Highlights

  • Exploring various unseen parts of Nepal.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park which is also known as the highest animal concentration park in the whole world consists of snow leopards.
  • Visit to one of the oldest monasteries which are said to be 800 years old, Shey Gompa.
  • Yarshagumba- a caterpillar fungus that boosts your immune.
  • A mix of blue and green water is found in Phoksundo lake.

About Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is a trail to a forgotten land. The geographical condition and lack of infrastructure almost disconnected Dolpo from other parts of Nepal keeping its development miles away. And, this is the main reason for Upper Dolpo Trekking as the site still preserves pure ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions and rituals which is also known as Bon Po. Legends say, except in Tibet, Dolpo is the only place in the world where Bon Po traditions are truly followed in Bon monasteries. The Bon is different from the existing Buddhist culture. It is said that the Bon tradition or religion is older than existing Buddhism.

Dolpo Trekking Package 

The Government of Nepal opened Trekking in Dolpo in 1989 and the first British tour operator organized a trek from east to west in the autumn of 1990 from Pokhara to Jumla through Lower Dolpo. Dolpa region is one of the most remote areas chosen for trekking in Nepal. The most remote part of Nepal, Dolpo shares a border with Tibet in the north resulting in the cultural influence of the Autonomous Region of China. Tibet is the ancestral land of many people who reside in Dolpo at present. The four main ethnic groups of Dolpo—Lama, Gurung, Rokaya, and Baiji—possess their own unique culture. They live in different 19 villages on the outskirts of Shey Phoksunda National Park.

The Shey Phoksunda National Park covers a large part of the Dolpa district where Dolpo is located. The name Shey is derived from Shey Monastery which (monastery) is one of the prime attractions of Dolpo. The park inhabits snow leopard, musk deer, and Tibetan wolf.

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

Upper Dolpo trek is a long and challenging trail of 28 days which takes trekkers at the maximum altitude of 5200 meters at Saldang La Pass. The landscape, scenic beauty of the site, Shey Gompa, Crystal Mountain, and culture of Shey village will leave a deep impression of the ancient or forgotten world in you. After observing the tradition performed by the people of Shey village you feel that you are on a pre-historic trip which is the crux of Upper Dolpo Trekking.

 Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Many trekkers prefer it for remote trekking in Nepal. It is also regarded as restricted region trekking or Nepal remote trek. To trek here, a special permit is required and it is issued by the government of Nepal. You need to meet certain basic requirements to get this permit.

Upper Dolpo Trek Required Permits

  1. Upper Dolpo restricted permit - USD $ 500 for the first 10 days and for additional days USD 50 per person per day.
  2. Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry fee of USD 30 for foreigners, NPR 1500 for SAARC nationality, and NPR 100 for Nepali visitors.
  3. Two weeks permits of Lower Dolpo which cost USD 20 per person per week, trekking itinerary start and finishes at Dunai or Juphal 
  4. Monasteries entry fee - NPR 200-400 per person

Regulus Nepal organizes an unforgettable trek to Upper Dolpo with a breathtaking flight along with the Himalayan range from Nepalgunj to the small Jhuphal airstrip from where we begin our 27-day trek to Upper Dolpa. One can have a great experience by visiting the Shey Gompa, exploring the culture, ancient lifestyle & natural beauty of the Dolpa region, and the exceptional Phoksundo Lake in Ringmo.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Regulus Treks & Expedition receives you at Tribhunvan International Airport and drive you to hotel. If your arrival is at appropriate time then you can enjoy leisurely walk in the streets of Thamel. It is a prime destination for foreigners. It is said that Kathmandu visit is incomplete without strolling in this part of the city. Overnight in a hotel. 

    From the second day of your arrival starts our trip mission. Today you visit Kathmandu, also known as city of temples with our guide. Basically there are four major touring sites in Kathmandu. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and and Bouddhanath Stupa. And the main part is these all four sites are listed in World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be introduced to your guide by Regulus. You can have good conversation with him regarding the upcoming trip. You can enjoy the night life of Thamel which completely depends on your wish. Overnight in Thamel.

      Today we take flight for Nepalgunj. It is an hour flight. Nepalgunj is located in the low lands of western part of the country bordering India in south. In Nepalgunj we will visit local marketand enjoy the lifestyle of local people here. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

        Jhupal is our next destination and we reach there by air. It is a scenic flight of 45 minute. The town is situated at the bottom of mountains. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on north is pleasing. We will meet our trekking staff here and begin our trekking to Dunai. The walk is beautiful as we pass through terraced fields and Bheri River. Couple of hours of walk will take us to Dunai. It is a small town but administrative headquarter of Dolpa. We will take short look of the place before setting camp at a night.

          Today we will be walking for 5/6 hour. We cross a suspension bridge leaving Dunai back. It is uphill walk towards Thulo Bheri valley. We enter into Phoksundo river valley. On the way we see the view of Kagmara Peak. We cross few villages and dense jungle to reach Aankhe where we will enjoy our night.

            Trip today is really nice. We will follow ascending and descending trail. The streams on the way will sooth your heart. We go through forests, cross grassy slope and follow descend course to arrive at Sulighat. We will put off here today.

              Couple of hours of walk will take us to a confluence of Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. We cross the bridge and follow west side bank of Pungmo River. We walk though cedar forest to reach Palam village. A small hike to ridge will give the view of Phoksudo Lake and beautiful water fall. Now the course is downhill. We reach at Phoksundo River. Rigmo village is our next destination. Here we will see chortens plastered by mud in its outer surface. Phoksundo Lake is at walk distance from here where we will set camp for the night.

                Today we acclimatize at Phoksundo Lake to adjust our body with the gaining altitude. We will pay visit to Tibetan Buddhist Monastery at Rigmo village. We will have opportunity to observe local culture and it is a ccore of our trekking. People of this area have faith in Bon Po culture. It is a bit different religion than existing Buddhist religion with different traditions. People here wear handmade or homespun clothes. They prefer Tibetan based fashion of somba and dhocha. Docha is a kind of boot with upturned toes. We will psend night in Phoksundo Lake.

                  We will trek at western part of Phoksundo. It is a bit challenging trail today. The path signifies the remoteness. At western end of the lake the course leads to lush meadow which opens into Phoksundo River. We go through the valley to arrive at the bank of the river where we set our camp.

                    Today we walk on such path that level with glacial valley. We arrive at wooden bridge. A lengthy climb takes us to sheep meadow. After going through annoterh challenging climb we arrive at another valley from where we can see Kang La Passs. We set up camp near the pass. 

                      It is steep trail that we follow today. The climb to the top of the pass is challenging. The view of valley dissected by gushing river from the pass is one of the most unforgettable moments of life. Now we follow descend trail. We cross the same river several times. We now cross old fashioned bride to arrive at Shey Gompa. Her we will spend our night.

                        Today we will take rest to revitalize ourselves. The Shey Gompa Monastery is renowned monastery of the world built in 1655. The monastery enshrines seated statue of Buddha. Crystal Mountain towers on the east of the gomap. The mountain is embedded with several verities of marine fossils. This village is popular for Bon Po culture which is considered as pure Tibetan Buddhism and is different from existing Buddhism. 

                          It is a pleasant trail today. We go through juniper forests. After some time of walk we will follow zig-zag path to arrive at Saldang La Pass. The sight of yak and sheep grazing comforts you. A couple of hours of walk will take us to Namduna Gaun. Here we visit Namgung monastery. It is a red stone monastery. We will spend night at Namduna Gaun.

                            We climb a slope for while and follow dusty walk along barren mountains. It is a tough trail for around four hours before we see Saldang village below us. It is a largest village of inner Dolpo region. The village covers nearly two kilometers area of open slope. There are five villages here with atound eighty houses and six hundred populations. It is a trade route to Tibet. We will put off at Saldang.

                              We walk along Nagon River. We come across Marang and Ki village. We cross Panzang River tributary to arrive at Yangze Gompa. It is a place where we can see old Bon Po Monastery. We will spend night at Yangze Gompa.

                                To reach Sibu we choose the path towards Saldang village. It will save our time and energy. We walk further ahead of Saldang along a river passing through terraced fields, stupas, chhortens and Chaiba monastery. We also pass Namdo village. The population of this village is around 400 and there are approximately 60 houses. It is a prosperous village which extends up to five km. Namdo Monastery here is situated at river bed. We further walk for two more hours to reach at Sibu. We will set camp near a village of Sibu.

                                  We pass by caravans with yaks. They are heading towards Tibetan border for grazing or trading. We follow steep trail to reach grazing area which is below Jeng La Pass. We will set our camp here at grazing spot.

                                    We walk for around six hours today. In order to reach at Jeng-La Pass top on time we wake up early in the morning. From here we get astounding view of Dhaulagiri Massif. A descend trail will take us to Tarap valley. We set our camp near a monastery at Tokyu.

                                      A downhill trek on plain valley is worthy today. The valley practice both the rituals hereā€”Bon Po and Buddhist. A shot trek for around an hour takes us to Dho Tarap where we will stay overnight.

                                        Exploring Dho Tarap is the activity of today. This place is fenced by irregular stone wall. We will get opportunity to observe local culture. Here are around 40 ouses here and are categorized into three clusters. Hey are built randomly. Magars and Tibetans inhabit here. We will visit Buddhisgt Gompa as well as Bonn Po monastery. We hike for around 40 minute to reach at monastery.

                                          It is a descend trail leading towards wide valley. It narrows at gorge. By noon we arrive at a meeting point of two rivers, Tarap Chu and Lang River. We set up camp at a pastureland of KamaKharka.

                                            We keep on walking down to arrive at George of Tarap River. It is one of the wonderful and probably the best walk of your life that you like to recall always. The valley turns to be so narrow that at some places we can jump from one side to other. Sometime path seems disappearing and we walk through stone slabs fixed on logs in between the walls which act like a different kind of suspension bridge. We come across dilapidated bridge. After adventuring for some hour we arrive at camping site at tarap River in Khanigaun. Here we will spend night.

                                              It is comparatively a short trek of around four hours. We arrive at Lalberi village. We pass through forest and gorge to be at Tarakot. In tarakot we pay visit at Sandul Gompa. It is eight km away from Tarakot locating at the meeting point of Barbung River and Tarap Chu. We set camp at Tarap Chu River which is around 150 meters beneath Tarakot. 

                                                We follow the course behind Bheri River. We keep on ascending till Byas Gadi. The trail is easy from here. We arrive at Locha khola Gaun by crossing a river. Furterh walk will take us to Dunai where we will spend our night.

                                                  We walk along Bheri River. We pass through Dhupichaur and Rupgad village. On the way we cross Kalagouda and Motipur village to arrive at Jhupal where we will spend night.

                                                    We board on first flight for Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj we catch connecting flight to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to hotel. It is going to be wonderful day of your life as you have succeeded one of the challenging trails of your life. Today we will give you farewell dinner. Overnight in a hotel. 

                                                      Upper Dolpo Trekking ends here today. We will drop you at Airport three hours earlier to schedule flight. We are thankful to you as you gave us opportunity to serve. See you soon!

                                                        Trip Map

                                                        Upper Dolpo Trek map

                                                        What to Expect

                                                        • Pick-up and drop-off service at Trivuwan International Airport in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
                                                        • 3 Nights of standard deluxe accomoddation in Kathmandu on BB Plan.
                                                        • Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal round trip by flight .
                                                        • 1 Night Guest House in Nepalgunj.
                                                        • Full board meal during trekking with tea/ coffee (our cook prepares all the meals).
                                                        • Tented accommodation during the trek. (We provide two men share tents, dining tents and tables, kitchen gears, toilet tents etc.).
                                                        • A local government license holder Trekking Guide during the trek, a cook, Kitchen boy, Spare, Sherpa required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine.
                                                        • Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
                                                        • Lower Dolpo trekking permit and National Park Fee.
                                                        • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
                                                        • First Aids Kit.
                                                        • 13% Government VAT and Official expense.
                                                        • Local seasonal fresh fruit like orange, banana, apple, grape etc.
                                                        • Farewell dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant in Kathmandu.
                                                        • International Airfare and visa fee, airport departure tax.
                                                        • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
                                                        • All the drinks such as: coke, beer, mineral water.
                                                        • Your Trekking gears.
                                                        • Your travel Insurance which should include the emergency rescue.
                                                        • Tips for all staffs.

                                                        PRICES & DATES

                                                        Useful Information

                                                        • All the domestic airfare is included in the package.
                                                        • Once booked and starting the trek the trip cannot be canceled.
                                                        • The above Itinerary outline can be easily tailor-made according to your preference, purpose of visit, and length of stay.  Contact us to customize this trip as per your requirement.

                                                        FAQs

                                                        Where is Dolpo in Nepal? 

                                                        Dolpo is situated in the Dolpa district of western Nepal. It covers Shey Phoksundo National Park to the borderland of Tibet.

                                                        How long does it take to complete Upper Dolpo Trek?

                                                        In general, the Upper Dolpo Trek takes 20 days normally. However, the trek duration of the Upper Dolpo Trek varies from itinerary to itinerary. For instance, if you start the trek from Jomson, 26 to 30 days are required to complete the trek.

                                                        What is the best time for Upper Dolpo trekking?

                                                        The best time for trekking Upper Dolpo is October to May. The first two months of the dry season – October and November, when it is still comfortably warm – are ideal for trekking in Nepal. December, January, and February are still good months for trekking, but it can be bitterly cold at high altitudes. So maybe snow falling in that area and the trek will be quite tough.

                                                        Are there any communication services while we are trekking?

                                                        There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. And also we provide a satellite phone for the high-altitude trek.

                                                        How to get safe drinking water along the trek? 

                                                        A few teahouses are available on the trek. You can buy safe drinking water from those tea houses. It is highly recommended to carry water purification pills if you are planning to join the Upper Dolpo trek. Besides, streams offer pure drinking water during the trek. 

                                                        What is the tipping trend? 

                                                        Tipping during the trek is not mandatory. Your appreciation and gratitude towards guides and porters are more than enough. If you’re willing to provide tips then you can tip based on your satisfaction along the trek.

                                                        How long do we walk each day on this trek?

                                                        Generally, trekking is divided into three parts: 1)Soft Adventure: it is about a week to 10 days in duration, about 4000 meters, and 4 to 5 hours per day. 2) Moderate: it is a longer trek more than 10 days, challenging, and goes near mountains (the rocky ridge of high Himalayan peaks), 6 to 8 hours per day. 3) Strenuous: It is physically challenging because have to face unfavorable weather and strenuous activities, and have to walk beyond 5000 meters, it is not for beginners. Is it for some previous mountain walking experienced people?

                                                        Is any permit required for the Upper Dolpo trek?

                                                        As the Dolpo region is segregated into Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo, separate permits are required. The entire area is regarded as restricted so trekkers who are planning to visit Dolpo will require the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management) card, the Upper Dolpo Special permit( Issues from Immigration of Nepal under the guarantee of An authorized Trekking agency), and the Lower Dolpo permit ( She Phoksundo National Park). The Dolpo permits are issued by the Department of Immigration of Nepal. 

                                                        Moreover, a licensed guide and a group of minimum 2 trekkers are mandatory. As a result, there will always be an expert suggestions.

                                                         Is travel insurance required?

                                                        Travel insurance is definitely required for such isolated and high-altitude treks as Dolpo treks. Himalayan Trekkers will highly propose that you ensure proper financial back-up for any unforeseen emergency like accidents or natural disasters.