Upper Dolpo trek

US$3990

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Upper Dolpo trek

Name: Upper Dolpo trek
Brand: Alpine Ramble Treks
Price: 3990 USD
Availability: InStock

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Recommended by 99% of travelers

Trip Facts

Duration24 Days

Trip GradeModerate - Strenuous

CountryNepal

Maximum Altitude5,360m

Best TimeMarch - June & Sept - December

Overview

“Upper Dolpo Trek into the far west of Nepal to discover the magic of the untouched Himalayas: a breathtaking region of wild mountain landscapes and ancient monasteries—with nary a tourist in sight.”

Embark upon an unforgettable adventure in the remote Upper Dolpo

Are you ready for a true adventure? In the far western reaches of Nepal’s Himalayas, close to the border with the high-altitude Tibetan plateau, you’ll find the spectacular Upper Dolpo.

This is a semi-arid region of tall mountains, remote villages, historic monasteries, and impossibly beautiful alpine trails. The Upper Dolpo was perhaps best memorialized in Peter Matthiessen’s seminal travel memoir, The Snow Leopard—but few travelers have had the privilege of trekking in this remarkable part of Nepal for themselves.

The Upper Dolpo Trek still represents a path of mystery and adventure, especially when compared with some of the most popular treks in Nepal. In fact, it wasn’t until 1989 that the entire region was first opened to trekkers and foreign travelers.

Since that time, the Upper Dolpo has beckoned to hikers who hear the call to adventure—will you join their ranks?

What can you expect on the Upper Dolpo Trek?

Trekking in Nepal has become more accessible than ever in recent years, thanks to modern infrastructure, regular flights to the furthest corners of the country, and a wide variety of trekking routes catering to novice and expert hikers alike.

However, the Upper Dolpo has long been something of an exception to this rule. Situated in Nepal’s western Himalayas, the region has always been more difficult to access than the most popular routes for trekking in Nepal, with a comparatively undeveloped tourism structure.

But we’re proud to report that this is changing: for our 24-day Upper Dolpo Trek, we’ve streamlined transportation to the trailhead, leveraging our expertise in the trekking industry to make your adventure as accessible as possible.

We’ve also arranged for comfortable teahouse-style accommodations on this trek, where possible; gone are the days when you needed to camp every night in the Upper Dolpo. While your trek in this part of Nepal will be as remote and exciting as you could desire, now you can enjoy it in relative comfort.

Experience the unique culture and history of the Upper Dolpo

Thanks to its remoteness in the western Himalayas, the Upper Dolpo has gone relatively unchanged for centuries.

Modernization has been slow to arrive in this part of Nepal, which means that travelers who are keen to encounter undiluted Buddhist culture will be thrilled to discover the Upper Dolpo Trek.

The area is considered culturally Tibetan, and it’s here that the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bön still thrives. We’ll visit monasteries associated with both faiths during the course of this 24-day trek, and we’ll also explore the wild landscapes of the Shey Phoksumdo National Park along the way.

After spending three weeks traversing this beautiful mountain territory, you’ll come to understand why locals have long identified it as a beyul, or hidden valley, where the spiritual and physical realms intersect with one another.

When you’re ready to embark upon your own trek in the Upper Dolpo, reach out to the team at Alpine Ramble Treks via WhatsApp at +977 9851175531.

Best Time of Year for the Upper Dolpo Trek

Trekking seasons in Nepal are largely dictated by the summer monsoon, and our Upper Dolpo Trek is no exception.

The monsoon typically lasts from June to August, and most visitors consequently choose to hike during the spring months of February to May or the autumn months of September to November.

These are the best times of year to enjoy the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures and clear mountain views. However, we may encounter heavy snowfall in the early spring and late fall on the Upper Dolpo trek, and this can make it all but impossible to cross the high mountain passes on this trekking route.

As such, late spring and early fall are the best seasons for this trek. Trekking in summer is also possible, but we generally recommend against tackling the Upper Dolpo Trek during Nepal’s snowbound winters. If you have any questions about the best time to trek in Nepal, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty

If you’re in good physical condition and have prepared for your adventure with regular cardiovascular exercise, trekking in the Upper Dolpo doesn’t require any special skills or mountaineering experience.

But this is a strenuous trek that involves approximately three weeks of hiking at high altitudes in remote territories, where access to modern amenities may be limited.

We’ll also be crossing multiple mountain passes at more than 5,000 meters in elevation, where the air is thin and it’s possible to contract symptoms of acute mountain sickness, or altitude sickness.

To mitigate the risk of having to turn back, we’ve constructed a carefully planned itinerary that will allow you plenty of time to acclimatize as we ascend higher and higher into the western Himalayas. Your experienced guide from Alpine Ramble Treks will also closely monitor the condition of every trekker in your party to ensure that your safety remains our first priority.

Other options for trekking Nepal

If you’re looking at the Upper Dolpo Trek, you’re probably interested in hiking routes with low crowd density, opportunities for authentic cultural encounters, and remote mountain scenery. Fortunately, Nepal has plenty of other options for you to consider.

Our two-week Upper Mustang Trek offers the chance to explore an untouched region of striking beauty, where the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang watches over the deserts and mountains of a former Trans-Himalayan kingdom.

And if you’re looking for something a bit more accessible, the Helambu Circuit Trek is a rewarding trek to consider—while it starts within just a stone’s throw of Kathmandu, its trails are remarkably crowd-free when compared to our more popular offerings, like the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Cost for the Upper Dolpo trek in March-May and September to December 2024,2and 2026

No. of Group	Pprice in USD Per person	Booking Status
2	4900	Inquiry / Book Now
3-5	4500	Inquiry / Book Now
6-15	3990	Inquiry / Book Now

Highlights

Feast your eyes on awe-inspiring views of Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan mountains and deserts.
Marvel at the mesmerizing azure waters of the alpine Phoksundo Lake.
Trek into the heart of the remote western Himalayas, where Buddhism and Bön faiths flourish side-by-side.
Get up close and personal with the Upper Dolpo’s most sacred peak: Crystal Mountain.
Enjoy an exciting combination of camping and teahouse-style accommodations on our carefully crafted version of the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Additional Benefits of this Trek with Alpine Ramble

Free transfers to and from Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival and departure.
Complimentary use of any necessary trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, walkie-talkies, trekking poles, and an oximeter to monitor your oxygen and pulse.
Fun souvenirs of your Himalayan adventure: a trekking route map, a t-shirt emblazoned with the Alpine Ramble Treks logo, and a hat!

Please note: The trekking times indicated below are approximate and are best used as general guidelines. During the Upper Dolpo Trek, you’ll be able to travel freely at your own pace.

Gallery

Itinerary

Upper Dolpo trek Day-by-day Plan Itinerary

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Day 13:

Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (5 hours)

Max Altitude: 4400 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5 hrs

We’ll travel north after breakfast this morning, striking out from Saldang and following the Nagon Khola river as it winds across the highlands of the Upper Dolpo. Our path leads through a few small villages today, and we’ll spy a number of mysterious caves in the cliff faces along our route. We’ll stop for lunch near the confluence of the Nagon Khola and Tora Khola rivers before moving on, crossing a daring suspension bridge and approaching Yangze Gompa. Also known as Yangtsher Gompa, this is reputed to be the oldest monastery in the Dolpo region. Flanked by an impressive array of chortens, this 1,000-year-old gompa makes a powerful argument for the important role that faith and spirituality play in Himalayan culture. We’ll explore the monastery, where we’re likely to be the only visitors. You’ll see some entrancing depictions of important historical and religious figures, such as Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, as well as Green Tara and the Buddha himself.

Day 24:

Departure

Our epic Upper Dolpo Trek has come to an end, and it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the rugged Himalayan landscapes and friendly people of Nepal. When it’s time for your departing flight, a member of our team will bring you back to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you’re spending additional time in Nepal, we can also arrange any number of trekking, sightseeing, and adventure activities for you to enjoy. We thank you for choosing us to arrange your trek in Nepal, and we can’t wait to welcome you back. From now on, you’re a member of the Alpine Ramble Treks family!

Day 23:

Fly from Dunai to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj (1-2 hours)

Max Altitude: 1350 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

After our epic adventure trekking in Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan Upper Dolpo region, it’s time to come down from the mountains at last. We’ll have a long day of travel ahead of us today; while our flights are short, we’ll need to get checked in at the local airport and make our connection to Nepalgunj. We’ll have a short layover there before embarking upon the last leg of our journey, returning to the capital city of Kathmandu by air. During these flights, you’ll have the chance to savor one last glimpse of the mighty Himalayan mountains. When we arrive in Kathmandu, we’ll assist you with checking in at your hotel in the tourist district of Thamel. You’ll have some time tonight to shop in the vibrant neighborhood markets, sample some authentic Nepali cuisine in the city’s many fine restaurants, and forge unforgettable memories of Kathmandu’s metropolitan atmosphere.

Day 22:

Trek from Dunai to Juphal (3 hours)

Max Altitude: 2570 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 3 hrs

Our last day of hiking on the Upper Dolpo Trek will see us following the watercourse of the Thuli Bheri river once more. We’ll only be on our feet for about two or three hours, and we’re retracing a route that we followed just a few short weeks ago—but trekking in Nepal is full of surprises, and you never know what you’ll see on the trail. You may encounter a caravan of friendly traders, share your path with yaks and donkeys, or even catch a glimpse of bharal wandering down from the hills. Soon we’ll find ourselves traveling through familiar woodlands on the approach to Dunai, where we’ll stop for the day. Now that we’ve successfully completed the Upper Dolpo Trek, it’s time to celebrate! We’ll enjoy a festive meal with our entire trekking team this afternoon, recounting our accomplishments and enjoying the camaraderie of a job well done.

Day 21:

Trek from Shahar Tara to Dunai (5 hours)

Max Altitude: 2160 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea houseDuration: 5 hrs

As we wind our way back to Dunai, we’re almost ready to close the proverbial loop of our three-week circuit along the Upper Dolpo Trek. We can expect to be on the trail for about five hours today, setting out from Shahar Tara and climbing gradually alongside the Thuli Bheri river. As we approach the more populated regions of the Upper Dolpo once again, we may find ourselves sharing the trail with local donkey caravans laden with goods and supplies and bound for the mountains. As we approach Dunai, the path begins a slow descent. We’ll enjoy pleasant views of wide-open meadows flush with green grass, broad river valleys, and low-lying mountains. When we arrive in Dunai, we’ll be departing from the vast expanses of the Shey Phoksumdo National Park and arriving in familiar territory once again. We’ll select a comfortable teahouse for tonight’s accommodations.

Day 20:

Trek from Serkam to Shahar Tara (5 hours)

Max Altitude: 2170 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 5 hrs

While trekking in Nepal, you have may encountered the term “Nepali flat.” This doesn’t mean that you’re in for an easy day of hiking: instead, it means that your trail may ascend and descend steeply by turns, but that it mostly evens out in the end. And as you’ll soon discover, today’s section of the Upper Dolpo Trek is the perfect representation of that maxim. We’ll get started after breakfast by taking a gentle path alongside the Tarap Chu river, climbing through shaded woodlands. From here, our path alternates descending and ascending. This stretch of our hike also has a reputation for being slippery, thanks to the rocks and stones embedded within the trail itself. Some Upper Dolpo trekking itineraries elect to stop in Khanigaon or Tarakot at this point of the hike, but we tend to favor the pastoral setting of Shahar Tara for tonight’s accommodations. When we arrive, we’ll get settled and enjoy a tasty meal of traditional Nepali cuisine.

Day 19:

Trek from Dho Tarap to Serkam (6 hours)

Max Altitude: 2600 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 5 hrs

While we’re beginning our climb down from the high mountain territories of the region, our trek in the Upper Dolpo is far from over. We’ll descend alongside the Tarap Chu river today, passing through alpine deserts scattered here and there with juniper scrub for about six or seven hours. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife throughout the course of today’s hike: you may be lucky enough to spot herds of blue sheep ranging across the hills, as well as little bands of marmots scurrying along the ground. We’re also likely to encounter the nomadic shepherds of the Upper Dolpo near the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola rivers, leading their herds of yak and sheep across broad pastures and meadows. The last stretch of our path is steep and narrow, so we’ll take our time to make the final approach to the community of Serkam. When we arrive, we’ll set up camp or check in at a local trekking lodge, depending on availability and any previous arrangements.

Day 18:

Dho Tarap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea house

Dho Tarap is one of the most fascinating places in the entire Upper Dolpo, and we’ll take today as an opportunity to get some rest and explore this lively community. You’ve probably already noticed that Buddhism and Bön are practiced side-by-side here, and the village’s stone-built mani walls, weathered chortens, and local monasteries attest to the peaceful integration of these two faiths. There are actually a few different gompas to visit in the vicinity of town, including one monastery which receives few visitors, offering a peaceful place for contemplation and meditation. We’ll also check out the local farms of Dho Tarap, chatting with villagers as they harvest crops of barley, wheat, and potatoes. If you’d rather dedicate your time to getting some rest and relaxation, Dho Tarap also makes for a splendid setting to find a comfortable seat and a read a book while basking in the views of the Upper Dolpo’s mightiest mountains. We’ll spend a second night here in town before moving on in the morning.

Day 17:

Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4-5 hours)

Max Altitude: 3900 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 3 hrs

We don’t have too much ground to cover today, so we’ll take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend a little extra time in the lovely community of Tokyu. If you didn’t manage to visit it last night, you’ll want to check out Tokyu’s small (but important) monastery. Flanked by mani walls and recently reconstructed chortens, this gompa houses multiple temples inside its unassuming exterior, and its striking depiction of the Maitreya Buddha is a marvel that you won’t want to miss. When it’s time to hit the trail, we’ll descend into a pleasant green valley and hike for about four or five hours to reach the village of Dho Tarap. This community is populated by locals of both Magar and Tibetan ethnicities, and we’ll have the opportunity to learn about their culture as we spend the next two nights here in the best available trekking lodge. For many travelers, these cultural encounters represent the real heart of the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Day 16:

Trek from Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu via Jeng La (6 hours)

Max Altitude: 5170 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6 hrs

All of the best treks in Nepal offer magnificent alpine views, and today we’ll have the chance to feast our eyes on some of the best in the region. It should take us approximately two hours to reach Jeng La Pass: a thrilling passage between the high mountains of the Upper Dolpo. When we arrive, we’ll be standing at just over 5,000 meters in elevation. From here, we’ll earn breathtaking views of the snow-covered Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), surrounded by the lower, drier peaks of the Upper Dolpo. Trekkers with a love of photography will be spellbound by the natural contrast between the two—and after taking plenty of photos, we’ll begin the long descent into the Tarap Valley. As we trek amongst terraced fields of cultivation punctuated here and there by chortens decorated with colorful prayer flags, we’ll come across the Tarap Chu river. The name of this glacial river reflects the Tibetan culture of the remote Upper Dolpo region: here, rivers carry the name Chu instead of Khola. We’ll follow the river for about 20 kilometers before arriving at the community of Tokyu, where we’ll hang up our trekking poles and spend the night.

Day 15:

Trek from Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (5-6 hours)

Max Altitude: 4,900m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5-6 hours

Today represents a comparatively easy section of the Upper Dolpo Trek—which will serve as a short respite before we climb the high-altitude pass of Jeng La tomorrow. We’ll get started after breakfast, setting out on a gentle trail and tracing the course of the Namgung Khola. Our path leads beneath the fragrant boughs of evergreen forests, where pine and juniper trees grow freely in the valleys of the Upper Dolpo. But trekking in Nepal usually involves a steep climb sooner or later—and where the Namgung Khola reaches its confluence, we’ll begin our ascent to Jeng-la Phedi. The ground here is characterized by grass, low-lying scrub, and small, scattered boulders. We’ll arrive at Jeng-la Phedi after about five or six hours on the trail. As we settle in for a hearty meal, we’ll enjoy a good look at the nearby Himalayan mountains—and the Jeng La pass which cuts between them.

Day 14:

Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (5-6 hours)

Max Altitude: 4230 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5 hrs

For the next part of our Upper Dolpo Trek, we’ll have a few options to consider. One route passes through the communities of Shimengaon and Nishalgaon, but it generally represents a longer and tougher day on the trail. Instead, most treks in the Upper Dolpo follow a shorter route, returning to Saldang before following the river and traveling across terraced fields of barley and wheat in the direction of Sibu. If we choose this second option, we’ll have the added benefit of visiting two more monasteries: Chaiba Gompa and Namdo Monastery. Both monasteries offer excellent insight into the Buddhist and Bön faiths, and the gompa at Namdo is situated within an especially scenic rural village that’s home to about 400 people. This makes a great place to stop for lunch, and we can chat with the locals while enjoying the peaceful village ambience. Moving on, we’ll find ourselves arriving in the community of Sibu after about six or seven total hours on the trail. This traditional village is marked by a collection of mani walls and chortens, and it makes for a great place to pitch our tents and get some hard-earned rest.

Day 01:

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour)

Max Altitude: 150 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 1 hour

Before we can begin our epic Upper Dolpo Trek, we’ll need to get to the trailhead. This is where our exciting itinerary starts to shine: in addition to enjoying one of the best treks in Nepal, you’ll also get to take multiple scenic internal flights to see more of the country than most tourists manage. We’ll kick things off with a short jaunt from the capital city of Kathmandu to the southwestern city of Nepalgunj. The journey only takes about an hour by air, but make sure to grab a window seat to enjoy spectacular views of the high Himalayas along the way. When we touch down in Nepalgunj, we’ll get checked in at our hotel before spending the rest of the afternoon at our leisure. The city is best known as a center of trade with nearby India, but it also boasts some great local restaurants where you can get a taste of classic Nepali dishes.

Day 12:

Trek from Namgung to Saldang (5 hours

Max Altitude: 3970 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5 hrs

Today’s section of the Upper Dolpo Trek begins with a short ascent above the waters of the Nagon Khola, leading onto a dramatic trail with stunning views of the region’s characteristically barren mountains. We’ll only be trekking for approximately five hours today, but much of that will be spend climbing down from the heights of the mountains and onto the plateau where Saldang village is located. All told, we’ll lose about 800 meters in altitude over the course of today’s trek, which may come as a welcome relief to our lungs—but our knees will take the brunt of this long descent. When we arrive in Saldang, we’ll be more than ready for a hot meal and a good night’s rest. But you’ll also want to explore this beautiful village: its stone-built homes, red-and-white chortens, and bucolic alpine pastures are a rambler’s delight. If you chat with the locals, you might also learn something about Amchi: an ancient form of Tibetan medicine.

Day 11:

Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung via Shey La (7 hours)

Max Altitude: 5000 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6-7 hrs

It’s time to pick up the trail of the Upper Dolpo Trek and move on from Shey Gompa. Our path leads east today, passing through a valley in the company of grazing yaks and trekking alongside the banks of the Sephu Khola river. We’ll soon continue into real mountain territory, where the rugged peaks of the Himalaya are piled one atop another. Our goal today is to cut through this wall of summits using the mountain pass of Shey La. The pass is perched at an impressive altitude of approximately 5,000 meters above sea level; as you might expect, the views from here are worth the considerable effort of our climb. The mountain panorama we’ll enjoy from this vantage point stretches all the way to Tibet in one direction and Nepal’s remote Mustang region in another—with an endless field of barren mountains everywhere the eye can reach. After taking some time to catch our breath and savor this spectacular view, we’ll descend from the pass to reach Namgung. After unloading our bags and setting up camp, we’ll visit the local monastery before spending the night here in Namgung.

Day 10:

Shey Gompa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking Lodge

While we don’t have any hiking to do today, this is where the cultural elements of the Upper Dolpo Trek really shine. More properly known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa, the monastery at Shey is one of the most striking examples of the Bön faith that you’ll find here in the Upper Dolpo. The gompa is believed to be more than 800 years old, and exploring its quiet interiors will afford you with the opportunity to marvel at the carefully preserved work of its master artisans. You may even be lucky enough to chat with a local monk about the monastery’s storied history and remote location. Popular festivals are held here in the summer, drawing visitors and pilgrims from all over the region, and you’re in for quite a treat if your trek in the Upper Dolpo coincides with this season of celebration. But the surroundings of Shey are spectacular at any time of year, owing in large part to the presence of the mighty Crystal Mountain. Circumambulating this mountain is believed to bring great merit. We’ll spend a second night here in Shey after exploring these cultural wonders.

Day 09:

Trek from Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa via Kang La (6-7 hours)

Max Altitude: (5360 m) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 6-7 hrs

Our epic trek in the Upper Dolpo continues this morning with another steep climb. We’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up and setting off, fortifying ourselves for the strenuous ascent ahead. The mountain pass of Kang La sits at a staggering 5,360 meters in elevation: this is higher than many treks in Nepal manage to reach, and we’ll take our time to ascend safely. When we reach the pass, you’ll be rewarded with a stupendous view of the Tibetan plateau, as well the Upper Dolpo’s most impressive mountains: Shey Shikhar, Kang Chunne, and the sacred Crystal Mountain. The Crystal Mountain, or Shey, gets its English name from the thick veins of quartz running through the rock of its face, and the mountain is home to an important local monastery. After enjoying the view, we’ll descend carefully from the pass, following steep trails to cross a river, trek amongst grazing yaks and goats, and arrive at the village of Shey. It may be possible to secure guesthouse accommodations in town tonight; otherwise, we can set up our tents at a lovely campsite just below the monastery.

Day 08:

Trek from Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (5 hours)

Max Altitude: 4120 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Trekking LodgeDuration: 5 hrs

After having breakfast and breaking down our campsite, we’ll hit the trail and set out north, enjoying a relatively level path for the first hour of today’s hike. Where the Phoksumdo Khola joins with the Tuk Kyaksa Khola, we’ll cross a small wooden bridge and start some serious climbing. Soon we’ll reach another high-altitude pasture, and our trail only gets steeper from here. Before making the ascent, we’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch in the scenic surroundings of the Upper Dolpo’s pristine mountain highlands. Moving on, it won’t be long before we catch our first glimpse of the mighty mountain pass of Kang La. We’ll climb up and over the pass tomorrow, earning some of the best views in the entirety of the Himalayas. For today, we’ll set up our tents at the Nangdala High Camp, where a large rock slab marks our stopping point for the afternoon. As we enjoy another hot meal in the chilly mountain air, we’ll feast our eyes on some of the finest views in western Nepal.

Day 07:

Trek from Ringmo to Sallaghari (6 hours)

Max Altitude: 3660 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 6 hrs

If you’ve fallen in love with the surreal beauty of Phoksundo Lake, today is sure to rank as one of your favorite experiences on the Upper Dolpo Trek. We’ll earn an entirely new perspective on this magnificent alpine lake as we follow the cliffside trails that rise above its perimeter, trekking all the way to the lake’s opposite shore. From here, we’ll traverse wide-open meadows to access the floodplain of the Phoksumdo Khola River. We’re really off the beaten path now, which means that we’ll have to pitch our tents and enjoy an old-fashioned Himalayan camping experience tonight. But as we set up camp near Sallaghari in a secluded pine grove, your expert trekking team from Alpine Ramble Treks will make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the amenities you’d expect during your hike. And that includes a first-class meal served in a mountain setting of surpassing loveliness.

Day 06:

Phoksundo Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea House

There’s plenty to do and see around the sparkling blue waters of Phoksundo Lake, and we’ll dedicate the day to exploring this fascinating region to its fullest. Our plan will also have the added benefit of allowing ourselves to acclimate to the high altitude for another day, helping us to avoid altitude sickness and making the rest of our Upper Dolpo Trek more comfortable. The star of today’s show is the sacred lake itself, which you may recognize from the 1999 film Himalaya. We’ll wander along its quiet shorelines, where a belt of evergreen trees runs right down to the water’s edge. As you rest your eyes on the reflection of snowcapped mountains in the water’s still surface, you’ll start to grasp the restorative qualities of this beautiful natural setting. This is something that the local Bön culture has always understood, and a visit to the lakeshore monastery known as Tshowa Gompa will be next on our agenda. Getting acquainted with this unique religion is a rare prospect, even for well-traveled Himalayan trekkers. Make the most of this opportunity before returning to Ringmo to spend a second night.

Day 05:

Trek from Jharana to Ringmo (5 hours)

Max Altitude: 3650m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 4-5 hrs

After breakfast in the village of Jharana, we’ll shoulder our backpacks and set out for another day of adventure on the Upper Dolpo Trek. We’ll have a lot of ground to cover today, and most of it involves climbing higher into the mountains. But the alpine views we’ll earn during today’s hike will make our struggles worth the effort: today is the day we’ll first set eyes upon the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we’ll cross another intrepid suspension bridge, pass through a ranger station, and arrive at the sprawling village of Ringmo. This picturesque community is one of the few places in the Himalayas where the Bön, or Bon, religion still thrives. This is an indigenous faith which predates even the Tibetan Buddhism which is so closely associated with these mountains. When we arrive, we’ll get checked in at a local family-owned guesthouse. While it’s also possible to set up tents at the nearby camping grounds, we prefer the chance to contribute more directly to the town’s economy—you’ll also have an unforgettable cultural experience speaking with your friendly hosts.

Day 04:

Trek from Chhepka to Jharana (6 hours)

Max Altitude: 3170 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6 hours

Dramatic suspension bridges are a hallmark of trekking in Nepal, and we’ll come across a few great examples of these daring feats of architecture this morning, crossing back and forth over the Phoksumdo Khola river as we ascend through beautiful pine forests. Lush green hillsides are the order of the day, and the sight of thin trails cutting their way across steep ravines is sure to take your breath away. Today’s section of the Upper Dolpo Trek will also introduce us to Jharana: arguably the finest waterfall in the region, and one of the tallest in the country. We’ll stop nearby to take plenty of photographs and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. From here, it’s just a short hike to the village which shares its name with the waterfall. We’ll reach Jharana after about six hours of hiking today, and our comfortable accommodations at the best available trekking lodge will afford us some hard-earned rest after our strenuous hike.

Day 03:

Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (6 hours)

Max Altitude: 2650 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 6 hours

It’s time to enter the expansive Shey Phoksumdo National Park: the largest national park in the entirety of Nepal. This protected mountain reserve is perhaps best known for the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, which we’ll reach in just a few short days. But there’s plenty to appreciate in this wild landscape, especially for nature lovers: endless forests of juniper and birch, herds of blue sheep roaming across precarious mountaintop game trails, and a variety of important monasteries and cultural sites. Today’s stretch of the Upper Dolpo Trek climbs through the wooded wilderness of the park for about six hours, bringing us through pleasant forests where walnut and maple trees provide welcome relief from the Himalayan sun. We’ll stop for the day in the small community of Chhepka, where we’ll choose the best available guesthouse from a handful of traditional stone-built options. This attractive little hamlet is the perfect place to enjoy the ambience of the wild as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Day 02:

Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (35 minutes), then trek to Dunai (3 hours

Max Altitude: 2160 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tea HouseDuration: 5 hrs

Few visitors to Nepal have the opportunity to take even one domestic flight, but this exciting itinerary involves another aerial journey even deeper into Nepal’s heartlands. After a short flight, your plane will descend into a wonderland of dry mountains and deep valleys, where little patches of snow persist throughout the year. You’ve made it to Juphal: the beginning of the Upper Dolpo Trek. After meeting up with our porters and trekking team, we’ll set out for our first day on the trail. This will serve as a fairly gentle introduction to our epic hiking itinerary, starting with a gradual climb above a wooded valley before descending to the Thuli Bheri river, which we’ll follow for about two hours. All along the way, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the massive Dhaulagiri Himal towering above the lower-lying mountains of the Upper Dolpo. When we arrive in Dunai, we’ll get checked in at our teahouse or trekking lodge to enjoy our first night in the Himalayas.

Cost Details

Upper Dolpo trek Cost Details

Includes

Free International Airport- Hotel- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicles
Meals are on a full-board basis (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner/ the main course) during the trek.
Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with a tour guide.
A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained Government
All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.
All necessary papers or trekking permits
Trekking equipment, such as the Sleeping bag and down jacket on request (optional)
Accommodations are in a hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and in tea houses and trekking lodges (Tea House) during the trek.
Assistant guide group size of 6 pax or above.
A round flight (Kathmandu-Nepaljung -Kathmandu ) and Nepaljung- Juphal- Nepalgunj)
Supplementary snacks: energy bars, crackers, cookies, etc.
Seasonal fresh fruit dessert every evening after dinner.
Appreciation of certificate after the successful trek.
All the grouond transportations
Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance
Souvenir: Trekking route map/browser and printed ART company T-shirt
An oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain is very useful for all the trekkers to be aware of the high altitude sickness.
Alpine Ramble Treks Duffle bag for trekking to the helper
Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).
Emergency rescue operation assistance is arranged in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance)
All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses

Excludes

Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15 days Visa.
Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
Extra drinks as alcoholic & non-alcoholic
Surplus luggage charges for domestic airport
Additional costs are out of management control due to the landscape, weather conditions, illness, change of government policies, strikes, physical conditions, etc.
Personal expenses such as snacks, laundry, telephone, wife, hot shower, etc.
Travel Insurance
Tips for guide and porter

Departures

Upper Dolpo trek Dates and Price

Private Trip

Check our available trip departure dates and costs for the Upper Dolpo trek. However, the set start dates listed are particularly quoted for the group joining opportunity if the listed are not suitable for you and want to customize this trip, please feel free to contact us for your customized departure date. Meanwhile, Private trips are available on any date of your selection that suits you at any time of the year at your convenience. Get in touch for your private trip and date as you preferred.

Must-Know

Essential Information

Personal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any activities. It will provide adequate protection tours to cover personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, and any kind of illness will be covered in the insurance package. Alpine Ramble strongly recommends you buy an insurance package through a reliable insurance company in your city or country.

Health and Fitness requirements

Dolpo Valley Trek is a moderate trekking destination for every trekker who loves to enjoy and explore the beautiful landscape on this planet. This trek basically starts from the lowland to the highland. As you are hiking in these areas, you have to fit in. We are mainly concerned about your physical fitness in completing the journey. The everyday trek prefers 4/5 hours in daylight. As you are hiking up to a higher altitude you have to be prepared physically and mentally to be succeeding the trip, our provision is making your trip reliable and remarkable without any problems in every step to step with your wealth and health. Our first priority is safety for your entire trip. You Should convince yourself to take some pre-training courses on the trek, which could greatly help you, considering some physical exercise like jogging, running, climbing the staircase, cycling, swimming, hitting the gym, etc.

Accommodations during the Trek

Accommodation in Kathmandu, you would be staying in the best hotel basically on 3 stars, on a twin-sharing basis. But Accommodations in the trekking are simple and comfortable beds rooms for two people sometimes, if you are single, you get a single bedroom as well with hygienic food; every trekking route has a fixed menu and hotel system by the local management community in the area.

Passport and Visa

The passport should be a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity in the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu.

Meals and Drinking Water

Popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals you can see on the Menu; you could pick up any kind of meal you like to eat from the menu. But some places provide you with typical Nepali meals, which are different types of international meals. These are prepared by a local supplement. Every tourist lodge has a well-trained cook who pays attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and tasty foods. We can even enjoy hot chocolates, a variety of bread, a variety of drinks, and every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral bottles of water you could buy there. If you buy a water purification tablet from Kathmandu, you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself. This will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.

Trekking Equipment

What should you carry before your departure on your trip?

Daypack up to 40 liters, down jacket, Season's sleeping bag
Sun head or Gulf cap, Sunglasses, Headlamp, or torchlight
Ear-muffs, Sun Lotions /Sun cream.
1Pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic.
2Cotton t-shirts, 1Synthetic t-shirt.
2 Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
Zipper provides additional venting options, which are good for changing temperatures.
1Soft shell jacket water & wind resistance.
1 Woman swims in dresses and bathes in Hot springs.
Inner clothes as you need

Lower Body-Legs.

One pair of nylon hiking short pants, 1 Pair of cotton paints.
1 Pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.

Feet

2 Pairs of liner socks, synthetic, 1 Pair of woolen socks worn in the evening, and 1Pair light sports shoes.
Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrheal.
Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
1 Small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, Anti-infection ointments, etc. First Aid Kits.

Environment:

The Dolpo Valley trek embraces the entire Dolpo region. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as we do. This area provides you with a spectacular view of the trails along the lower valleys that usually weave through fields. And reaching the upper valley, seeing wild animals and excellent Mountain Views,

Best Season

The best season is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months are the best time for this trip. The weather will be sunny and warm with outstanding scenery. If you wish to avoid crowds this trip during winter (Dec., Jan., and Feb.) could also be the best option.

Hotels in Kathmandu

Alpine Ramble will provide you with a standard-level hotel with breakfast. We also book the hotel according to your choice. Please let us know if you have any plans of your choice. 5 stars hotels are in Kathmandu: Hyatt Regency, Yak & Yeti, Deal Annapurna, The Everest Hotel, The Malla Hotel, and any kind of hotel.

Trip Start Dates and Cost

Alpine Ramble Treks Pvt. Ltd would like to customize your trip itinerary to fit your time and budget. Please contact us for a customized departure date. For more detail, please email us at info@alpineramble.com

Responsible in Tourism

Our experienced field staff/team strongly believes that we all are equally responsible to act in favor of the local culture and environment. We would like to follow the important role below.

Please respect the local people and their laws, customs, and beliefs
Please always ask your guides for permission before doing something in the local community.
Please support keeping the environment clean wherever you travel and disposing of rubbish
Please help the local community encourage positive aspects of tourism for as long as possible.