Upper Dolpo Trek: Explore The Remote Part of Western Nepal

Upper Dolpo Trek: Explore The Remote Part of Western Nepal Overview

Upper Dolpo Trek is the ideal destination for anyone with a knack for trekking in an adventurous remote western part of Nepal and less crowded trails. Most of the places in the Dolpa district are still ignored by the government. Though it has hampered its development, it has kept the villages, vegetation and cultures untouched and untainted by modernity. There is no better place than Dolpa to peek and experience the typical ancient lifestyle of the villages in Nepal.

Furthermore, the enchanting and appealing views of landscapes, picturesque arid and dry lands, Himalayas and endangered species have made it more appealing to thrill-seeking trekkers. The upper Dolpo was brought to light because of Nepal’s deepest lake Shey Phoksundo lake and Shey Phoksundo National Park, the biggest national park in Nepal. The national park host some of the most exotic and endangered species like snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear etc. Moreover, the national park is famed for birdwatching.

The place is severely influenced by Tibetan culture so, we get to see many monasteries and gompas along the trails as well as Tibetan rituals and traditions. The most renowned monastery in the place is the crystal monastery on the lap of crystal mountain, clad with quartz and marine fossils. The pristine beautiful lake Shey Phoksundo allures thousands of trekkers and visitors every year so, the establishment of tea houses and lodges along the way is slowly gaining pace. This is a very long trek so, beginners may have difficulties completing it.

Similarly, the place was isolated and restricted till the 1980s but it is open to all trekkers and visitors presently but one may require a special permit to access the place. The trails traverse through the immense Himalayan peaks so, we may have to ascend some of the highest passes such as Kang La (5,380m, Saldang La (5,060m, Chharka La (5,015m), upper Sangda La (5,515m), lower Sangda La (5,035m). The view from the top of this pass will blow our minds. This long trek is a blend of nature, scenic captivating views, ancient culture and dry arid lands and hills. Although the expedition is longer than any other trek, the unique vistas of the high Himalayas perceived amid the trails and the unspoiled culture make it worth every penny.

Permits Required for the Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo is a restricted area of Nepal where a certain sum should be paid in order to enter the place. During the Upper Dolpo Circuit trek, we need to have special permits for both Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. The permit cost for upper Dolpo is US$ 500 per person for 10 days only. If the stay exceeds 10 days, then we have to pay US$ 50 every day per person.

Similarly, the permit fee for Lower Dolpo is just US$ 10 per person for a week. The Upper Dolpo Trek cost is more than any other trek because of the permits but, the scenarios and landscapes perceived during the trek make it worth every penny. Moreover, we have to pay US$ 30 as a permit fee to enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

1. day 1

   Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

   Flight Hours	50 Minutes

   We will take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes to land. After landing, we will explore Nepalgunj as the town is relatively close to the Indian border. 

   The flights to Jhupal don't occur frequently so, we have to wait till the next morning. We will spend the night in a deluxe hotel.

   • Overnight stay at Deluxe Hotel

   • (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

2. day 2

   Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (2475 m) and trek to Dunai (2140 m)

   Highest Altitude	2475 m

   After an early breakfast, we will head towards Nepalgunj airport for our flight to Jhupal which will take about 35 minutes. From Jhupal, our trekking will start as we walk along the Thulo Bheri to reach Dunai, the headquarter of the Dolpa district. In the evening, we will hike towards Bon Gumpa to observe the expansive view of the whole Dunai and other nearby villages. We will spend the night in a guesthouse.

   • Overnight stay in Guest House

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3. day 3

   Trek from Dunai to Chhekpa (2687 m)

   Highest Altitude	2687 m
   Trek Duration	6-7 hours

   As usual, we will inaugurate our expedition after a healthy breakfast. Today, we will stroll along the Phoksundo river and halt at Silughar where our permits for Shey Phoksundo National park will be inspected. This will mark that we have entered Shey Phoksundo national park area.

   While walking, we will witness the gradual changes in landscapes and vegetation as the Dopa region is often dry and arid. After crossing several villages en route, we will reach Chhekpa where we will stay overnight in a guest house.

    

   • Overnight stay in a guest house.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4. day 4

   Trek from Chhekpa to Chunuwar (3000 m)

   Highest Altitude	3000 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   As on any other normal day, we will commence our hike after breakfast, we will walk alongside the bank of the river. The scenery and landscapes perceived during the hike are very unique and alluring. Finally, we will stop at Rechi to have lunch.

   After lunch, we will give continuity to our journey. We will witness agricultural lands, flora and fauna, and suspension bridges before reaching Chunuwar. We will stop at Amchi Hospital for our night. The hospital is inhabited by traditional doctors who use local herbs and medicines to cure the villagers

   • Overnight stay in a guest house.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5. day 5

   Trek from Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3600 m)

   Highest Altitude	3600 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   After an early breakfast, we trace our step forward towards Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal. Passing through the forest filled with cedars, we will reach Palam, a winter settlement of Ringmo village.

   After that, we will be welcomed by a giant waterfall before reaching Phoksubdi lake. The pristine and serene beauty of the lake will melt our hearts like butter. The depth of the lake is around 145 m. Finally, we will set up a tent and spend our night beside the beautiful breathtaking blue lake.

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

6. day 6

   Rest day at Phoksundo Lake

   Highest Altitude	3600 m

   On our 6th day, we will take a rest to acclimatize our bodies and explore the periphery of Phoksundo lake and a nearby village called Ringmo. The turquoise-coloured lake is famed all over the world and welcomes thousands of inspectors every year. Furthermore, we can relish the Tibetan-influenced culture of Ringmo village.

   Moreover, we can opt to explore monasteries such as Tshowa, a Bon monastery at the lake shore, and various other nearby monasteries. However, the lake doesn't have a boating facility. We will spend the night in a tented camp.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

7. day 7

   Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sallaghari (3630 m)

   Highest Altitude	3630 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   Same as usual, we will start our uphill hike after a healthy breakfast. We will follow the narrow trails of the cliff above the lake. The scenery of the turquoise-coloured lake is even more appealing and alluring from the cliffs.

   Leaving behind the lake, we head towards another side of the lake Phoksundo Khola Camp. After a short ascension from the Khola camp, we will set foot in Sallaghari. We will spend our night in a tent at Sallaghari.

    

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

8. day 8

   Trek from Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (4717 m)

   Highest Altitude	4717 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   We will start our journey after morning breakfast. We will walk along the very narrow trail of the Tu Kyaksa river and cross several suspension bridges along the route. The views perceived during the journey to Nangdala High Camp is very unique and mouth-watering. Unlike other treks, human settlements are very scarce so, most of the forests and natural wildlife are untainted.

   We barely meet any trekkers along the way so it's a peaceful trek. After walking for a couple of hours, we will arrive at Nangdala High camp set at an altitude of 4717m. We will spend our night in a tent.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

9. day 9

   Trek from Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa (4343 m) via Nangda La high pass (5350 m)

   Highest Altitude	5350 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   After an early breakfast, we will head towards the heart of the whole Upper Dolpa, the crystal mountain and the monastery on the lap of the mountain. First, we will ascend to the Nangda La High Pass, one of the three passes on the way located at an altitude of 5350 meters.

   The view from the top is breathtaking as we can see an extended view of crystal mountain, spellbinding panoramas of peaks like Shey Shikhar and Kang Chunne, and an expansive view of the Dolpo region. Similarly, we descend down towards Shey Gompa where we will spend our night in a tented camp.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

10. day 10

    Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360 m) via Shey La Pass (5100 m)

    Highest Altitude	5100 m
    Trek Duration	6-7 hours

    After a healthy breakfast, we dust ourselves up for the exploration of Shey Gompa and crystal mountain. The mountain is famed among visitors because it is laced with fossils and quartz crystals. Likewise, the scrolls containing the myth about the mountain are locked inside the monastery. Also, we can note down all the legends and myths of the mountain through natives.

    After that, we will give consistency to our journey and head towards Namgung Gompa via Shey La Pass situated at an altitude of 5100 meters from the sea level. Persisting the walk along the Sepu Khola and ascending up towards the Shey La Pass, we will be overwhelmed by an astounding vista of Tibet, Kanjirowa, Kagmara and the crystal mountain from the top. Similarly, we can also indulge in the majestic views of Mustang. After that, we disembark towards Namgung Gompa for an overnight stay in a tent.

     

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

11. day 11

    Trek from Namgung Gompa to Saldang Village (3770 m)

    Highest Altitude	3770 m
    Trek Duration	4-5 hours

    As usual, we will give a headstart to our exploration after an early breakfast. We will climb uphill to the Monastery and relish in the mesmerizing view from the top. After that, we will trace our step forward along the Namga Khola to reach Saldang.

    We will pass through several summer camps of the villagers. Saldang is a beautiful village circumcised by hills in four directions. We will explore the village and interact with the locals. If possible, we will savour the local cuisine and dishes of the villagers.

    Similarly, the village is hugely influenced by the Tibetan culture so, it grants an opportunity to peek at the Tibetan culture, traditions and rituals. We will spend the night in a tented camp.

     

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

12. day 12

    Acclimatization at Saldang

    Highest Altitude	3770 m

    Today is our rest day as we need a good rest after a long walk in the high Himalayas. Moreover, we will acclimatize here and for better acclimatization, we will hike towards a nearby gumba called Yangjer Gumba set at an altitude of 4590 meters.

    The gumba is considered to be the richest gumba in the whole Dolpa region. After a quick inspection of the Gumba, we will plummet down towards Saldang and rest for the remaining hours. We will spend our night in Saldang and continue our expedition tomorrow.

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

13. day 13

    Trek from Saldang to Komash Village (4060 m)

    Highest Altitude	4060 m
    Trek Duration	6 hours

    As on any other normal day, our journey will kick off with a healthy breakfast. Today we will walk along the Saldang Lek and follow the Rapyha Khola to reach Komash Village.

    The landscapes are unique and we can see wild animals sometimes. The village is also hugely influenced by Tibetan culture. Finally, we will stay overnight in a tented camp.  

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

14. day 14

    Trek from Komash Village to Shimen (3850 m)

    Highest Altitude	3850 m
    Trek Duration	6 hours

    After an early breakfast, we will start our walk. We have a high chance to encounter some wild animals such as Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard. Moreover, we can see varieties of birds on the shrub-like vegetation.

    The landscapes are arid and dry. After passing through some small settlements and villages along the way, we will set foot in Shimen where we will arrange our tents for an overnight stay.

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

15. day 15

    Trek from Shimen to Tinje Village (4110 m)

    Highest Altitude	4110 m
    Trek Duration	5-6 hours

    After an early breakfast, we will kick off our journey along the Panjyang Khola. Leaving behind beautiful scattered settlements, monasteries and Gompas along the way, we will head towards Tinje village.

    The landscapes perceived along the way are very special and unique, unlike other treks. The village has a beautiful natural airstrip. We will set up a camp for our overnight stay in the village.

    • Overnight stay in a tent

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

16. day 16

    Trek from Tinje Village to Yak Kharka (4018 m)

    Highest Altitude	4018 m
    Trek Duration	5-6 hours

    Same as any other day, we will move forward after a healthy breakfast. Today we will walk through some appealing landscapes, villages and fast-flowing rivers. We will continue our journey along the bank of the Panjyan River.

    After crossing the bridge of Thalum Khola, we will be welcomed by a grazing field for yaks and sheep. The place is called Yak Kharka where we will set up a tent for our camping.

     

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

17. day 17

    Trek from Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4240 m)

    Highest Altitude	4240 m
    Trek Duration	4 hours

    After an early breakfast, we will continue our journey towards Tokyu. To reach there, we have to ascend the Choila North pass situated at an altitude of 5040 meters. The view from the top of the pass will blow our minds as we can see an expansive view of far-away hills, mountains and mainly Tokyu Base camp. We will reach Tokyu after descending down where we will set up our camp for an overnight stay.

    • Overnight stay in a tent

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

18. day 18

    Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (3944 m)

    Highest Altitude	3944 m
    Trek Duration	2 hours

    We will start our journey after having breakfast. The hike is very short as we will explore the beautiful village called Dho Tarap. The village consists of Chortens and monasteries and is surrounded by agricultural farmlands filled with wheat, buch wheat, barley, potatoes and other green vegetables.

    Moreover, the village is heavily swayed by Tibetan culture. So, we get to experience Tibetan traditions and cultures. Furthermore, we can opt to involve ourselves in the local cultural dance of the villagers.

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

19. day 19

    Trek from Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475 m)

    Highest Altitude	3475 m
    Trek Duration	7-8 hours

    After having breakfast, we will commence our expedition early in the morning as we have a long distance to cover. We will walk along the bank of the Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Continuing along the Tarap Khola, we will leave behind various scattered villages such as Sisaul, Gyamghar and Toltol.

    We will get to observe magnificent and majestic scenarios along the way before reaching Naworpani. We will set up the tent and spend the night there.

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

20. day 20

    Trek from Naworpani to Lashicap (2775 m)

    Highest Altitude	2775 m
    Trek Duration	5-6 hours

    As usual, we will head towards our destination after a nice breakfast in the morning. We will walk forward without leaving Tarap Khola. We will leave behind Lamachaur and Laini Odar behind to reach Chhedul Gompa.

    Again, we will move forward and finally stops at Lashicap. En route, we can vividly observe the changes in vegetation as green forest will start to emerge at the end of the hike. We will spend the night in Lashicap.

    • Overnight stay in a tent.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

21. day 21

    Trek from Lashicap to Dunai

    Highest Altitude	2140 m
    Trek Duration	6 hours

    Our trek will gain pace after a nice breakfast. We will move forward towards Dunai enjoying the greenery of the forest. We may also encounter some wild animals along the way. We will follow the trails of the Thuli Bheri river to reach Tarakot.

    We will further continue our journey towards Dunai enjoying the amazing scenery of farmlands and green forests. We will spend our night in a lodge at Dunai.

    • Overnight stay in a lodge.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

22. day 22

    Trek from Dunai to Jhupal

    Highest Altitude	2475 m
    Trek Duration	3-4 hours

    Today is the last day of our trekking so, we move ahead without stopping for about 3-4 hours to reach Jhupal. If we have spare time, we will explore the nearby villages of Jhupal and spend the night in a guest house.

    • Overnight stay in a guest house

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

23. day 23

    Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

    Flight Hours	50 Minutes

    Likewise, our trek has come to an end. After breakfast, we will hop on an aeroplane and fly to Nepalgunj. Furthermore, we will take a short flight again from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Our representatives will drop you off at your hotel.

    • Overnight stay in a hotel

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• All ground transports in private vehicles including airport transfers.
• Full board meals with tea/coffee (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
• The best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
• One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.
• Round trip flight Kathmandu – Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj- Jhuphal, and Jhuphal-Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj – Kathmandu including departure taxes.
• Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek, if required.
• North Nepal T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
• First aid medical kit.
• Shey Phoksundo National Park Permits fee.
• TIMS Fee- Trekkers Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport-size photos for permit).
• Government taxes and office service charges.
• Special permit fees for Upper Dolpa