Upper Dolpo Trek In Nepal

Upper Dolpo Trek is undoubtedly an extraordinary trekking experience. Here are some reasons to choose the 26 Days Upper Dolpo Trek:

Trans Himalayan Journey

Upper Dolpo Trek is a beautiful Trans-Himalayan journey that takes you from lower subtropical regions to higher altitude regions. You will pass from dense forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and firs to forests of conifers, high-altitude deserts, and glacial landscapes. It is a chance to witness the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Within a few days of trekking, you will see a dramatic change in the landscapes and their spectacular scenery.

Observe the lifestyle of Dolpo’s nomadic people

Get a chance to observe the unique culture and lifestyle of the Dolpo people. Many residents in higher altitude regions live a nomadic and semi-nomadic life. Their main occupation is livestock rearing, like yaks, sheep, and goats. Similarly, many are involved in barter and trade. They live in tents or small stone-built huts and follow Tibetan Buddhism or Bo culture. During the trek, you will get an opportunity to glimpse at the lifestyle of the nomads. You can engage with them, try their local cuisines, and be part of their celebrations and rituals.

Crystal-clear mountain views

The Upper Dolpo Trek is an excellent opportunity to witness stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The remote and quiet trails take you through diverse landscapes and up to several mountain passes, like the Kang La Pass, Saldang La Pass, and Jeng La Pass. These high mountain passes offer enchanting, crystal-clear mountain views. You will see snowy peaks like the Dhaulagiri range, Mount Kanjiroba, Mukot Himal, Churen Himal, and far Tibetan mountains.

Shey-Phoksundo National Park

The Upper Dolpo Trek also allows the trekkers to explore the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal. Established in 1984, the national park covers an area of 3555 sq. kilometers. It is home to diverse and unique flora and fauna. The trekking trails of Upper Dolpo lie within the national park. Hence, you will witness these florae and fauna during the trek. Similarly, the gorgeous Shey-Phoksundo Lake also lies in the national park. You can observe the crystal-clear and turquoise waters of the lake. Also, observe the diverse landscapes and mountain views while exploring the Shey-Phoksundo National Park.

The Bon religion

Upper Dolpo region is home to one of the oldest religions and cultures of Tibet and the Himalayan region, the Bon religion. Due to the remoteness of the region, the ancient culture and religion in the area is well-preserved. It is the Indigenous religion of the Tibetan Plateau. The residents of the Upper Dolpo’s origin traces back to Tibet. Hence, you will glimpse the ancient religion during the Upper Dolpo Trek. The Bon religion believes in the sacredness of nature. They consider the Shey-Phoksundo Lake sacred. Similarly, monasteries and gompas like the Shey Gompa also reflect the influence of Bon culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

The accommodation options along the Upper Dolpo Trek are simple and rustic. You will mostly find locally run teahouses and lodges. As you move to the higher elevations, there may be no proper teahouses, and camping may be the only option.

The teahouses offer only basic facilities with limited amenities. The rooms are either shared or dormitory-style. They provide beds, mattresses, blankets, and pillows for the guests. However, the rooms have poor insulation, so it is best to carry a sleeping bag to stay warm at night. The bathrooms are communal and Asian squat-style, but a few teahouses in the lower region may have Western-style bathrooms.

You must pay extra fees for services such as Wi-Fi/ internet, hot water/ shower, charging electronic devices, etc. These teahouses may be simple, but they offer an authentic experience and warm hospitality.

Camping Option

Trekkers can also choose camping trek options during the Upper Dolpo Trek. You must tent in a camp in remote areas like the Tokyu Gaon, Dho Tarap, etc. There are no teahouses in the region. Therefore, trekkers must carry camping gear and hire a support team (cook or kitchen staff). It requires meticulous planning and gear for camping during the trek.

Core Treks’ Upper Dolpo Trek package includes camping gear for the journey. Our support staff will carry two men’s tents, kitchen utensils, cookware, and other camping equipment. The facilities are not luxurious, but camping provides an authentic and unique experience.

The teahouses and lodges along the Upper Dolpo Trek route provide food and water facilities. You can try local Nepalese dishes and Western and other international cuisines. Some of the food options that you will find along the Upper Dolpo Trek route include Dal Bhat (staple Nepalese cuisine), Tibetan bread, Tsampa porridge, noodles, chow mein, thukpa, soups, Sherpa stew, pancakes, eggs, oatmeals, roti, curries, momo (dumplings), sandwiches, salads, and more. Similarly, you will find drink options like tea (black/ milk/ green), caffeine, soft drinks, juices, etc.

Carry energy bars and nuts for snacks during the trek. They provide quick energy boosts during breaks. Avoid excessive caffeine, hot chocolate, and alcoholic beverages, as they worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. Also, avoid meat and dairy products while on the journey. If you have any dietary restrictions, you should inform your trekking agency before the trek. They will make the arrangements accordingly.

Seasons play a vital role in enhancing the trekking experience. So, choosing the right time to trek is essential for a comfortable and memorable experience. There are four seasons in Nepal annually, and not all the seasons are ideal for trekking. We have separated them into on and off seasons so you can better understand which season is best for the Upper Dolpo Trek:

Peak Season

Spring (March to May)

One of the best times for the Upper Dolpo Trek is the spring season. It has pleasant weather and moderate temperatures for trekking. The weather is slightly colder in the mornings and nights in early spring. There is also light snowfall in higher regions, and the trails can still be covered with snow. As the spring season progresses, the weather becomes warmer, and the snow melts. Similarly, flora and fauna also start to become active.

Due to the warm weather, the various flowers begin to bloom all over the country. The rhododendron forests along the trails of the Upper Dolpo also bloom in red, pink, and white colors. It colors the entire landscape, enhancing the whole scenery. The precipitation level is low, and there is minimal rainfall. Hence, the trails are dry and in perfect conditions for trekking. There are also many trekkers along the trails due to the stable weather. If you trek in spring, you will meet many other trekkers on the way. Also, book your accommodations in advance.

Autumn (September to November)

The next best season for trekking in Nepal, including Upper Dolpo, is autumn. It has perfect and stable weather conditions with mild temperatures. The days are bright and sunny, with crisp air and brilliant visibility. There can be some rainfall during early autumn due to the monsoon effect. But it soon ceases, and the weather becomes dry. The rain also cleanses the surroundings, leaving vegetation lush and green.

Autumn is the best time to witness the crystal-clear views of the snow-covered Himalayas and stunning landscapes. The autumn foliage further adds beauty to the already scenic environment. It is also a festive season, as some of the biggest festivals fall at this time of the year. As a result, autumn is the peak trekking season. The trails are crowded, and accommodations are usually fully packed. Hence, trekkers must book their flights, packages, hotels/ teahouses, etc., in advance.

Off-season

Summer (June to August)

The summer season is an off-season for trekking in Nepal. As the summer season begins, the monsoon enters the country. Hence, there is heavy rainfall across the hilly and lower regions. The trails become muddy, slippery, and wet. There is also a risk of landslides and mudslides during summer. Due to rain clouds and frequent rainfall, visibility is also low during summer. Therefore, there is a high chance of flights being delayed or canceled during summer.

Rain during summer cleanses the landscapes and leaves the vegetation fresh and lush. There are also very few trekkers on the trails, and accommodations are usually empty. However, the wet trails and poor visibility are not ideal for trekking. Summer is not an ideal time for trekking and is not recommended for beginners.

Winter (December to February)

With winter, it starts to snow at higher altitude regions, and the temperature also gradually decreases. As the winter season progresses, the snow piles up, covering the entire landscape. Trekkers can enjoy the wintery wonderland scenery and crystal-clear views of the snow-covered mountain peaks. However, the snow also covers the trails, making navigation harder and making the trails icy and slippery.

There are very few trekkers in winter, so it is the best time for a peaceful trekking experience. However, many accommodations in higher regions are closed due to harsh and extreme weather. Heavy snowfall at higher elevations can block high mountain passes. There is also the risk of blizzards and avalanches in higher areas. Trekking in winter requires meticulous preparation and is only suitable for experienced trekkers.

The Upper Dolpo Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jhupal (2440 m). From Jhupal, you will start your trekking journey. On the first day, you will trek to Dunai (2850 m), the headquarters of the Dolpo region. The trail begins to enter the Phoksundo River valley from here onwards. You will pass by several villages like Dhera and Rahagaun to reach Ankhe village (2896 m).

The trail gradually starts to go uphill alongside a riverbank and steep pathways. There are also a few sections that descend as you trek through dense forest and pass by grassy slopes to reach Sulighat (3180 m). From Sulighat, you will start trekking along the valley floor. After trekking for a while, you will get to the meeting point of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. You will start trekking on the Western banks of the Pungmo River, passing through a forest of conifers to reach Shey-Phoksundo Lake (3612 m).

You will take an acclimatization day at Shey-Phoksundo and hike to Ringmo village (3640 m). From here, you will trek on a narrow ridge with high rock walls on both sides. You will also trek past green meadows and up a steep ravine to reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang (3910 m). The strenuous trek begins from here as you will start ascending Kang La Pass (5360 m). A steep and rocky trail takes you to the top of the cross. Then, you will descend steeply and head towards Shey Gompa (4200 m). You will take another acclimatization day at Shey Gompa and explore the village.

From Shey Gompa, you will start trekking through a forest of junipers and descend into a canyon. You will walk over bare rocks and dry land to climb the Saldang La Pass (5200 m). Then, you will descend to Namduna Village (4770 m). The trail begins to descend along the dusty and barren mountains to reach Saldang (3620 m). You will trek further north along the Nagon River and cross the tributaries of the Panzang River to reach Yangze Gompa (4960 m). The trail descends further, passing rivers, settlements, and terrace farms to reach Sibu (3100 m).

The trail from Sibu follows the Nam Khong River, passing caravans and the meeting point of two streams. Then, you will ascend steeply to reach Jeng La Phedi (4300 m), an area below Jeng La Pass. It is a challenging uphill climb to Jeng La Pass (5110 m). You will cross the pass and trek on a rough trail to Tarap Valley and then to Tokyu Gaon (4200 m). From here, it is a downhill descent towards a plain valley. You will come across green grass patches with rivers on both sides to reach Dho Tarap (4080 m).

You will take another acclimatization day at Dho Tarap. As you descend from here, you will reach a broad valley. The trail becomes narrow towards a gorge and enters a conifer forest to reach Tarap Khola (3800 m). You will start trekking down the Tarap River gorge as the valley narrows. The adventurous trail will take you to Khanigaon (2800 m). From here, you will begin descending towards Lalberi village and through dense forests. After descending a gorge, you will follow the river and reach Tarakot (2500 m). You will trek alongside the big Bheri River and reach Dunai (2140 m). Then, you will retrace your steps to Jhupal and catch a flight to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging and adventurous journey that requires reasonable physical and mental fitness. There are several factors that contribute to making the trek challenging. Take a look:

Trek Distance and Duration

The first challenge of the Upper Dolpo Trek is the long trek duration and distance. The trek takes 18 to 26 days to complete. Depending on the route, you will cover a distance of 230 to 2700 km. The long distance and duration of the trek require good health and fitness levels. During this trek, you must trek for 6 to 7 hours on average. You must ascend and descend on steep, narrow trails and cross challenging high mountain passes. It further makes the trek mentally and physically challenging venture. Therefore, the journey is not for the faint-hearted.

Varied Terrain

Aside from the long distance and duration, the varied terrain of the Upper Dolpo Trek is another difficulty. You will trek from the lower subtropical and lush forests to alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts. The trail also takes you through windswept valleys, cliffs, and unique rock formations. The higher you go, the more barren and arid the landscapes become. Similarly, the terrain becomes rougher and rockier, making climbing uphill and downhill even more difficult.

Altitude Sickness

During the Upper Dolpo Trek, you will reach an elevation of 5360 meters at Kang La Pass. It is not the only high mountain pass you will cross on the journey. The high altitude often exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Swelling etc.

Altitude sickness symptoms vary from person to person. It can also range from mild to severe. It is crucial to take these symptoms seriously and take proper precautions immediately. These symptoms can quickly turn fatal. Trekkers must also acclimate during the trek journey to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Remoteness of trek

Another difficulty of the Upper Dolpo Trek is its remote location. The Upper Dolpo region is in the western part of the country. There is a lack of infrastructure and proper health centers along the route. No roadway or airway connects the Upper Dolpo region. The settlements are also sparse, and you can only find basic teahouses. As you move to the deeper region, there are no teahouses and lodges, and you have to stay in tented camps. The lack of proper facilities and amenities can stress trekkers. In an emergency or injuries, helicopter rescue is the only way to provide immediate help. It is a mentally challenging journey, and trekkers must have a positive mindset and motivation to overcome the difficulties.

It is crucial to take acclimatization days during high-altitude treks like the Upper Dolpo Trek. As you move to a higher altitude, the risk of altitude sickness increases. The decreasing level of oxygen and reduced air pressure in the atmosphere causes the human body to experience various symptoms of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization is vital in minimizing or preventing the risk of altitude sickness. It involves taking a rest day at a certain altitude, which gives the body adequate time to adjust to the growing elevation. This helps the body function more effectively in conditions with lower oxygen levels.

Trekkers should ascend to higher altitudes gradually, allowing their bodies to acclimate. They are highly exposed to the risk of altitude sickness without proper acclimatization. These symptoms can quickly progress and turn severe. Hence, acclimatization is important during the Upper Dolpo Trek for a safe and comfortable trekking experience.

To get to Upper Dolpo, trekkers must combine roadway and airway modes of transportation with trekking. Upper Dolpo lies in a remote part of northwestern Nepal. There are no direct airways or roadways due to a lack of infrastructure. As a result, it takes 18 to 26 days to complete the entire trek.

To get to Upper Dolpo, you must first fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes an hour. Then, you will again take a flight to Jhupal, which takes around 45 minutes. From Jhupal, you will start trekking and head toward the Upper Dolpo region. You will pass through many villages like Dunai, Ankhe, Sulighat, Shey Phoksundo, Phoksundo Bhanjyang, Shey Gompa, Namduna, Saldang, Yangze Gompa, Sibu, and more. On the way, you will also cross several high mountain passes. The highest point of the trek is 5360 meters above sea level at Kang La Pass.

Likewise, you will pass by villages like Jeng La Phedi, Tokyu Gaon, Dho Tarap, Tarap Khola, Khanigaon, and Tarakot. From Tarakot, you will trek back to Dunai and then to Jhupal. You will get on a flight to Nepalgunj from Jhupal and then to Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo Trek requires two permits, which are as follows:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Upper Dolpo region is a restricted area that trekkers cannot enter alone. They can only access it through government-registered local agencies. The area is restricted because of its raw, unspoiled nature and to preserve the ancient heritages.

The Immigration Office in Kathmandu issues the Restricted Area Permit. Solo trekkers cannot obtain permits either. It is only obtained through the local trekking agency. The Restricted Area Permit costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per person per day afterward.

Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

During the Upper Dolpo Trek, you must also access the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. It is the country’s largest national park that preserves a unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem. Various rare and endangered species, like musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Tibetan sheep, grey wolf, snow leopard, etc., are also found here. The pristine Phokshundo Lake also lies within the national park. Due to the delicate nature of the national park, trekkers must obtain a permit to access it.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, which is also in Kathmandu, issues the Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit. Trekkers can only obtain the permit through the local trekking agency or at the national park’s entrance. The permit costs USD 30 per person and has no time limit.

Documents required for the permits

• The documents that are required for obtaining the permits are:
• Original passport with a valid visa.
• Passport-size photos
• Note: A group must consist of at least two trekkers. To obtain permits, trekkers must hire a government-registered local trekking agency.

Travel insurance is necessary for all trek destinations in Nepal, including Upper Dolpo Trek. Trek packages do not cover travel insurance expenses, so trekkers must obtain it themselves. The trekking trails of Upper Dolpo are safe. However, there is a lack of proper infrastructure and medical facilities. In case of severe injuries, accidents, and illness, helicopter rescue is the only way to provide immediate medical attention. Helicopter evacuation operations and medical expenses can get quite expensive. Travel insurance offers peace of mind and financial safety during the trek.

The travel insurance for the Upper Dolpo Trek costs around USD 100 to USD 300 per person. The price varies depending on the duration and coverage. The insurance must cover high altitudes up to 5360 meters, altitude sickness, medical bills, emergency expenses like helicopter rescue, trip postponement/ cancellation, and luggage damage/ loss. The guide will use your travel insurance to call for helicopter rescue during an emergency.

Visa & Passport

All foreign trekkers except Indian nationals must have a valid passport and visas. One can obtain an on-arrival visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. However, their passport must have at least six valid months before expiry. Those traveling on land can get their visa at the Department of Immigration at the Nepal border. The costs of the visas vary depending on the duration of stay. They are as follows:

• 15 Days: USD 30
• 30 Days: USD 50
• 90 Days: USD 125

Note: Nationals of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Liberia, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, as well as refugees with travel documents, are not eligible for an on-arrival visa.

Currency Exchange

You must carry sufficient cash for the Upper Dolpo Trek for personal expenses like internet, hot water, charging devices, etc. There are no currency exchange centers along the trek route. There are also no ATM or card facilities. So, trekkers must exchange sufficient cash while in Kathmandu.

There are plenty of exchange centers in Thamel, Kathmandu. Most of them have the day’s exchange rate visibly displayed for everyone to see. You can also exchange the currencies at banks and financial institutions. However, they will charge service charges. Some hotels also offer currency exchange for small amounts. Another option is using the ATMs that are available 24/7 around the capital city. You can withdraw NPR 35,000 per day, and the service charge is around NPR 500.

Cultural Restriction

There is a huge influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the Upper Dolpo region. As the region lies close to Tibet, the inhabitants are mostly of Tibetan origin. Their culture and customs are similar to Tibetan people, and many also follow the ancient Bon Po religion. Many people still follow nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles. So, the communities living in the Upper Dolpo region are still conservative. Trekkers must be aware of cultural restrictions in the area and be respectful of the local customs. Here are a few tips that trekkers must follow during the trek for cultural sensitivity:

• Dress modestly during the trek. If you are visiting religious sites, cover your knees and shoulders.
• Remove your shoes while entering the monasteries and gompas.
• Ask for permission before taking photos inside monasteries or religious sites.
• Do not climb on the mani walls or stupas.
• Lakes like Shey Phoksundo are considered sacred, so do not swim.
• Learn a few local greetings and interact with the locals mindfully.
• Do not leave any waste behind. Follow the rule of leaving no trace except your footprints.

You need proper physical and mental preparation for challenging treks like Upper Dolpo. Trekkers must have good health, strength, stamina, and endurance to be part of the journey. It is a physically and mentally demanding journey. The long duration, rough terrains, and high altitude will push your limits. However, you will also get a rewarding experience by overcoming the challenges.

Physical Fitness Preparation

You need to be physically fit for the Upper Dolpo Trek. During the trek, you must ascend and descend on steep and narrow sections on varied terrains. The best way to prepare for the journey is to undertake exercises or training at least a few months prior to the journey. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, hiking, swimming, cycling, brisk walking, etc., are especially useful to build your fitness. Similarly, strength-building training, like squats, lunges, etc., is also beneficial. You can train with a heavy backpack on uneven terrain to simulate the trekking conditions.

Mental Preparation

Mental preparation is equally as important as physical preparation. The remote location, lack of infrastructure, and facilities can cause mental strain on trekkers. The challenging terrains, high altitude, and unpredictable weather are a few challenges trekkers will come across during the journey. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can also add further difficulty. Hence, mental preparation is crucial for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Trekkers must research the trek, its routes, and its challenges. It helps them set realistic expectations. Similarly, yoga and meditation also help in building mental resilience.