Upper Dolpo Trek – 25 Days

Trek through Nepal’s remote wilderness, explore hidden monasteries, and experience the untouched mountain lifestyle in the breathtaking Upper Dolpo Trek.

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and isolated regions, often referred to as the “land beyond the Himalayas.”

This extraordinary trek is a rare opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, mysterious monasteries, and encounter some of the world’s highest-altitude communities, while immersing yourself in ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Beginning with a scenic flight to Juphal, the trek takes you deep into the heart of Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.

Along the trail, you’ll cross towering mountain passes such as Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng La, all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and high-altitude deserts.

The region is not only rich in natural beauty but also culturally vibrant, with monasteries like Shey Gompa offering glimpses into the spiritual lives of the Bon and Buddhist communities that have inhabited Dolpo for centuries.

Due to its historical isolation, Upper Dolpo retains a raw and untouched charm. The people here still practice ancient traditions and live in villages perched at altitudes over 4,300 meters, surrounded by stunning mountain backdrops.

You’ll encounter yak caravans, and possibly even catch sight of the elusive snow leopard or blue sheep, which roam these highlands.

This trek is both physically and spiritually rewarding, as you traverse pristine landscapes and engage with a culture that has remained largely unaffected by the outside world.

Whether you are captivated by the dramatic beauty of Phoksundo Lake or the mystique of Shey Gompa, the Upper Dolpo Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into one of the Himalayas’ last true wildernesses.

Upper Dolpo Trek Highlights

• Scenic flights to and from Nepalgunj/Juphal
• Explore Shey Phoksundo National Park
• Cross high passes: Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng La
• Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, including Shey Gompa
• Experience ancient Tibetan culture and traditions.
• Marvel at the stunning turquoise Phoksundo Lake.
• Trek through picturesque Nangkhong and Tarap Valleys.
• Cross high-altitude passes like Numa La and Baga La.
• Camp under clear, starry skies.
• Witness pristine mountains, rich flora & fauna, and unique local culture

Short Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft). Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 02 : Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu – 1-hour flight. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03 : Fly to  to Juphal (2,400 m/7,874 ft) – 35 minutes. Trek to Dunai (2,150 m/7,054 ft) – 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 04 : Spare day in Nepalgunj (150 m/492 ft). Overnight at a hotel.

Day 05 : Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m/8,727 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 06 : Trek to Renje (3,104 m/10,184 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 07 : Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m/11,811 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 08 : Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507 m/11,505 ft) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 09 : Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402 m/14,442 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 10 : Cross the Kang La pass (5,306 m/17,405 ft) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,126 m/13,537 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 11 : Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 12 : Cross the Saldang La pass (4,785 m/15,698 ft) and trek to Namduna Gaon (4,400 m/14,436 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 13 : Trek to Saldang (3,903 m/12,808 ft) – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 14 : Trek to Sibu (3,942 m/12,933 ft) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 15 : Trek to the foot of the Jeng La (4,369 m/14,334 ft) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 16 : Cross the Jeng La pass (4,845 m/15,895 ft) and trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240 m/13,911 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 17 : Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090 m/13,419 ft) – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 18 : Trek to Serkam (3,630 m/11,909 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 19 : Trek to Khani Gaon (2,550 m/8,366 ft) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 20 : Trek to Tarakot (2,281 m/7,484 ft) – 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 21 : Trek to Dunai (2,052 m/6,732 ft) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 22 : Trek to Juphal (2,404 m/7,887 ft) – 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 23 : Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj – Total 1-hour and 35-minute flight. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 24 : Spare day in Juphal (2,400 m/7,874 ft) in case of flight delay. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 25 : Transfer to the international airport for your final departure.

Note

Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.

It is advised you arrive one day before the trip start date so you can rest, and it also gives you time to buy clothing, equipment, and gear required for the trek. Also, it is best if you book your flights with spare days in Nepal for this trek in case of any flight delays or cancellations. Moreover, you have options to customize this trip where you can add on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, other adventure sports, or day trips around the country before or after the trek.

Price Includes

Accommodation

• Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for in Kathmandu for 2 nights and a 2 to 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj for 2 nights including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
• Tented camp accommodation and equipment during the camping trek for 17 nights. (We will provide two-man tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, and shower tents).
• Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a teahouse for 3 nights (However, meals will be provided in the camp. If the few available teahouses are full, you will be staying at tented camp)

Meals & Drinking Water

• All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
• A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
• Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.

Transportation & Domestic Flight

• All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
• Flight fare from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu including airport departure taxes.

Guide and Staff

• Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Hikefree Nepal trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
• Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
• Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff

Permits

• Special Trekking Permit US$ 70 per person per day and all local conservation fees.

Benefits and Takeaways

• 1 Hikefree Nepal duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
• A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
• Trip completion certificate

Administrative & Taxes

• All administrative expenses and government taxes

Price Excludes

• Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu

• International flight fare and airport departure tax
• Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)

• Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage

• Any beverages including bottled and boiled water

• Tips to trekking staff and driver

• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu

Day 03: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai

Day 04: Spare day in Nepalgunj

Day 05: Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m)

Day 06: Trek to Renje from Ankhe

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake from Renje

Day 08: Trek to Phoksundo Khola from Phoksundo lake

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang from Phoksundo Khola

Day 10: Cross Kang La Pass and trek to Shey Gompa

Day 11: Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa

Day 12: Trek to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La Pass from Shey Gompa

Day 13: Trek to Saldang from Namduna Gaun

Day 14: Trek to Sibu from Saldang

Day 15: Trek to the foot of the Jeng La Pass from Sibu

Day 16: Cross the Jeng La Pass and trek to Tokyu Gaon

Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap

Day 18: Trek to Serkam

Day 19: Trek to Khani Gaon from Serkam

Day 20: Trek to Tarakot from Khani Gaon

Day 21: Trek to Dunai (2,052 m)

Day 22: Trek to Juphal from Dunai

Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Day 24: Spare day in Juphal

Day 25: Transfer to the international airport for final departure

Packing List for Upper Dolpo Trek

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

General

• Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
• Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
• Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
• Sleeping bag liner

Upper Body

• Sun hat or cap (We’ll provide you with a free Hikefree Nepal baseball cap.)
• Knitted hat/Beanie
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses

Torso

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Fleece jacket or pullover

Lower Body

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Hiking pants (2)
• Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Hiking shorts

Hands

• Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
• Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)

Feet

• Wool or technical fabric warm socks
• Hiking socks
• Liner socks (optional such as silk)
• Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes
• Casual shoes
• Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

Undergarments

Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.

• Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
• Sports bras (women)
• Pajamas or sleeping clothes

First Aid Kits and Medications

• (Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• ointment

Other Essentials

• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
• Hydration bladder
• Towel
• Pillowcase
• Toilet paper (2 rolls)
• High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
• Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
• Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
• Earplugs
• Trekking poles

Optional

Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.

• Power bank or extra batteries
• Cameras and mobile phone
• Cards/book
• Binoculars
• Whistle
• Thermos for hot water

Important Information

• We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
• For every two participants, we assign one porter. The duffel bag, which should weigh around10 kg/22 lbs, will be carried by the porter throughout the walk.
• To carry your daily necessities like cash, crucial papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc., you must have your own daypack (with a waterproof cover).
• You can store your luggage (non-trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu.
• The total luggage allotment allowance for the Nepalgunj-Juphal flight is 15 Kg/33 lbs including both duffel (10 Kg/22 lbs.) and backpack (5Kg/11 lbs.)
• A down jacket with a hood is a must for altitudes above 4,000 m to keep warm. You can rent a down jacket for USD 35. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.
• You can rent a 4-season sleeping bag for USD 35. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.

Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.