1. Overview

The Upper Dolpo trek offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Nepal's most remote and culturally preserved regions. Hidden behind the Dhaulagiri range in northwestern Nepal, Upper Dolpo remains a land of stark beauty, deep valleys, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The area was closed to outsiders until the late 1980s, and it still requires special permits, making it one of the least visited regions in the country.

This high-altitude trek crosses multiple mountain passes, skirts turquoise lakes, and passes through villages where centuries-old customs are still part of daily life. The landscapes are vast and barren, yet breathtakingly serene, with dramatic contrasts between rugged terrain and snow-covered peaks. It is a demanding journey, best suited for experienced trekkers seeking both adventure and cultural depth far from commercial trekking routes.

2. Quick Facts

Duration: 24 to 27 days, depending on route and acclimatization
Maximum Altitude: 5,550 m (Jungben La Pass)
Trek Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: Camping and basic lodges
Best Season: May to October
Starting Point: Juphal (via flight from Nepalgunj)
Ending Point: Juphal or, for extended itineraries, Jhupal via Shey Phoksundo and Dho Tarap

3. Highlights of the Trek

• Crossing remote high-altitude passes including Numa La and Baga La
• Visiting Shey Gompa, a revered 11th-century monastery at the heart of Upper Dolpo
• Walking alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake
• Immersing in the Tibetan-influenced culture of Dolpo's isolated villages
• Traversing through dramatic mountain landscapes and barren, windswept valleys
• Exploring the ancient salt trade routes once used by caravans from Tibet
• Experiencing one of Nepal's last truly off-the-beaten-path trekking adventures

4. Detailed Itinerary

The following is a sample itinerary for the Upper Dolpo trek, including acclimatization and remote travel days. Durations and campsites may vary depending on conditions and logistics.

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 2: Flight to Juphal (2,475 m), trek to Dunai (2,140 m) - 2 to 3 hours
Day 3: Trek to Chhepka (2,670 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 4: Trek to Jharana Hotel (3,100 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 5: Trek to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake
Day 7: Trek to Sallaghari (3,630 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Kang La High Camp (4,470 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 9: Cross Kang La Pass (5,190 m), descend to Shey Gompa (4,340 m) - 6 to 7 hours
Day 10: Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa
Day 11: Trek to Namgung (4,430 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Saldang (3,770 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 13: Trek to Yangze (4,000 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 14: Trek back to Saldang - 4 to 5 hours
Day 15: Trek to Khoma Gaon (4,200 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 16: Trek to Shimen (3,870 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 17: Trek to Tinje (4,150 m) - 6 to 7 hours
Day 18: Trek to Rakpa (4,160 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 19: Trek to Chharka Bhot (4,300 m) - 5 to 6 hour
Day 20: Rest and acclimatization at Chharka Bhot
Day 21: Trek to Norbulung (4,750 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 22: Trek to Molum Sumna (4,860 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 23: Cross Niwal Pass (5,120 m) and Jungben La (5,550 m), descend to Sangda Phedi - 7 to 8 hours
Day 24: Trek to Sangda village (3,700 m) - 4 to 5 hours
Day 25: Trek to Dhagarjun (3,290 m) - 6 to 7 hours
Day 26: Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Day 27: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and onward to Kathmandu

Note: Some itineraries may finish at Juphal or exit via Mustang, depending on time and logistics.

5. Trekking Seasons and Weather

TUpper Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, making it one of the few trekking regions in Nepal where monsoon treks are possible, same as for treks in Ladakh. The best time to visit is from May to October, when trails are dry, and skies are typically clear. In spring and early summer, wildflowers bloom in the high pastures, while autumn brings crisp air and excellent visibility. Winters are harsh and routes become inaccessible due to heavy snow.

6. Required Permits and Regulations

Because Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, trekkers must obtain several permits:

• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for 10 days, then USD 50 per additional day)
• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (if the itinerary includes the southern region)
• Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

All permits must be arranged in advance through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Independent trekking is not permitted in Upper Dolpo.

7. Physical Preparation and Altitude

The Upper Dolpo Trek is physically demanding due to its duration, remote setting, and high altitudes. Multiple passes exceed 5,000 meters, and several nights are spent above 4,000 meters. Trekkers must be in excellent physical condition and comfortable hiking in rugged, isolated terrain.

A gradual pace with proper acclimatization is essential to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It is recommended to include rest days and to follow the guidance of experienced guides when ascending.

8. Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation on the Upper Dolpo Trek is primarily camping-based, as teahouses are sparse and limited in services. In some lower villages, simple lodges or homestays may be available, but they offer only the most basic facilities.

Meals are prepared by the trekking crew and typically include dal bhat, noodles, soups, vegetables, and tea. The cuisine reflects local ingredients and resembles the food found in other Himalayan regions such as the cuisine of Ladakh, with an emphasis on barley, potatoes, lentils, and Tibetan-style breads. It is important to bring personal snacks and water purification supplies, as resupply options are extremely limited.