Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration: 24 Days

Activity level: Strenuous +

Max altitude: 5350m, Kang La Pass

Best season: Spring (March-Mid May) and Autumn (September-November)

Trip highlights

◉ Experience the wilderness amidst one of Nepal’s rugged & remote region; Dolpo ◉ Walk past Nepal’s largest Shey Phoksundo National Park ◉ Explore a variety of flora & fauna along with the rare species like Yarsagumba, Snow Leopard ◉ Serene environment around the turquoise Lake Shey Phoksundo ◉ V...

Trip overview

Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to the unexplored land of Dolpo. Dolpo falls in the high-altitude region that is culturally influenced by Tibet. The region is one of the less-visited areas of Nepal yet the trekking experience there has a lot to offer. The region is simply magical and whenever you’re t...

What's included

➤ TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System ➤ Government taxes, VAT & office service charge ➤ Necessary Trekking Permit and all National Park Fees ➤ Transportation in a private vehicle including airport transfers ➤ 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu for accommodation ➤ Kathmandu Sightseeing ...

What's excluded

➤ Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu. ➤ Travel insurance that covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation. ➤ International airfare and airport departure tax. ➤ Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple E...

What to bring

● Sleeping Bag ● Trekking Bag ● Duffel Bag ● Trekking pole ● Water bottle ● Hiking shirts ● Long-sleeved t-shirt ● Down jacket ● Waterproof shell jackets ● Waterproof pants ● Hiking boots ● Sun hat or scarf ● Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand sanitizer, Wet wipes, Medium-sized quick-drying to...

Your itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

As the flight lands at Tribhuvan International airport, you’ll arrive in Kathmandu; the capital city of Nepal. You will find our representative waiting for you outside the airport after your arrival. After that, they'll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Day 2

Trek Preparation Day and Sightseeing

This day gives you time for verifying the precheck list of your trek and going last-minute shopping if you’re missing something. Also, after doing all these, you can go sightseeing to historic places around Kathmandu like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, and Boudhanath.

Day 3

Take a Flight to Nepalgunj (150m)

Your trek officially begins today with an amazing flight to Nepalgunj. You will have an outstanding view of mountain regions like Langtang, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Upon reaching there, you will transfer to a hotel and explore the suburbs in the evening.

Day 4

Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m) & Trek to Dunai

It’s another flight day of this trek, which you will take early in the morning. The flight will be around forty-five minutes and there you will once again witness Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. Upon reaching Juphal, you will rest for a while, have lunch, and head to Dunai. Overnight stay at Dunai!

Day 5

Trek to Chhepka (2630m)

On the first day of your adventure, you’ll explore a lot on your way. The adventure starts with an uphill climb, then takes you over the Bheri bridge. You will walk past Shulighat, often known to be the gate of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Walking further along the Phoksundo Khola, you will reach Chhepka.

Day 6

Trek to Chunuwar (3170m)

The path continues with small settlements, deep forests, and several ups & downs. On the way, you will pass via some amazing villages like Raichi, Chunuwar. You will also get a chance to witness the point where two different rivers mix to create the Phoksundo river. Overnight stay at Chunuwar!

Day 7

Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3620m)

Walking for about 4-5 hours uphill from Chunuwar, you will reach Phoksundo Lake. It’s one of the major highlights of the Upper Dolpo trek. You will also pass via Ringmo village and the highest waterfall in Nepal on the way there.

Day 8

Acclimatization and a Day Rest at Phoksundo Lake

Brace yourself as you get to an extra to explore the lovely surrounding of Phoksundo lake. On this day, you will also visit Ringmo and the Tibetan monasteries around. You will have a great time exploring and being a part of Bon Buddhist culture there.

Day 9

Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Forest Camp (3640m)

As you move along, you will be entering the area of Upper Dolpo. The restricted area also follows the trade route between Dolpo and Tibet. Thus, you will see a lot of fascinating things on the way including Kanjirowa Hima (6612m). Camping at Forest Camp!

Day 10

Trek to Base Camp (4120m)

Here comes another exciting day of your trek. You will walk past rocky walls, narrow ridges, and beautiful waterfalls. The path is uphill, so you must be careful until you reach Base Camp for the night stay.

Day 11

Trek to Shey Gompa (4320m) via Kang La Pass (5350m)

Leaving Base Camp, you will begin with a steep climb for about two hours. On the way, you’ll climb Kang La Pass (5350m). Since the altitude rises subsequently, you need to be careful about altitude sickness.

Day 12

Day rest and acclimatization at Shey Gompa

After such a long journey of passing higher altitudes, you’d definitely need a day’s break. It would also help to adapt to the surrounding environment and its oxygen level. While you take a break, you can explore places like Tsakang Gompa, Kagyupa monastery, Kwangju Nala, Yeju Nala, and more.

Day 13

Trek to Namgung (4430m)

Following the zigzag path, you will begin the descent. The path will again be the combination of uphill and downhill across the rocky lands. Overnight stay at Namgung!

Day 14

Trek to Saldang (4046m)

This day, you head to one of the largest and the most beautiful villages of the region; Saldang. It will take about four to five hours to reach there. On the way, you will have to climb a ridge of 4700 meters, so be mindful about it.

Day 15

Trek to Sibu (4000m)

Leaving Saldang behind, you will continue your journey via several monasteries, stupas, chortens, terraced fields, and villages. After walking for 6-7 hours, you will reach another campsite of your journey i.e Sibu.

Day 16

Trek to Jeng La Base Camp (4480m)

You will continue with the last pass of the journey, following the river site and long stretch. You will also leave behind many villages, valleys, and barren hills. This day will be a walk of around six hours. Camping for the night stay at Jeng La Camp!

Day 17

Trek to Dho-Tarap (4200m) via Jeng La Pass

Witnessing beautiful scenery, you will head to Dho-Tarap passing via Jeng La Pass. On your way, a dazzling view of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding Himalayas will welcome you. Overnight at Dho-Tarap, which is also the highest village of Dolpo.

Day 18

Trek to Serkam (3630m)

The journey downhill begins as you continue walking along the Tarap river. You will also pass via suspension bridges, ridges, narrow gorges, and swifting rivers. While you descend, do watch out for mules & horses and give them proper space to pass by when they come near. Overnight at Serkam!

Day 19

Trek to Shahar Tara (2280m)

You will walk your way along the dense forest and continue uphill & downhill. On the way, you can encounter a variety of flora including colorful rhododendrons and junipers. Also, the path can be slippery so be careful while you take your steps.

Day 20

Trek to Dunai (2109m)

Another day of descent is here. You will gradually continue following the shore of the river. As you continue you will pass via narrow paths that would lead to open space at Dunai. Overnight at Dunai!

Day 21

Trek to Juphal (2404m)

Leaving Dunai behind, you will make your way to Juphal. You will retrace all your way back to Juphal passing via cultivated fields & villages of Kala Gouda. You will be walking for about 506 hours till you reach Juphal for your overnight stay.

Day 22

Trek from Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

From Juphal, you will take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj. And again, you will catch another flight to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj. In between, if you wish, you can explore and go souvenir shopping there.

Day 23

Final Day at Kathmandu

Now, this is the final day of your trip and your last day at Kathmandu as well. You will have completed your trip, so you can have a full relaxation session this day. The choice of activities is all yours i.e you can go to your favorite pub, restaurants, sightseeing, and many more.

Day 24

Final Departure!

We will bid final goodbye to you today. Our representatives will drop you at the airport as per your flight timing. We’ll hope you had a great adventurous journey with us and also look forward to serving you in the future.