Useful Trip Info
About The Route
The 27 days Upper Dolpo trekking adventure will test you to the core. You will get to experience unexplored and remote parts of the country. You will fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and then fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj. Juphal is the starting point of this trek.
Trekkers will pass through settlements of Dunai, Ankhe, Sulighat to finally arrive at Phoksundo Lake. Shey-Phoksundo Lake is the prime attraction of this trek. You will also pass through high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, caves, and other landscapes.
The Shey Gompa (4500 meters) via Kang La Pass (5360m) is one of the most challenging sections of the trek. After spending some time exploring Shey Gompa, you will descend to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La Pass (4785m). You will pass through Yangze Gompa, Jeng La Phedi, Sibu, and Tokyu Gaon via Jeng Pass. Trails also follow Nang Chu, Panzang, Nam Khong, and other rivers.
From Tokyu, you will trek to the fertile valley of Dho Tarap. Bon Gompa and other Buddhist shrines are highlights of the trek. Trails also pass through Tarap Khola, Khanigaon, and Tarakot village settlements. You will walk through various gorges, pastures, forests, and cross famous riverbeds. After arriving at Juphal from Dunai, you will fly back to Nepalgunj and finally fly back to Kathmandu.
When is the Best Time for Upper Dolpo Trekking?
This outstanding trekking adventure is ideal during Autumn and Spring seasons. These transition seasons come between the Summer and Winter seasons and have favourable temperatures and stable weather conditions.
The Autumn season provides great views of snow-capped mountains along with good weather. The daytime weather is ideal for trekking as it is warm and there are fewer chances of rainfall. The Shey Phoksundo lake looks incredibly beautiful in Autumn.
The Spring season means beautiful atmosphere and green meadows. The clear sky is another highlight of the trek in this season. Rare and endangered wildlife also becomes active after a harsh winter. Also, the weather remains stable and temperatures moderate that is ideal for trekking.
Winter is cold and there are high altitude passes along trails on this trek. These passes remain covered in deep snow in winters. Crossing the snowy passes in mid-winter is quite tough. The weather also remains unpredictable and adds complexity to trek.
Summer monsoon rains make the trails get very slippery and wet. The dangers of avalanches and landslides also make it difficult to trek in these seasons. Hence, Autumn and Spring are the best times for Upper Dolpo Trekking Nepal.
How Difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trekking?
This magical trek requires you to walk for a long duration and stay in camps overnight. There are no tea houses or lodges for an overnight stay at most places along the trail. You will have to stay at campsites, arranging your own tent and sleeping bags. There are many high altitude passes along the trail that require extensive strength and endurance. A proper training regime will help you immensely during the trek.
Upper Dolpo trek itinerary moves above 5000 meters at all times. Altitude Sickness is another huge problem in high altitude treks. You will be trekking to higher altitudes at all times and hence you should take necessary precautions. The oxygen in the air is considerably less in high altitude along with air pressure. You should also drink plenty of water and trek slowly to tackle altitude sickness along the trail.
The length of this trek is also a major difficulty in this trek. You need to trek for 27 days for its completion. Rough and rural terrains require strong physical and mental build. Previous trekking experience is always a plus. Trekkers also need to pack proper gear and clothing. Inadequate trekking gears will cause difficulties for trekkers. Hence, upper Dolpo trekking Nepal is quite challenging especially for beginners trekking high altitude regions for the first time.
Food and Accommodation Along the Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek is an adventurous trek that requires fully-catered camping facilities. There are no teahouses and lodges in most parts of the trail. You need to carry all the food materials to be safe. There are also food shortages in the region.
You must therefore make proper food and accommodation facilities before starting this trek. Thus, trekkers should trek through an agency that will organize a complete camping trek and prepare all necessary arrangements. You will get proper camping equipment along with food and other facilities.
Porters will help you with luggage and setting up tents where you can sleep. A well-trained cook will prepare hot meals or you can cook it yourself. Camping in one of the remote parts of Nepal is one of the highlights of this trek.
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Permit & Regulation for Trek
You will require three permits for this trek as it is restricted area trekking. They are Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit, and Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit. You can get permits at Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or the National Park entry.
You also need to follow strict rules and regulations during the trek. At least two people in the trekking group is a must as you can’t go to restricted areas alone. You must also get a local agency to help you with the trek. A compulsory trekking guide or a porter is essential for trekking. Your trekking agency will do all these arrangements for you.
Packing List for the Upper Dolpo Trekking
Clothing
- Trekking pants and jackets
- Thermals underwear
- Insulating jackets
- Trekking boots
- Fleece-lined jacket
- Long-sleeved trekking shirts
- Rainproof pants and jackets
- Woolen cap/ beanies
- Lightweight Sweaters
- Short-sleeved trekking shirts
- Pair of Gloves
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Toilet Paper
- Sunscreen
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
Accessories
- Cameras
- Power Banks
- Solar Chargers
- Extra Batteries
- Sleeping bag
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Upper Dolpo Trek Map
First Aid
- Diamox tablets
- Band-aids
- Anti-nausea Medicines
- Pain relief Sprays
- Mosquito repellent spray or ointment
Important Documents
- Passport
- Travel Permits
- Travel insurance
Essential Tips for the Trek
- You should follow all rules as it is a restricted area trekking. The rules such as trekking with a guide, and through a trekking agency is a must.
- Trekking through an agency will give you many facilities like meals and camping at a reasonable Upper Dolpo Trekking cost
- Carry Diamox tablets that help to tackle altitude sickness in high altitude regions.
- You should carry proper and adequate means and accommodation facilities.
- Check the weather forecast before starting on the trek.
- You should not consume alcohol as it can cause dehydration which can further lead to altitude sickness.
- Proper acclimatization and hydration will help you immensely during the trek.
- Train well to gain physical as well as mental strength.
- You should walk gently along the trail with regular breaks and rest.
- If you feel early symptoms of altitude-related problems, you need to descend immediately.
