Max. Elevation
Discover the Hidden Land of Dolpo
For centuries, Dolpo remained largely closed to foreign visitors, preserving its reputation as one of the most remote and mysterious regions of the Himalayas. Located beyond the Himalayan range in northwestern Nepal, Upper Dolpo shares strong cultural and historical ties with Nepal and Tibet. Its rugged landscapes, traditional villages, and ancient monasteries offer a rare glimpse into a way of life shaped by centuries of Tibetan Buddhist and Bön traditions.
Historically, Dolpo's mountain trails connected Nepal and Tibet through salt and grain trading routes. Local communities exchanged grain, spices, and other goods for Tibetan salt, sustaining a traditional way of life based on pastoralism and seasonal trade. Today, the region continues to preserve many of these customs, along with its distinctive architecture, spiritual practices, and centuries-old monasteries.
Beyond the villages, the landscape opens into vast high-altitude plateaus, dramatic valleys, and snow-covered mountains. The region is also home to elusive wildlife, including the snow leopard. With its remote trails, sacred monasteries, and rich cultural heritage, the Upper Dolpo Trek offers an extraordinary journey into one of Nepal's most culturally distinctive and least-visited Himalayan regions.
Itinerary
Expand AllArrive in Kathmandu, where our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. After checking in, enjoy some free time to rest or explore the city.
- Transportation: Private vehicle,
- Altitude: 1,300 m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Not included
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit some of the city’s famous cultural and religious landmarks, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, depending on the available time. After the tour, return to your hotel and check your trekking equipment to ensure you are ready for the upcoming Annapurna Circuit adventure.
- Duration: Half day
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. During the approximately one-hour flight, you may enjoy spectacular views of the Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for the journey into remote Dolpo.
- Transportation: Private vehicle and domestic flight
- Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Take an early flight to Juphal, enjoying impressive views of the Himalayan landscape, weather permitting. After meeting the trekking crew, begin your trek with a descent towards Suligad (2,080 m), where you complete the necessary permit formalities. Continue uphill through Kageni to reach Sangta, a beautiful campsite surrounded by the rugged landscapes of Dolpo.
- Transportation: Domestic flight and private vehicle as required
- Flight duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +620 m / -520 m
- Altitude: 2,500 m
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Note: Flights to Juphal are weather-dependent. If flights are cancelled, alternative arrangements may include a helicopter charter, subject to availability and suitable weather, or a road transfer requiring approximately two days. Additional costs may apply.
Follow the Suli Gad River through a dramatic landscape of rocky cliffs, forested slopes, and rushing water. Cross between the riverbanks as the trail gradually climbs through the valley. Continue to Regi, where you camp in a quieter location away from the gorge.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -290 m
- Altitude: 3,000 m
- Accommodation: Lodge/ Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Continue ascending through increasingly sparse vegetation towards Phoksumdo National Park. Pass the winter settlement of Palam and climb to a viewpoint at approximately 3,700 m, offering views of one of Nepal's highest waterfalls. Descend to Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village, and enjoy your first views of the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksumdo Lake.
- Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -200 m
- Accommodation: Lodge/Camping beside Phoksumdo Lake
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Spend the day exploring the culturally rich village of Ringmo and its surroundings. Visit a traditional Bön monastery and learn about the region's distinctive spiritual heritage. Later, follow a scenic trail along the northern shore of Phoksumdo Lake, crossing small streams and walking beneath dramatic cliffs. Enjoy magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / -200 m
- Altitude: 3,610 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Continue into the remote Phoksumdo Khola valley. Depending on the route and bridge conditions, you may need to cross several cold streams. The trail passes through increasingly rugged terrain before reaching Confluence Camp, situated on a small plateau beneath the next day's ascent.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +250 m / -50 m
- Altitude: 3,700 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Begin a challenging ascent above the campsite and follow a remote mountain valley. Cross the stream and continue towards your high-altitude campsite beneath Mendokin Mountain. If the weather is clear, enjoy impressive views of Kanjirowa Himal (6,883 m).
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -150 m
- Altitude: 4,600 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cross Mendokin La at approximately 5,180 m, following a route associated with the sacred Crystal Mountain pilgrimage. Continue over another small pass at approximately 4,800 m before descending towards Gomoche and Tsakang monasteries. Reach Shey Gompa, one of Upper Dolpo's most important spiritual sites, and settle into camp.
- Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,050 m / -1,350 m
- Altitude: 4,350 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Leave Shey Gompa and climb towards an unnamed pass at approximately 4,800 m. Descend into a green valley traditionally used as summer grazing land by local herders. Continue to Taro, where you may experience traditional pastoral life and sample locally prepared yogurt, depending on availability.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,100 m / -1,100 m
- Altitude: 4,350 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Climb across a series of mountain passes, reaching approximately 4,600 m. Enjoy spectacular views of the Tar Khola gorge and the snow-covered peaks near the Tibetan border. Descend towards the remote village of Bijer, making a detour to visit Shamling Bön Monastery, an important cultural and spiritual site in Upper Dolpo.
- Walking time: 6 hour
- Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / -1,300 m
- Accommodation: Lodge or camping, subject to availability
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Spend the morning exploring Bijer, including its traditional settlement, local school, and Bön monastery. Later, climb the hillside above the village and continue to a scenic grazing pasture on the left bank of the valley. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from your campsite.
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -50 m
- Altitude: 4,350 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Start early and climb towards Nang La Pass at approximately 5,400 m. From the pass, enjoy sweeping views across the remote valleys of Upper Dolpo. Descend along a winding trail towards Saldang, one of the region's largest traditional villages, surrounded by arid hills and terraced fields.
- Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -1,200 m
- Altitude: 4,200 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Explore Saldang village and visit its local gompa, known for its traditional Buddhist artwork. Continue along the trail towards Karang, passing cultivated fields and traditional settlements. If time permits, take a short walk into the Sibuk Valley to discover more of the area's rural landscape.
- Walking time: Approximately 4 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +350 m / -400 m
- Altitude: 3,680 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Follow small trails through the isolated settlements of Sungjer Gompa and Lurigaon, experiencing the traditional lifestyle of Upper Dolpo. Continue along the Tora Khola towards Tora Sumna. After crossing the river, climb towards Yangjer Gompa, an important monastic complex in this remote region.
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -900 m
- Altitude: 4,000 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Leave Yangjer Gompa and pass through Nisalgaon, one of the larger settlements in northern Dolpo. Turn away from the trail leading towards Tibet and follow the Musi Khola through a beautiful, narrow gorge with turquoise water. Continue to your campsite near Musigaon, where you may have an opportunity to meet local residents.
- Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -210 m
- Altitude: 4,700 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Begin with a steep morning climb before reaching Muri La Pass at approximately 5,030 m. Enjoy wide-ranging mountain views before descending towards the village of Shimen. Cross the Chanpola Khola area and continue through the traditional village, passing ancient religious structures and an impressive mani wall, before reaching camp.
- Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +920 m / -1,150 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Climb towards Shimen Pass and continue across remote mountain terrain towards the high pastures near Khoma. Enjoy views of the surrounding villages and rugged landscapes. Depending on arrival time, explore Khoma and visit its local gompa.
- Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -450 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Leave Khoma and follow an alternative mountain route towards Khoma La. Cross the pass and descend towards Chagaon, passing traditional settlements and dramatic high-altitude scenery. Enjoy a relatively shorter trekking day while taking in the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo.
- Walking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -950 m
- Altitude: To be confirmed
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Follow a short section of trail before entering the Namga Valley. Continue along an undulating route towards Namgung Gompa, situated in a beautiful mountain setting beneath traditional chortens. Visit the monastery and, with luck, spot blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides.Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -400 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Follow a well-established trail towards Sela Pass, where you can enjoy extensive views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ridges. Descend towards a stream before climbing into the next valley. Continue to Sela Mukchunla Base Camp, a remote high-altitude campsite.
- Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,100 m / -500 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Start early to cross the first unnamed pass. Follow a scenic traverse along mountain slopes with panoramic views of the valleys and rocky ridges. Continue over a second pass before descending towards Chutang Kharka, a remote high-altitude pasture traditionally used during the yarsagumba harvesting season.
- Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -900 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cross Numa La Pass at approximately 5,230 m, the final major pass on this section of the trek. Enjoy magnificent views before descending towards Modo and Tokyu. Pass the Crystal Mountain School and continue to Dho Tarap, a culturally rich settlement surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
- Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / -900 m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Leave Dho Tarap and follow the Tarap Khola downstream. The trail passes through open valleys, traditional settlements, and narrow gorges. Enjoy the changing scenery as you gradually descend from the high-altitude plateau.
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: To be confirmed
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Continue along the Tarap Khola through a mixture of narrow gorges and open valleys. Pass Lasicap and follow the route towards the Tarakot area, enjoying the changing landscapes as the trail descends into lower Dolpo.
- Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Continue trekking towards Dunai, following established trails and sections of the newer track. After reaching Dunai, transfer by vehicle to Juphal, where you prepare for your return flights.
- Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: To be confirmed
- Altitude: Approximately 2,475 m in Dunai; confirm Juphal altitude with the final route
- Transportation: Vehicle transfer to Juphal
- Accommodation: lodge/ Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing the trek.
- Transportation: Two domestic flights and airport transfers
- Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour for the Juphal–Nepalgunj sector; allow additional time for the connecting flight
- Altitude: 1,300 m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax, explore the city, or visit its cultural attractions. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of delays caused by weather, domestic flights, or other unforeseen circumstances during the trek.
- Altitude: 1,300 m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense
Enjoy free time in Kathmandu before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Depart Nepal on your international flight.
- Transportation: Private vehicle, approximately 30 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Airport Transfers : Pick-up and drop-off between Kathmandu Airport and your hotel.
Accommodation in Kathmandu : 3 nights in a 3-star category hotel on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
Accommodation in Nepaljung : 1 nights in a 3-star category hotel on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
Welcome Dinner : One welcome dinner at a tourist-standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Alpinist Club staff.
Trekking Permits : All necessary trekking permits,Upper Dolpo Trek restricted-area permits
Domestic Flights : Flights as specified in the itinerary, including Kathmandu–Nepalgunj– jupal -Nepalgunj–Kathmandu, subject to the final route and flight schedule.
Meals During the Trek : Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including tea and coffee with meals.
Trekking Accommodation : Shared accommodation in local lodges or camping arrangements, depending on the itinerary.
Guide Leader : An English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide to lead the team and manage daily operations, safety, and logistics.
Assistant Guide : Supports the lead guide, assists trekkers, and helps organize camps.
Cook and Kitchen Assistant : Prepare meals and manage kitchen equipment and supplies during camping sections.
Porters : Carry trekking luggage and group supplies according to the agreed baggage allowance.
Staff Insurance : Insurance coverage for Nepalese trekking staff.
Medical Kit : A basic group medical kit for use during the trek.
Excluded Points
International Airfare : International flights to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa Fees: : Visa fees payable on arrival or through the applicable visa application process.
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and NepalJung : Meals outside those specifically included in the itinerary, including meals required after an early return from the trek.
Extra Accommodation : Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu or Nepaljung due to early arrival, late departure, flight delays, or an early return from the trek outside the scheduled itinerary.
Travel Insurance : Personal travel insurance covering trekking at the required altitude, medical expenses, accidents, and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Personal Trekking Equipment : Clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, personal trekking gear, and other individual equipment.
Toiletries : Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissues, and other personal hygiene product
Tips : Tips for guides, porters, cooks, and other trekking staff.
Additional Services: : Any expenses, activities, or services not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section or confirmed itinerary.
Trip Information
Upper Dolpo Trek – Essential Trip Information
The Upper Dolpo circuit Trek is a challenging Himalayan adventure through remote valleys, traditional villages, and ancient monasteries. With experienced guides, a dedicated support team, camping facilities, and carefully planned logistics, Alpinist Club aims to make your journey safe, comfortable, and memorable. Proper physical preparation and a spirit of adventure are essential for this remote high-altitude trek.
Read More1. Guide and Support Team
Your trek will be led by an experienced trekking guide who understands the region, local culture, and challenges of high-altitude trekking. A local support team of assistant guides and porters will help ensure the smooth running of the journey.
For groups of four or more participants, a English-speaking guide will generally lead the trek.
Your guide is responsible for monitoring the group's well-being and assessing trail, weather, and altitude conditions. The itinerary may need to be adjusted, shortened, or interrupted if circumstances threaten the safety of participants. The guide's decisions regarding safety must be respected.
Our Nepalese Trekking Team
Our experienced local team works together to ensure your trek is safe, comfortable, and well organized.
- Sirdar (Team Leader): Manages the trekking team and oversees daily operations.
- Assistant Guide: Supports trekkers, assists the leader, and helps organize camps.
- Cook: Prepares meals during camping treks.
- Kitchen Assistant: Helps the cook prepare meals and manage kitchen duties.
- Porter: Carries trekking luggage and equipment. Porters receive appropriate clothing, insurance, and fair treatment according to the trek's requirements and applicable regulations.
2. Trekking Difficulty and Physical Preparation
Difficulty Level: Challenging to Strenuous
The Upper Dolpo Trek is designed for experienced trekkers in excellent physical condition. It requires endurance, mental resilience, and the ability to manage long walking days in remote mountain terrain.
The itinerary includes approximately 24 walking days, with an average of 6–8 hours of trekking per day. The route crosses numerous high mountain passes, some exceeding 5,000 metres, where cold temperatures, strong winds, and altitude can make walking more demanding.
You will generally carry only a daypack containing your personal essentials, while porters transport the main trekking luggage within the agreed weight allowance.
Previous experience with multi-day trekking and high-altitude environments is strongly recommended. Regular cardiovascular training, hill walking, and strength exercises will help you prepare for this demanding adventure.
3. Accommodation
Hotels in Kathmandu
During your stay in Kathmandu, accommodation will generally be provided in a standard-category hotel in a twin-sharing double room. Hotel arrangements are subject to availability and the services included in your selected package.
Camping and Local Lodges
Most of the Upper Dolpo Trek takes place in remote areas where accommodation options are limited. Depending on the itinerary and availability, overnight stays may be in tents or basic local lodges.
During camping nights, the following facilities are generally provided:
- Shared tents, usually with two participants per tent
- Foam sleeping mattresses
- A dining tent for meals
- A kitchen tent for the cooking team
- A toilet tent
- A shower tent where practical and available
Accommodation in local lodges is generally simple. Rooms may be twin-sharing, multiple-sharing, or dormitory-style, depending on the village. Toilets and washing facilities may be shared, and hot water is not always available.
As Upper Dolpo is a remote region, comfort and facilities can vary considerably. Participants should be prepared for basic conditions and occasional changes to accommodation arrangements.
Where possible, we encourage the use of solar-heated water and responsible water consumption to help reduce pressure on local forests and natural resources.
5. Meals and Drinking Water
Meals during the trek are planned to provide sufficient energy for long walking days. The menu varies according to the location, available ingredients, and whether the group stays in a camp or local lodge.
Meals During Camping
Our trekking kitchen team prepares breakfast and dinner at camp. Lunch is served as a hot meal or packed picnic, depending on the day's walking distance, route conditions, and availability of suitable stopping places.
Meals in Local Lodges
When staying in lodges, meals are generally prepared by the lodge's kitchen staff and served in the dining area.
Typical Daily Menu
- Breakfast: Eggs, toast, chapati, pancakes, tea, or coffee.
- Lunch: Dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, or seasonal vegetables.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, lentils, pasta, vegetables, and hot drinks.
Meals vary depending on local availability and campsite or lodge facilities.
Snacks such as cereal bars and dried fruit may be provided according to the package inclusions. Please confirm the exact meal and snack arrangements before departure.
Two cups of tea or coffee per person with meals are included where specified in the package. Additional drinks, snacks, and food outside the included arrangements are generally at your own expense.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is essential throughout the trek. We recommend carrying reusable water bottles and a suitable water-treatment method, such as purification tablets or a reliable filter.
Your guide will advise you on suitable water sources and treatment procedures. Treated water may be available at some stops, while bottled or packaged water may be available in larger settlements at an additional cost.
To reduce plastic waste and environmental impact, we encourage participants to avoid single-use plastic bottles wherever possible.
6. Transfers and Transportation
Airport transfers in Kathmandu will be arranged by private car, jeep, minibus, or another suitable vehicle according to the group size and package arrangements.
Transportation required to reach the trekking starting point and return from the endpoint will be organized according to the confirmed itinerary. Depending on the route, this may include domestic flights, road transfers, or a combination of both.
Important Information About Domestic Flights
Some remote trekking itineraries in Nepal require domestic flights. These flights may be affected by weather, visibility, airport conditions, and operational restrictions. Delays, cancellations, or changes to departure times can occur, particularly in mountainous areas.
Domestic airlines operating in Nepal are subject to the country's aviation regulatory framework. Travellers should review current airline information and relevant travel advisories before departure.
For routes involving Lukla or other remote airstrips, departure airports and schedules may change according to operational requirements. For example, flights to Lukla may operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu during certain periods, requiring an additional road transfer.
Please note: The Upper Dolpo Trek has its own transportation requirements. All domestic flights, road transfers, and contingency arrangements should be confirmed against the final itinerary rather than assumed from other trekking routes.
7. Group Size
The ideal group size for the Upper Dolpo Trek is generally between 4 and 10 participants, depending on the departure arrangements.
Keeping the group relatively small allows for a more personal experience, greater flexibility on the trail, and better opportunities to engage with local communities.
Private departures may also be possible on request. The final group size, guide arrangements, and pricing will be confirmed before booking.
8. Personal Equipment and Baggage
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal trekking clothing, footwear, sleeping equipment where required, and other essential items. A detailed equipment checklist will be provided before departure.
The trekking team will arrange the shared logistical equipment required for the journey, including camping equipment where applicable.
Because the route crosses high mountain passes, a suitable emergency response plan is essential. Emergency equipment and communication arrangements should be confirmed with the trekking operator before departure.
Main Baggage Allowance
The recommended porter-carried baggage allowance for the Upper Dolpo Trek should be confirmed with Alpinist Club before departure. As a general planning guide, remote camping treks may require a different baggage allowance from lodge-based treks.
Participants should pack efficiently and keep essential personal items, drinking water, warm layers, medication, sun protection, and valuables in their daypack.
A separate bag may be available for storing items that are not needed during the trek at the Kathmandu hotel.
Emergency Communication
Remote trekking areas may have limited or no mobile phone coverage. Satellite communication equipment, such as a satellite phone or satellite messenger, can be valuable for emergencies where included in the expedition's safety arrangements.
The guide should explain the emergency communication plan, evacuation procedures, and equipment available to the group before the trek begins.
9. Responsible and Sustainable Trekking
At Alpinist Club, we are committed to protecting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Upper Dolpo. We encourage responsible travel by respecting local traditions, supporting local communities, reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and protecting wildlife. Together, we can help preserve the Himalayas for future generations.
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