Active Altitude

Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration

31 Days

Difficulty

Strenuous

Max. altitude

5360 M

Group Size

2-12

Trip Starts

Juphal

Trip Ends

Jomsom

Group Style

Private & joint Group

Best season

Avril - Octomber

Overview and Highlights

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to one of the most remote and hidden regions of mid-western Nepal, which borders the Tibetan Plateau. Part of the trek lies in the amazing Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. It is one of the best remote treks in Nepal, with only a handful of visitors, and was opened to foreigners only in 1989. The  Oscar award-nominated movie ‘Caravan’ by Éric Valli was shot in this region.

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers a great adventure experience on the off-the-beaten-path of the mystical Trans-Himalayan region, with the opportunity to explore the unique culture and traditions of the people that have remained unchanged and unaffected by modern society. The people of the Upper Dolpo practice Bon (A pre-Tibetan Buddhism religion) and Tibetan Buddhism. It is an ideal trek to uncover and explore the mysteries of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. The trek passes through the beautiful and peaceful villages situated at high altitudes, accompanied by the warm hospitality of the people. Buddhist monasteries, chortens, gompas, prayer flags, mules, and Yak caravans can be seen throughout the trek, along with amazing landscapes and mountain scenery. The Upper Dolpo region is home to a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation, including some rare animals like the Snow Leopard. Yarsagumba or caterpillar fungus, which is of high medicinal value, is also found in this region.

Our 31-day Upper Dolpo Trek starts from Juphal and ends at Jomsom, which includes 24 days of full-on camping trek in the remote wilderness of the Dolpa district. The trek is physically challenging because it includes lots of high passes. However, it is completely worth the difficulty and challenge. The experience one gets on this trek can’t be described in words.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 M)

A scenic flight takes you from Kathmandu to the warm plains of Nepalgunj near the Indian border.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation Loss: 1,200 m.

Day 3: Fly to Juphal (2475 M) and trek to Dunai (2140 M)

A spectacular mountain flight brings you to Juphal. From there, descend through terraced fields and villages to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo.

  • Trek: 3–4 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 100 m
  • Elevation Loss: 435 m
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka (2838 M)

The trail follows the Thuli Bheri River through pine and cedar forests before reaching Chhepka.

  • Trek: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 698 m
  • Elevation Loss: 50 m
Day 5: Trek to Samduwa (2960 M)

Continue through forests and small settlements while entering the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 120 m
  • Elevation Loss: Minimal.
Day 6: Trek to Shey Phoksundo/Ringmo (3600 M)

Ascend to the turquoise waters of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake and the traditional village of Ringmo.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 640 m
Day 7: Rest and acclimatization day

A day to relax, explore the lake and prepare your body for higher elevations.

Optional hike: Viewpoint above the lake (300 m).

Day 8: Trek to Salla Ghari North Camp (3650 M)

The trail follows the western shore of Phoksundo Lake and enters a remote alpine valley.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 50 m
Day 9: Trek to Ngangda La High Camp (4650 M)

A gradual but demanding climb into high alpine terrain.

  • Trek: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 m
Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa (4160 M) via Ngangda La (5360 M)

Cross the spectacular Ngangda La Pass with breathtaking views of the Kanjiroba Himal before descending to the sacred monastery of Shey Gompa.

  • Trek: 8–9 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 710 m
  • Elevation Loss: 1,200 m
Day 11: Explore Shey Gompa

Visit the ancient monastery and sacred Crystal Mountain, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Dolpo.

Overnight: Camp/Teahouse.

Day 12: Trek to Namgung (4430 M) via Sela La (5010 M)

Cross another beautiful high pass and descend into the isolated village of Namgung.

  • Trek: 7–8 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 850 m
  • Elevation Loss: 580 m
Day 13: Trek to Saldang (3770 M)

Descend through barren landscapes and ancient Tibetan settlements to Saldang.

  • Trek: 4–5 hours
  • Elevation Loss: 660 m
Day 14: Trek to Nisal village (3860 M)

Walk through remote villages and cultivated fields.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 90 m
Day 15: Trek to Musigaon (4100 M)

Gradual ascent through a spectacular high-altitude landscape.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 240 m
Day 16: Trek to Shimengaun (3870 M) via Musi La (5030 M)

A long day crossing the Musi La Pass before descending to Shimengaun.

  • Trek: 8–9 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 930 m
  • Elevation Loss: 1,160 m
Day 17: Trek to Tinjegaun (4150 M)

A scenic walk through yak pastures and remote settlements.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 280 m
Day 18: Trek to Rapka Campsite (4535 M)

Gradually ascend into a wild and isolated valley.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 385 m
Day 19: Trek to Chharka Bhot Village (4110 M) via Mo La (5027 M)

Cross the Mo La Pass and descend into the beautiful village of Chharka Bhot.

  • Trek: 8 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 490 m
  • Elevation Loss: 910 m
Day 20: Explore Chharka Bhot Village

A rest day to explore one of Dolpo’s most authentic Tibetan villages.

Day 21: Trek to Norbulung (4750 M)

Follow the Chharka Tulsi Khola upstream into alpine grazing lands.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 640 m
Day 22: Trek to Mulom Sumna (4860 M)

A short day for acclimatization and preparation for the high passes ahead.

  • Trek: 4–5 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 110 m
Day 23: Trek to Bheri Khola via Niwar La (5120 M)

One of the most challenging days of the expedition. Cross two magnificent high passes with spectacular Himalayan panoramas.

  • Trek: 9–10 hours
  • Elevation Gain: 690 m
  • Elevation Loss: 1,303 m
Day 24: Trek to Sangda village (3710 M)

Descend through dramatic canyons and barren landscapes to Sangda.

  • Trek: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation Loss: 537 m
Day 25: Trek to Phalyak (3175 M)

A pleasant descent through traditional villages and grazing fields.

  • Trek: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation Loss: 535 m
Day 26: Trek to Jomsom (2720 M)

The final trekking day follows the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom.

  • Trek: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation Loss: 455 m
Day 27: Fly to Pokhara (825 M)

Enjoy a spectacular mountain flight to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,895 m
Day 28: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)

A scenic drive back to Kathmandu.

  • Elevation Gain: 525 m
Day 29: Extra day in case of flight delay or cancel due the weather

Reserved in case of weather delays or flight cancellations.

Day 30: Day sightseeing un the Kathmandu valley

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage. You will visit Boudhanath one of the largest  stupa  in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa. After visiting that places, you will head to Swayambhunath  and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening you will meet with your trek guide, who will brief you about the trek.

Day 31: Final departure

Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

  • Domestic flights as described in the program.
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
  • Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
  • An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
  • A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
  • Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
  • Luggage transport 13 kg maximum per person during the trek
  • All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
  • Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
  • Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
  • All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

  • International flights.
  • Nepal entry visa fees.
  • Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
  • Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
  • Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
  • Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
  • Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

  • Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
  • Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
  • Optional if someone rental horse for crossing high mountain passes with feeling difficulty: approximately USD 150, payable locally.
  • Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
  • Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.

PRICE PER PERSON

Discover Nepal’s Hidden Trails with Active Altitude Treks & Expedition

5000+ Happy Customers

Explore 100+ Adventure Trekking & Tour Packages Across Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India.

Translate »
Scroll to Top