Upper Dolpo Trek

Overview of the Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most insulated touring destinations, lying in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif near the Tibetan border. It offers a unique combination of rugged high- altitude desert geographies, centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions, and rare wildlife. The region is culturally and geographically near to Tibet than the rest of Nepal, making it an exceptional journey for those seeking a true nature experience.

The journey passes through Shey- Phoksundo National Park, Phoksundo Lake( 3,611 m), and several high passes frequently exceeding 5,000 m. Ancient cloisters like Shey Gompa( the Crystal Monastery) and remote townlets like Saldang and Dho Tarap give you a regard of life unchanged for centuries.

Stylish Time to Trek

• Spring( April – May): Mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for crossing high passes.
• Afterlife( September – November): Stylish rainfall and visibility, crisp air with minimum rush.
• Summer( June – August): Unexpectedly, Dolpo’s rain- shadow position makes thunderstorm touring possible; wildflowers bloom, but breakouts to Juphal may face detainments.
• Winter( Dec – Feb): Harsh cold wave; heavy snow can block passes, making the journey veritably grueling .

Cultural and Scenic Highlights

• Phoksundo Lake Turquoise alpine lake girdled by conifer timbers and escarpments.
• Shey Gompa( Crystal Monastery) A sacred point of great spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion.
• Ancient Trade Routes Follow centuries-old caravan trails used by yak herdsmen and dealers between Nepal and Tibet.
• Wildlife Snow leopards, blue lamb, Himalayan griffons, and rare medicinal sauces.
• High- altitude desert geographies analogous to Tibet, with barren denes , deep defiles, and rugged passes.

Accommodation and Food

• Teahouses and homestays are available in some townlets like Ringmo, Saldang, and Dho Tarap. They're veritably introductory, offering limited food( dal bhat, Tibetan chuck , polls, potatoes).
• In remote sections, you must chamber, with trekking crews carrying canopies, cooking outfit, and food.
• It’s judicious to carry redundant snacks, water sanctification tablets, and energy supplements.

Permits and Regulations

• Upper Dolpo is a defined region with special permits needed
• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit USD 500 per person for the first 10 days; USD 50 per day later.
• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit if your route includes it.
• Shey- Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
• TIMS Card.

You must journey with a certified companion and in a group of at least two people( as per Nepali government rules).

Trek Difficulty and Duration

• Difficulty: Challenging. The journey crosses multiple high passes( similar as Kang La 5,350 m, Shey La 5,000 m, Jeng La 5,110m). Long walking days( 6 – 8 hours), rugged terrain, and limited structure make it demanding.
• Duration: 21 – 28 days, depending on your diary and adaptation schedule.
• Fitness position previous experience with high- altitude trekking is largely recommended.

Access and Transportation

• Flight Option Kathmandu → Nepalgunj( 1 hour), Nepalgunj → Juphal( 30 – 40 min). The journey starts from Juphal.
• Overland OptionMulti-day jeep drive from Nepalgunj/ Surkhet; infrequently chosen due to poor road conditions.
• Breakouts to Juphal can be delayed due to rainfall; keep a buffer day or two.

Why Choose Upper Dolpo?

• A true nature journey, far from crowded routes like Annapurna or Everest.
• Experience ancient Tibetan culture and Bon traditions firsthand.
• Explore one of Nepal’s most remote public premises with rich biodiversity.
• The sense of insulation and the dramatic high- altitude desert geography is unmatched.