Upper Dolpo Trek (Dolpo Circuit)

Upper Dolpo Trek (Dolpo Circuit)

Overview And Highlights

The Upper Dolpo trek is a trip to the elusive Upper Dolpo region, a remote hidden destination in the far west rarely visited by tourist. It is host to one of Nepal's most tranquil and natural beauties. The Upper Dolpo trek attractions comprise of a rich biodiversity including varieties of herbs, unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, pristine lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries and a unique lifestyle of local people. Sparsely populated, the Upper Dolpo is home to the Bhotiya and Sherpa people. The culture here closely resembles Tibetan customs and locals are followers of Bon religion that predates Buddhism.

The 1999 Oscar-nominated film Himalaya directed by Eric Valli was shot here in Dolpo. Trekking around the Dolpo region takes you to experience an amazing landscape, observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and rare birds like the Himalayan griffon.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1400

Our representative will take you to the airport for a flight to Nepalgunj. In Nepalgunj you will be taken to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
2140

Catch a morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal you start trekking to Dunai, which is the headquater of Dolpo, a remote district of Nepal. You will walk through farms and villages along Bheri River. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
2478

You will walk along the forest of pine and rhododendros. Cross a suspension bridge and climb towards Thulo Bheri enjoying views of Kagmara Peak. Further you will enter into a forest before reaching Syanta. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3038

This day, you will follow the banks of Suligar River. The trails is a mix of  forests of pine, fir and birch and hills You will pass up the villages of Kageni, Raktang and Jyalhasa. The cliffs here are of unique geographical features. Further up you will come across Tibetan settlements with shops. Stay overnight at camp.

En route, you will pass a picturesque waterfall. Along the trekking route, you will cross some mind blowing pasturelands. You will follow the path along Phoksundo and Pungmo Khola to reach Phoksundo Lake at an altitude of 3,600m. The lake is  waylaid by 300m high waterfall and Ringmo village full of chortens and Mani walls.Stay overnight at camp.

It is the deepest lake of Nepal listed in Ramsar sites. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3756

Leaving Pokshundo by the west side you will have to walk up a gangway before the path gives way to lush meadows pass the rocky craggy cliffs. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3856

As you move higher following Poksundo Khola you will encounter rocks and boulders with occasional streams. The trail than passes a meadow and then a ravine. From here you can see the spectacular Shey Gompa and the nearby Kang-La pass. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
5350

This is quite tough day of your trek as you will crossNagadlo-la pass. The pass offers beautiful views of landscape and rivers. The trail then follows numerous streams that are hemmed in my mud caves and meadows that are grazed by yaks, sheep and mountain goat. Before long you will be at Shey Gompa which is dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism.  Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
4360

You will pass through a beautiful trail having alpine trees and meadows. The path opens through a forest of juniper trees and climbs a canyon to get to Saldang-la pass. This is a highland where you will be able to see nomadic lifestyle of yak and sheep herders. Enroute you can visit Namgung monastery just above a gorge which is distinct by its red stones. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3770

This section passes up few villages and climb up to a ridge topped with prayer flags overlooking a beautiful landscape of Panzang valley.  From here the landscape looks a bit barren with few houses made in Tibetan style village with mani walls. These villages are surrounded by barley fields which is regularly visited by migrating and resident birds. We make our camp near Saldang Gompa. Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
3850

En route you will visit Rapa Gompa. The trail passes through a vast barren landscape surrounded by mountains. With occasional villages in between, the walk is pleasant till you reach Rakyo. Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
4700

You will walk alongside the riverbanks of Nagaon River in the beginning and later Dachun River. The last section of the path is steep up till you reach Pass Camp which offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
3944

This village has the human settlement at the world’s highest altitude. You will enjoy the walk through a narrow valley which is part of inner Dolpo. You will see rough patches of green grasses here and there. Dho Tarap is influenced by Bon po and Tibetan Buddhism and has a long history of settelement. Stay overnight at camp.

You can visit local gompa, learn about the Tibetan lifestyle and try Tibetan tea and cuisines. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3756

You will walk along the riverbank of Tarap River throughout the day. The trail ahead opens up into a wide valley which is drenched by Tarap river. The landscape is dotted with juniper and bushes. This is the finest spot to see endagenered blue sheep. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3445

After leaving the beautiful valley of Dho Tarap, the trail passes through deep gorges and age old cliffs.  You will pass through Laini Odar and Chhyugar, two small hamlets before reaching Pibke or Nawarpani.Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
2775

Today, you will walk through the pine forest and pastureland.  Ahead lies a trail of forest and gorge before getting down to Tarakot which is famous for its fort. Further up is Barbung Khola on whose bank stands the old Sandul Gompa. This trail is used by caravans travelling between Tibet and Nepal. Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
2140

The trail follows the Bheri River for hours with occasion pine trees in between. It will be a few hours before reaching Dunai a beautiful town surrounded by green hills. Stay overnight at camp.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
2475

Stay overnight at camp. From Dunai you will enjoy a pleasant walk to Juphal following the Bheri River all along. Stay overnight at camp.

Early morning you will reach Juphal airport for a flight to Nepalgunj and from there to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu you will be transferred to hotel. 

What Is Included ?

  • All airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
  • Trekking guide 
  • Camping crews (Cook, Sherpa, kitchen helper)
  • Porters (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) 
  • Accommodation: Partly in teahouses and most of the nights camping 
  • Required equipments: Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, cooking utensil and trekking poles
  • Cooking fuel 
  • Camping charges 
  • Cargo charge
  • Special trekking permit for both Lower and Upper Dolpo 
  • Entry permits for She-Phuksundo National Park
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Flight tickets: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu 
  • Insurance and equipments for the guides and porters
  • First aid kit
  • Tax, VAT and our service charge
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • Souvenirs (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.) 

What Is Excluded?

  • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for involved staffs 
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary) 

Upper Dolpo Trek (Dolpo Circuit) Altitude Profile

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking. 

General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff   

Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),  

Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit 

Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc 

Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price. 

21 Days

  • Best price guaranteed
  • Book now, pay later

Quick Response, Personalized Information

Similar Trips

Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 21 Days

Beni Dolpo Trek
Beni Dolpo Trek

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 23 Days

Upper Dolpo via Talphi Trek
Upper Dolpo via Talphi Trek

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 16 Days

Upper Dolpo Trek with Ganda La
Upper Dolpo Trek with Ganda La

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 20 Days

Dolpo Trek Starting from Jumla
Dolpo Trek Starting from Jumla

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 21 Days

Upper Dolpo Extensive (Dolpo-Jomsom) Trek
Upper Dolpo Extensive (Dolpo-Jomsom) Trek

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 25 Days

Dolpo Rara Trek (24 Days)
Dolpo Rara Trek (24 Days)

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 25 Days

Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek

Nepal , Dolpo Trek 15 Days

WE ARE MEMBER OF

  • Tourism Department
  • Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal
  • Nepal Mountaineering Association
  • Kathmandu Environmental Education Project
  • Himalayan Rescue Association, Nepal

ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT CARDS

  • VISA Card
  • Master Card
  • JCB
  • Maestro
  • American Express

Find & Follow Us on