Upper Dolpo Trek

Name: Upper Dolpo Trek
Brand: RARA Treks
SKU: upper-dolpo-trek
Rating: 4.0 (4 reviews)

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Trip Details

Duration: 24 days

Location: Dolpo Region

Trip Grade: Challenging

Maximum Altitude: 5360m

Group Size: 5

Activities: Trekking, Climbing

Best Time: May–June, September–October

Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Nepalgunj

$4600

Total$4600

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

Upper Dolpo is one of the least-visited trekking regions in Nepal, offering a true high-altitude expedition into a restricted Himalayan area where ancient Tibetan culture, remote villages, and untouched landscapes still define daily life.

This is a fully supported 24-day camping journey designed for trekkers seeking isolation, challenge, and a raw Himalayan experience beyond commercial trekking routes.

Trip Description

Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a 24-day expedition in western Nepal, leading into one of the most remote restricted regions of the Himalayas. With very limited infrastructure and minimal trekking traffic, it remains one of Nepal’s most authentic wilderness journeys.

The route begins with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. From here, the trail passes through isolated valleys and traditional settlements before reaching Shey Phoksundo Lake, a major highlight of the journey.

Beyond Phoksundo, the trail enters Upper Dolpo, where the landscape becomes more extreme and isolated. Trekkers cross high passes above 5,000 meters and explore Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery surrounded by vast Himalayan wilderness.

This is not a standard lodge trek. It is a full expedition requiring camping support, logistics, and experienced high-altitude guidance.

Highlights

Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) – Nepal’s deepest and most iconic alpine lake
Shey Gompa – Sacred spiritual center of Upper Dolpo region
Kang La Pass (5,360m) and Jeng La Pass (5,090m) crossings
Authentic Tibetan-influenced villages and Bon Buddhist culture
One of the most remote and least crowded trekking regions in Nepal
Full expedition-style camping experience in complete wilderness
Restricted area trekking with limited outside access

Who is This Trek For?

Dolpo Trek Suitable for:

Experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience
Adventure travelers seeking remote expedition-style trekking
Trekkers planning a 3+ week challenging Himalayan journey

Not Suitable for:

First-time trekkers
Short holiday travelers
Those expecting luxury or teahouse-based comfort

Best Time to Trek

Spring (April – June): Clear visibility and stable conditions
Autumn (September – November): Best overall season for Upper Dolpo
Monsoon (July – August): Possible due to rain-shadow geography but variable conditions
Winter (December – March): Not recommended due to heavy snow and closures

Difficulty

Level: Challenging to Extreme

6–8 hours walking per day
Multiple days above 4,000m altitude
Passes exceeding 5,000m (Kang La, Jeng La)
Requires strong fitness and prior trekking experience

This is a true expedition, not a standard trekking route.

Permits

Upper Dolpo is a restricted area requiring special permits:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 50 per person per day
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: approx. USD 30
TIMS Card: approx. USD 20

All permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu.

Cost Factors

The Upper Dolpo Trek cost is higher due to its remote logistics:

Restricted area permit fees
Domestic flights (Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal)
Full camping expedition setup
Professional guide, cook, and porter team
No teahouse infrastructure in Upper Dolpo

Final price varies depending on group size and itinerary.

Itinerary (Overview)

Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai → Phoksundo Lake → Upper Dolpo region → Kang La & Jeng La Pass → Shey Gompa → Return via Juphal → Kathmandu

A 24-day journey designed for gradual acclimatization and high-altitude safety.

Complete Dolpo Trek guide

Why Choose This Trek

One of the most remote trekking routes in Nepal
Authentic Tibetan culture and untouched Himalayan landscapes
Extremely low trekking traffic compared to Everest or Annapurna
True expedition-style wilderness experience

Why Book With Us

Local expertise in Upper Dolpo routes
Full expedition logistics management
Safety-focused high-altitude planning
Small group operations
Experienced restricted-area trekking guides

This expedition is not about comfort. It is about entering one of the last untouched regions of the Himalayas with proper support and safety.

Final Note

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a rare Himalayan expedition that combines isolation, culture, and high-altitude challenge. With proper preparation and support, it becomes one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal.

What to Bring

Footwear
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Essential Gear (General)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Lower Body Clothing
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head & Hand Accessories
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Undergarments and Sleepwear
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Personal First Aid and Medications
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Optional Items
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Travel Daily Essentials
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money

Upper Dolpo Trek Altitude Chart

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

Explore our comprehensive 23-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel, where colorful prayer flags and temple bells set the tone for your adventure. In the evening, meet your guide and trekking team for a briefing about the Upper Dolpo Trek, discuss gear, and enjoy a traditional Nepali meal.
Duration
Half hours
Location
Kathmandu
Altitude
1350m
Activities
Arrival welcome
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Day 2
Flight to Nepalgunj & Overnight
Day 3
Flight to Juphal (2,500m) & Trek to Dunai (2,400m)
Day 4
Dunai to Samduwa Village (3,500m)
Day 5
Samduwa to Phoksundo Lake (3,620m)
Day 6
Acclimatization & Exploration at Phoksundo Lake
Day 7
Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola Camp (3,900m)
Day 8
Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,400m)
Day 9
Cross Kang La Pass (5,360m) to Shey Gompa (4,390m)
Day 10
Acclimatization at Shey Gompa (4,390m)
Day 11
Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La (5,200m)
Day 12
Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,650m)
Day 13
Saldang to Yangze Gompa (3,850m)
Day 14
Yangze to Sibu (4,560m)
Day 15
Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (4,900m)
Day 16
Cross Jeng La (5,090m) to Tokyu (4,240m)
Day 17
Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,100m)
Day 18
Rest Day in Dho Tarap
Day 19
Dho Tarap to Laisicap (3,800m)
Day 20
Laisicap to Tarakot (2,280m)
Day 22
Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m)
Day 23
Dunai to Jhuphal (2,475m)
Day 24
Fly Jhuphal to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu

Complete Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Arrive in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel, where colorful prayer flags and temple bells set the tone for your adventure. In the evening, meet your guide and trekking team for a briefing about the Upper Dolpo Trek, discuss gear, and enjoy a traditional Nepali meal.

Altitude: 1350m

Duration: Half hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj & Overnight

Take an early flight to Nepalgunj, a gateway city in western Nepal. Here, you’ll prepare for the highlands. Spend the day resting, checking equipment, and sampling local Tharu cuisine. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Altitude: 200m

Duration: Half hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfas, Dinner

Day 3: Flight to Juphal (2,500m) & Trek to Dunai (2,400m)

A scenic flight to Juphal introduces you to the Dolpo region. The rugged valleys and terraced farms slowly appear below. From the airstrip, trek a few hours along the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai, the administrative hub of Upper Dolpo. Enjoy the quiet rhythm of village life. Overnight in a local teahouse.

Altitude: 2500m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Juphal-Dunai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Dunai to Samduwa Village (3,500m)

Leaving Dunai, you trek along rolling ridges and river valleys, passing small stone settlements and mani walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers. The forest gradually gives way to alpine scrub and the Dolpo’s arid terrain. By late afternoon, arrive at Samduwa Village, where yak herders and local villagers welcome you. Traditional stone houses, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and distant peaks make this your first real taste of high-altitude Dolpo life. Overnight in a teahouse.

Altitude: 3500m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Dunai-Samduwa

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Samduwa to Phoksundo Lake (3,620m)

From Samduwa, follow trails into Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife such as blue sheep and Himalayan tahr. The turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, appear like an oasis amidst barren cliffs. Visit local village gompas (monasteries) and enjoy the peaceful aura of this sacred area. Overnight in a teahouse near the lake.

Altitude: 3620m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Shey Phoksundo Lake

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Acclimatization & Exploration at Phoksundo Lake

Take a full day to rest and explore. Walk along the lake, visit traditional villages, and meet locals practicing Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Gentle hikes allow your body to acclimatize while absorbing the serene landscape. Overnight by the lake.

Altitude: 3620m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Phoksundo Lake

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola Camp (3,900m)

Today you leave the turquoise beauty of Phoksundo behind and step into the true Upper Dolpo wilderness. The trail follows the Phoksundo River upstream through a narrow gorge where the walls rise almost vertically. Trees disappear and the land turns into a dry, rocky Tibetan plateau.You camp beside the river, surrounded by cliffs and silence broken only by wind and running water.

Altitude: 3900m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Phoksundo Khola

Accommodation: Tented camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,400m)

The trail climbs steadily into a harsh, open valley. Yaks replace goats. Grass disappears. The air feels thin and dry. You walk through wide glacial basins with prayer flags marking the way.This is high-altitude wilderness in its purest form. You reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang, a windswept camp below Kang La Pass.

Altitude: 4400m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Namgung

Accommodation: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cross Kang La Pass (5,360m) to Shey Gompa (4,390m)

This is one of the most important days of the entire trek. Before sunrise you start climbing toward Kang La Pass. As you reach the top, an endless ocean of Himalayan peaks and Tibetan plateau opens in front of you.On the descent, you enter a sacred valley that has been a pilgrimage route for over 1,000 years. In the afternoon you reach Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Dolpo.

Altitude: 5360m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Cross Kang La Pass

Accommodation: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Acclimatization at Shey Gompa (4,390m)

A rest day in one of the most magical places in the Himalayas. You visit the ancient monastery, walk around Crystal Mountain, and watch monks performing daily rituals.Locals still believe the mountain is alive with spiritual power. This day is essential for altitude adjustment and cultural experience.

Altitude: 4390m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Shey Gompa

Accommodation: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La (5,200m)

You cross another high pass, the Saldang La, moving deeper into Tibetan-style Dolpo. The landscape becomes wider and emptier.Namduna Gaun appears like a mirage. Flat-roofed houses, barley fields, and chortens sit in a high desert valley.

Altitude: 5200m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Saldang La Pass

Accommodation: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,650m)

Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,650m)You descend into Saldang, the largest village in Upper Dolpo. This is the commercial and cultural center of the region.People here still trade with Tibet. You see yaks, wool drying on rooftops, and children spinning prayer wheels.

Altitude: 3650m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Saldang

Accommodation: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (3,850m)

A short but culturally powerful walk. Yangze Gompa is one of Dolpo’s most sacred monasteries, built on a cliff overlooking the valley.Monks in maroon robes chant inside rooms lit by butter lamps. The silence here feels ancient.

Altitude: 3850m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Yangze Gompa

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Yangze to Sibu (4,560m)

Today you walk across a high Tibetan plateau where only yaks and wild blue sheep survive. The trail is wide, open, and surreal.Sibu is a lonely yak-herding settlement used by nomads in summer.

Altitude: 4560m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Yangze to Sibu

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (4,900m)

You climb toward the last major Himalayan pass. The land feels empty and endless.You camp below Jeng La, surrounded by rock, ice, and sky.

Altitude: 4900m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Sibu to Jeng La Phedi

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Cross Jeng La (5,090m) to Tokyu (4,240m)

From the top of Jeng La, the entire Tarap Valley spreads below like a green ocean. This is one of the most beautiful views in Dolpo.After a long descent, you reach Tokyu, a warm village surrounded by barley fields.

Altitude: 5090m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Cross Jeng La to Tokyu

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,100m)

A relaxed walk through fertile highland farms.Dho Tarap is one of the largest Tibetan villages in Nepal, filled with monasteries, stone walls, and yak caravans.

Altitude: 4100m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Tokyu to Dho Tarap

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Rest Day in Dho Tarap

Rest Day in Dho TarapYou explore the village, visit gompas, and experience daily life in this Himalayan Tibetan community.This is one of the few places on Earth where ancient Himalayan culture still thrives unchanged.

Altitude: 4100m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Dho Tarap

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Dho Tarap to Laisicap (3,800m)

You begin descending into warmer valleys, leaving the high plateau behind.

Altitude: 3800m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Dho Tarap to Laisicap

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Laisicap to Tarakot (2,280m)

Forests return, rivers grow stronger, and you re-enter green Nepal.

Altitude: 2280m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Tarakot

Accommodation: Tent camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m)

Instead of rushing all the way back to Jhuphal, you follow the Thuli Bheri River downstream through cultivated valleys, suspension bridges, and small farming villages. The trail feels warmer and greener after weeks in the high Dolpo plateau. Children walk home from school, farmers work their fields, and life slowly returns to normal. By afternoon you arrive back in Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo, where you enjoy a comfortable lodge and a proper meal.

Altitude: 2140m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Tarakot to Dunai

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Dunai to Jhuphal (2,475m)

A relaxed final trekking day. You climb gently along the river and hillside trails back to Jhuphal airstrip. It is a short walk, but a meaningful one, marking the end of your long Himalayan journey. In the evening, the team celebrates with a final dinner in the village.

Altitude: 2475m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Dunai to Jhuphal

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Fly Jhuphal to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu

Early morning flight out of the mountains to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. The dry valleys of Dolpo fade beneath the clouds as you return to the capital, carrying memories of one of the most remote and beautiful trekking regions on Earth. Next day will be your return Departure and good bye. 

Altitude: 1350m

Duration: Full hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Upper Dolpo Trek Cost Detail

What's Included

Water bottle on travelling
Airport pickup and drop-off
Trekking accommodation in teahouses or lodges
Trekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Meals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
Transportation by Clean & AC vehicles
First aid kit carried by the guide
Insurance for guide and porter
Government taxes and service charges
Accommodation in 3–4 star hotels and eco-lodges
Emergency oxygen onboard
Porter guide (usually 1 porter 20kg)
Domestic Flight Tickets

What's Not Included

International airfare and visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Meals in any place (unless specified)
Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)
Optional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)
Tips for guide, porter (optional)
Extra filming or drone permits

Upper Dolpo Trek Location

Upper Dolpo lies in the remote western Himalayas of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border. The trek begins in Juphal (Dolpo region), inside Shey Phoksundo National Park.

How to Reach the Starting Point

The journey to the trailhead involves multiple steps:

International flight → Kathmandu (Nepal)
Domestic flight → Nepalgunj (lowland city)
Mountain flight → Juphal (Dolpo gateway airport)

From Juphal, the trekking route begins on foot.

Travel Reality

Flights are weather dependent and may change
Limited infrastructure in Dolpo region
All logistics, permits, and routing are managed by your trekking team

“We handle all domestic flights, permits, and logistics from Kathmandu to Juphal and back.”

Upper Dolpo Trek FAQs

Upper Dolpo Trek Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude trekking expedition in western Nepal that takes you to Shey Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, and remote Tibetan-style villages near the Tibetan border. It is known as one of the last true Hidden Nepal adventures.

Why is Upper Dolpo called the “Hidden Nepal Trek”?

Upper Dolpo is called Hidden Nepal because it lies behind the Dhaulagiri range and is protected by restricted-area permits. The region remained isolated for centuries, preserving its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and nomadic lifestyle.

Where is Shey Phoksundo Lake located?

Phoksundo Lake is located inside Shey Phoksundo National Park in Dolpo, western Nepal. It sits at an altitude of 3,620 meters and is famous for its deep turquoise color and surrounding cliffs.

What makes the Phoksundo Lake Trek special?

The Phoksundo Lake Trek leads you to Nepal’s most beautiful alpine lake, past waterfalls, Bonpo monasteries, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. It is often the gateway into the Upper Dolpo region.

What is Shey Gompa and why is it important?

Shey Gompa is the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at 4,390 meters and is surrounded by sacred mountains. Pilgrims from Dolpo and Tibet visit this monastery for blessings and rituals.

How difficult is Dolpo Trekking in Nepal?

Dolpo trekking in Nepal is considered challenging. The trek involves long walking days, remote camping, high passes over 5,000 meters, and limited facilities. It is suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness.

Do I need a special permit for the Upper Dolpo Trek?

Yes. The Upper Dolpo region is restricted. You need: Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit TIMS Card A licensed guide and registered trekking agency are mandatory.

How long is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The classic Upper Dolpo Trek takes 24 to 25 days, including flights, acclimatization days, and the full circuit through Shey Gompa, Saldang, Jeng La, and Dho Tarap.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Kang La Pass at 5,360 meters, followed by Saldang La (5,200m) and Jeng La Pass (5,090m).

What kind of accommodation is used on the trek?

You stay in a mix of teahouses in villages and tented camps in high-altitude wilderness areas near passes and Shey Gompa.

How much does the Upper Dolpo Trek cost?

The cost typically ranges between USD 4,000 and 6,000 depending on group size, camping support, permits, and logistics. The restricted permits alone are expensive, making this one of Nepal’s premium treks.

Who should do the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The Upper Dolpo Trek is ideal for trekkers who: Want a true Hidden Nepal experience Enjoy remote wilderness Are interested in Tibetan culture Have previous high-altitude trekking experience