What many trekkers fail to understand is elevation profiling. Or they become ignorant about it. Walking uphill? How hard can that be? It becomes challenging when you gasp for breath or notice symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue. This is where elevation profiling comes in. It is not just about knowing how high the place is; it’s about understanding how our body behaves at a certain height. Understanding altitude becomes crucial, especially when trekking in Upper Dolpo, one of Nepal’s remotest and high-altitude treks.
The Upper Dolpo lies in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri mountain range, and shares its border with Tibet. Trekking in this area will take you from the Nepalgunj, which stands at an altitude of 150 meters, to a height of 5,306 meters (Kang La Pass). The total elevation gain from Nepalgunj to Kang La Pass is 5,156 meters, which is exceptionally high and poses the risk of altitude sickness. Understanding the Upper Dolpo Trek altitude will help you plan your trekking routes, ascents, and descents accordingly.
The graph above shows the elevation profile of the Upper Dolpo Trek. The graph clearly shows that there will be multiple gains and losses in elevation throughout your trek. You will reach the trek’s highest point, Kang La Pass (5,306 m), from Phoksundo Bhanjyang and descend to reach Shey Gompa. You will follow a similar trend in two other passes. Jeng La Pass will be the vantage point from where you will descend to Jhupal.
The graph shows that the hike from Namduna Gaun to Tokyu contains constant ups and downs, making it the most rigorous part of the trek. Afterward, Tokyu Gaon, you will descend towards the Jhupal. It’s important to understand that constant ups and downs will occur throughout the trek, even if the graph shows a continuous rise or decline in elevation. Now, let us examine the elevation profile for each part of the itinerary.
Note: The itinerary-wise altitude profile doesn’t include the days you are not trekking, which includes your flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, acclimatization days, and flight back to Kathmandu.
Nepalgunj, where your flight to Jhupal starts, is at an elevation of 150 meters from the sea level. On the other hand, Jhupal, where your trek begins, is at an altitude of 2,475 meters. So, the scenic flight to Jhupal from Nepalgunj will gain you an altitude of 2,325 m. However, you must descend about 372 meters after 3 hours of hiking from Jhupal to reach Dunai.
Your trek starts from Dunai at an altitude of 2,103 meters. The trail gradually ascends towards the Rahagaun, which stands at a height of about 3,000 m. The trail then starts to descend towards Ankhne (2,896 m). The total elevation gain this day is 883 meters. However, the elevation gain from Dunai to Rahagaun is about 897 meters.
There are constant uphills and downhills on this day of the trek. After descending the forested region, you will reach the Sulighat. The total gain in elevation on a hike to Sulighat (3,180 m) from Ankhe (2,896 m) is about 284 m.
Your trek begins with the descent towards Chhepka (2,670 m). So, your initial altitude loss is 510 m. After Chepka, you will ascend towards Shy Phoksundo Lake (3,612 m). The total elevation gain is 432 m. But, the gain from Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake is 942 m.
Note: The next day is an acclimatization day. You will explore Shey Phoksundo National Park and the Ringmo village.
The risk of altitude significantly increases as you cross 3,500 m. At the same time, the acclimatization on Shey Phoksundo helps you adjust to the altitude. The elevation gain on this day (298 m) is minimal. It is to prepare you for an astounding gain the next day.
This is the most strenuous day on the entire trek. Today, you must climb to the Kang La Pass from the Bhanjyang. Your initial elevation gain will be about 1,210 meters, the highest until this point of the trek. Not just that, the trail ahead of Kang La is a descent of 1,106 meters towards Shey Gompa. However, the overall gain in elevation from Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa is 290 meters.
Note: After constantly ascending and descending, your body requires a day of rest to continue the trek without any health risk. Moreover, you also need to acclimatize after arriving at such a high altitude.
Today’s hike somewhat replicates the hike from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa. On this day, you will ascend towards the Saldang La Pass (5,200 m). The elevation gain, initially, is 1,000 meters. After you reach the pass, your trail begins to descend towards the Namduna Gaun (4,770 m). You have to descend about 430 meters to reach the village. However, the total elevation gain from Shey Gompa to Namduna Guan is 570 m.
Like any other day, you will first ascend toward the dusty and barren mountains, gaining a certain altitude. After some hours of climbing, you must descend towards Saldang, the biggest village in the inner Dolpo region. Having reached Saldang, you would have descended about 1,150 m from Namduna Gaun.
This is another physically demanding day on the trek. At first, you have to ascend towards Nagaon River Valley, which stands at about 3,800 m. So, initially, you will gain an elevation. However, as your hike progresses forward, you will go uphills and downhills before reaching Yangze Gompa (4,960 m). The risk of altitude sickness on this day is high as you will gain an altitude of 1,340 m.
This day might be more rigorous, including continuous descent until you reach Sibu (3,100 m). The total descent is about 1,860 meters, one of the highest on this trek day.
On this day, you will start with a steady ascend towards the base of Jeng La Pass, where you will rest and prepare for another major crossing to reach the Tokyu Gaon. You will have ascended an altitude of 1,200 m upon reaching Sibu.
Your trek will start early in the morning as you ascend another highest pass on the Upper Dolpo Trek, Jeng La Pass (5,100 m). Your initial altitude gain will be 800 meters. However, you must descend 891 meters from Jeng La Pass to reach Tokyu village. But, the total altitude loss from the hike’s starting to the endpoint will be 91 m.
The trek today will be relatively shorter and easier than the previous days. You will descend towards Dho Tarap, known for its marshes and pasture lands. You must descend 129 meters from Tokyu Gaon to reach Dho Tarap.
Note- After rigorous trekking for the past few days with constant ups and downs, you will rest the next day at Dho Tarap. Since you will be constantly descending onwards, your body must also acclimatize.
On today’s hike, you will descend 428 meters toward the Tarap Khola through a forest of Juniper trees. The total descent can be less or more, depending on where the camp is set.
Today will be no different than yesterday, meaning you will descend today. The constant descent signifies that you are about to complete your Upper Dolpo Trek. You will call it a day at Khanigaon after descending 502 meters.
On this day, you will go towards Lalberi village and pass through the verdant forest. From here, you will descend to Tarakot. You will camp at Tarakot Chu riverside. The total descent today is around 450 meters.
From Tarakot, your trek starts with ascending towards the Byas Gadi, gaining a slight altitude. Before reaching Dunai, you will cross the river through the forest. You will have descended a total of 597 m upon reaching Dunai.
Jhupal is the same place where your Upper Dolpo Trek started. However, you will not be descending to reach Jhupal. From Dunai, you will ascend about 372 meters to arrive at Jhupal.
Note: Jhupal is where your trek ends. The next day, you will fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. The day after that, you will leave Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport.
Altitude sickness is one of the major concerns for many trekkers in Upper Dolpo Trek. Since most of the trek takes place above 3,500 meters, the risk increases with increases in elevation. The oxygen level beyond 3,500 m drops drastically, making it harder to maintain breath during the trek, resulting in altitude sickness. Additionally, Upper Dolpo is a remote trek where medical assistance is limited. So, you must closely observe any symptoms related to altitude sickness. The symptoms include:
The symptoms mentioned above indicate mild altitude sickness, which is not alarming and can be treated with appropriate measures. However, suppose you start noticing shortness of breath even while resting, confusion, or an inability to walk straight. In that case, you should quickly seek medical attention. These symptoms signify severe altitude sickness, also known as High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
You can use the following measures to minimize the risk of altitude sickness in Upper Dolpo:
Not every step of your Upper Dolpo Trek is filled with the risks of altitude sickness. It is most likely to occur at elevations above 3,500 m if you have good physical fitness. You might be at risk of altitude sickness at lower elevations if you live a sedentary lifestyle and lack preparation. Now, let us look at the few locations with the highest risks.
Note- The list above does not indicate that you are safe from altitude sickness in other locations. It’s essential to be cautious in various areas as well.
Following ancient trade routes in Upper Dolo, observing the Tibetan tradition of local peoples, and witnessing the majestic views of Himalayan ranges will not matter if you suffer from altitude sickness and cancel your trek. Hence, understanding the altitude of the Upper Dolpo Trek becomes crucial for a safe and rewarding journey. Use the elevation profiling above to plan your acclimatization days and adequately manage the ascends and descends to squeeze the most out of this trek.
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