Upper Dolpo Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Introduction:
Upper Dolpo Trekking is a long and less-travelled route in the Dolpo region. Only a few anthropologists and geographers explored this remote region, as the entire region remained closed to visitors until 1989. Peter Matheson's book - The Snow Leopard and Snell grove - Himalayan pilgrimage have highlighted to the mystique and attractions of Dolpo region.
While trekking into the Upper Dolpo region you will experience exotic and diverse cultures coupled with serene landscapes that range from green meadows at the lower altitudes to dry and arid higher up. When we start the trek from Dunai, we experience how climate change as each day of the trek progresses.
While trekking, you will enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Phoksumdo, Kanjiroba peak in the background and the Dhaulagiri massif and this spectacular sight is truly memorable. You can also visit Phoksumdo Gompa an ancient Bon Po religion monastery.
Upper Dolpo Trekking: People and Customs
The local people of Dolpo mostly speak Tibetan languages. Very few people understand the Nepali language. The customs and traditions of this remote region closely relate to those of Tibet.
This region is one of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal. Every trekker should take special permit for the Nepal Immigration Department. Permit costs USD 500 for the first ten days and further USD 50 each day thereafter. A minimum of two persons is required in a group to obtain the trekking permit. Individual trekker is not permitted for this region.
We start Upper Dolpo trekking flying a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The next morning we have to take another flight to Jhupal. Summer and monsoon seasons are best for this trek. Winter season must avoid trekking into Dolpo region as there will be heavy snowfall.
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular views as you take a flight to and from Nepalgunj/Juphal
- Magnificent scene of Phoksundo Lake (Deepest Lake of Nepal)
- Breathtaking view of Mt. Kanjirowa and many other Himalayan Peaks
- A crossing of 5000 m+ High Mountain Passes
- Challenging camping trek to this isolated Himalayan region of Nepal
- Visit monasteries of the region that are ancient
Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel
Day 02 All necessary permits preparation
Day 03 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
Day 04 Fly to Juphal (2,320m) & trek to Dunai (2150m) 2-3 hrs walk
Day 05 Trek to Tarakot (2,850m), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 06 Trek to Khani Gaon (2,543m), 3-4 hrs walk
Day 07 Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 08 Trek to Yak Kharka (3800m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 09 Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 10 Rest/ acclimatization day at Dho Tarap
Day 11 Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4200m), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 12 Trek below Numala Pass (4665m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 13 Cross Numala (5,190m), and camp at Phedi, 6-7 hrs walk
Day 14 Trek and cross Baga La Pass (5090m) and Camp, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 15 Trek to Ringmo (3,600m), 6-7 hrs walk
Day 16 Rest day at Ringmo & hike to Phoksundo Lake (3730m)
Day 17 Trek to Pungmo village (3170m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 18 Trek below Kagmara -La, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 19 Cross the Kagmara-la (5,115m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 20 Trek to Hurikot village (3600m), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 21 Trek to Chaurikot (3060m), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 22 Trek to Chorte Gompa (3200m), 5-6hrs walk
Day 23 Trek to Gothi Chaur (2,700m), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 24 Trek to Jumla (2,370m), 6-7 hrs walk
Day 25 Fly from Jumla to Kathmandu with a brief stop at Nepalgunj
Day 26 Free day in Kathmandu
Day 27 Transfer to Airport for your onward journey
- Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle
- 4 night’s Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Full board camping with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle during airport transfer
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- All supporting staff (trekking guide and porters), as well as their necessary salary, equipment, insurance, and domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Dolpo region trekking map
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, Special Permit)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
- All camping equipment such as tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Table, chairs, Mattresses etc
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge (s) on the domestic flight
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
