The General Information of this Upper Dolpo Trek Guide provides you with all the details you need if you are planning to visit the Upper Dolpo Region. First, trekkers can’t see this region alone without any guide or porter. Moreover, Upper Dolpa Trekking is not possible without restricted permit cards. Therefore, trekkers must have at least two fellow members with restricted permit cards through a government-registered trekking agency. Check our permit required for the Dolpo Trek to know more about the permit card costs and documents. Take the time to gain more information about Dolpo to make your trip memorable.
Getting there to Dolpo
To reach the Dolpo Region, fly to Nepalgunj for Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, if you like driving in the countryside, take a local bus to Nepalgunj and fly to Jhupal the next day. There is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Hence, you must take two flights to get there.
Quick Facts About Dolpo Region:
Highest Altitude: 5100 meters (Saldang La Pass)
Lowest Altitude: 150 meters (Nepalgunj)
Total Trekking Days: 20-25 Days.
No. of Pax: Min. 2 Person.
Trekking Routes in Dolpo
The Upper Dolpo Trekking
Shey Phoksundo Trek
Kangmara La Pass Trek
Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Who can do this 28-day Upper Dolpo Region Trekking?
Well, Upper Dolpo Trek is a strenuous journey through the challenging trail. However, the trek can be done by different levels of trekkers such as:
- For trekkers with previous trekking experience who are seeking new adventures, the Upper Dolpo Region is the perfect destination.
- Travelers who want to push their limits physically and mentally for a lifetime experience.
- If you are fond of exploring wildlife and nature, Upper Dolpo Trekking consists of wide ranges of flora and fauna along the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Upper Dolpo is a perfect fit for those keen on discovering the remote village of Nepal and the Local community's culture.
Tea House and Camping During the Dolpo Trek
It is a combination of a teahouse and a camping trek. There are limited teahouses along the trail with simple facilities. The crew members will set the camp where there is no teahouse. Likewise, at some point during the trek, you can see only Yak and other wildlife. At the campsite, you will be provided comfy tent house for sleep, a toilet, and a dining tent.
Festivals in the Dolpo Region
The trek to the Dolpo region has more cultural significance because the people follow Tibetan Buddhism. People from Upper Dolpo celebrate festivals like Buddha Jayanti, Sonam Lhosar, Shey Festival, and Yungney. Similarly, the middle and lower Dolpo region communities celebrate Chye Chu, Keja, Chaigu, Yacha, Dashain, Tihar, and Mastta.
Why is it called off the Beaten Path Trek?
There are several reasons why Dolpo is considered an off-the-beaten-path trek. Firstly, this region's untouched beauty lies in a remote area of Nepal. This journey takes you to the Tibetan-influenced valley of Dho Tarap. The trail was closed to foreigners until 1989 because of some disputes. Since then, it has been declared a restricted region for the preservation of the region. Hence, only a few travelers visit the Dolpo region.
Similarly, crossing different high passes above 5000 meters is a unique experience on this trek. The region's unique geography and landscape make it a more remote and off-the-beaten path. Likewise, the captivating Turquoise Lake of Shey Phoksundo with Stunning views of the Himalayas on the back group uplifts the adventure of this trek.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary
The 28-day Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary begins from Kathmandu with the flight to Nepalgunj. Then, taking another flight to Jhupal, the actual walking trek begins to Dolpo. Check out the outline itinerary to Upper Dolpo:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Trekking permit Preparation and Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m, 1 hour flight)
Day 04: Flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and Trek to Dunai (2850m)
Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2900m)
Day 06: Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat (3500m)
Day 07: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3611m)
Day 08: Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo to Phoksundo Khola (3507m)
Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4400m)
Day 11: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4500m)
Day 12: Acclimatization at Shey Gompa
Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4800m)
Day 14: Trek from Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3903m) via Saldang La Pass (5200m)
Day 15: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4960m)
Day 16: Trek from Yangze to Sibu (4560m)
Day 17: Trek from Sibu to Jenga La Phedi (4900m)
Day 18: Trek from Jenga La Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m)
Day 19: Trek from Tokyo Gaun to Dho Tarap (4040m)
Day 20: Acclimatization at Dho Tarap
Day 21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3800m)
Day 22: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaun(3130m)
Day 23: Trek from Khanigaun to Tarakot (2537)
Day 24: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2850m)
Day 25: Trek from Dubai to Jhupal (2502m)
Day 26: Fly from Jhupal to Napalgunj and back to Kathmandu
Day 27: Extra day just in case of flight delays
Day 28: Departure
Upper Dolpo Trekking cost
The Upper Dolpo Trek costs start from USD 2899 per person for the 28-day Dolpo Trek Itinerary. However, the cost is also based on the duration, guide fee, permit cards, group size, and several other aspects.
The best time to go Trekking in Dolpo
The best time to embark on Upper Dolpo Trekking is the usual spring and autumn seasons. However, being in the rain shadow area, it is possible to trek even during the monsoon season.
Permit required for Dolo Trekking
For the Upper Dolpo Trekking, you need the following permit cards:
Restricted Area Permit Card for Upper Dolpo that costs USD 500 per person for 10 days. After that, USD 50 per person per day for more days.
Restricted Area Permit Card for Lower Dolpo Region that costs USD 20 per person for a week. However, after a week it costs USD 5 per day for more days.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit Card costs USD 30 per person throughout the journey.
Why Book this trek with Mountain Eco Trails?
Our Mountain Eco Trail Team is highly experienced travel experts with skilled and knowledgeable professionals. From our trekking guide, ground staff, porters, and camp staff, we all are travel enthusiasts and keen on providing high-quality service to our clients. Feel free to knock on our door for further details of the Upper Dolpo Trekking Guide.
