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Upper Dolpo Trek Drive In Drive Out

  • Trip Code Icon Trip Code: UPDOLPO
  • Calendar Icon Trip Duration: 24 Days
  • Destination Icon Destination: Upper Dolpo
  • Group Size Icon Group Size: 2+
  • Season Icon Season: Spring/Autumn
  • Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 5360m/17585ft
  • Trip Start/End Icon Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Transportation Icon Transportation: Public
  • Accommodation Icon Accommodation: Teahouses/Tended Camp
  • Trip Grade Icon Trip Grade: Modorate

OVERVIEW

The Upper Dolpa Trek is one of the most remote and adventurous treks in Nepal. This journey takes you deep into the hidden valleys of Dolpa, passing through dramatic mountain passes, untouched Tibetan-influenced villages, serene turquoise lakes like Phoksundo, and ancient Buddhist monasteries like Shey Gompa. The region is part of the SheyPhoksundo National Park and is rich in both cultural and natural heritage. You will cross several high passes above 5000m, offering panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges.

 

Highlights:

  • Explore the mystical Shey Gompa and Phoksundo Lake

  • Traverse remote villages like Saldang, Chagaon, and DhoTarap

  • Cross challenging high passes like Nangdra La (5360m) and Jyanta La (5220m)

  • Immerse in traditional Tibetan culture and Bon religion

  • Witness untouched landscapes and rare wildlife

Upper Dolpa Trekking – Essential Information

🌤️ Best Season for Upper Dolpo Trek

    • Season Best Time Why It’s Good (or Not)
      🌸 Spring Late April to May Melting snow opens high passes
      Clear skies and stable weather
      Blooming wildflowers
      🌞 Summer June to mid-July Dolpo is in a rain shadow, so it’s mostly dry
      Lush landscapes and active herding life
      Fewer crowds
      🍁 Autumn Mid-September to October Most stable and clear weather
      Great mountain views
      Cultural festivals in villages
      ❄️ Winter Early December (limited) Harsh cold, heavy snow at high passes
      Many villages empty
      Trekking not recommended

      Best Season Overall: Autumn (Mid-September to October)
      🟡 Second Best: Spring (Late April to May)
      🟢 Also Possible: Summer (esp. early part, Now Off Road access to Dunai)
      🔴 Avoid: Mid-winter (January–February)


🧗 Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty

    • Considered one of the most challenging and remote treks in Nepal.

    • Includes high passes above Nangdra La Pass (5,360Mt/17,585Ft), Sela La (5,095Mt/16,716Ft), Jyanta La Pass (5,220Mt/17,126Ft),

    • Requires:

      • 5–7 hours of trekking daily

      • Good physical fitness and mental resilience

      • Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,000m recommended)

      • Pre-departure endurance and cardio training

    • Itinerary includes ample acclimatization days and is supported by a professional trekking team.


🏔️ Altitude Sickness Awareness

The trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, increasing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Common Symptoms:

    • Headache

    • Nausea

    • Dizziness/light-headedness

    • Fatigue or weakness

    • Loss of appetite

    • Difficulty sleeping

    • Vomiting (in serious cases)

Prevention & Action Steps:

    1. Inform your guide immediately

    2. Rest and hydrate (3–4 liters of water per day)

    3. Take Diamox (under guidance)

    4. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and smoking

    5. Consume ginger tea or garlic soup

       


🏨 Accommodation, Food & Transportation

🛏️ Accommodation:

    • Kathmandu : 2–3 star hotels (twin-sharing rooms)

    • On Trek: Lodges/guesthouses and tented camps. 

🍛 Food:

    • In Cities: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own (ample local dining options).

    • On Trek:

      • Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

      • Hot tea/coffee with each meal

      • Meals are nutritious, fresh, and hygienic

      • Alcoholic drinks are not included

🚗 Transportation:

    • Airport pickup/drop via private vehicle

    • Public transport :

      • Kathmandu → Dunai → Kathmandu.


🛡️ Travel Insurance

Due to the remote and high-altitude nature of the trek:

    • Comprehensive travel insurance is required.

    • Should cover:

      • High-altitude trekking

      • Medical treatment and hospitalization

      • Emergency helicopter evacuation

    • Essential especially during winter or in case of sudden altitude-related illnesses.


🌄 What to Expect on the Upper Dolpo Trek

This trek is both challenging and deeply rewarding—perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.

🏞️ Scenic Transformation:

    • Immediate shift from bustling cities to the peaceful, secluded Dolpo region

🧭 Trekking Terrain & Culture:

    • Daily 5–7 hours of trekking

    • Rocky paths, narrow ridges, prayer flagschortens, and mani walls

    • Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture

    • Views of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan giants

🌊 Natural Beauty:

    • Thulo Bheri River

    • Phoksundo Lake – turquoise, tranquil, and mesmerizing

🐾 Wildlife & Local Culture:

    • Possible sightings of blue sheepsnow leopards, and grey langurs

    • Warm hospitality of MagarGurung, and other ethnic communities

🍲 Local Cuisine:

    • Meals prepared with fresh local ingredients

    • A blend of cultural taste and nourishment

🌦️ Prepare for the Unexpected:

    • Be ready for unpredictable weather and awe-inspiring moments

    • Embrace the surprises – they make this trek an adventure of a lifetime.

 

 

 

ITINENARY

Itinerary of Upper Dolpo Trek Drive In Drive Out

Description: Arrive in the capital city of Nepal, a vibrant mix of culture, tradition, and bustling energy. You’ll be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time to relax or explore the nearby Thamel area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Accommodation: Hotel (1,350Mt/4,429Ft)
Meals: Dinner

Description: In the morning, visit some of Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa or the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), which offer insight into Buddhist spirituality. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to finalize your gear, check trekking permits, and receive a pre-trek briefing to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel (1,350Mt/4,429Ft)
Meals: Breakfast

Description: Begin an adventurous overland journey from Kathmandu to Dunai, traveling through the dramatic landscapes of western Nepal. This long but scenic drive traverses hills, rivers, and remote villages, gradually rising from the plains to the mountainous terrain of Dolpa. Dunai, located on the banks of the Bheri River, is the district headquarters and gateway to Upper Dolpa, where traditional life and untouched Himalayan beauty greet you at every corner.
Accommodation: Lodge (2,140Mt/7,021Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Begin your trek along the Suligad River, passing through lush pine forests and crossing several suspension bridges. Encounter scattered Magar villages along the way and enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading streams. The path is moderately challenging but packed with rewarding views of steep hills and clear waters.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent (2,838Mt/9,311Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to unique biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The trail follows a gentle gradient through cedar and pine forests and deep valleys. Expect to see birds and other wildlife along the way, as you venture into one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Tent (3,110Mt/10,203Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Today’s journey features a steep climb with increasingly breathtaking views as you approach the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. Arrive at Ringmo Village, a culturally rich Bon settlement with stone houses and yak herders. Visit the Bon monastery to witness the spiritual practices distinct from Tibetan Buddhism.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent (3,640Mt/11,942Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Take a rest day to acclimatize at the edge of the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. Explore the lakeside trails, visit the Bon monastery, or simply relax and take in the reflections of snow-capped peaks on the lake’s surface. This day is essential to prepare your body for higher elevations in the days ahead.
Accommodation: Tent /  Teahouse (3,640Mt/11,942Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Follow a rugged, narrow trail along cliffs above the river, passing several waterfalls. The scenery becomes increasingly remote and wild, with forests giving way to scrublands and rock formations. This stretch marks your entry into true wilderness, offering quiet solitude and stunning Himalayan backdrops.
Accommodation: Tent (3,750Mt/12,303Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: The trail today climbs gradually through alpine landscapes and high-altitude valleys. Reach Nangdra La Base Camp nestled below towering peaks, where you’ll camp in open grasslands. The silence here is profound, broken only by wind or distant bird calls, preparing you for the challenging pass tomorrow.
Accommodation: Tent (4,500Mt/14,764Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Cross one of the highest and most physically demanding passes on the trek. The ascent is steep and snowy, but the views from the top—of arid plateaus and snow peaks—are magnificent. Descend carefully into a sacred valley and arrive at Shey Gompa, a centuries-old monastery revered by pilgrims.
Accommodation: Tent (4,343Mt/12,249Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Ascend gently toward Sela La Pass through barren terrain before descending into a narrow gorge. Reach Numgung Gompa, a secluded monastic outpost surrounded by cliffs. The Gompa provides rare insight into Tibetan Buddhism in Dolpo and offers panoramic views of uninhabited valleys.
Accommodation: Tent (4,360Mt/14,305Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Description: Follow the trail through undulating terrain and descend into the windswept plateau of Saldang. This village is one of Upper Dolpa’s largest and most culturally significant, with strong Tibetan roots. Visit local homes, taste traditional butter tea, and observe a way of life untouched by modernity.
  • Accommodation: Tent (3,770Mt/12,369Ft)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Walk along riverbanks bordered by barley fields and rocky hills. You’ll pass smaller settlements and yak pastures while tracing a gentle uphill path. Chagaon, a peaceful village nestled in a high valley, offers a quiet retreat after a day of scenic trekking across Dolpo’s dramatic landscapes.
Accommodation: Tent (3,840Mt/12,598Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Begin your ascent toward Jyanta La Pass, gaining elevation through rocky, windswept terrain. Set up camp below the pass, surrounded by spectacular ridgelines and snow-capped peaks. This remote location is perfect for stargazing, and you may even spot blue sheep grazing nearby.
Accommodation: Tent (4,700Mt/15,420Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Today is one of the most challenging days as you cross Jyanta La Pass, which offers jaw-dropping views of Dolpo’s isolated wilderness. The descent toward Murjung is steep but scenic, traversing scree slopes and remote trails. Murjung is a high-altitude camping spot set in a desolate but beautiful environment.
Accommodation: Tent (4,965Mt/16,289Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Descend into the stunning Tarap Valley, where you’ll pass colorful prayer flags and chortens. Visit Tokyu Monastery, a centuries-old site reflecting the Tibetan architectural style. Dho Tarap is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world, inhabited by resilient mountain people.
Accommodation: Lodge/Tent (3,944Mt/12,940Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Follow the Tarap Khola as it winds through deep gorges and narrow rock canyons. The trail is undulating and scenic, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. You’ll feel the altitude drop as the vegetation changes and the landscape softens.
Accommodation: Tent (3,780Mt/12,402Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Continue down into greener valleys where pine trees and grasslands return. The trail becomes easier and more hospitable, and you may encounter herders or villagers returning from high pastures. Camp at Laisicap near the river, with views of cascading hills and dense forests.
Accommodation: Tent (2,775Mt/9,104Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: End your trekking adventure with a scenic drive or short walk back to Dunai, retracing your route along the Bheri River. Take the afternoon to explore Dunai’s small market, mingle with locals, or simply relax after the long days in the highlands.
Accommodation: Lodge (2,140mMt/7,021Ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Description: Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas as you return to the bustling capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest after the long journey through the remote northwest.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Description: A free day to unwind, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a traditional Nepali spa treatment. You can also explore cultural sites like Bhaktapur or Patan for more in-depth heritage experiences. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking crew or fellow adventurers.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Description: After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of Dolpa’s dramatic landscapes, spiritual monasteries, and warm-hearted people. Your Upper Dolpa adventure ends here—but the experience will stay with you forever.
Meals: Breakfast

Route Map 1

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off for international flights via private transportation
  • Assistance with departure arrangements (international)
  • Comprehensive trek briefing and trip coordination
  • Assistance with reconfirmation of flights
  • Visa extension services (if necessary)
  • Option for extra tours (cultural or short hikes) before trek departure
  • Kathmandu–Dunai - Kathmandu.
  • 4 nights in Kathmandu at a Boutique hotel with breakfast
  • Mountain lodges and Tended Camp (twin-sharing basis) in the best available local tea houses or tended camps during the trek
  • Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners
  • Tended Camp stay, Our cook make fresh food.
  • Hot tea or coffee with every meal
  • Licensed, experienced English-speaking trek guide
  • Assistant guide for every 5 trekkers
  • porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20 kg (Your Personal Goods)
  • Cook for tended Camp
  • Kitchen Boy
  • Essentials Yak, Ponny or Porters to carry Kitchen and Camping equipment.
  • All staff are covered with: Salary, meals, accommodation, equipment, trekking gear, and accidental insurance
  • Tents: Kitchen Tent, Dianing Tent, Sleeping Tent, Toilet Tent.
  • Mattress, Air Blow Pillow, Sleeping bag.
  • All the Kitchen utilities.
  • Gasoline for cooking
  • Ultra Solar panel for Battery Charging and night camp light.
  • Upper Dolpa Protected Area Trekking Permit USD 500 +
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) (Please bring 2 passport-sized photos for processing)
  • SheyPhoksundo National Park Permit
  • Trekking route map (Annapurna/Dolpa region)
  • Group first-aid kit carried by the guide
  • Emergency coordination support (including evacuation if needed)
  • All applicable government taxes, trekking permit fees, and official service charges

Cost Excludes

More Information

  • Yes, we offer a flexible approach to cater to your individual needs. If you wish to extend or shorten your days in Nepal or modify the itinerary in any way, just let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your requests and ensure you have a tailored experience.
  • While Wi-Fi is available in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, internet connections become increasingly unreliable as you move toward more rural areas. Some guesthouses may offer Wi-Fi, but there will likely be an additional charge of around USD 2 to 3 per hour. For connectivity, you can use NTC or NCELL SIM cards, which offer affordable data packages. However, be prepared for limited or spotty internet access as you gain altitude.
  • ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, but not in remote areas. Juphal and a few other villages may have ATMs, but we strongly recommend withdrawing cash in the cities before heading into the more remote parts of the trek. The banking infrastructure in these regions is limited, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient Nepali Rupees in cash for the duration of your trek.
  • We do not recommend trekking solo in Upper Dolpa, as it is a restricted region. According to new regulations, all trekkers must be accompanied by a certified guide. For your safety and to ensure assistance in case of emergencies, we strongly suggest traveling with a guide who is familiar with the terrain and local conditions.
  • Yes, we reserve accommodation in advance, particularly during the peak trekking season. This helps ensure you have a room reserved for each night of the trek, as last-minute bookings can sometimes be challenging, especially in remote areas. Pre-booking guarantees that you will have a place to stay during your journey.
  • While tipping is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated by the team for their hard work and dedication. A common guideline is to tip your guide and porter10-20% of the total trek cost or an amount that reflects your satisfaction with their service. Tipping is an excellent way to show appreciation for their effort and commitment to your safety and comfort.
  • Yes, safe drinking water is available along the trek. You can request hot water at lodges during the trek. For camping, our team will boil water for you or treat it with iodine tablets. While mineral water bottles are available for purchase, we recommend avoiding plastic bottles for environmental reasons. We also suggest carrying water purification tablets as a backup to ensure safe hydration during your trek.
  • Yes, camping during the Upper Dolpa trek is completely safe. Our dedicated and honest staff are committed to your safety at all times. Your certified guide is trained to handle emergencies and ensure a smooth experience. However, to enhance your safety: • Keep personal belongings inside the tent and never leave valuables unattended. • Avoid bringing valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash. • Our team will provide nighttime security by guarding the campsite in turns.
  • Trip Code: UPDOLPO
  • Trip Duration: 24 Days
  • Destination: Upper Dolpo
  • Group Size: 2+
  • Season: Spring/Autumn
  • Max Altitude: 5360m/17585ft
  • Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Transportation: Public
  • Accomodation: Teahouses/Tended Camp
  • Trip Grade: Modorate

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