upper dolpo trek
At a Glance
    Highlights
    • Thrill yourself in the rich Tibetan culture as you go across the scenic trekking trails.
    • Experience the vastness of Sheyphoksundo National Park, covering a remarkable 3555 square kilometers.
    • Revel in the tranquility of less frequented Nepali landmarks, naturally constructed and beautifully preserved.
    • Venture into the forgotten corners of time, exploring diverse elevations and remote landscapes.
    • From the Numa Na La Pass, soak in the breathtaking scenery that promises complete satisfaction.
    • Discover the pristine wilderness of Shey Phoksundo National Park, a sanctuary for rare wildlife including the elusive snow leopard.
    • Be mesmerized by the turquoise waters of the stunning Lake Phoksundo, a gem of the alpine region.
    • Step right into history with a visit to the ancient Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery that stands as a testimony to time, immortalized in Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard.”
    • Experience the unique tradition of the Yarchagumba Hunt in springtime, a quest for the prized caterpillar fungus known for its medicinal properties.
    • This journey offers a deep dive into the heart of a culture and landscape untouched by time.
    Trip to the Upper Dolpo Trek, a journey less traveled, making it one of the most exclusive treks in Nepal. This fully guided trek offers an opportunity to explore a plethora of attractions, making it a top choice for trekkers worldwide. How many trekkers have conquered this trekking trail; you can count on your fingers? The trail, nestled near the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges, takes you through the world’s highest plateau, the Tibetan.
    The wild Tibetan plateau is home to the world’s deepest lake and incredible snow-capped mountains. The trekking trail passes through charming villages, high passes, and ancient monasteries, and sometimes ascends beyond 5000 meters. The trail becomes iconic as it passes by Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa, offering spectacular views of the plateau and valley. One thing is certain, the Tibetan culture is ever-present throughout the trek.

    As you travel through the Upper Dolpo, you’ll find landscapes reminiscent of a mini Tibet. This region is also known as the desert or rain-shadow area of Nepal. Mother Nature’s blessed this part of Nepal with abundant blessings as it offers numerous of activities for beginner, intermediate, and advanced trekkers.

    The Upper Dolpo region presents some of the best views of Nepal, unseen in other parts. The unique landscape formations and the annual explorations by trekkers raise the question - why is the Upper Dolpo Trek considered an offbeat yet premier trek in Nepal? Each landscape is extraordinary, with some areas remaining completely untouched by tourists.

    The trekking trail leads you to the habitats of the elusive snow leopards. Engage with your trekking guide and discover the hundreds of attractions in the Upper Dolpo region. You are an adventure junkie, and we help you to explore the rich ecosystem of the Upper Dolpo region and appreciate the precious gifts of Mother Nature.

    EXPLORING ROAD TO UPPER DOLPO TREK

    Embark on an adventure to the Upper Dolpo, a region offering the best routes that are both adventurous and scenic. With customizable trekking distances, you can choose from long or short treks. The most popular long trek itinerary starts from Kathmandu, moving to Radi and Dunai. Another alternative is you can fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jhuphal, or from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. This allows you to start your trek at either Jhuphal or Jomsom. You can also begin your trek at Mugu Gamdi.

    But when it comes to a popular Upper Dolpo trekking route, everybody follows the itinerary that stretches from Jhuphal to Norbulong to Jomsom. This is also the shortest itinerary. All you need is 22 days. And, we recommend this itinerary.                                    

    DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF UPPER DOLPO TREK 

    The Upper Dolpo Trek is physically demanding, with nights spent at altitudes of 5000 m plus. The trail runs through mountains in one of the world’s most remote places. As you walk over the rugged terrain, you’ll find it a hotspot for trekking during Nepal’s monsoon season.
    This trek takes place in a remote area, making it challenging to navigate alone. Some of the trekking trails are diverse in the high mountains and canyons, but the view you see from the switchbacks is the view you can compare with the glory of nature.

    As the Upper Dolpo Trek is a multi-day trek, you must be physically fit. We’ve designed an itinerary that allows for acclimatization and hiking in adjoining areas. It’s important to be aware of altitude mountain sickness when planning this adventure. 

    Therefore, we guide tackling this unique getaway. We are professional Upper Dolpo trekking guides. If you like to experience breathtaking scenery, you can email us to have unforgettable service in Nepal. The trekking trails vary across high mountains and canyons, but the views from the switchbacks are unparalleled.

    BEST SEASON FOR TREKKING IN UPPER DOLPO

    March, April, and May are the best months for trekking in Upper Dolpo due to the warm weather. Many of our guests arrive in these months. Since the Upper Dolpo is situated in the rain shadow area of Nepal, they also visit in June and July. During these months, the days are longer, and the mountainous region turns into a perfect visit. destination. The view of the snow-covered mountains is magical and the flora and fauna make the earth green, active, and energetic.
    Upper Dolpo in August, September, and October, we cannot keep these months at bay. They are also excellent for trekking. October is the month of the festival in Nepal. The sky is cloudless, and the days are clear. We recommend you all these months because the Upper Dolpo Trek is for people who prefer less crowded treks.

    Upper Dolpo Trek Accommodation and Meals 

    We provide you rooms in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj with a private bathroom and free wifi on a bed and breakfast basis. On the trek, we provide you with trekking equipment like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, kitchen utensils (stove, fuel, lighter, plates, spoon, etc.), including water. Food is one of the important parts of trekking. Our meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot beverages. 
    In the serene outdoor settings, you will have a memorable experience with us. Our focus is on providing a variety of meals, including Nepalese, Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian cuisines. We prioritize healthy options to ensure you maintain a balanced diet throughout your journey. This diverse and nutritious meal plan is a key part of the unique experience we offer.

    Upper Dolpo Trek Permit 

    A permit is required for trekking in any national park in Nepal. The Upper Dolpo Permit was established to protect the natural habitats and ecosystem of the Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo, and the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to different species of plants and animals. Some of these animals are snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, leopard, jackal, and Himalayan black bear. To trek in the Upper Dolpo, there must be at least two people. A permit will not be issued to a single trekker. You must carry your permit with you and are not allowed to enter the restricted area in the Upper Dolpo even if you have the permit.
     

    Upper Dolpo Trek - 21 Days FAQs

    • The porters we use are the strongest people, and they climb the pass with you. They also carry the table and luggage. They also help to set up the tent and toilet. One porter for two trekkers is usual during the Upper Dolpo Trek, and he stays with you from the starting point of the trek till you fly out. Our porters are friendly because a smiling face will make you happy, and they walk ahead of you and a trekking guide to secure the best place for setting the tent. He will also do extra work like refilling your water bottle if the guide is busy.

    • We know the rating of the sleeping bag we are going to use in the Upper Dolpo region. A good sleeping bag is on our daily checklist. Our sleeping bags are comfortable and warm. Above all, they are cozy. Since we have already spent a lot of time camping in the Dolpo region, there are different kinds of sleeping bags available we can use to encounter the coldness of Upper Dolpo. We have also tested them by being inside their areas, and we use mountaineering-type sleeping bags always.

    • Dolpo is the only place in the world that has the most important religious Tibetan books. Even Tibet does not have such a large number of books. It was the land of priests and gurus. If you want to know Tibetan history and culture, Dolpo is the resource. Dolpo, the largest district, is the least populous district in Nepal. Dolpo is a synonym for the Bon religion, and this religion is more than 10,000 years old; it is older than the Lord Buddha. Dolpo is another name for the hidden Tibet. Dolpo was a part of Tibet. Dolpo is a land that is untouched by many tourists. Overall, Dolpo is the Tibetan culture, and it has an arid topography with high mountains and deep valleys. 

    • If you are thinking of trekking in the Upper Dolpo, be prepared to invest in a trekking permit, a necessary expenditure for this unforgettable experience. Lower Dolpo is also off the beaten trek but is shorter than Upper Dolpo, and the trek permit to Lower Dolpo, which is accessible and affordable, will not set you back financially. Upper Dolpo Trek has topped the list of the trek called off the beaten trek because it is very remote, and has a thin population, but the scenery is magnificent. For an extra memorable and touristy experience, you should book the Upper Dolpo Trekking. 
      If you want to know about the Bon religion, you will know that Upper Dolpo is well worth a visit. Of all the villages, Ringo is a village that centers the Tibetan culture and religion. The highest point of elevation that the Lower Dolpo has is 4000 m plus. On the other hand, the highest elevation of the Upper Dolpo is 5000 m plus. Both Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo Trek are great to see the iconic view of Phoksundo Lake.

    • Phoksundo Tea House Trek with Dolpo Festival (15 Days)
      We love to trek with you to the most beautiful lake of Nepal, which is in the Dolpo region. The lake has no shortage of beautiful views in and around it. Whatever you see, it is photogenic. The lake is easy to reach with our trekking guide. The surrounding area is home to snow leopards, musk deer, blue sheep, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, etc.
      Let's enjoy the biggest festival that takes place in the largest district of Nepal. You can thrive in this festival by participating in the local sports events, mountain horse riding, and boating.

      Snow Leopard Trekking (25 Days)
      You can help the significant part of the snow leopards in this part of the world by taking action. We participate in the activity to stop animal crime, and we love your thoughts. Snow Leopards are gorgeous. Look them up. Stand upright, contact straightly, and be confident. Since Dolpo is home to snow leopards, we have framed an itinerary that will help you tell the story of the Nepali mountain safari in your country. 

      Yak Caravan Trek (24 Days)
      Each day, you will be on a trail that has been untouched by tourists. It is a time to mingle with Tibetan culture and history. The beautiful views of landscapes and mountains keep on coming to your eyes as you move along with the local traders. You will enjoy the outdoor camping activity with the traders, and you will be in No Man’s Land, one of the highlights of the Yak Caravan Trek, which is an unforgettable experience.
       

    Price Per PersonUS$3250US$3300
    1 people x US$3250US$3250
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