 10 years of working experience in the field. All our guides are fluent in English. You can also hire guides who are fluent in French, German, and Hindi.

Everest is situated towards the eastern part whereas Upper Dolpa is situated towards the western part of the Himalayan range. Therefore, you will not be able to view Mt. Everest from Upper Dolpa. So far, you will be able to have a beautiful scenario of mount Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba and various other Himalayan Ranges.

The best season for Upper Dolpa trek is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon.  Late September, October, November, and December is the most favorable season recommended for the Upper Dolpa Trek.

The weather differs with the season you choose to trek for. The maximum temperature reaches 25°C during the day and falls up to -20°C at night. Observing the overall trekking climate, the weather of Upper Dolpa is mild during the trekking seasons. Yet, the weather of the lower region is hotter than that of higher altitude.  

Altitude sickness is predictable if you are at a High altitude for the first time. However, Altitude sickness can be coped with easily since there are no major risks of it. Our itinerary is maintained in such a way that you will adapt to the altitude of this region easily. Your assigned guide/leader will slow down ascend and provide you healthy diet. You also require to be hydrated throughout the trek and avoid the consumption of alcohol/cigarettes. Most importantly, you should build a strong mindset and be prepared for the trek.

We strongly recommend you carry a reusable bottle along with water purifying tablets and agents to purify stream water. Waste disposal is not well organized in the Mountains so to maintain an environment-friendly trek we appreciate it if you can make minimum use of plastic bottles. However, if make you use plastic bottles we request you dispose of the bottles at a proper place. 

A proper shower is managed for you throughout the trek. Hot /Bucket shower is made accessible in the lodges. However, a certain amount of charge for the hot/bucket shower is taken in some of the lodges.  While taking showers in the natural sources, you are sincerely requested to slip into comfortable clothes to uphold social values in public space.

You will be able to recharge your gadgets in pretty much every cabin and hotel. However, at a higher altitude you will be charged with a certain amount; probably from 200 to 300 NRS (1.5 - 2, 5 €).

The organization isn't great always, and in some cases it is inexistent. You’d rather not rely on the network in some areas. However, you will have Wi-Fi in few lodges; not necessarily all of them but some lodges charge you extra for Wi-Fi.

We assure you a secured trek. Even so, we never can predict what might take place. Hence, in case of any emergencies, you will be rescued by air ambulance as long as the weather is favorable for evacuation.  

You are strongly prohibited from distributing any kind of stuff to children on the way to your trek. Children stay on roads for hours waiting for tourists rather than attending schools. Hence, this has created a very bad influence on the children in the tourism areas. If you are genuinely intending to help them you can consult with respective guardians.

The people of Nepal are very religious. Hence, when you are visiting the historical and religious area in Nepal especially monasteries; you are not allowed to sit/stand on the tables since the tables are marked very scared.

You can observe many street dogs in Nepal. So, you should be aware before you approach any of them as they are not well-vaccinated. If you are followed by a pet during your trek we suggest you not take them along with you.

You will not be allowed to take a snap of any individuals without their approval. In some specific monasteries, you are forbidden to carry a camera. However, you can freely capture the image of glamorous nature. 

Tipping is not mandatory. However, it has been a common trait, so the guides and porters expect a small amount of tips from you. A small amount of tips can hold a great essence in their life and can go a long way to help them and their families. Feel free to ask us for a suggested standard amount

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