Trip Introduction
Overview of Upper Dolpo Trek- 24 Days | Itinerary | Cost | For 2024/25
Feel the thrill of a lifetime as you trek to thrilling adventure in the remote Upper Dolpo Trek
The Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal is a captivating and unique trekking experience. It is a wonderful journey to one of the remotest regions of Nepal. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989, when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups.
The trail goes on the way to leaving a small airstrip at Juphal and passes through the settlements. The forest views and high snow-capped mountains reach the deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake, 3600 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, the Kang-La Pass connects the Phoksundo Valley and Shey Gompa.
The Kang-La Pass is the trek’s highest point, where beautiful mountains and landscapes may be seen. The Upper Dolpo Trek begins with a visit to the Shey Gompa after exploring the Shey Phoksundo Lake. Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountains provide a retreat and personal charm with the serenity they possess.
This three-week trek is not for the faint-hearted, as trails are difficult, high, steep, shaky, and sometimes barely there. Long walking days at high altitudes are the norm, with several high passes to cross, but for those with the stamina, fitness level, and sheer willpower, this trek is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Immerse yourself in the captivating weaving of culture and history of Upper Dolpo
The arid landscape between the Dhaulagiri massif and the Tibetan plateau is rich in ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. Some of the rewards of this trek are observing Tibetan Buddhist culture and epochs of old monasteries—for instance, the 800-year-old Shey Monastery. Various artistic monasteries, including Shey-Gumpa, are enrolled in prayer flags, and the traditional lifestyles of the local ethnic communities are in pristine form, free of modern influence.
Itinerary of Upper Dolpo Trek- 24 Days | Itinerary | Cost | For 2024/25
Before trekking to this advetnerous yet beautiful holiday, we need to have a adventurous flight to Nepalgunj. This is where our interesting schedule starts to shine enjoying one of the top treks in Nepal.
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is our first stop. The travel only takes around an hour by air, so make sure to reserve a window seat to experience breathtaking vistas of the high Himalayas along the way. When we touch down in Nepalgunj, we’ll be checked in at our hotel before enjoying the rest of the day at our leisure. The city is primarily known as a center of trade with adjacent India, but it also features some fantastic local eateries where you can get a taste of classic Nepali dishes.
Few travelers to Nepal get to fly domestically, but this thrilling itinerary takes you another flight into Nepal’s core. You will fly into a land of dry mountains and vast valleys with year-round snow spots after a 35 minutes short flight.
You’ve reached Juphal, the start of the Upper Dolpo Trek. After meeting our porters and trekking team, we’ll begin our trek. This will be a moderate introduction to our epic trekking plan, commencing with a modest rise above a wooded valley before dropping into the Thuli Bheri river, which we’ll follow for two hours. Along the trip, you’ll see the gigantic Dhaulagiri Himal rising above the Upper Dolpo’s lower mountains. Our first night in the Himalayas will be spent at teahouse in Dunai.
We’re entering Nepal’s largest national park, Shey Phoksumdo. There’s enough to enjoy in this wild landscape, especially for nature lovers: boundless forests of juniper and birch, herds of blue sheep on steep mountaintop routes, notable monasteries, and cultural monuments. Today’s Upper Dolpo Trek climbs into the park’s dense wilderness for nearly six hours, passing through beautiful woodlands where walnut and maple trees provide shade from the Himalayan sun. In Chhepka, we’ll pick a guesthouse for the day. As the sun sets, this charming village is the perfect place to enjoy nature.
Dramatic suspension bridges are a hallmark of trekking in Nepal, and we’ll come across a few great examples of these daring feats of architecture this morning, crossing back and forth over the Phoksumdo Khola river as we ascend through beautiful pine forests. Lush green hillsides are the order of the day, and the sight of thin trails cutting their way across steep ravines is sure to take your breath away.
Today’s section of the Upper Dolpo Trek will also introduce us to arguably the finest waterfall in the region, and one of the tallest in the country. We’ll stop nearby to take plenty of photographs and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. From here, it’s just a short hike to the village which shares its name with the waterfall. We’ll reach Jharana after about six hours of hiking today, and our comfortable accommodations at the best available trekking lodge will afford us some hard-earned rest after our strenuous hike.
The next day of the Upper Dolpo Trek will begin after a hearty breakfast in the town of Jharana. Today we’ll be covering a lot, which will involve ascending into the mountains. Our efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking alpine vistas today when we finally catch our first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake. To reach the wide settlement of Ringmo, we must first cross another daring suspension bridge, then go via a ranger station.
This lovely town is one of the few remaining Bön, or Bon, religious centers in the Himalayas. This native religion was practiced in these highlands even before the arrival of Tibetan Buddhism. We’ll be staying at a small inn run by a kind local family. It’s possible to pitch a tent at one of the surrounding campgrounds, but we recommend staying in town instead because you’ll have a much more meaningful impact on the local economy and will gain invaluable knowledge of culture from interacting with the welcoming locals.
We’ll spend the day exploring the captivating area around Phoksundo Lake’s dazzling blue waters. Our plan will also help us prevent altitude sickness and make our Upper Dolpo Trek more comfortable by giving us an extra day to adjust. The sacred lake—from the 1999 film Himalaya—is today’s star. We’ll go along its peaceful shorelines, where evergreen trees reach the lake. As you gaze at the snowcapped mountains reflected in the quiet river, you’ll realize how relaxing this natural setting is. The native Bon culture has long understood this, and we will visit Tshowa Gompa, a lakefront monastery.
Today will be one of your favorite Upper Dolpo Trek days if you adore Phoksundo Lake’s surreal beauty. Following the cliffside trails above this stunning alpine lake to the opposite bank will give us a unique perspective. We’ll cross meadows to reach the Phoksumdo Khola River’s floodplain. Since we’re off the beaten path, we’ll have to camp tonight. Your Alpine Ramble Treks team will make sure you have all the amenities you need as we set up camp near Sallaghari in pine wood.
After packing up camp and eating breakfast, we’ll head north along a very flat path for the first hour of today’s trip. We will cross a short wooden bridge and begin our strenuous ascent at the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and the Tuk Kyaksa Khola. The trail just gets steeper from here, and we’ll soon be at another high-altitude meadow.
We will have lunch in the beautiful backdrop of the Upper Dolpo’s unspoiled mountain before beginning our ascent. The impressive Kang La mountain pass will soon come into view as we continue on our journey. The next day, we’ll make the ascent to the pass and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Himalayas. Our campsite for the day will be in the Nangdala High Camp, marked by a massive rock slab.
Another challenging ascent awaits us this morning as we begin our epic journey in the Upper Dolpo. In preparation for the tough climb that lies ahead, we will eat a healthy breakfast and then set out. We’ll be taking our time on the ascent to the top of the 5,360-meter-high Kang La mountain pass, which is higher than most treks in Nepal. Once we reach the pass, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Tibetan plateau and the three towering peaks that define Upper Dolpo. It includes Shey Shikhar, Kang Chunne, and the holy Crystal Mountain. Shey, also known as Crystal Mountain, was given its English name because of the abundance of quartz crystals in the rock that makes up its summit.
After taking in the scenery, we’ll carefully make our way down from the pass. The trails eventually lead us through a river and past grazing yaks and goats to the town of Shey. There are a few tea houses in town, but if not, there’s a beautiful campsite right next to the monastery where we can pitch our tents.
Today is a rest day, but it’s also a great opportunity to see the Upper Dolpo Trek’s rich cultural heritage. The monastery at Shey, Shelri Sumdho Gompa is one of the most impressive symbols of the Bon religion in all of Upper Dolpo. Exploring the gompa’s peaceful interiors will allow you to admire the work of its master craftsmen, who likely created the structure more than 800 years ago. You might even strike up a conversation with a monk who lives in the area and learn all about the monastery’s fascinating past and isolated setting.
You’re in for a real treat if your hike through the Upper Dolpo falls in the summer festival season, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. But regardless of the season, Shey’s surroundings are breathtaking because of the towering Crystal Mountain. After a day of seeing these historical sites, we’ll return to Shey for another night.
We must now leave Shey Gompa and continue along the route of the Upper Dolpo Trek. Today, we’ll be heading east, through a valley populated by grazing yaks, and along the banks of the Sephu Khola River. Soon, we’ll be passing through the foothills and into the true mountains, where the rocky Himalayan peaks are stacked upon one another.
Today, we plan to use the Shey La pass to get past the chain of peaks. The pass is at an amazing altitude of almost 5,306 meters above sea level, so the views are, unsurprisingly, well worth the effort of getting here. From here, we’ll be able to take in a breathtaking view of the mountainous landscape that reaches Nepal’s remote Mustang area all the way to Tibet. After taking a moment to take in the breathtaking panorama, we’ll make our way back down the pass and on to Namgung.
After our leave from the Namjung, the trail will begin to ascend. It starts out with a lengthy and interesting journey along the mountainous terrain with rocks. At the bottom of the valley, there are terraced fields where various crops are getting ready to be harvested. Following a brief period of ascent, we will begin our descent toward the picturesque settlement of Salding, which rests on a plateau several hundred meters above the Nam Khong Nala River. The other villages in the district are smaller than this one. On the Trans Himalayan Tibetan plateau is where you’ll find this dry settlement. A day of hiking will take us approximately five hours to complete.
After breakfast today, we’ll set out for the north, leaving Saldang and following the Nagon Khola as it flows through the Upper Dolpo’s highlands. We’ll be passing through a few villages today, and along the way, we’ll see several intriguing caverns in the cliff walls. We cross through Nagon Khola and Tora Khola rivers, then continue on to Yangze Gompa across a dangerous suspension bridge. This monastery, also known as Yangtsher Gompa, is widely considered to be the oldest in the Dolpo area. This gompa, dating back a thousand years and surrounded by a spectacular collection of chortens, offers a compelling argument for the significance of religion and spirituality in traditional Himalayan society. Stunning images of the Buddha, Green Tara, and other religious and historical icons like Guru Rinpoche and Padmasambhava may be found here.
We’ll be presented with a few alternatives for the next part of our Upper Dolpo Trek. Taking the path that goes through Shimengaon and Nishalgaon is a longer and more difficult way to travel. Most Upper Dolpo treks, however, take a more direct path that involves returning to Saldang, then following the river, and finally crossing terraced fields of barley and wheat on the way to Sibu.
There are two additional monasteries we can see if we go with this alternative: Chaiba Gompa and Namdo Monastery. The gompa at Namdo is located in a particularly beautiful rural community of roughly 400 people, and both monasteries provide good insight into the Buddhist and Bon beliefs. We may enjoy lunch here and the relaxed atmosphere of the village while chatting with the residents. Moving forward, after a total of six or seven hours on the trail, we will reach the town of Sibu. We will set up camp for much-needed rest in this traditional village, which is marked by a series of mani walls and chortens.w
Today is a rather easy day on the Upper Dolpo Trek, giving us an opportunity to rest before tomorrow’s ascent of the Jeng La Pass. After breakfast, we’ll begin off along a flat path that follows the Namgung Khola’s path. We’ll be walking through the Upper Dolpo valleys, where juniper and pine trees flourish, and their aromatic trees will be beneath our canopy. However, we’ll start our ascent to Jeng-la Phedi from the point where the Namgung Khola and another river converge. The landscape consists mostly of grass, with some low vegetation and a few sprinklings of rocks here and there. After around five or six hours of hiking, we’ll reach Jeng-la Phedi.
Every great Nepali hike features breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, and today we get to experience one of the best. Two hours should get us to Jeng La Pass, a fantastic crossing between the high mountains of the Upper Dolpo. When we get there, we’ll be at an elevation of about 5,100 feet. From this location, we can see the snow-capped Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) and the lower, drier peaks of the Upper Dolpo range.
Photographers on the trek will be fascinated by the stark distinction between the two, and after we’ve all had our fill of the breathtaking scenery, we’ll start the long descent into the Tarap Valley. The Tarap Chu River will be in sight as we make our way across a landscape of cultivated terraces and chortens adorned with bright prayer flags. This glacier river’s name, Chu, represents the Tibetan culture of the isolated Upper Dolpo region. We’ll walk alongside the river for almost 20 kilometers before stopping for the night in the town of Tokyu.
Since we won’t be doing a lot of traveling today, we’ll take our time with breakfast and explore the charming town of Tokyu. The little but significant monastery in Tokyu is worth a visit if you missed it last night. You won’t want to miss the magnificent portrayal of the Maitreya Buddha inside this gompa’s modest facade, which is flanked by mani walls and recently repaired chortens. When we set out, we’ll hike for four or five hours through a beautiful green valley before reaching the small town of Dho Tarap. We’ll be spending the following two nights at the finest accessible trekking lodge in a town that’s home to people of Magar and Tibetan ancestry, where we can get to know them and their culture. Many hikers consider these interactions with locals to be the most memorable part of the Upper Dolpo Trek.
We’ll take today to relax and get acquainted with Dho Tarap, one of the most interesting settlements in all of Upper Dolpo. You’ve undoubtedly already observed that the locals here practice both Buddhism and Bon. The mani walls, chortens, and monasteries all throughout the town are made of stone and are proof of the harmonious integration of these two traditions. Nearby the city is home to several monasteries, or gompas, including one that serves as a quiet sanctuary for reflection and meditation but sees very few tourists. We will also go to the farms in Dho Tarap and talk to the locals as they gather their barley, wheat, and potatoes. Dho Tarap is also a great place to kick back and relax with a good book while taking in breathtaking views of the Upper Dolpo’s towering peaks if that’s more your speed. We’re going to stay one more night in town before continuing on.
After the early morning breakfast, we will start to descend from the high mountain altitude. After some hours of descend, we will reach alongside of the Tarap Chu River passing though the juniper vegetation and alpine descents. Keep your eyes sharp during the walk, as you may encounter small herds of blue seeps across the hills. You might also encounter the nomadic shepherds of Upper Dolpo near the Tarap Chi and Lang Rivers.
Now our last stretch of steep and narrow path is waiting for us to climb. We climb this steep path to reach the community of Serkam village. After we reach this village, we will set up the camp and prepare for dinner.
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a mellow path that follows the Tarap Chu river as it winds its way up through wooded areas. From here on out, our route will take us both down and up. This section of the trail is notoriously hazardous because of all the imbedded boulders and stones. Khanigaon and Tarakot are options for overnight stays at this point on some Upper Dolpo trekking itineraries, but we prefer the rural ambiance of Shahar Tara. Once we get there, we’ll settle in for the night and feast on some delicious local fare.
We’ve been on the Upper Dolpo Trek for three weeks now, and we’re finally making our way back to Dunai. After leaving Shahar Tara, we will hike for perhaps five hours today, steadily gaining elevation along the Thuli Bheri River. We may have to share the trail with local donkey caravans carrying goods and supplies to the mountains when we near the more inhabited sections of the Upper Dolpo again. The path gradually declines as we get closer to Dunai. We’ll have beautiful vistas of grassy plains, large river valleys, and low mountains. Dunai marks our exit from the enormous Shey Phoksundo National Park and our return to a more familiar country.
On our final day of the Upper Dolpo Trek, we’ll be following the river’s route as it flows through the Thuli Bheri Valley. Even though we’re only going to be hiking for a couple of hours and following the same path we did just a few weeks ago, nothing can prepare us for the unexpected sights and sounds that await us in Nepal. We’ll be passing through some forests as we get closer to our day’s destination, Dunai. It’s time to celebrate now that we’ve finished the adventurous Upper Dolpo Trek. This afternoon, the whole trekking crew is getting together for a celebratory supper to reflect on the trek’s success.
After our amazing Trans-Himalayan Upper Dolpo journey, it’s time to descend. While our flights are short, we’ll need to check in at the local airport and make our connection to Nepalgunj, making it a long travel day. These planes offer one last view of the Himalayas.
Tonight, you’ll have time to shop in bustling neighborhood markets. Enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine in Kathmandu’s fine restaurants, and make unique memories of Kathmandu’s ambiance.
Route Map of Upper Dolpo Trek- 24 Days | Itinerary | Cost | For 2024/25
Download MapIncludes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Domestic flight from KTM-Nepalgunj-Juphal and Nepalgunj-KTM
- Restricted Area Permit and Sheyphoksundo National Park Entry Permit
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for 23 days
- One porter for two for trekking for 20 days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable teahouses and camping tents for 22 nights as per itinerary
- Staff insurance
- 23 x set breakfast, 23 x set lunch and 22 x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffel bag during the trek
What's Excluded?
- Food and Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Excess baggage cost during your Lukla flight
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances might affect on itineraries.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Costs associated with evacuations due to illness, accidents, or other natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above.
Essential Information - Upper Dolpo Trek- 24 Days | Itinerary | Cost | For 2024/25
Upper Dolpo Trek Route Map
Without a helpful trek map of Upper Dolpo, it is nearly impossible to stay on the path. We have included every overnight stay and elevation reference for the short Upper Dolpo Trek on our map. Click the infographic image below to learn about the route.
Start your journey with an adventurous flight to Nepalgunj and then Juphal. The true adventure comes when you start trekking to Dunai, a lovely village three hours away. Along this route, you’ll visit charming villages like Chhepka and Jharana and experience the warm-hearted Dolpo-pa people’s unique lifestyle.
The stunning Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is the trek’s highlight. The trail continues past Sallaghari and Nangdala High Camp, offering stunning views of majestic mountains. Prepare to climb Kang La, at 5360 meters, and visit the revered Shey Gompa monastery afterward.
After enjoying Shey Gompa’s tranquility, you’ll cross Shey La and visit Saldang and Yangze Gompa, where Tibetan culture and traditions are fully displayed. Sibu, Jeng-la Phedi, and Tokyu follow before an exciting crossing of the 5170-meter Jeng La pass. As the trail lowers, you’ll reach Dho Tarap, a Tibetan community with a traditional way of life.
Serkam and Shahar Tara are your final stops before returning to Dunai. Our memorable holiday ends after the short flight from Dunai to Kathmandu through Nepalgunj.
Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty
The Dolpo region in Nepal is recognized as a challenging route for trekking enthusiasts. The term “challenging” refers to the presence of multiple mountain passes that involve tough ascents and descents. Moreover, the difficult nature of this trek can be linked to the lengthy duration required for trekking. During a period exceeding two weeks, the itinerary includes crossing tiny communities situated in rural locales.
Sufficient time has been set for acclimation during the trek; however, it is strongly recommended that physical conditioning begin 2 months prior to training for the trek. The primary challenges associated with this climb relate to the unstable climatic conditions as well as the occurrence of acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is advisable to maintain proper hydration and not worry, as the guide has sufficient qualifications to successfully deal with any challenging situations.
Permit Needed to Trek Upper Dolpo
You should be aware that an Upper Dolpo trek requires two separate permits. They are the Shey-Phoksundo National Park Permit and the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit.
The below-mentioned permits are mandatory documents before beginning any journey in the Upper Dolpo region. You will be required to show them at various checkpoints along the way.
Shey-Phoksundo National Park Permit
Every trekker who wishes to visit the Upper Dolpo must obtain a national park entry permit. The permit and entry fee you pay will help preserve the flora and fauna inside the national park.
- For SAARC countries, the entry fee is NRs. 1,500 per person per entry
- For other foreigners, the entry fee is NRs. 3,000 per person per entry
- National Park does not charge any fee for children below 10 years old.
For more information: Park Entry Fees in Nepal
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit
The Government of Nepal prohibits Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) from entering some hiking districts called “Restricted Areas.” Only those with valid authorization from the Immigration Department are permitted to trek in these regions. Trekkers should contact approved trekking agencies, who will handle all Department of Immigration procedures for you.
- USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days)
- USD 50 per person per day ( beyond 10 days)
For more information: Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Accommodation on Upper Dolpo Trek
Because the location is rural and underdeveloped, accommodation on the Upper Dolpo Trek is often basic and primitive. You’ll stay in teahouses or lodges along the way, which are traditional guesthouses managed by local families.
The Upper Dolpo Trek’s simplicity is part of its allure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and distinct culture of this wonderful region. As you travel further into the wilderness, the lodgings become increasingly rudimentary. It is critical to be prepared for varied levels of comfort throughout the journey.
Food on Upper Dolpo Trek
The teahouses and lodges along the Upper Dolpo Trek primarily provide food. While the selections may be restricted because of the remote location, the teahouses provide basic foods to keep trekkers energized during their journey. The menu mainly comprises Nepali and Tibetan foods, with some other basic picks available as well.
The availability of fresh ingredients may vary based on the season and the remoteness of the area. As you travel to higher altitudes, the meal options may become more limited, so aim to eat heartily in the early parts of the walk.
Dal Bhaat Set, Dhido, and Gundruk are local dishes of the region, along with Nepali curd and Yak cheese. Tibetan Noodle Soup (Thukpa) and butter teas are famous dishes and drinks popular on cold days.
The best time of year for the Upper Dolpo Trek
Autumn is the first and most spectacular trekking season in Upper Dolpo. From September until mid-December, the weather is mild and consistent. Trekking during this season gives you the opportunity to walk beneath wonderful blue skies, breathe fresh air, and witness clear mountain views.
Upper Dolpo is best visited between late February and early May. It is the conclusion of the dry season, so there will be little rain and the roads and trails will be clear. After the winter season, several guest houses reopened. This temperature is ideal for hiking because it is neither too hot nor too chilly.
Also Read: Best Time to Trek in Nepal
Altitude sickness and acclimatization during the trek
The risk of altitude sickness is high on the Upper Dolpo trip. You are more likely to encounter altitude sickness during the Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal if you are at sea level. Your body may struggle to adjust to the changing oxygen levels and pressures of the mountains.
To overcome this altitude variation in the region, you must go carefully and cautiously. You will hike for 6 hours per day on the routes of the Upper Dolpo, ascending and descending 1000m in altitude.
Upper Dolpo Trek Packing Suggestions
Please properly pack your luggage for the porter (each of you weighs 15 kg; for two of you, a porter is arranged). You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at your hotel until the end of this holiday. Below is a loosely advised Upper Dolpo Trek packing list that might help you in your trek:
- Appropriate clothing (2 sets)
- Woolen sweater or jacket
- Thermal inner wear
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Woolen cap and scarf
- Gloves
- Sport Sandals
- Woolen socks (2 pairs)
- Waterproof (not water-resistant) shoes with a good tread/grip
- Rain-proof pants and jacket with hood
- A lock for the duffle bag
- Backpack with waterproof cover
- Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures around 0°C (1 – optional)
- Down jacket with hood
- Camera (optional) (video camera is not permitted by authority)
Other essential items:
- Personal clothing
- Toiletries
- Small thermos for hot beverages
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
- Castor oil (50 ml) to lubricate the nostrils at high altitude
- Ziplock bags for clothing
- Quick-dry Towel (not a regular one)
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Sunglasses
- Snacks – chocolates, biscuits, nuts, etc.
- Hand sanitizer
- Powerful flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Medical Kit
Although we provide primary medical kits for Upper Dolpo Trekking, they are general and may not be sufficient for the actual requirements. Your medical equipment must include electrolyte packs, pain relievers, muscle relaxant cream, bandages, a knee cap, medications for fever, the common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion, as well as any other personal medications.
Communication in Upper Dolpo Trek
The Upper Dolpo route includes a variety of scenery. Even in this age of highly advanced information and communication technologies (ICT), it is challenging to develop in remote locations due to the terrain. A contributing factor is the insufficient development of technologies. Due to the importance of communication in such an environment, guides are equipped with mobile devices that can connect you to a networked site. The lodges also contain telephones that can be used for a fee. On this route, Wi-Fi may be offered at very few locations.
Most asked questions
FAQs about Upper Dolpo Trek- 24 Days | Itinerary | Cost | For 2024/25
The highest point of this trekking is Kang La pass (5350 m). You will see the range of the Himalayas, valleys, and settlements from the top.
You must get entry permission if you intend to enter the Upper Dolpo. The government had designated trekking to enter the protected area; a special trek permit has always been required for this trip. You will need Shey Phoksundo National Park and Restricted Area Permit.
The permit is for your safety while traveling into the conservation area. This permit fee is also used for the betterment of the national park.
You are unable to change our itinerary for our scheduled departure. For this purpose, we provide a custom package that allows you to extend/reduce or otherwise change the packages we have prepared. You are free to investigate your options and alter them depending on our recommendations.
Furthermore, our itinerary is one of the greatest for everyone, so you may not have a limited choice if you are new to high altitudes. Reduced itinerary time may result in insufficient time to acclimate to changes in the environment, humidity, or pH, which may result in high altitude sickness and other difficulties. To compensate for the lower oxygen saturation in blood at high elevations, your body requires time to generate additional red blood cells.
If you want to spend more time in the Himalayas, we have the best options to extend your days and customise your schedule to your needs. Please contact us; our team will design your ideal package depending on your preferences and instructions.
You are travelling to the restricted area so you must travel to Upper Dolpo Trek with the guide. Also, when you travel with a local agency like us, we are concerned about your safety. Journey with a guide will have more options for food and lodging, and the language barrier will be eliminated. They will always be available to assist you with permits, domestic airline arrangements, and local porters throughout your trek.
Furthermore, if you encounter extreme altitude sickness, your trekking guide will monitor your symptoms right away. Because they are familiar with the environment and fauna, they will assist you at every stage. It is not required to bring a guide if you are an independent trekker, but a guide will be beneficial for a stress-free vacation.
In a cold environment, your battery is more likely to lose power quickly. As a result, it is recommended that you recharge your battery on a regular basis. You can charge your battery on the lower part of the route as you climb higher, and your chances of charging your battery reduce. You must pay an additional cost because the lodge’s electricity is powered by solar energy.
You can, however, pack a spare battery for your camera and other devices to avoid having to charge them regularly. It is essential to carry a portable power bank in case of a power outage or low voltage.
As traveling through high-altitude regions, assessing your health and fitness is crucial. Every trekker’s experience is made safer and more comfortable, thanks to it.
Trekking in the beautiful Upper Dolpo region with children requires careful consideration and planning. The trek is recognized for being remote and difficult, with high altitudes and long daily hikes. The route includes traveling difficult mountain passes, and the rough terrain can put one’s stamina to the test. Adequate planning and forethought are required to ensure that this excursion is safe and memorable for the entire family.
Please let us know if you require a kid carry service during the inquiry process.
Before even beginning the trek, we already imposed complete payments on several costs, including permits, taxes, and others. Please be aware that we must fully compensate our guides and porters for the time they have committed, even if you choose not to finish the entire trek. We find it very difficult to issue refunds for any reason.
We highly suggest you engage in physical activities three months before the trip to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Additionally, we offer the Soldhunga Hike as part of our quick acclimation training trip. You can utilize this hike as a very tiny preview of what to expect on your main journey in the existence of the central Himalayas.
Please contact our ground staff in Kathmandu for assistance booking city day trips. If you have a few additional days or a week after the journey, we can organize one of the following short trips for your pleasure. Choose the option that you believe best suits your interests.
- Pokhara
- Lumbini
- Ghandruk
- Chitwan Safari
All these extra vacation days were added because it was thought that after a challenging and long trek, you would want to rest rather than hike again. Please let us know if you would rather go somewhere else than these places.
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