Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote & challenging trek in the western region of Nepal. With almost non-existent of tourism, it is necessary to camp & carry your own food supplies. During the trek, it offers breathtaking views of Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges.
The deep valleys, high altitude passes, 800 year old Shey Monastery, remote villages and the glimse into the traditional way of life of the local people are the most rewarding factors of Dolpo trek.
Dolpo Trek Highlights:
- Trek to the remote & unspoiled trek of Nepal known as off-the-beaten-track to the highest point-Jyanta la (5,220m).
- An adventurous camping trek with an amazing view of Phoksundo Lake Kanjirowa Himal, crystal mountain and many more.
- Explore the beautiful flora & fauna of the Upper Dolpo region including some endangered animals like snow leopard, blue deer, etc.
- Visit Shey Gompa one of the oldest monastery
Location and Geography:
- Dolpo is a remote and isolated region located in the northwestern part of Nepal, within the Dolpa District of Karnali Province. It is nestled in the Himalayas, bordered by Tibet to the north. The region lies at altitudes ranging from 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) to over 7,000 meters (23,000 ft).
- Shey Phoksundo National Park occupies a significant portion of Dolpo, known for its dramatic landscapes, including deep valleys, high plateaus, and the pristine Phoksundo Lake.
Cultural Heritage:
- Dolpo is a culturally rich area, home to people of Tibetan origin. The region has preserved ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and Bon religion (an indigenous Tibetan religion) is also practiced.
- The people of Dolpo follow a traditional way of life, relying on agriculture, herding yaks and sheep, and trading with Tibet.
- The monasteries in Dolpo, such as the Shey Gompa and Yangtsher Gompa, are vital spiritual centers.
Key Trekking Routes:
- Dolpo is famous for its trekking routes, which offer stunning mountain views and cultural experiences. The Upper Dolpo Trek and the Lower Dolpo Trek are the most prominent trekking routes, both of which are challenging and require special permits.
- The Great Himalayan Trail passes through Dolpo, attracting experienced trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Flora and Fauna:
- Dolpo is part of the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem, with unique flora and fauna. The region is home to rare species such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan griffon, and the Tibetan wolf.
- The lower altitudes feature forests of pine, spruce, and birch, while higher elevations are marked by alpine meadows and barren rocky landscapes.
Economy and Access:
- The economy of Dolpo is primarily based on agriculture, pastoralism, and trade. Due to its remoteness, there are limited economic opportunities, and the region remains underdeveloped.
- Dolpo is accessible by air through Juphal Airport, followed by several days of trekking. There are no road connections to the region, making transportation difficult and adding to its isolation.
Challenges:
- The remoteness of Dolpo results in limited access to healthcare, education, and other basic services. The harsh climate and high altitude also make life difficult for the local population.
- Tourism provides a source of income but is limited due to the region’s challenging terrain and the need for special permits.
Unique Aspects:
- Dolpo gained international attention through the book “The Snow Leopard” by Peter Matthiessen and the film “Himalaya” (also known as “Caravan”), which was nominated for an Academy Award.
- The region’s isolation has helped preserve its unique culture and way of life, making it a rare place where visitors can experience a blend of natural beauty and ancient traditions.
Dolpo remains one of Nepal’s most mysterious and less-explored regions, offering a unique and spiritual experience for those who venture into its rugged landscapes.
10-Day Travel Itinerary
Arrive at the airport, transfer to the hotel, and check in. Relax and explore the nearby area.
Full-day guided city tour covering major landmarks and attractions.
Spend the day relaxing at the beach and enjoying water sports.
Explore scenic hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
Visit local markets, try street food, and shop for souvenirs.
Explore art and history museums for a cultural experience.
Get your adrenaline pumping with adventure sports like ziplining and rock climbing.
Go on a wildlife safari to see exotic animals in their natural habitat.
Relax with a spa day, complete with massages and wellness treatments.
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure.
Essential Gears & Equipment Checklist for EBC Trek
Packing the right gear & equipment can save you from any unnecessary expenses. To make it easy for you, here is the checklist of the packing list for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Clothing gear for the trek
- Down jackets (1)
- Trekking boots (high ankle recommended, 1 pair)
- Long sleeve T-shirts (thin and thick, 1 each)
- Gortex-waterproof (1)
- windproof jackets (1)
- Hiking socks (2-3 Pairs)
- Beanie (1)
- UV rays protected sunglasses (1)
- Nylon windproof pants Nylon (2 pairs)
- Water bottles (1)
- Gloves (1 pair)
- Hard-shell outer gloves (1 pair)
- Neck gaiter (1)
- Undergarments (as needed)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes (optional)
Essential gears for the trek
- Duffle bag (It is provided by us without extra charges if you trek with us)
- Minimum 40L daypack for carrying essential items during the trek
- Water bottles or Camelbak (Hydration bladder)
- Sleeping bags (1)
- Trekking poles (1 pair)
- Quick dry trekking towels (2)
hings to Know Before Coming to Nepal
On Arrival Visa
The ‘On Arrival’ visa procedure in Nepal is quick and straightforward. You can obtain a tourist visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport under the Department of Immigration. Expect some queues during peak tourist season. Alternatively, you can get your visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions abroad before your arrival to skip these queues.
Here’s a concise guide for the On Arrival Visa process for Nepal:
Arrival Card and Online Form:
Fill in the ‘Arrival Card’ and complete the online ‘Tourist Visa’ form either before your arrival on the official Department of Immigration website or at the airport using Kiosk machines. Print the submission receipt with the barcode, valid for fifteen days.
Payment at the Bank:
Make the required visa payment at the bank based on your visa duration (15/30/90 days). Obtain the payment receipt.
Immigration Desk:
Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts, and passport. Submit the documents to the immigration officer for visa processing. Upon satisfaction, the officer will issue the visa to you.
On Arrival Visa Fees:
– 15 Days – $30 USD
– 30 Days – $50 USD
– 90 Days – $125 USD
Upper Dolpo Itinerary
Today will be the welcome day for you in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. After your arrival at the International Airport of Kathmandu, our team will be there to pick you up. You will be brought to the hotel of Kathmandu for one night stay.
In the evening, we will have a short meeting to discuss about the trip information. Similarly, the main focus of this meeting is to give you information and to let you meet with the guide.
Usually, most of the peoples get time to explore the Thamel area of Nepal also. So, you can explore the area after finishing our meeting.
Today, you will have a short travel to the World Heritage Sites- the holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, old Royal Palaces, and courtyard. After the sightseeing tour, you will head back to the hotel for refreshment & in the afternoon you will have a flight to Nepalgunj city.
After reaching Nepalgunj, you will have an overnight stay in the hotel.
After breakfast early in the morning, it will be another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo. On reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, you will be received by our trekking staff. From Jhupal, it’s a short drive of more than an hour rides to Dunai for an overnight stop. You will have comfort and a nice local lodge to stay. It’s the best opportunity to observe the cultures and traditions of locals peoples around you.
After overnight in Dunai, it’s a morning walk through the market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then a short climb over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak. From here, trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhara. It’s a small cattle herders settlements & from here, its a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri-a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into a forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.
From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk starts with a short climb and descend through forest reaching a riverbank. From here, you will have to climb onwards leaving the forest & downhill to the forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village. From there, trek little further to Samdua for an overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.
The Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after Pungmo Khola valley. And crossing streams, follow the Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach the upper side of Phoksumdo Khola. After a short break, continue to walk to Ringmo village which is an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud-plastered chortens and Mani (prayer) walls. From here it’s a short walk to Phoksumdo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksumdo Lake.
An ideal spot for a rest day, marvel, the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit interesting Ringmo village and walk by the lakeside.
From this lovely place, morning walk starts to higher area of upper Dolpo region to our another highlight and final destination of this awesome journey. Just follow to contour around rocky ledge over the riverbank on the unsteady path. Approach at the western side to the lake through a summer pasture which opens into a wide plain of Phuksumdo Khola for the overnight camp by the river shore.
After a nice walk of the previous day, today’s morning trek begins on a good path leading the northern area of Phuksumdo Khola. Walking up on the hill slopes you will reach a ridge top with the impressive scenery of the wide green valley and looking over Kang-La pass that leads to Shey Gompa There, we will set the camp for the night stop on this nice green summer pasture.
Morning walk starts to our main destination at Shey Gompa which is the main highlights of this adventure after Phuksumdo Lake. This trek continues with a climb on a stone and rocky path to cross Nangdalo-la pass at 5,350 m, the highest point of this adventure.
The top offers superb views of landscapes with snow clad peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri. After reaching the top ridge, descend to the bottom of the hill leading to the river then across cattle herder camps. After a short break, we will continue towards Buddhist prayer monument Chortens and Mani. From here, it is a nice walk to Shey Gompa located beneath Crystal Mountain regarded as a Holy Mountain with an old monastery nearby.
A perfect place for a rest day in this high mountain area, in the harmony of nature and chanting of monks, visit Shey Monastery also known Crystal Monastery. This area is well described in the novel Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.
From this wonderful place, our journey continues into a walled canyon. The trail meanders atop Sela or Gela-la at 5,094 m offering great views of landscapes and of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks. After that, it’s a downhill on the grazing area with a pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for an overnight stop.
After a stop in this village, it’s a walk on dusty windswept terrain leading to steep uphill to reach our overnight camp at Saldang. Another impressive large village of this region is situated at the higher side of the plateau.
From here, morning walk follows to river Nang Chu all the way with short ups and down and then passing Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran- a cattle herders settlement. And then heading to our overnight camp at Chagoan village you will explore an old Rapa Gompa of pre-Buddhist and ancient Bon-Pa culture.
The Morning walks take you to the south towards Tarap Valley around Tokyu and Dho Tarap village. Then taking southern direction, you will reach to Dachu Khola and beyond. After crossing the same trail, follow the river through farm fields and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.
After a nice stop in this summer pasture area, walk through the river for short while. You will encounter some yaks and mules laden caravan on the route too. As a matter of fact, trade with Tibet exists here for hundreds of years ago, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
From the base of Jyanta-la, the morning starts with a steep climb to reach the top of the pass with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range. From here, its a long descent to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village.
After a steep climb, it is an easy walk today for hours reaching at Tokyu gaon for overnight. This is one of the most impressive and interesting villages of the Dolpo area which consists of more than ten villages and nice tended farm fields with old monasteries.
After Tokyugaon, the morning starts with a downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on the broader green valley. This is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep. From here, your trek continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap which is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.
From here, it’s a long descend to Tarap valley which is one of the largest and longest valleys of the Dolpo area. It is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River to Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village. Our walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and a small place of Kesila around Yak herders. We will have a temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.
Today treks lead you on Tarap nice valley where the trail enters into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose. From here, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave.
Around this area, you might see some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. As the walking progress, we will reach to a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. You will have an overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.
Start your morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area following the river all the way at Tarakot. It’s a large and interesting village with an old history and well maintained terraced farm fields. Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) is guarding the village.
Tarakot village houses is a famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.
After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu. The morning starts following many spreads out villages and farmers huts, walking on a wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach Dunai. From here, you will have a jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.
Morning board on a smaller aircraft for short flight to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to another flight back to Kathmandu with views of mountains during 50 mins flight. And after reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotels.
Pristine Nepal reserves this day in case of flight delay and cancellation at Jhupal, due to unfavorable weather conditions. If all runs well according to our itinerary days, join for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu which is full of world heritage sites of historical monuments. Enjoy the tour of Kathmandu old Durbar square, Swayambhunath the landmark of Kathmandu or visit Bouddhanath “Little Tibet” on this day.
Last day in amazing Nepal country of Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel where Pristine Nepal staff transfer you to the airport, after a greatly enjoyable and memorable time around Upper Dolpa & Shey Gompa Trekking with grand services and guidance of Pristine Nepal.
