Upper Dolpo Trekking is an epic journey into the mysterious trans-himalaya area of the north-west side of Nepal, popularly known as the region of Snow Leopard — one of the most isolated regions of Nepal which can make anyone feel like time travel to experience the remote lifestyle around the high Himalayas, almost untouched by modern society.
The average elevation of Upper Dolpo Trek is 3500m and there are at least six passes above 5000m— making it one of the strenuous trekking routes expecting a certain level of adventure endurance. And any muscle ache is definitely worth to observe the hidden wonders of nature and people.
The life of Dolpo is nicely portrayed in the movie “The Himalaya” also known as “The Caravan” — which also became the first English subtitled Nepalese movie to be nominated for Oscar Award for Best Foreign Language Film Category. Thanks to the French filmmaker — Eric Valli.
Dolpo region is the open library to learn about the centuries old remote lifestyle of people who have been living primitively for long period of time preserving their typical religious practices and culture. Dolpo was opened for travelers in 1989.
As per the legend, the Dolpo Valley was created by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. The people living in Dolpo region are of Tibetan origin and speak their own Tibet-influenced language. Several ancient Buddhist monasteries and yet unspoiled trans-himalayan culture can be seen following by unique herd of human civilization residing in high elevation amid dry landscapes and wonderful lakes.
Trekking to Dolpo mostly features the barren dry landscapes, old mani- walls on the trails, old Buddhist sites and monuments, steep valley and rich wildlife. The major attraction of Dolpo trek is turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa (also known as Crystal Monastery).
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel Drive: 30-45 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Dinner
Day 2Pre-Departure Meeting and Final PreparationAccommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Transfer from Kathmandu to NepalgunjFlight: 1 hour | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D
Day 4Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Sulighat (2282m)Flight: 30 min | Walk: 3 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 5Trek from Sulighat to Amchi Hospital (3100m)Walk: 6 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 6Trek from Amchi Hospital to Ringmo (3641m)Walk: 4 – 5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 7Rest and Excursion day around Phoksundo LakeWalk: 3 – 4 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 8Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (3750m)Walk: 4 – 5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 9Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4400m)Walk: 6 – 7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 10Cross Nangdalo La (5350m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4160m)Walk: 7 – 8 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 11Rest and Exploration Day at Shey GompaWalk: 3 – 4 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 12Cross Sela La (5094m) and trek to Namgung Gaon (4400m)Walk: 6 – 7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 13Trek from Namgung Gaon to Saldang (3770m)Walk: 4 - 5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 14Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4960m / 16272 ft)Walk: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 15Trek from Yangtze Gompa to Sibu (4560m / 14960 ft)Walk: 5 - 6 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 16Trek from Sibu to Phedi (4700m)Walk: 4 - 5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 17Cross Jeng La Pass (5220m) and trek to Tokyu Gaon (4209m)Walk: 7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 18Trek from Tokyo Gaon to Dho Tarap (3944m)Walk: 4.5 – 5.5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 19Rest and Excursion Day at Dho TarapWalk: 2 – 3 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 20Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3755m)Walk: 6 - 7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 21Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (2950m)Walk: 6 - 7 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 22Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2540m)Walk: 4 - 5 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 23Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2140m)Walk: 5 - 6 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 24Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2475m)Walk: 2 - 3 hrs | Accommodation: Tent | Meals: B, L, D
Day 25Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj to KathmanduFlight: 1 hour 30 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast
Day 26Final Departure | Rest Day at Kathmandu Valley | Other Travel Plan
Safety Concern
Your safety is our top concern while organizing outdoor and adventure plans. Our leaders and crew members are experienced professionals who will make sure that trip is safely coursed. We truly understand the essentiality of information flow and risk management to provide the best experience. Our trekking arrangement includes the proper clothing, supplies of equipment and gears, high altitude prevention measures and remedies to provide the carefree adventure in the Himalayas.
Room to Customize
Standard itinerary and route plans are typically designed considering the average level of fitness of travelers and level of altitude gain on the trek (and multiple other factors) which can be modified as per the interest, time and budget plan of travelers.
There is always a room for customization of the given standard itinerary if it does not meet your way of interest and then please pass your opinion. You may want to stay in Kathmandu by yourself or maybe do sightseeing around by yourself; we will give you more information to do it by yourself if you ask us.
We always like to hear what you have to say. We are always happy to assist your valuable travel holidays in your manner with the best information that suits your way of traveling. It is your travel plan; you can choose what you want to do, of course with a lot of information first. Feel free to submit and share your travel ideas and we shall get back to you with more thoughts in no time.
Group Size
We, ourselves feel that the group size of maximum 12 pax is an ideal size to run the trip. However, we have also arranged the plan for large students groups, employee groups and able to organize such trip for groups upon request. All of our trekking plans are accompanied by specialized local leaders, guides, porters and assistant guides (as required) who will always ensure your safety and comfort at every part of the journey.