Upper Dolpo Trek
30 Days
Moderate
Dolpo
Trip Summary & Highlights
Experience the ultimate Himalayan odyssey with our Upper Dolpo Trek. Navigate the “Hidden Valley,” cross high-altitude passes, and witness the turquoise magic of Phoksundo Lake.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a legendary journey into one of the most remote and culturally preserved corners of the world. Located in the far-northwestern region of Dolpa, this trek takes you through “Ba Yul”—the hidden land. Here, time seems to have stood still for centuries. You will traverse a landscape that shifts from lush alpine forests to high-altitude deserts reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau.
Guided by the ancient Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the trek is a spiritual and physical challenge. From the emerald waters of Phoksundo Lake to the “Crystal Mountain” of Shey Gompa, every step is a story of resilience and heritage. Due to its restricted status, the Upper Dolpo Trek cost reflects its exclusivity, ensuring that the wilderness remains pristine and the crowds remain thin.
Trip Highlights
- Phoksundo Lake: Behold the deepest lake in Nepal, famous for its mesmerizing, ever-changing turquoise hues.
- Ancient Monasteries: Visit Shey Gompa and the gravity-defying Tsakang Monastery, spiritual hubs of the region.
- High Passes: Conquer challenging passes above 5,000m, including Kang La (5,360m) and Nengla La (5,380m).
- Bon Po Heritage: Immerse yourself in the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion, featuring unique shamanistic rituals.
- Wilderness Wildlife: Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard and Himalayan blue sheep.
- Authentic Villages: Explore Saldang and Dho Tarap, some of the highest human settlements on Earth.
Trip Infos
Duration
30 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Best Season
August to October
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Teahouse and Camping
Departure from
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Transportation
Plane and Bus, Jeeps
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum Altitude
5550m
Want to Customize Your Trip?
We can tailor this trek to your schedule, comfort level, and interests.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All airport pick up drop by private vehicles.
- 4 nights accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on BB plan.(Twin bedroom sharing).
- Experience trekking guide, Assistant guide, Cook and Kitchen staff, porters, Mules.
- Full board service during the camping trek.
- All land transportations and flight tickets from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj-Juphal-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Special Lower and Upper Dolpo Trek permit, National park permit and ACAP permit.
- Trekking guide, assistant guide, Cook, Kitchen staff and porters salary, foods, transportations, insurance, equipment's, and all necessary facilities to staffs.
- Government tax and Local agency service charge.
What's Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
- Insurance (compulsory on all trips – ensure you are adequately covered for emergency evacuation).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Spending of a personal expenses, e.g. laundry, snacks and bottles drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
Essential Information & Preparation
Essential Information
What to Expect
This is a full camping expedition. Unlike the popular Everest or Annapurna circuits, Upper Dolpo lacks luxury lodges. You will sleep in high-quality tents and enjoy meals prepared by our trekking crew. Expect to disconnect—mobile signals and Wi-Fi are virtually non-existent once you leave the lower valleys.
Challenges & Physical Fitness
The Upper Dolpo Trek is classified as strenuous to extreme (Grade 5). You will be trekking for 24–28 days, often walking 6–8 hours daily.
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Altitude: Most of the trek takes place above 4,000m. Proper acclimatization is mandatory.
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Terrain: Expect steep ascents, narrow cliffside trails, and multiple river crossings.
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Preparation: We recommend at least 4-6 months of cardiovascular and strength training.
Health & Safety
Your safety is our priority. Our guides are trained in high-altitude first aid and carry pulse oximeters to monitor your oxygen saturation.
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Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m is mandatory.
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Hydration: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily to combat altitude effects.
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Food: We provide calorie-dense, hygienic meals to sustain your energy.
Upcoming Fixed Departures
| Trip Name | Departure Date | Status | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Dolpo Trek | Apr 16, 2026 | Filling Fast | $4,350 | Join Trip |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference between Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo lies in altitude, landscape, and cost. Lower Dolpo is greener, reaches lower altitudes (around 4,000m), and has simpler permit requirements. Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude desert (up to 5,500m), requires a more expensive Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and offers a more “pure” Tibetan cultural experience.
The Upper Dolpo Trek cost typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 USD per person. This includes the expensive RAP ($500 for the first 10 days), domestic flights, camping logistics, and professional guides.
Yes. You need three specific permits: the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, the Lower Dolpo Permit, and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit. These must be organized through a registered trekking agency.
The best window is from May to October. Since Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, it is one of the few regions in Nepal suitable for trekking during the monsoon months (Juneu2013August).
$4,395
Per Person (Group Join)
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