Upper Dolpo Trek | 27 Days Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal

Upper Dolpo is secluded region in west Nepal that is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The inhabitants of the region are Tibetans, therefore it is rich in Tibetan culture and art. Upper Dolpo takes you to the north-west region behind the Dhaulagiri massif stretching to the Tibetan Plateau. The profusion of alpine wildlife including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard makes it the best Eco-trekking destination in Nepal.

Due it relative inaccessibility and remoteness, Dolpo region is considered as the most exotic and mysterious place to visit in Himalaya. Trekking to Upper Dolpo is very much different; its oasis-like villages dotted with arid landscapes, deep canyons and snowy mountains festoons the whole region.

To the south of the region is Lower Dolpo and to the west is Mugu, which is located beyond the sacred crystal mountain and the Kanjiroba massif. The natural barrier of Khykalum and Dhaulagiri Himals to Mustang and Annapurna to the east makes it isolated region of Nepal. Upper Dolpo trek is the great amalgamation of ancient animal belief, Tibetan culture and Bon religion with beaten-off experience in remote Himalaya.

Upper Dolpo is blessed with numerous trekking opportunities. Upper Dolpo Trekking starts with small airstrip from Neaplgunj to Jhupal in Lower Dolpo. Some experienced trekkers choose the challenging routes from Mustang (east) and Mugu (west). Phoksundo Lake at the central Dolpo is possible to combine with the trails to Shey (Crystal Mountain) to enter Bhijer, Saldang and Dho Tarap.

It is restricted area trekking in Nepal where trekkers need to obtain special permit to enter the area. Moreover, the region is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park and Buffer Zone that covers 3555 sq km area.

Day01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1,300m) and transfer to the hotel

Day02: Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley including UNESCO designated sites and preparation for the trek

Day03: Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – 1 hour

Day04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Lower Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2,850m) – 45 minutes flight/ 2-3 hours trek

Day05: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m/5-6 hours trek)

Day06: Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat – 5/6 hours trek

Day07: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/4-5 hours trek)

Day08:  Acclimatization and exploration day at Phoksundo Lake

Day09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola – 5/6 hours trek

Day10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang – 6/7 hours trek

Day11: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m) via Kang – La Pass (5,360m) – 5/6 hours trek

Day12: Acclimatization and rest day at Shey Gompa

Day13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gauon (4,800m) via Saldang La (5,200m) – 6/7 hours trek

Day14: Trek from Namduna Gaon to Saldang (3,620m/4-5 hours trek)

Day15: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/4-5 hours trek)

Day16: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/6-7 hours trek)

Day17: Trek from Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/5-6 hours trek)

Day18: Trek from Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m) via Jeng La Pass (5,090m) – 5/6 hours trek

Day19; Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/4-5 hours trek)

Day20: Rest and exploration day at Dho Tarap

Day21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/6-7 hours trek)

Day22: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/4-5 hours trek)

Day23: Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/4-5 hours trek)

Day24: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/5-6 hours trek)

Day25: Trek from Dunai to Jhupal – 2/3 hours trek

Day26: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgung and fly back to Kathmandu

Day27: Transfer to airport for final departure

Cost Includes

• Kathmandu – Nepalgunj / Nepalgunj – Jhupal / Jhupal – Nepalgunj / Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
• Accommodation at Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on B & B basis
• City tour by private transportation
• All ground transportations as per itinerary
• All necessary paper works and permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP) and TIMS)
• An experienced and government registered guides and local porters
• Guide and porter: salary, insurance, transportation, accommodation and food
• All meals during the trek
• Supplementary snacks (cookies, energy bars and fresh fruits)
• Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus
• Medical kits
• All local and government taxes

Cost Excludes 

• City entrance fee at Kathmandu
• Tour guide
• Hot shower during trek
• Boiled water
• Personal nature expenses: alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone bills and more
• Tipping for guides and porters (not compulsory but expected)
• Travel insurance and emergency evacuation
• Nepal entry visa fee
• International flights