TICINO TREKS

Upper Dolpa trek (23 Days)
Mountain Vector

Upper Dolpa trek (23 Days)

Upper Dolpa trek (23 Days)

Country

Nepal

Duration

23 days

Max Altitude

5,221 m

Group Size

5 Person

Difficulty

hard

Best Seasons

Autumn

Description

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote and culturally preserved trekking journeys in Nepal. Hidden beyond the Dhaulagiri range and bordering the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Dolpo remained closed to outsiders until the late twentieth century. Even today, it feels detached from modern Nepal, shaped instead by Tibetan Buddhism, Bon traditions, and a harsh high-altitude environment.

This trek enters the heart of Shey Phoksundo National Park and continues deep into the upper valleys of Dolpo, following ancient trade routes that once connected Tibet with the lowlands of western Nepal. The landscape shifts dramatically, from pine forests and river gorges to dry plateaus, yak pastures, and high passes nearing 5,000 meters. Villages such as Ringmo, Shey Gompa, Namgung, Saldang, and Do Tarap reveal a way of life that has changed little over centuries.

A central highlight of the journey is Shey Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Dolpo, set beneath Crystal Mountain, a sacred peak revered by Bon followers. The route also includes extended exploration around Phoksundo Lake, multiple acclimatization days, and demanding crossings over high alpine terrain.

This is a true expedition-style trek requiring patience, physical endurance, and respect for isolation. Camping is essential for much of the route, and walking days are long and remote. Upper Dolpo is best suited for trekkers seeking depth, silence, and cultural authenticity rather than comfort or speed.

Best Season to Trek

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

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

Trek Difficulty

Challenging and Best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. Long walking days, high passes, and extended camping are required.

Accommodation and Trek Style

  • Camping for most of the trek

  • Limited teahouses in lower Dolpo villages

  • Full kitchen and support crew throughout

Permits Required

  • Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

  • Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

  • TIMS Card

(All arranged by Ticino Treks)

Itineraries

Upon your arrival, we will wamly welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. We will have brief discussion abour our trekking itinerary, difficulty, and costs in detail.

We will guide you to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites inside Kathmandu Valley and assist you on preparing trekking permits.

We will take first flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which is 550 km far from Kathmandu.

We will fly to Juphal and start our trekking towards Sulighad Ghat. On our first day of trekking, we will trek only for 3 hours.

We  will start our trekking to Renje village walking through Shey Phoksundo National Park.

We will continue walking through the ridge and cross the wooden bridge. We will see the first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake from Ringmo Village.

We will hike around the Phoksundo Lake. The deepest lake of Nepal owns distict colour of fresh water originating from the glaciers. We will also explore the distinct culture of Ringmo village by hiking around.

We will start trekking along the shore of the lake. Then the trek further advance along the bank of Phoksundo River.

We will walk through a glacial valley along the bank of Phoksundo River and Kapuwa River to reach Phoksundo Banjyang. We will have stunning outlooks of Kang La Pass.

Today our trekking trail will be little bit difficult as we climb through the rocks and boulders. Then we will cross Kang La Pass (5,160 m).

We will explore the Shey Gompa which is also known as Crystal Monastery. The Monastery is believed to be a 800 years older. We will hike around crystal mountain for refreshment.

We will cross Saldang La Pass (5,010 m) and walk for 7 hours to reach beautiful village of Namgung.

We will ascend through the ridge and continue walking along the barren mountain until we reach Saldang Village.

We will start our walking early in the morning crossing Nagaon River and local settlements to reach the beautiful village where Yangza Gompa is located.

We will walk through terraced fields, pass Chortens, Stupas, and Mani stones to reach Nam Khong River. Then we proceed along the river bank towards Sibu Village.

We will continue walking along the bank of same river and climb small hill to enter into beautiful village of Jeng La Phedi.

We will climb towards Jeng La Pass earlier then cross it and descend down towards beutiful village of Do Tarap.

We will hike to Dero Gompa and Shipchok Gompa early in the morning and explore the village in daytime.

We will descend down from Tarap Valley and walk through the ravine. Our trail goes through juniper bushes and wild roses along the bank od Tarap River and Lwang River.

Our trail heads toward Lower Dolpo Region. we will walk exploring the locals lifestyle residing in western region of Nepal. We will walk for 6 hours to reach Khanigaon.

We will begin our trekking through dense forest to reach Tarakot. We will continue our walking until we reach small town of Dunai.

We will walk along the bank of Thuli Bheri River to reach Juphal.

We will take mountain flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj then catch another flight to Kathmandu.

Cost Includes

  • Guide (English speaking)
  • Cook (for camping trek)
  • Kitchen helpers (for camping trek)
  • Accommodation and food in tents, camping, or lodges (service: B, L, & D with tea/coffee)
  • Assistant guides (if required)
  • Necessary Porters
  • Required area’s restricted/normal trekking permits
  • Two men's tents for members, a guide/sherpa tent, and a kitchen tent/dining & toilet tent (camping trek)
  • Domestic Airfares for round trip (as required)
  • Guide’s airfares
  • Ground transportation during the trekking in jeep/bus/van/car as per itinerary
  • Cook, Sherpa, kitchen staffs and porter accommodations, food, 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, 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 staff/porters than specified and expenses that are not included as per itinerary

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