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23rd Jan, 2025 by: Himalayan Magic Treks
Upper Dolpo Trek with Complete Guide itinerary & Cost
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote and challenging treks in Nepal, located in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas. This trek takes you into the heart of the Dolpo district, which is renowned for its rugged landscapes, Tibetan culture, and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Since it lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, Upper Dolpo receives significantly less rainfall, making it a great destination for trekking, particularly for those who want to experience a less-crowded, wilderness adventure.
The trek offers a combination of breathtaking landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, pristine lakes, and high-altitude passes. Due to its remoteness, it provides a glimpse into the traditional way of life, largely untouched by modern development.
1. Overview of the Upper Dolpo Trek
Trek Duration: 18-24 days (depending on the route and pace)
Trek Grade: Challenging (due to altitude, long days, and remote areas)
Highest Point: Numa La Pass (5,190 meters / 17,030 feet) or Baga La Pass (5,190 meters / 17,030 feet)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous due to high altitudes, challenging terrain, and isolation
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, when the weather is stable, and temperatures are moderate.
2. Highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek
- Rain Shadow Region: As Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, it has a unique dry climate and a stark, barren landscape, similar to Tibetan plateaus.
- Shey Phoksundo Lake: The trek passes by the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, with turquoise waters and surrounded by mountains.
- Buddhist Culture: The trek offers the opportunity to interact with people from Tibetan Buddhist backgrounds. Visit ancient monasteries like Saldang, Shey Monastery, and Dho Tarap.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, deep valleys, and wide, arid landscapes that resemble the Tibetan plateau.
- Remote Villages: Visit isolated villages like Dho Tarap, Saldang, and Tinje that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
3. Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May): This is the most popular time for trekking Upper Dolpo as temperatures are moderate, and the weather is usually stable. Wildflowers bloom, adding color to the stark landscape.
Autumn (September to November): Another ideal season, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The monsoon season has ended, ensuring clear trails and good visibility.
Winter (December to February): Not recommended due to extreme cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended, as the trail can be slippery, and there’s a higher risk of landslides.
4. Detailed Itinerary for the Upper Dolpo Trek
The trek usually takes between 18 to 24 days, depending on the starting point and route chosen. Here's a sample 21-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide/agency.
Rest and prepare for the trek.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight Duration: 1 hour to Nepalgunj.
Rest day in Nepalgunj, which is an important gateway to the western part of Nepal.
Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.
Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo Region)
Flight Duration: 30 minutes.
Altitude Gain: Jhupal (2,440 meters).
Trek to Dunai (2,150 meters).
Overnight stay in Dunai.
Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Dho Tarap
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours.
Altitude Gain: Dho Tarap (4,090 meters).
Dho Tarap is a remote village where you can witness the Tibetan culture.
Overnight stay in Dho Tarap.
Day 5: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Altitude Gain: Base camp (4,850 meters).
Overnight camp at Numa La Base Camp.
Day 6: Cross Numa La Pass (5,190 meters) and Trek to the other side
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours.
Highest Point: Numa La Pass (5,190 meters).
After crossing the pass, descend to the other side to reach Danakyu (4,000 meters).
Overnight stay in Danakyu.
Day 7: Trek from Danakyu to Shey Phoksundo Lake
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Altitude Gain: Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,660 meters).
Shey Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Overnight stay near the lake.
Day 8-9: Rest and Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake
Take a day to explore the lake and the surrounding area.
Visit Shey Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located above the lake.
Overnight near Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 10: Trek from Shey Phoksundo Lake to Saldang
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours.
Altitude Gain: Saldang (4,210 meters).
Saldang is one of the largest villages in Upper Dolpo and offers great cultural insights.
Overnight stay in Saldang.
Day 11-13: Trek from Saldang to Upper Dolpo Villages
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours per day.
Pass through isolated villages like Tinje, Saldang, and Namdo.
Overnight stays in these remote villages.
Experience the local culture and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Day 14: Trek from Upper Dolpo Villages to Baga La Pass
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours.
Highest Point: Baga La Pass (5,190 meters).
After crossing the pass, descend to the other side.
Overnight camping.
Day 15: Trek from Baga La Pass to Dunai
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours. Altitude Loss: Dunai (2,150 meters). Return to Dunai. Overnight stay in Dunai.
Day 16: Fly from Dunai to Jhupal, then fly back to Nepalgunj
Flight Duration: 30 minutes to Jhupal.
Fly: From Jhupal to Nepalgunj (1 hour).Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.
Day 17: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Flight Duration: 1 hour.
Arrive in Kathmandu.
Rest and relax after the long trek.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure
Depart Kathmandu or continue with your travels.
5. Cost of the Trek
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a specialized trek, and the costs can be higher than other popular trekking areas in Nepal due to its remoteness and logistical challenges. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:
Trekking Permit Fees:
Dolpo Special Permit: (~USD 500) per person.
National Park Permit (for Dolpo): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) per person.
Flight Costs (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Jhupal):
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: ~USD 100-150 (one way).
Nepalgunj to Jhupal: ~USD 100-150 (one way).
Accommodation and Meals:
In Kathmandu: ~USD 20-30 per night (mid-range hotels).
In trekking areas: ~USD 15-25 per night for accommodation and meals.
Total Estimated Cost:
Independent Trek (without guide/porter): Around USD 2,500-3,000 for the entire trek (excluding flights).
Guided Trek (with guide and porter): Around USD 3,500-5,000, depending on the agency, group size, and services provided.
6. Required Permits
Dolpo Special Permit: ~NPR 7,000 (~USD 60) per person.
Langtang National Park Permit: ~NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) per person.
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System): ~NPR 1,000 (~USD 10) per person.
Note: These permits can be arranged through your trekking agency, or you can obtain them in Kathmandu.
7. Choosing a Trekking Agency
Due to the remote and specialized nature of the Upper Dolpo Trek, it’s highly recommended to book through a reputable trekking agency that has experience organizing treks in this region. A guide is essential for navigating the terrain, handling logistics, and ensuring safety.
Recommended Agencies:
Himalayan Magic Treks
Himalayan Magic Adventure
Himalayanmagic Trekking
8. Packing List
Clothing: Warm layers, a down jacket, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, and gloves.
Footwear: Comfortable trekking boots, gaiters (for snow), and sandals for camp.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, and water bottle.
Other Essentials: Camera, snacks, first-aid kit, power bank, and a map.
9. Safety and Tips
Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization is key. Take rest days and monitor yourself for symptoms of altitude sickness.
Weather: The weather can change quickly at high altitudes, so pack appropriately and be prepared for temperature fluctuations.
Travel Insurance: Ensure that your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical care.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is an unforgettable adventure through one of the most remote regions of Nepal. With its high-altitude passes, stunning landscapes, and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, it offers a truly exceptional trekking experience for those seeking a challenging and off-the-beaten-path journey.