Upper Dolpo Trek - 27 Days

A remote off-the-beaten-path trekking trail in Nepal

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The Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal is one of the most remote and highest off-the-beaten-path trekking routes in the country. It is both enchanting and tranquil, offering unmatched serenity and unspoiled natural beauty. As the trail is less frequented, it can be physically demanding and challenging at times. Get ready for an unforgettable walking adventure on one of Nepal’s finest wilderness trekking trails. The major highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek include a visit to the 11th-century Shey Gompa Monastery and Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, with a depth of 145 m (476 ft).

The trek passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1984, which covers an area of 3,555 km². The park is renowned for its spectacular valleys, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. Other major attractions include Tarakot Village, Kang La Pass (5,150 m), Shey Gompa, Jang La Pass (4,845 m), and Dho Tarap. Crossing these high mountain passes presents exciting challenges while creating an unforgettable trekking adventure. The journey begins with two scenic connecting flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal. Along the way, trekkers pass through lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, rolling hills, and traditional villages.

The first phase of the Upper Dolpo Trek follows the same route as the Lower Dolpo Trek. Exploring Phoksundo Lake is an unforgettable experience. It is not only the deepest lake in Nepal but also one of the country's most stunning turquoise lakes. The picturesque surroundings have served as the backdrop for numerous music videos and documentaries. The trek then continues to the historic 11th-century Shey Gompa Monastery. The region is home to communities that practice both Bon and Buddhism, with Tibetan culture and traditions remaining deeply rooted in their daily lives.

Trekkers also have the option of returning via the Lower Mustang region through Jomsom instead of following the regular route back to Juphal. This alternative route offers the opportunity to visit multi-ethnic villages such as Tinje, Norbulung, Rapka, and Khomagaon, among others. If you wish to choose this option, it is important to decide before booking your trip, as the itinerary requires additional trekking days. Our travel experts will be happy to help you customize your itinerary according to your preferences.

The return journey from Shey Gompa Monastery to Juphal is equally captivating. Before planning your adventure, we recommend watching the Nepali film Himalaya (also known as Caravan), directed by French filmmaker Éric Valli, to gain a deeper appreciation of the region's culture and landscapes. You can also explore our Upper Dolpo Trek cost below for detailed pricing information. Book your adventure with Mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition for a hassle-free experience on one of Nepal's most spectacular off-the-beaten-path trekking routes.

Join the magnificent Upper Dolpo Trek with Mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition at a competitive price. Our experienced and highly trained team will guide you through one of Nepal's most pristine and breathtaking regions, ensuring a safe, memorable, and rewarding adventure. For more detailed information, please explore the Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary below.

Trip Highlights

Shey Gompa, Yangze Gompa, and Bon Gompa (Monastery) were founded around eight hundred years ago at the base of Inarigong Mountain.
Off the beaten trail of Nepal, only a few visitors can be seen during the trek, the itinerant lifestyle of locals, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Bon Ethnic community.
Kanjirowa and Crystal Mountain, Flora mainly of Pine, oak, birch, Cypress, Walnut, bamboo, and Maple.
Phoksundo National Park, located at an elevation of 3,611.5 m above sea level and Shay-Phoksundo Deepest Lake in Nepal, with a length of 4.8 km and a depth of 600 m.
Wildlife of Shay-Phoksundo National Park: blue sheep, Musk deer, goral, leopard, wild dog, wolf, Marmot, weasel, mouse, hare, rhesus and Langur monkeys. The higher reaches haunt of the subtle snow leopard. Convoys of Yaks, mules, horses, and sheep.
Three high passes = Kang-la, Shay-la and Choi-la passes above (5,000 m) and the salt trade route and varieties of raw hubs.
A day tour of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu).

Outline Itinerary:

Detail Itinerary Short Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,365m) and transfer to the holet.

In the wake of arriving at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be welcomed by a delegate from Mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition, who will drop you off at your lodging. At night, an appreciated supper will be facilitated by Mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02:Kathmandu city tour and further tour planning (1,365m) 5 hours tour.

After breakfast, we start our voyage through four stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the structurally rich Durbar Square, the holy Hindu sanctuary of Pashupati Nath, the intriguing 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath), and Bauddha Nath Stupa, which is one of the biggest stupas on the planet. After finishing our visit late in the evening, we drive to Mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition's office for a concise meeting about our trek and become more acquainted with our group leader (guide) and kindred explorers.

Day 03:Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Today we catch our flight to Nepalgunj, a town close to the Nepal-India outskirt, is likewise the portal to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an intriguing Terai town that features the assorted culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the neighborhood showcase, small zoo and adjacent towns. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 04:Nepalgunj to Jhuphal and trek to Dunai

We travel to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is wonderfully situated over the Himalayan foothills, with perspectives of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri crests to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and start the experience. We stroll through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its thin chasm. We keep strolling to Dunai, which is the regulatory headquarter of the Dolpo area. We investigate the residential area at night and camp there for the night.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05:Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m/9,499ft): 5-6 hours

We leave Dunai and cross a suspension extension and swing toward the west after a trail past a doctor's facility. We escalate towards Thulo Bheri valley to ultimately land at Phoksundo valley. Amid the walk we get to the perspective of Kagmara Peak up the valley. We go through walnut forests, Dhera and Rahagaun towns, stroll down thick wildernesses lastly achieve Ankhe. Overnight in Ankhe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06:Ankhe to Sulighat: 5-6 hours

Our trail rises and plummets along a lush riverbank and trips on a lofty trail. The good and bad times can be somewhat tedious, yet there are a few streams en route that offer an opportunity to chill. The trail in the long run leaves the woodlands and goes through a green slant high over the waterway. We trek downhill on a trail encompassed by lavish woods previously achieving a precipice took after by a confounding drop on a flimsy stone staircase to the waterway bank. We keep trekking until the point when we achieve Sulighat where we spend the night.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07:Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 ft) 4-5 hours

We proceed with our adventure along the valley floor to the conversion of the Phoksundo and Pungmo waterways. In the wake of intersection a scaffold, we stroll on the western bank of the Pungmo Khola. The trail goes through a cedar backwoods before achieving Palam town. From here we trek up to an edge and appreciate far off perspectives of Phoksundo Lake and a dynamite waterfall, one of the most astounding in Nepal. Next, our trail slips through birch timberlands to the upper ranges of the Phoksundo Khola, and afterward to the beautiful Ringmo town with its mud-put chortens and mani dividers. From here it is a short stroll to the shores of the Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08:Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake

Today will be a merited rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. Amid the day we can leave on a short climb to the town of Ringmo and it's Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Amid our short strolls, we likewise get an opportunity to get to know the neighborhood culture. The Dolpo individuals wear custom made apparel that is infrequently colored a maroon shading and they support Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. The two men and ladies regularly wear religious special necklaces and strings of coral, golden and turquoise. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09:Trek to Phoksundo Khola: 4-5 hours

Our trail moves around the best western end of the Phoksundo Lake as it shapes on a rough edge along the lake's western bank. This shaky trail suspended on a path of wood bolstered on pegs crashed into precipice in the stones, flags the remoteness of the region we are going to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake the way leads through a rich glade that opens up into the surge plain of the Phoksundo Khola. At that point we stroll through the valley, crossing the waterway and staying away from the infrequent boggy swamp underneath and afterward going ahead the bank of the stream to the overnight camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10:Phoksunds Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hours

For a hour or so we stroll on a trail that leads us along the level way through a cold valley which heads due north. At the conjunction of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden scaffold. From here, we stroll towards the north-east. A long climb conveys us to a sheep glade where our trail veers up a precarious gorge. A hard move to the best brings us to yet another valley where we can see the Kang-La pass. We set up our camp close to the go in a place that Peter Matthiessen initiated 'Snowfields Camp'. Amid our trek today we additionally get the chance to appreciate the perspectives of Chhamlang crest 6 (6739m) and top 7 (6105m).

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11:Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) by means of Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581ft): 5-6 hours

In the morning, we rise on a lofty trail covered with slate towards the pass. The move to the highest point of the pass is very strenuous. From the highest point of Kang-la pass we get magnificent perspectives of the extensive valley analyzed by a spouting stream. We plunge to the valley floor on a precarious trail. Next, we stroll on a winding trail along the banks of a waterway, intersection and re-crossing it a few times. There are mud holes coating the slopes sitting above the waterway. We additionally go through knolls where we see brushing yaks, many sheep and residential mountain goat (Chyangra). In the wake of intersection an interesting log connect we come to the Shey Gompa compound where we will be spending the night.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12:Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa was worked in 1655 and the religious community is noted for its mammoth copper with plated gold statue of a situated Shakyamuni Buddha. Toward the east of the gompa is Crystal Mountain which is one of the most interesting mountains, as its distorted precipices are bound with quartz and installed with a rich assortment of marine fossils. Today is another all around earned rest day for acclimatization. We spend the day climbing around Shey town which is popular for its antiquated pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. In Dolpo the old Tibetan lifestyle joins animism with the instructing of Buddha. Overnight in Shey Gompa.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13:Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) by means of Saldang La (5,200m/17,056ft): 6-7 hours

We start the day by following a wonderful trail in the midst of juniper trees which slides into a dark, stony ravine. At that point the way starts to crisscross finished exposed rocks and coarse dissolved soil until the point when it in the long run conveys us to the highest point of Saldang-la pass. The resulting drop towards the north is long and tiring however brushing yaks and sheep, and roaming tents produced using yak hair is a consoling sight. In Namduna Gaun we visit Namgung religious community. The red stone monstery is worked against the background of a precipice on the north mass of a crevasse. Overnight in Namuda Gaun.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14:Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m/11,874ft): 4-5 hours

We leave the town and ascend an incline and start a long stroll along dusty infertile mountains. Following 3-4 hours of hard climb, we start to see Saldang Village underneath us on a level high over the Namga Khola stream. It has a beautiful appearance. Saldang is the biggest town of the internal Dolpo zone. The town extends for almost two kilometers on an open slant and comprises of five towns having around eighty well-assembled houses with about six hundred individuals. It is a prosperous town agronomically as well as for its vital area on an exchange course to Tibet. Overnight in Saldang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15:Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft): 4-5 hours

From Saldang, we walk assist north along the Nagon Khola (waterway) on a wild and desolate landscape. We start our stroll on a genuinely continuous way with few good and bad times. In transit, we go through Marang and Ki towns. Next, we cross a tributary of Panzang River and stroll towards the east and cross the stream again before achieving Yangze gompa which houses an old Bon-Po Monastery. Overnight in Yangze Gompa.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16:Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft): 6-7 hours

From Yangze, there are two trails that associate with Sibu. To spare time we will remember the way back towards Saldang town, which will be substantially simpler and shorter than the other course. From Saldang we stroll along a stream and go through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, stacks of mani stones and a Chaiba religious community, at that point go through the Namdo town, which is additionally prosperous, with around sixty houses having almost 400 occupants. It extends for more than 5 km on the high inclines to one side of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo cloister is situated close to the stream bed. Our voyage proceeds additionally down the waterway for an additional two hours to camp close to a little settlement of Sibu.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17:Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft): 5-6 hours

We stroll along the Nam Khong Khola for some time and go via bands with yaks that are moving towards the Tibetan fringe. In the wake of turning east and strolling for some time, we touch base at a conversion of two little streams. Next, the lofty trail climbs to a touching region beneath the Jeng La pass (4,900m/16,072ft). Our camp will be set up in this delightful glade. Overngiht in Jeng la Phedi.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18:Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809ft) through Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695ft): 5-6 hours

We rise at a young hour in the morning and put forward on the present trek. It will take us two extend periods of time to achieve the highest point of the Jeng La go from where we get wonderful perspectives of the north face of the Dhaualgiri massif. From here we plummet on an unpleasant trail to the Tarap Valley, a captivating valley with tremendous fields in high mountains that expands twenty kilometers along Tarap Chu waterway. We camp near the cloister at Tokyu.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 19:Tokyu to Dho Tarap(4,040m/13,251ft): 4-5 hours

We trek downhill on a plain valley with patches of lavish grass on the two sides of the waterway which is totally not the same as different parts of inward Dolpo. There is additionally a swamp which is a typical element in the Desert Mountains of Tibet and the Ladakh Himalaya. Both the Bon Po and Buddhist orders are rehearsed in the valley. After a short trek, we achieve Dho Tarap). Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 20:Rest Day at Dho Tarap

We spend today resting and walking around the town of Dho Tarap which is encompassed by an unpredictable stone divider. Our strolls will enable us to get to know the nearby culture of the region. At Dho, around 40 houses are isolated into three groups and inherent an aimless route possessed by couple of Tibetans and for the most part Magars who are a slope tribe of Nepal. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21:Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft): 6-7 hours

From Tarap we plunge towards a wide valley which in the long run limits into a canyon. We stroll along juniper and wild flower shrubs simply over the tree line. On our trek we see groups of blue sheep and by the evening, we achieve the intersection of the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola, a stream that joins with Tarap River from assist east. We will make our camp on a pleasant glade otherwise called Kamakharka and spend the night.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 22:Tarap Khola to Khanigaon(3,150m/10,332ft): 4-5 hours

We keep strolling down the canyon of the Tarap River, now and again nearby it. Amid our walk we go by the neighborhood individuals will's identity taking their groups to bring down fields for the winter. This will be a standout amongst the most energizing days of this excursion as the valley turns out to be so restricted in a profound crevasse that in a few spots we can bounce starting with one side then onto the next. Once in a while there is no hint of a way and we may need to stroll crosswise over stone chunks fitted on sign in the middle of the dividers which go about as an extension. The crevasse likewise gives startling experience and excites. At a few places, the scaffolds are either harmed or washed away and we might be compelled to cross the frigid downpour by walking. At long last, we achieve our outdoors spot close to the Tarap Khola at Khanigaon where we spend the night.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 23:Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft): 4-5 hours

From the camp we take after a trail that takes us to the town of Lalberi. Our trail at that point goes through a lavish backwoods, plunges into another chasm and keeps on following the waterway once more. Subsequent to achieving Tarakot, we can visit Sandul Gompa which lies around 8 km east of the town at a crossroads of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu. The religious community remains on a slope toward the south of Bheri River. Today we camp by the Tarap Chu stream around 150 meters beneath Tarakot, close to the police post. Overnight in Tarakot

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 24:Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft): 5-6 hours

We start our trek on a trail behind the Bheri River before intersection a scaffold close to the Lawan town. Our trail will proceed nearby the huge Bheri Rriver rising until the Byas Gadi. From here the trail moves towards the west on a moderately simple trail. We cross the waterway again close to the Lochakhola Gaon and rise to Dunai for an overnight remain. The present trek will for the most part be on a superb canyon with pine trees. Overnight in Dunai.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 25:Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hours

Fron Dunai, we trek along the Bheri River getting a charge out of the excellent scene. In transit, we go through Dhupichaur and Rupgad towns and in addition a sanctuary. We keep trekking by means of Kalagaonda town and Motipur town before achieving the little airstrip. Overnight in Jhuphal.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 26:Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and after that to Kathmandu

We take the soonest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. After achieving Nepalgunj, we profit to Kathmandu for the following accessible flight. Subsequent to touching base in Kathmandu, we will be exchanged to our lodging. There is nothing to do except for exchange messages with travel mates and sort out the photographs. To commend the effective fulfillment of our voyage, we will have a goodbye supper facilitated by Mountain miracle Treks & Expedition. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 27:Final takeoff

Our expedition in Nepal concludes today. A mountain Miracle Treks & Expedition's delegate will drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport a couple of hours before the planned flight.

Trip Photos

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Cost Includes

The airport picks up and drops off by private vehicle for your Arrival and departure.
Depending on the group size, we provide ground transportation with a car, van, jeep, Bus, or coaster.
Full-day city sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's world heritage sites with an experienced tour guide.
Three-night Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a sharing basis on the BB plan.
One- night accommodation in Nepalgunj on a sharing basis on the BB plan.
Flight fares- Kathmandu/Nepaljung/Jhupal/Nepaljung/Kathmandu, including airport tax and transport.
Accommodation in Guest houses/lodges during your Trek on a sharing basis.
Essential documents: Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and restricted area permit.
We provide meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—along the trek.
A knowledgeable and friendly trekking guide will be with you throughout your entire trekking journey.
All necessary types of camping equipment and staff will be provided according to the requirements.
We will serve seasonal fruits as dessert after your dinner during the trekking period.
If needed, we provide sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffle bags, which you must return after finishing the trek.
A general medical first aid kit will be provided for common medical issues. (Please consult your doctor if you have chronic diseases and obtain a prescription before traveling to Nepal.
Emergency helicopter services will be arranged and covered by your travel insurance. Clients should have travel insurance that includes high-altitude sickness emergencies and helicopter evacuation services.
A farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali cultural restaurant after finishing the Trek.
All government taxes, VAT, and company service charges.