• Seasons
    SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN

Upper Dolpo Trek

  • Seasons:
    SPRING / SUMMER / AUTUMN

Upper Dolpo Trek

Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and breathtaking adventures, ideal for trekkers craving untouched Himalayan landscapes and ancient Tibetan culture. This 26-day trek takes you from the lowlands of Nepalgunj through high-altitude villages like Dho Tarap, sacred Shey Gumba, the crystal-clear Phoksundo Lake, and over challenging passes like Kang La (5360m) and Shey Bhanjyang (5050m). Rarely visited, Dolpo remains a spiritual, wild, and soul-stirring region that offers a pure Himalayan experience free from crowds.
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Trip Fact

Price

On Request

Duration

26 Days

Altitude

4530 M

Group Size

01+ Pax

Accommodation

Trip Start From

Kathmandu

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Why Choose This Trip?

1. Unrivaled Remoteness and Serenity

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you into one of the most untouched and tranquil corners of Nepal, far from commercial trekking routes. Perfect for those seeking silence, solitude, and raw Himalayan wilderness.

2. Spiritual Encounter at Shey Gumba – The Crystal Monastery

Tucked beneath sacred peaks, Shey Gumba is the spiritual heart of Dolpo. Visiting this revered monastery feels like stepping into a living mandala of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. Spectacular High Mountain Passes

Cross dramatic passes like Kang La (5360m) and Shey Bhanjyang (5050m)—offering jaw-dropping panoramas and a deep sense of achievement that only high-altitude treks can deliver.

4. Dazzling Beauty of Phoksundo Lake

The turquoise-blue Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by barren cliffs and forests, is a natural masterpiece and one of Nepal’s most photogenic alpine lakes. A magical end to the journey.

5. Cultural Immersion in Bon & Tibetan Traditions

Dolpo is a cultural time capsule, home to Bon-po shamans, ancient salt trade routes, and stone-walled villages like Dho Tarap and Saldang, where ancient Tibetan ways of life are still preserved.

Trip At Glance

Trip Map

Trip Gallery

Difficulty Level

Streneous

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 01:
    Arrival in Kathmandu, meet at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
  • Day 02:
    Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (afternnon flight due to permit). Stay at Hotel Batika/Sneha
  • Day 03:
    Fly to Jhupal (2550 m) and start trekking to Dunai (2150 m)
  • Day 04:
    Yalakot (2475 m)
  • Day 05:
    Chhugar (3440 m)
  • Day 06:
    Langa (3900 m)
  • Day 07:
    Dho Tarap (3944 m)
  • Day 08:
    Dho, Acclimatisationa Day
  • Day 09:
    Chhoila Phedi (4800 m)
  • Day 10:
    Cross Chhoila Bhanjyang (5051 m), camp at Tarala Sumdo (4400 m) – open April to November
  • Day 11:
    Tinjegaon (4150 m)
  • Day 12:
    Shimengaon (3870 m)
  • Day 13:
    Cross Shimen La (4270 m), camp at Khomagaon (4060 m)
  • Day 14:
    Cross Khoma La (4565 m), camp at Saldang (3770 m)
  • Day 15:
    Namgung (4430 m)
  • Day 16:
    Cross Shey Bhanjyang (5050 m), camp at Shey Gumba (4160 m)
  • Day 17:
    Shey Gumba – Reserve Day
  • Day 18:
    Cross Kangla Pass (5360 m), camp at Kangla Phedi (4400 m)
  • Day 19:
    Sallaghari (3756m)
  • Day 20:
    Ringmogaon/Phoksundo (3733 m )
  • Day 21:
    Rechi (2940m)
  • Day 22:
    Raktang (2260 m)
  • Day 23:
    Jhupal (2550 m)
  • Day 24:
    Fly Dolpo – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu (1350 m) and transfer to Hotel
  • Day 25:
    Kathmandu – leisure day and evening farewell dinner
  • Day 26:
    Departure to connect next destination or you may extend the trip as per your desire and time permit

Package Details

Cost Includes:

  • Airport arrival and departure private transfer
  • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin share basis
  • 1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast and dinner on twin share basis
  • Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Dolpa and return flight ticket for guest and guide
  • Nepalgunj to and from transfer by bus and Dolpo flight for staffs (cook, sherpa and kitchen boy)
  • 20 nights full board (BLD) camping trek and tented accommodation entire trek
  • An english speaking trekking guide, cook, sherpa, kitchenboy and necessary porters
  • All camping equipments and food with cargo fee and trekking permit
  • National Park Permit & TIMS (required passport copy and 5 picture for permit).
  • Farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural dance show

Cost Excludes:

  • Personal nature of expenses and trekking gears
  • Travel Insurance for rescue operation if any form
  • Extra night accommodation or accommodation if earlier return from trekking by any reason
  • Extra cost occur by any reason which is not in our control such as strike, landslide and accident etc
  • TIPS for trekking staffs and other things which is not included above.

To Do’s In Kathmandu

  1. Walk Through History at UNESCO Sites
    Kathmandu Valley offers an unforgettable journey through history with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and the ancient Durbar Squares—each filled with rich culture, architecture, and spiritual depth.
  2. Shop, Eat & People-Watch in Thamel
    Thamel is the buzzing heart of Kathmandu where you can shop for trekking gear, local crafts, and books, or relax in rooftop cafés and enjoy a wide mix of global and local food.
  3. Taste the Real Nepal (Beyond Dal Bhat)
    Kathmandu’s food scene delivers everything from juicy momos and traditional Newari dishes to hearty Thakali thalis, making it a top spot for tasting Nepal’s diverse culinary flavors.
  4. Easy Day Trips When You Need a Break from the Buzz
    Short escapes to places like Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, or Chandragiri offer peaceful views, cultural depth, and refreshing air—all within a quick drive from the city.
  5. Recover, Recharge & Just Chill
    After a trek or long journey, Kathmandu is perfect for recovery with spas, yoga studios, serene gardens, and rooftop lounges that help you unwind at your own pace.

FAQs

1) How remote is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most isolated treks in Nepal. Access is limited to seasonal flights and rugged trails, and you’ll spend several days without road access or mobile signals—ideal for true adventurers.
2) Is a special permit needed for Upper Dolpo?
Yes, a Restricted Area Permit is mandatory. The trek also requires a Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit, and a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide.
3) What is the best season to do the Upper Dolpo Trek?
The trek is best from April to November, when high passes like Chhoila Bhanjyang and Kang La are open. Monsoon here is light due to the region’s location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
4) How difficult is this trek compared to others?
This is a challenging trek with multiple passes above 5000m, requiring physical fitness and mental stamina. However, acclimatization days and a well-paced itinerary help with altitude adjustment.
5) What are the cultural highlights of this trek?
From the Bon-po influenced villages of Dho Tarap to Shey Gumba, known as the “Crystal Monastery,” the trail is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, ancient festivals, and timeless Himalayan lifestyles.
FAQs

Plan your Trip

For those planning an upcoming adventure, trek, or tour, or looking to personalize their trip, we encourage you to contact our expert by phone or message.
Sangeeta Bhandari
+977 9851077701
sangeeta@himalayanwavestrekking.com

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