Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo one of the most adventurous and longer treks in Nepal Himalayas, to join on this longest adventure. Where all trekkers should be physically fit and in sound health to cope with ups and downhill. As well with the high altitude terrains and rough trails for some days. Rest of the walks is normal spending overnights in tented camps, due to its remote location. The lodges are available only few larger villages. Interested people for Upper Dolpo should be minimum 18 years of age to maximum of 70 years, can enjoy the adventure.

Not all villages have facilities of electricity with Hydro or Solar power, due to its remote location. Few areas around large villages do have small hydro plants or solar power to run electricity. Can charge electronic items on paying extra fee for using the power as per gadgets charged. As for internet and cell phone communications, only few large main villages may have the Wi-Fi and internet services. But can be quite disturbing, due to weather and its remote location amidst complete sheer mountain wilderness for many days. 

We suggest all trekkers to carry a portable small solar panel for personal use. 

The communication with local SIM like Ncell and NTC works well in most areas, except in deep gorges or enclosed by high mountains and cliffs. 

As this adventure is staying in tented camps, the company will carry all needful camping equipment’s and foods for the whole treks. The camping is supported by separate kitchen unit of expert cook, kitchen staff, guides and trekking staff.

As well accompanied by strong porters and mules to carry all the camping gears and baggage. The camping includes two-man spacious tents, dining tents as per size of a group, toilet screens or tent. For showers tent or generator to run electric power, on request at extra cost. The foods are hygienic and nutritious, the cook serves all types of meals from Continental, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan including Nepali. Sometimes on special occasion our cook can bake cakes and pies also, including pizzas. Followed by warm refreshments tea, coffee and drinking chocolates also. The breakfast includes porridge, muesli with breads and eggs of variations. Lunch is quite simple depending on the location on trekking, sometimes needs to carry packed lunch on longer days or on crossing high passes.

Upper Dolpo Trek, is not much popular as other region of Nepal like Everest, Annapurna or Langtang Himal. Due to its remote isolated location, where long drive of few days or flight involves both ways after the long trek of three weeks or more. But from past few decade, it is slowly drawing more visitors than it used to be in early days, when Upper Dolpo was first opened in 1989 for outside visitors. As Upper Dolpo is less visited, where facilities of lodge accommodation and food qualities are not well maintained. All trekkers have to join with reputed companies like Treklanders Adventure with options for tented camping or staying in simple basic lodge en route trekking.   

Few number of flight do operates in good seasons of the year depending upon the demand of trekkers or mountaineers. The flight main operates from Nepalgunj to

Jhupal during morning time when weather is clear and best. Afternoon hardly flight operates due to wind and overcast weather. Normally the flight operates in best time of the year, from March to June and September to November months only. 

The Upper Dolpo Trek is an adventurous and culturally rich journey in the far-western part of Nepal. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic Bon monasteries, stunning high passes, and the impressive Phoksundo Lake. This trek offers a true wilderness experience influenced by Tibetan culture and features remote mountain communities.

The trek usually lasts from 18 to 28 days. The duration depends on the route you choose, your acclimatization needs, and how many high passes you plan to cross. Treklanders Adventures can customize the itinerary based on your schedule, pace, and fitness level.

Upper Dolpo is one of the few remaining restricted areas in Nepal, where ancient traditions continue to exist. Trekkers can see untouched nature, turquoise lakes, yak caravans, and old monasteries like Shey Gompa. Its isolation and unspoiled beauty make it truly unique.

Yes, it is considered challenging because of long walking days, rough trails, and high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters. Good fitness, stamina, and careful preparation are essential for this trek.

While having experience in multi-day high-altitude trekking is highly recommended, beginners who are in excellent physical shape and are determined can also complete the trek, provided they acclimatize properly and have support.

The best times are late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, you can expect stable weather, clear skies, and better conditions for crossing high passes.

The area is protected to preserve its culture, reduce the impact of tourism, and ensure safety due to its sensitive location near the Tibetan border. Access is controlled through special permits.

Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote trekking areas in Nepal. Lodges are very few, there is no road access, and modern services are scarce. Trekkers should be prepared for camping, long periods without settlements, and unpredictable weather conditions.

The best time to trek in Upper Dolpo is late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October). These periods provide the most stable weather, clearer skies, comfortable temperatures, and safer trail conditions for crossing high-altitude passes. Since Upper Dolpo is in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas, these seasons offer good visibility and access.

Late spring is ideal because the snow on the high passes starts to melt, which makes trails easier to navigate. Days are warmer, the skies are bright, and the landscape becomes more vibrant. Temperatures at lower elevations remain mild, while trekkers at higher altitudes enjoy crisp mornings and pleasant walking conditions. Clear views of the barren mountains, cliffs, and Phoksundo Lake are major highlights of spring trekking.

Early spring is possible but a bit challenging. Snow often remains on higher sections, making passes like Kang La, Jeng La, and Saldang La tougher to cross. The weather can also be unpredictable, with sudden snowfall and cooler temperatures. Only experienced trekkers or those traveling with a well-equipped team should consider this time.

Autumn (September to October) is often regarded as the best time for Upper Dolpo. The monsoon rains wash away dust and haze, providing clear visibility. Trails are dry, the weather is stable, and daytime temperatures are perfect for long trekking days. Nights can be chilly, but manageable with the right gear. Autumn is also festival season in Dolpo, offering a rare chance to see traditional cultural events and monastery rituals. 

Winter trekking is not recommended for most trekkers. Heavy snowfall blocks high passes, temperatures can drop significantly (often below -20°C), and many local communities move to lower areas. Lodges and campsites may be closed, and rescue operations can become very difficult. Only highly experienced expedition teams attempt Upper Dolpo in deep winter conditions.

High passes above 5,000 meters are the biggest challenge of Upper Dolpo. In spring, the snow gradually melts, making crossings safer. In autumn, the trails are clear and dry, with very little weather disruption. In winter, they are mostly blocked, while early spring and late autumn may still have icy patches. Choosing the right season is crucial to reducing risks and ensuring smooth trekking days.

High passes above 5,000 meters are the biggest challenge of Upper Dolpo. In spring, the snow gradually melts, making crossings safer. In autumn, the trails are clear and dry, with very little weather disruption. In winter, they are mostly blocked, while early spring and late autumn may still have icy patches. Choosing the right season is crucial to reducing risks and ensuring smooth trekking days.

If photography is important, autumn offers the clearest skies and Sharp Mountain contrasts. Spring brings softer light, blooming landscapes, and bright colors. Both seasons are excellent, but autumn usually provides the most dramatic, high-definition images of Upper Dolpo’s rugged terrain, turquoise lakes, and traditional stone villages.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is considered strenuous because of its remote location, rough terrain, and high altitudes. Trekkers walk through isolated valleys and cross several passes above 5,000 meters. This trek requires stamina, endurance, and solid physical preparation. It's more challenging than many popular Himalayan routes since facilities are limited and daily walking distances are longer.

Several factors make this trail difficult. Trails in Upper Dolpo are rough, rocky, and often steep, especially near the high passes. Many sections include long climbs and descents with little shade or place to rest. Trekkers also face thin air at high elevations, which makes breathing harder and causes physical fatigue. The remoteness adds another layer of difficulty since there are no quick evacuation options and very few teahouses or settlements.

Having prior multi-day trekking experience at high altitude is highly recommended. While beginners in excellent shape can try it, the trek is much tougher than standard routes like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. Previous experience helps with pacing, acclimatization, and managing the physical demands of long trekking days.

Trekkers usually walk 6 to 8 hours each day, and sometimes longer when crossing high passes. Campsites are spaced out due to the area's remoteness, so it's important to be mentally ready for full days of trekking without many facilities along the way.

The trek starts at around 2,500 to 3,000 meters and gradually climbs to elevations of 5,000 to 5,500 meters at major passes like Kang La, Jeng La, and Saldang La. These heights increase the risk of altitude sickness, so proper acclimatization and slow pacing are vital. Treklanders Adventures designs the itinerary to ensure a safe altitude gain and enough acclimatization days.

A good level of cardiovascular fitness is necessary. Trekkers should be comfortable walking uphill, carrying a daypack, and hiking for long hours. Training 6 to 8 weeks in advance, with a focus on hiking, running, stair climbing, and strength exercises, greatly improves comfort and performance during the trek.

Lodging options in Upper Dolpo are basic and scarce, particularly when compared to more popular trekking destinations like Everest or Annapurna. Most of the journey requires camping due to the limited availability of teahouses along the path. In lower regions, you may come across simple village lodges or home stays, but the amenities are quite basic. Throughout most of the trek, tents function as sleeping, dining, and cooking spaces. 

Trekkers can locate basic teahouse accommodations only in the initial stages, around Juphal, Dunai, and occasionally near Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake). Once you move into the restricted zone of Upper Dolpo, lodging transitions to camping due to the isolated nature and absence of settlements. Treklanders Adventures sets up comprehensive camping provisions to provide comfort and security. 

Treklanders Adventures offers high-quality tents, which consist of sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents. Foam mattresses or sleeping pads are also included. The support crew handles the setup of the camp, food preparation, and logistics. Meals are cooked freshly in the kitchen tent, ensuring a comfortable experience despite the remote environment.

Each trekker is allocated either a private or shared tent depending on their preferences and group size. Sleeping conditions are rudimentary but warm and secure. Due to the chilly nights in Upper Dolpo, trekkers should have a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -15°C, which Treklanders Adventures can help arrange if necessary. 

In camping areas, Treklanders provides a portable toilet tent to facilitate hygiene and privacy. Shower facilities are generally unavailable for the majority of the trek, but the team can heat water upon request for basic washing purposes. In the lower teahouse regions, rooms typically offer shared washrooms and basic bucket hot water if accessible. 

Electricity is quite limited. Teahouses in the lower regions may have solar power, but charging options are nearly absent once you reach Upper Dolpo. Trekkers are advised to bring extra power banks or solar chargers to keep their devices powered. 

The lodging in Upper Dolpo is uncomplicated, yet it provides an authentic and adventurous experience. The Treklanders camping team ensures that tents are clean, meals are warm, and campsites are secure, creating a comfortable atmosphere even in one of Nepal’s most remote regions. 

Yes, Treklanders Adventures can organize private tents, meals tailored to dietary needs, or other special comfort requirements with prior notice. The team is adept at coordinating safe, hygienic, and well-organized camping throughout the area.

During the Upper Dolpo Trek, the food mainly comes from freshly made camping meals since there are hardly any teahouses in the area. The trekking crews of Treklanders Adventures take care of cooking healthy meals with the help of a full kitchen team using local ingredients whenever available. You can expect to have hot soups, rice, lentils, pasta, vegetables, Tibetan bread, noodles, porridge, eggs, and pancakes, and occasionally some local dishes.

Food is prepared by professional trekking cooks who live by hygiene and safety standards. The preparation of food is carried out in a specified kitchen tent where the water used is purified, the utensils are clean, and the right procedures are followed. So indeed, trekkers are assured of healthy meals during the whole trek.

Certainly, Treklanders Adventures is in a position to provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets or any other dietary preference if they are informed in advance. The team only leaves you with the task of receiving nutritious and safe meals daily.

Water for drinking is always subjected to one or more purification processes, such as boiling, filtering, or using a purifier before it is served. Safe water will be given to trekkers all along the trek, and it is better to have a few purification tablets or a filter bottle in your rucksack as a backup.

There is almost no bottled water available in Upper Dolpo. Besides, the use of bottled water is discouraged from an environmental point of view. Therefore, trekkers should look to the purified water that the guide and the kitchen team are providing them.

Make sure that you have with you a minimum of 2–3 liters of water per day. It is very important to be well hydrated, considering the high altitude and the long hours of walking.

Water becomes safe once it is boiled or purified. Trekkers must not drink water directly from the natural sources, as it may lead to infection due to contamination of the water.

Mobile signal in Upper Dolpo is very weak and is almost totally absent once the higher remote valleys are entered. Some network coverage may be available to trekkers in low areas such as Dunai or Juphal, where simple NTC or Ncell connections are occasionally functioning. However, as the path goes further into the restricted area, not only does the ground get more rugged and farther away from the village, but also there are no communication towers for this area. For many days, trekkers will have no access to telephone networks, so they should be ready to stay offline most of the trip.

Wi-Fi service is likewise infrequently found. A few teahouses near Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo might have solar-powered internet that is very slow and hardly available due to the weak energy source and weather conditions. There is basically no Wi-Fi in the Upper Dolpo area, and trekkers should not use it as a means of communication.

Due to the unpredictable communication and guided by safety considerations, Treklanders Adventures equip their guides with satellite phones or walkie-talkies. The devices are the means through which the team can call for assistance, follow up with the main office, or communicate with the rescue squad if the situation that needs it arises. This mechanism is a safety system that enables the emergency routes to be open for the trekkers even in areas with no mobile coverage.

There are hardly any charging options. It is possible to do solar charging in a few villages in the lower parts for a small price, but once in Upper Dolpo, there are no places for charging properly. Trekkers must keep their devices running with the help of power banks, spare batteries, or solar chargers.

Using a local SIM card can only be of some advantage in lower areas, so if you get one, it will not work in Upper Dolpo. The local SIM card is good for the beginning and end of the trip, but not for the whole trekking journey.

It is mandatory to hire a licensed guide for Upper Dolpo trekking, as it is a restricted area only accessible to a registered guide. The guide’s details must be part of the permit application, and it is not allowed to go to the upper region without a registered guide. Besides, a guide makes sure the district is safe in the wilds of a remote area.

Your guide deals with the route navigation, campsite arrangement, safety checking, altitude management, and even the cultural interpretation. They take the lead, check and monitor your health, get in touch with the locals, and if everything goes according to plan, they ensure that your itinerary runs smoothly. Also, due to the guide’s knowledge of the environment, weather, and local customs, the whole trek becomes not only easier but also more profound.

Indeed, porters are made available as the trek entails carrying a heavy load of tents, food, and camping gear. Porters are responsible for the duffel bags and the group’s equipment, which is usually the great burden of the trekkers; in this way, they can carry a light daypack themselves.

On average, a porter shoulders not more than 20-25 kg that cover his personal and the group's equipment. Meanwhile, trekkers are given advice to bring only the necessary items in their luggage so that porters will comfortably deal with their burden throughout the camping days.

Guides who are assigned to help Upper Dolpo trekkers have the knowledge of, and they are sure of their skills in high-altitude trekking, wilderness navigation, and are trained in providing first aid. For them, it is very easy to understand the area as well as the climate and take safety measures because this is such an isolated trekking route.

Tipping is a normal and welcome tradition in Nepal. Usually, it is given as a token of thankfulness for their diligent work towards the end of the trek. The amount is dependent on the size of the group, the length of the trek, and the level of the service.

First of all, Upper Dolpo needs two kinds of permits: The Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entrance Permit. No one can enter the area without these documents, and hikers should have them ready before embarking on the journey.

It is not possible to get a permit for a restricted area in Upper Dolpo on an individual basis. One has to organize the permits with a trekking agency that is registered, and a guide with a license should be there along with the trekker. For safety reasons, solo trekking in the restricted zone is strictly banned.

The Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit is priced at $500 per person for the initial ten days, and $50 per day for any time after that. The Shey Phoksundo National Park entrance fee is a separate charge, and it is required for all hikers who come to the park.

Each of the trekkers should submit copies of their passports, photos of their faces, and a valid Nepali visa. As a part of the permission process, the agency organizing the trekking also needs the information of the guide holding the license. Permits will not be given if these documents are not presented.

Authorities verify permits at various checkpoints such as Dunai, Shey Phoksundo, and several entrances leading to Upper Dolpo. Hikers are obliged to have their permits with them at all times and show them to officials when asked.

Operating the body six to eight weeks before the trek is a must, and that is when the preparation should also start. With the support of regular exercises of the cardiovascular system, for example, jogging, hiking, or running, the person should do strength exercises for the legs and abdomen. Walking on stairs and long walks carrying a small backpack are the best ways to get the required stamina for long trekking days in high altitude areas.

The main points of the travelers' apparel should be warm clothes for cold nights, a pair of solid trekking boots, a down jacket, a pair of warm gloves, a hat, a pair of sunglasses; they also need water purification methods, a first aid kit, and a sleeping bag that is made for -10 to -15 degrees. To some extent, this category also includes power banks and headlamps, as the use of batteries is almost impossible.

Absolutely not! Trekking tourists don't have to worry about carrying camping tents or kitchen equipment on their backs. Treklanders Adventures provides all the camping necessities like tents, mattresses, dining, and kitchen tents from their camp.

Your daypack has to be light and comfortable, and the perfect weight should be between five and eight kilograms. It has to be a place for water, energy, food, extra clothes, sunscreen, gloves, and a camera. The rest of the heavy bags are in the hands of porters.

A mountaineer of a beginner level might do the trek if his physical fitness is great and he is of strong character. For this reason, experience in high altitude trekking is highly advisable, as long as the trekking days are going to be long, the place is isolated, and the high passes are challenging.

Altitude sickness is a problem that may happen to a person in their upper Dolpo journey, as this is a very high altitude trek that goes beyond 5000 meters. Climbers should go up step by step, drink plenty of water, and follow the proper acclimatization schedules. Treklanders Adventures guarantees the pace of the trek to be safe and assures that acclimatization days are planned in the itinerary.

Though safety is emphasized and guides receive first aid, altitude, and wilderness management training, so that they can be excellent safety officers. The team is also equipped with medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and satellite phones to make communication and help during emergencies possible even in the deepest areas of the wilderness.

If it is an emergency, the guide uses a satellite phone to talk with the required rescue team and make arrangements for that. At the same time, due to the isolation of the district, it may be necessary to descend quickly until the helicopter can come and get you, subject to weather and access conditions.

Temperatures will be below -10 and -15 degrees on some nights, in particular near high passes. In order to be safe and comfortable, one must have enough warm clothing and a good-quality sleeping bag.

The area is without any dangers from animals, and the only animals here are blue sheep, yaks, and Himalayan foxes. Snow leopards are inhabitants of Dolpo, but it is very unlikely that you will come across one.

It is safe to do the journey with the help of a guide, but you cannot go alone in Upper Dolpo. For safety and regulation adherence, a licensed guide is a must.

Indeed, travel insurance is a must-have for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Owing to the isolation of the area, the region's high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters, and few medical facilities, trekkers must hold an insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellations. If altitude sickness, injury, or sudden weather changes happen, evacuation might be the only way out, and insurance will make sure that you do not have to bear the expensive costs alone.

Hikers ought to acquire a thorough insurance plan that covers trekking to a height of at least 6,000 meters, together with helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation. Such a plan should also take care of medical emergencies, hospitalization, high-altitude diseases, baggage loss, and delays in the trip due to flight cancellations. As Upper Dolpo is a tent-based and far-off trek, the insurance policy should be valid for adventurous activities. Insured persons should have both hard and soft copies of their insurance papers on hand, and they should inform their guide of the policy number before the trek.

The trip to Upper Dolpo mostly starts with a plane from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. After that, a short flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal is required. Juphal is the nearest airstrip to the Dolpo region and the main point of arrival for tourists. Due to the impassable terrain, these domestic flights are considered the quickest and most reliable ways to reach the starting point, although flying schedules may change based on weather conditions.

Flights to Juphal are highly influenced by weather changes since the airport is in the mountains. Generally, the morning flights are more stable, while the afternoon ones may get delayed or canceled. Treklanders Adventures always schedules the itinerary with extra days to be sure that flight changes do not affect the overall schedule. Travelers should be in a position to make the necessary adjustments during the journey.

First of all, driving straight to Upper Dolpo is strongly discouraged due to the poor road infrastructure in the area. Roads do not extend to Juphal or the inner Dolpo areas. It is possible to reach lower Dolpo by road after a long off-road drive, but the trek’s starting point can only be accessed by walking or via a connecting flight. Therefore, flight is still the most feasible and time-saving option.

The only way to get around after the trek has started is on foot since there are no roads in Upper Dolpo. The terrain includes narrow trails, towering passes, rivers, and remote mountain paths. Besides, porters and helpers are in charge of carrying the goods, food, and other equipment, while travelers are free to carry their daypacks. What’s more, the whole area is vehicle-free, which means that the hikers have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in nature.