Upper Dolpo Trek

Best Time

The most recommended seasons for the Upper Dolpo Trek are spring and autumn because you will experience clear skies and gentle weather along with plenty of beautiful plants.

Rhododendron forests abound in spring, along with lovely weather and beautiful views of the mountains. Because of snowmelt, many high areas can be reached, but in some spots, there is still snow and ice. It’s the ideal season for photography because the fresh air, blue sky, and vibrant forest colors invite long walks. There’s less chance of accidents since the trails are not muddy.

Trekking is dangerous, and many tea houses are closed during the winter season, which lasts from November to March, because it brings deep snow and freezing weather.

In lower areas, the monsoon period (from June to August) turns the trails into muddy, slippery paths, but Upper Dolpo avoids much of the rain. Landslides and airport closures affect flights to and from Nepalgunj and Juphal, causing frequent delays.

Simply put, visiting during spring or autumn is best, but going off-season brings many extra difficulties.

Elevation and Distance

Over 25 days, the Upper Dolpo Trek takes you across 240 kilometers (149 miles) of remote mountains and over various high passes. The highest point of this trek is reached at Kang-La Pass, which measures 5,360 meters (17,585 ft) and lets you enjoy amazing views all around. Nepalgunj lies at 150 meters, or 492 feet, above sea level in the southern plain, making it the lowest elevation of the trek.

Because it spans a huge range in elevation, the trek includes everything from lush lowlands to dry desert areas up high. Major attractions on the trek are Phoksundo Lake (3,612m), Shey Gompa (4,200m), and Jeng-La Pass (5,110m). Everyday walks tend to be 10–15 kilometers, which allows trekkers to walk over major climbs, through river valleys, and across meadows and visit various cultural villages.

Because of its distant location, changes in altitude, and tough routes, this trail is recommended for seasoned trekkers wanting an exciting cultural hiking experience in the Himalayas.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness

Because of its far location, difficult terrain, and high passes, the Upper Dolpo Trek is often seen as a difficult trek. Trekkers covering these trails experience long days of walking, very simple places to stay, and minimal bedding.

The highest pass on the route, Kang-La Pass, is dangerous due to altitude sickness unless you have properly acclimatized. Giving your body a rest during your time at Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa lets it adapt bit by bit. If you climb quickly, you might feel ill with a headache, nausea, or dizziness.

Make sure you drink water, walk at a gentle pace, and watch for any early symptoms. A person should be in good physical shape, have a strong mind, and have previously taken part in trekking at high altitudes.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

Walking on Day 22 from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon, along a steep way through a deep gorge, can easily take 8–9 hours, making it the longest walking day.

On Day 25, you walk from Dunai to Juphal and will finish in only 2–3 hours. It is typical for a trekking day to take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours.

An average day on the entire walking journey is around 6 hours. Since the path through steep passes is followed by gentle riverside trails, walking the passes like Kang-La and Jeng-La to gradual river trails is both physically demanding and visually stunning.

Alternative Routes

There are several options for getting to the Upper Dolpo Trek, and each one gives a different experience in scenery, how much it takes, and the chance to see culture.

You can start at Jumla and trek to Dunai on this trek, which usually takes around 6 days. It is a fairly easy trail that crosses through different environments and gives people two possible access points to the Dolpo region.

The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the starting point for the 28–30-day Dhorpatan to Dolpo Trek. Since the trails are long and nature is wild, trekkers here enjoy peace and close contact with nature.

The trek from Phoksundo to Rara Lake takes you through Upper Dolpo along a 25-day route. It joins the best parts of these regions, giving you a complete trekking adventure.

Such alternative routes enable tourists to uncover many areas of the Dolpo region, as these trails are great for people with different needs and schedules.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Because Upper Dolpo is so remote, involves a lot of trekking, and is high above sea level, it’s best left to more experienced trekkers. Daily, trekkers need to walk for many hours, go over passes like Kang-La, and use simple places with not many services.

Trekking at high altitudes puts you at serious risk for altitude sickness, and getting help if you get injured is very difficult. Rugged landscape with numerous steep areas is also part of the offered trail.

If you have trekked high in the high elevation before, this trek is right for you. Those new to trekking in Nepal should start with the easier Ghorepani Poon Hill or Langtang Valley routes.

Preparation and Fitness

People should get in good shape and prepare properly for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Start running, hiking, or cycling regularly about 3–4 months ahead to strengthen your stamina. A combination of leg and core workouts and backpack hikes each week will train you for what you’ll see on the trail.

Being mentally strong is just as important for similar reasons of remoteness and poor facilities. It helps to be familiar with altitude. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes, trekking poles, and a nice sleeping bag. It is important to see a doctor and have medications for altitude sickness before you get on this journey.

Gadget charging, Internet, and communication

It is hard to charge the electronic devices, as power is in short supply during the Upper Dolpo Trek. There are lodges in Dunai, Ringmo, and Dho Tarap that let travelers charge their devices by solar power, but it usually costs extra. However, in remote areas, such amenities are scarce. To keep their devices on at all times, trekkers are recommended to have solar chargers or additional batteries with them.

You will encounter very little Internet service during the trek. A handful of lodges charge for Wi-Fi, but most connections are slow and often break in the middle of the use. There are no real 3G or 4G signals anywhere, only occasional service in a few areas. A local SIM from Ncell in Kathmandu should help in the valley, but it won’t be reliable if you visit higher altitudes.

Some trekking agencies make sure their guides have satellite phones, which allow responders to reach guide teams even in the most remote locations.

Permit

For trekking in the Upper Dolpo, you must obtain three different permits.

Shey-Phoksundo National Park Permit: With a Shey-Phoksundo National Park Permit, you can enter Nepal’s biggest national park and see its various plants, animals, and the striking Phoksundo Lake.

Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit: Traveling through the Lower Dolpo region needs an entry permit that acts as your gateway to Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit: Anyone wishing to enter remote Upper Dolpo and experience its pure environment and original Tibetan culture must obtain an Upper Dolpo Entry Permit.

Because getting these permits is required and regulated, we will take care of everything for you, making sure your trip is comfortable and straightforward.

Transportation

Due to its remote area, you have to use several modes to travel during the Upper Dolpo Trek. The trip begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a stunning flight to Juphal. When the trek is complete, we travel back on flights from Juphal to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Every flight is run by domestic airlines you can count on. Vehicles for city rides within Kathmandu and Nepalgunj are arranged according to how many people join, either with comfortable cars or comfortable vans. We guarantee that your journey is safe and enjoyable.

Insurance

Since the area of the Upper Dolpo Trek is very remote and high up, it is compulsory to have insurance before going. Be sure that your insurance will cover high-altitude hiking up to 6,000 meters and that you’ll be evacuated by helicopter if you have altitude sickness or injuries.

A good policy should cover cases where your trip is canceled or delayed, you lose your belongings, or someone is injured because of your actions. Since getting to a hospital fast is not possible in this region, patients have to be evacuated rapidly in an emergency.

Getting treatment is often very expensive if you lack insurance. We recommend you buy a wide insurance policy from a trusted company prior to your trek.

What to Expect

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you on an unforgettable adventure to one of Nepal’s least explored destinations. You will be surprised by the landscape you find, with rugged peaks, elevated passes, and alpine lakes such as Phoksundo.

You’ll find Tibetan-influenced traditions, buildings, and friendliness in the regions’ traditional villages, monasteries, and local people. Seeing various species of wildlife, even those that are rare, makes the trek even more exciting.

While trekking the trail can be tough, you’ll find it worth the effort because of the changing and challenging heights you face. Weather can be unpredictable, from bright sunshine in the day to cold evenings.

Lodging is arranged at simple teahouses or lodges, and it’s comfy. Freshly cooked family meals and a break from the city are part of your stay.

Since the hike is located at high altitudes and requires much strength, trekkers should prepare carefully, but the impressive scenery and varied cultures justify all efforts. For the most part, it offers a unique mix of scenery, traditions, and excitement that can’t be repeated.

Accommodations and Meals in Upper Dolpo Equipment

The Upper Dolpo Trek route goes through the remote areas of the region. There are not many tea houses and lodges available along the trail. But whatever accommodations are available, they are run by locals and provide only basic facilities. It includes a bed, blanket, pillow, and clean sheets. The rooms are on a twin-shared basis. Likewise, there are shared bathrooms and communal dining spaces. These accommodations can charge trekkers extra for hot showers, charging electronic devices, and internet.

There are also limited amenities available in the region. Phones and internet connectivity also may not work properly in higher elevations. The meals are usually the staple Nepali dish of Dal Bhat. It includes rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickles, and sometimes include meat. You may find other menu options but there are not many variety of menus available in remote regions.

During the trek, Adventure Walkaway arranges the accommodations and three times meals. The accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Note that the package for Upper Dolpo Trek does not include drinks during the trip, hot showers, charging costs, and other personal expenses.