Upper Dolpo Trekking information

Dolpo trek in Nepal

  • The Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and challenging trekking adventure located in the Dolpa region of Nepal. It is renowned for its pristine and untouched landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and unique Buddhist traditions. Here is some information to help you understand the Upper Dolpo Trek:

Permits For Upper Dolpo Trek Duni to Dolpo Dunai

  • The Upper Dolpo region falls under the restricted area of Nepal. To trek in this region, you need to obtain special permits: the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, and the Dolpo Development Fund Fee. These permits are usually organized by trekking agencies, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Duration of Upper Dolpo trek via Kangla and Jyangtala pass Dunai

  • The Upper Dolpo Trek is a long and challenging trek that typically takes around 25 to 28 days to complete. The duration may vary depending on the specific itinerary and the pace of the trek.

Trekking Itinerary of Upper Dolpo trek from Dunai to Dunaioutline:

  • 01): Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
  • 02): Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475 meters/8,120 feet) and start trekking.
  • 03): Trek through remote villages like Dunai, Ankhe, and Sulighat.
  • 04): Reach Phoksundo Lake (3,611 meters/11,849 feet), one of the highlights of the trek.
  • 05): Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, crossing high passes like Kang La Pass (5,350 meters/17,192 feet).
  • 06): Explore the ancient villages of Ringmo and Dho Tarap.
  • 07): Trek to the Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Saldang and then to the remote village of Yangze.
  • 08): Return trek to Juphal and fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Landscape and Culture in Upper Dolpo Trek

  • The Upper Dolpo region is known for its stunning landscapes, including deep gorges, rugged valleys, barren hills, and snow-capped peaks. The trek also offers a unique cultural experience, as the region is inhabited by people of Tibetan origin. You’ll have the opportunity to witness their traditional lifestyle, monasteries, and festivals.

Altitude and Difficulty Upper Dolpo trek Dunai to Dunai

  • The Upper Dolpo Trek involves trekking in high-altitude regions, with some passes reaching over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The trek is considered challenging due to its duration, remote location, and steep ascents and descents. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are essential for a successful and safe trek.

Accommodation and Facilities Upper Dolpo trek from Dunai to Dunai

  • Accommodation along the trekking route is camping. Teahouses provide basic facilities, including meals and lodging. However, the availability of teahouses is limited in some remote sections of the trek, and a camping trek is better required. It’s important to carry essential trekking and camping gear.

Best Time to Trek to go Upper Dolpo trek

  • The best time to undertake the Upper Dolpo Trek is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures for trekking. The region is not recommended for trekking during winter (December to February) due to harsh weather and heavy snowfall.

Upper Dolpo trek to Jomsom

  • Trekking from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom is a challenging and adventurous route that takes you through the remote and stunning landscapes of the Dolpa region in Nepal. This trek combines the beauty of Upper Dolpo with the popular Annapurna and Mustang region, ending in Jomsom. Here is some information about trekking from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom:

Permits for Upper Dolpo to Jomsom

  • Since Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, you will need permits such as the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, and Dolpo Development Fund Fee. Additionally, as you move towards Jomsom, you will also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.

Duration and Itinerary Dolpo to Jomsom

  • The trek from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom is a long and demanding journey that usually takes around 24 to 38 days. The actual duration can vary depending on the specific itinerary and the trekking pace. Here’s a general outline of the trekking itinerary:

How you pass during the Upper Dolpo Region

  • 01): Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and then to Juphal (2,475 meters/8,120 feet), the starting point of the Upper Dolpo trek.
  • 02): Trek through remote villages like Dunai, Tarakot, and Musi Gaon.
  • 03): Reach Phoksundo Lake (3,611 meters/11,849 feet), a stunning turquoise lake and one of the highlights of the trek.
  • 04): Cross high passes such as Kang La Pass (5,350 meters/17,192 feet) and descend into the Mustang region.
  • 05): Trek through beautiful villages like Chharka, Muktinath, and Kagbeni.
  • 06): Reach Jomsom (2,720 meters/8,920 feet), a major town in the Annapurna region, and the endpoint of the trek.
  • 07): Landscape and Culture: The trek from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom offers a diverse range of landscapes, including deep gorges, alpine meadows, barren hills, and dramatic mountain vistas. You’ll pass through remote villages, encounter the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, and witness ancient monasteries along the way.

Need Guide and Agency

  • This is a remote and demanding trek, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed trekking agency with experienced guides and support staff to ensure safety and logistical support throughout the journey.

How Much Does it Cost for Upper Dolpo Trek?

  • The cost of the Upper Dolpo trek can vary depending on several factors such as the duration of the trek, the services provided, the size of the trekking group, and the level of comfort you prefer. Here are some cost considerations for the Upper Dolpo trek:

Trekking Agency in Nepal

  • It is highly recommended to hire a licensed trekking agency for the Upper Dolpo trek. They can assist with obtaining permits, provide experienced guides and porters, arrange transportation, and handle logistics. The cost of the trek will generally include the agency’s fee, staff salaries, and administrative expenses.

Permits for Lower and Upper Dolpo region

  • The Upper Dolpo trek requires special permits, including the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, and Dolpo Development Fund Fee. The costs of these permits can vary depending on the nationality and the duration of the trek.

Food and Water During the Dolpo Trek

  • Meals are generally provided at the teahouses or lodges, and the cost of food is usually included in the overall trek cost if you book with our trekking agency. However, beverages, snacks, and bottled water are not typically included and should be budgeted separately.

Transportation During the Dolpo trek

  • The cost of transportation to and from the starting point of the trek, such as flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Juphal, should be considered. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to fly or take ground transportation.

Equipment Trekking Gear for Upper Dolpo trek

  • If you don’t have your own trekking gear, you may need to rent or purchase equipment such as a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a down jacket, and other necessary items. The cost of renting or buying gear should be factored into your budget.

Cost for Upper Dolpo Camping Trek

  • It is important to note that the Upper Dolpo trek is generally more expensive compared to popular treks in the Annapurna or Everest regions due to its remote location and restricted permits. The cost can range from USD 2,300 to USD 4,700 or more per person for a 25-38 day trek, depending on the factors mentioned above.