TICINO TREKS

Upper Dolpa trek
Mountain Vector

Upper Dolpa trek

Upper Dolpa trek

Country

Nepal

Duration

24 days

Max Altitude

5,221 m

Group Size

5 Person

Difficulty

hard

Best Seasons

Autumn

Description

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally intact Himalayan journeys, taking trekkers deep into the high trans-Himalayan landscape bordering Tibet. Isolated by geography and protected for decades as a restricted region, Upper Dolpo preserves an ancient way of life shaped by Tibetan Buddhism, Bon traditions, and seasonal trade routes that predate modern Nepal.

This 24-day itinerary allows a slow and well-paced exploration of Dolpo’s core valleys, combining extended acclimatization with meaningful time in villages that remain largely untouched by roads or mass tourism. The trek passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to Nepal’s deepest lake, dramatic cliffs, and wide alpine plateaus, before continuing toward sacred monasteries and high passes near 4,500 meters.

The route connects historic settlements such as Ringmo, Shey Gompa, Namduna, Saldang, Tokyu, and Dho Tarap, each reflecting a distinct cultural identity shaped by altitude and isolation. Walking days are long and demanding, but the rewards are profound: silence, wide horizons, and rare insight into Himalayan life far beyond the mainstream trekking corridors.

Upper Dolpo is not a trek of speed or comfort. It is a journey of patience, endurance, and respect for remoteness, best suited for trekkers seeking authenticity and depth rather than convenience.

Best Season to Trek

  • Spring (April–May): Stable weather and manageable snow on high sections

  • Autumn (September–October): Clear skies and dry trails

Trek Difficulty

Challenging and recommended for trekkers with prior high-altitude and multi-week trekking experience. Long walking days, high elevation, and extended camping are required.

Accommodation and Trek Style

  • Camping throughout most of the trek

  • Limited basic lodges in the lower Dolpo villages

  • Full trekking crew with kitchen and support staff

Permits Required

  • Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

  • Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

  • TIMS Card

(All permits arranged by Ticino Treks)

Itineraries

Upon you arrival, our team representatives will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the luxurious hotel for overnight stay.

We will guide you to explore different UNESCO World Heritage sites inside Kathmandu Valley. Pasupatinath Temple, Soyambhunath Stupas, Bouddha Stupas, and Durbar Square are in priority list.

We will fly early in the morning towards western region of Nepal. We will reach beautiful city in terai after 55 minutes of flight.

We will take early flight to Jhupal. The massif range of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna series can be seen from Jhupal.

After lunch we will start trekking towards Dunai.

We will cross suspension bridge initially then pass through Thuli Bheri and Suli Ghad Village along the bank of beautiful river to reach Ankhe.

We will ramble through the huge hanging rock cliffs then descend to the river and climb a steep trail to Renje.

We will cross the suspension bridge early in the morning and our trail goes through narrow and hanging rock cliffs. We will be fascinated with wonderful vistas around the surrounding of Phoksundo Lake.

The lake has been surrounded by the Tibetan Buddhist settlements. There is also camping ground available in the bank of Lake. We will also visit Monasteries and explore the hidden social cultures and lifestyle.

We will begin our trekking from the edge of lake towards the isolated parts of the upper Dolpo. We will spend night in tented camp near Phoksundo Khola.

We will  pass through glacial valleys through the narrow trail with the contorted rocky cliffs and  cross wooden bridge over glacial river Phoksundo Khola. Then we will climb up to reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

We will cross the Kang La Pass (5,151 m) through soft stone slots. Then we will descend down carefully along the riverbank o reach Shey Gompa.

The Shey Gompa is famous religious place for Budhhists. Many Tibetan Lama meditate in the tranquil environment. We will also explore the region whole day.

We will walk through Jupiter forest and climb up to the rocky canyon. We will cros quite challenging Saldang La Pass (4,785 m) before reaching Namduna Gaon.

We will pass the Namgung Monastery early in the morning and start climbing hill. After descending along the steep ravines to plain terrain we will reach agricultural village of Saldang.

We will trek down to the River bed passing various Chortens and Mani walls signifying the mystical prowess of the local spiritual people.

We will trek for 5 hours through easy trail towards the foot of Jeng La Pass.

We will gently climb the Jeng La top and cross the Jeng La Pass (4,845 m) carefully. We will be mesmerized with stunning views of Dhaulagiri Peak from the village of Tokyu Gaon.

We will follow the Tarap Khola and pass through the narrow ravines. We will visit antique monastery carrying wonderful architecture and glorious history. Then we descend towards Dho Tarap.

We will continue to follow the bank of the Tarap Khola and cross the narrow ravines. Then we will cross the newly built suspension bridge and arrive at Serkam.

We will follow the gorge of the Tarap River and walk through steep slopes to reach Khani Gaon.

We will walk through stream and trek along the bank of the river to reach Tarakot.

We will walk along the wide route. It would be easier walk over the day for 5 hours. We will ramble above the Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai city.

We will walk for 3 hours to reach Jhupal Airport.

We will take flight from Jhupal to return back towards Kathmandu Valley.

Cost Includes

  • Guide (English speaking)
  • Cooks and Kitchen helpers (for camping trek)
  • Accommodation and foods in Tents camping or Lodge (service- B, L, & D with tea/coffee)
  • Assistant guides (if required)
  • Necessary Porters
  • Required area’s restricted/normal trekking permits
  • Two men tent for members, Guide/Sherpa tent, Kitchen tent/ Dinning & toilet tent 
  • Domestic Airfares for round trip 
  • Guide’s airfares
  • Ground transportation during the trekking in jeep/bus/van/car as per itinerary
  • Cook, Sherpa, kitchen staffs and porter accommodations, foods, transportation, and day-wages as per itinerary
  • Whole staffs and porters accidental covering insurances
  • Company Duffel bag (after trekking need to return to the company)
  • Company T-shirt as a souvenir
  • First-Aid kit box for all involved in the trip

Cost Excludes

  • Kathmandu stays, accommodation, and food
  • Nepal Visa & visa extension fees
  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, flight delays and changes in Government regulation, etc.
  • Personal trekking/climbing equipment
  • Tel/internet
  • Helicopter Rescue (if needed) and hospitalization fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Bar bills like coke, mineral water & any Alcohol items…
  • Tips to staffs
  • Any extra staffs/porters than specified and expenses which is not included as per itinerary

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