Mountaineering Expeditions
Peak Climbing
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Upper Dolpo Trek – Nepal

Season

March - May, September - November

Group Size

2+

Max Altitude

5,150m (Numa La Pass)

Duration

18 Days

Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and extraordinary trekking in northwestern Nepal, offering an authentic Himalayan experience in one of the country’s least explored regions. This trek traverses the trans-Himalayan landscape, combining arid high-altitude deserts, dramatic cliffs, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Over 17 days, trekkers journey through traditional Dolpo villages, visit ancient monasteries, and explore the mystical Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the stunning Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m), known for its turquoise waters and sacred significance. The trail ascends over high passes such as the Shey La (4,180 m), providing panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, and Nilgiri.

This trek is moderately to highly challenging, suited for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience. The Upper Dolpo Trek combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage, and a sense of remoteness rarely found elsewhere in Nepal, making it an unforgettable adventure for those seeking pristine landscapes and cultural immersion.

Itinerary

Upper Dolpo Trek – Nepal

18 Days • Itinerary Overview

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The day is free to rest and recover from international travel. A short evening briefing introduces the Upper Dolpo Trek, logistics, and trekking permits.

Day 02

Sightseeing and Trek Preparation in Kathmandu

Today is reserved for sightseeing and trek preparations. You may visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Trekking permits and necessary documentation are finalized.

Day 03

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

A domestic flight takes you to Nepalgunj, a gateway city for western Nepal. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj allows time to prepare for the early morning flight to Juphal.

Day 04

Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,500m) and Trek to Dunai (2,150m)

Take a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, entering the remote Dolpo region. Begin trekking to Dunai, passing rivers, farmland, and small settlements. Overnight in Dunai village.

Day 05

Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,530m)

Trek through the Dolpo valley, crossing small streams and rural settlements. The trail gradually ascends, offering views of snow-capped peaks and traditional stone villages. Overnight in Tarakot.

Day 06

Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar (2,750m)

Continue trekking along the valley, passing small hamlets and Buddhist prayer walls. The trail gradually rises toward Laina Odar, surrounded by pristine natural landscapes. Overnight stay in local lodges.

Day 07

Trek from Laina Odar to Nawarpani (3,050m)

The trail ascends through alpine meadows and high valleys. Pass mani walls and chortens before reaching Nawarpani. Enjoy sweeping views of the Dolpo region and distant Himalayan peaks.

Day 08

Trek from Nawarpani to Do Tarap (3,800m)

Trekking becomes more remote as you enter the traditional Tibetan-influenced region. Arrive at Do Tarap, a historic settlement with ancient monasteries and stone houses. Overnight in Do Tarap.

Day 09

Rest and Exploration Day in Do Tarap (3,800m)

Acclimatization and cultural exploration day. Visit ancient monasteries, interact with local villagers, and enjoy the serene landscapes of Upper Dolpo.

Day 10

Trek from Do Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,100m)

Ascend gradually to Numa La Base Camp. The trail passes high alpine valleys, with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and high desert terrain. Overnight at the base camp.

Day 11

Cross Numa La Pass (5,150m) and Trek to Pelung Tang (4,200m)

An early start for the challenging Numa La Pass crossing. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolpo mountains. Descend to Pelung Tang for overnight stay, enjoying the remote, high-altitude landscapes.

Day 12

Trek from Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang (4,000m)

The trail continues through high alpine valleys and past glacial streams. Dajok Tang is a small settlement, offering a sense of isolation and tranquility. Overnight in tents or lodges.

Day 13

Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake – 3,600m)

Descend toward Ringmo village and the stunning Phoksundo Lake, the deepest and bluest lake in Nepal. Explore the village and enjoy views of the turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs and prayer flags. Overnight at Ringmo.

Day 14

Rest and Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake (3,600m)

A day to explore the Phoksundo area. Hike along the lake, visit the village, and photograph the natural beauty. This day also allows for acclimatization and cultural immersion.

Day 15

Trek from Ringmo to Shyanta (3,200m)

The trail descends gently through alpine valleys, passing traditional villages and terraced fields. Shyanta offers a peaceful overnight stay and a glimpse of local life.

Day 16

Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2,500m)

Continue descending toward Juphal, retracing part of the initial trail. Overnight in Juphal to prepare for flights back to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu.

Day 17

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Transfer to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Take a morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time to rest and relax.

Day 18

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, concluding the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek – Nepal

18 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The day is free to rest and recover from international travel. A short evening briefing introduces the Upper Dolpo Trek, logistics, and trekking permits.

02

Today is reserved for sightseeing and trek preparations. You may visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Trekking permits and necessary documentation are finalized.

03

A domestic flight takes you to Nepalgunj, a gateway city for western Nepal. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj allows time to prepare for the early morning flight to Juphal.

04

Take a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, entering the remote Dolpo region. Begin trekking to Dunai, passing rivers, farmland, and small settlements. Overnight in Dunai village.

05

Trek through the Dolpo valley, crossing small streams and rural settlements. The trail gradually ascends, offering views of snow-capped peaks and traditional stone villages. Overnight in Tarakot.

06

Continue trekking along the valley, passing small hamlets and Buddhist prayer walls. The trail gradually rises toward Laina Odar, surrounded by pristine natural landscapes. Overnight stay in local lodges.

07

The trail ascends through alpine meadows and high valleys. Pass mani walls and chortens before reaching Nawarpani. Enjoy sweeping views of the Dolpo region and distant Himalayan peaks.

08

Trekking becomes more remote as you enter the traditional Tibetan-influenced region. Arrive at Do Tarap, a historic settlement with ancient monasteries and stone houses. Overnight in Do Tarap.

09

Acclimatization and cultural exploration day. Visit ancient monasteries, interact with local villagers, and enjoy the serene landscapes of Upper Dolpo.

10

Ascend gradually to Numa La Base Camp. The trail passes high alpine valleys, with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and high desert terrain. Overnight at the base camp.

11

An early start for the challenging Numa La Pass crossing. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolpo mountains. Descend to Pelung Tang for overnight stay, enjoying the remote, high-altitude landscapes.

12

The trail continues through high alpine valleys and past glacial streams. Dajok Tang is a small settlement, offering a sense of isolation and tranquility. Overnight in tents or lodges.

13

Descend toward Ringmo village and the stunning Phoksundo Lake, the deepest and bluest lake in Nepal. Explore the village and enjoy views of the turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs and prayer flags. Overnight at Ringmo.

14

A day to explore the Phoksundo area. Hike along the lake, visit the village, and photograph the natural beauty. This day also allows for acclimatization and cultural immersion.

15

The trail descends gently through alpine valleys, passing traditional villages and terraced fields. Shyanta offers a peaceful overnight stay and a glimpse of local life.

16

Continue descending toward Juphal, retracing part of the initial trail. Overnight in Juphal to prepare for flights back to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu.

17

Take a morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time to rest and relax.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, concluding the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Trip Inclusions

Trip Inclusions

Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek

Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfers
    Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu Accommodation
    Four nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing
    Guided sightseeing tour of major cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Domestic Transportation
    Round-trip flight to Nepalgunj – Juphal -Nepalgunj – Kathmandu, including round-trip ground transfers.
  • Permits & Entry Fees
    Restricted Area Permit (RAP) entry permit and local village development fees.
  • Medical Oxygen & First Aid
    One 3-liter oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator for emergency medical use, along with a comprehensive first-aid kit.
  • Tea House Trek Accommodation & Meals
    Lodging in local tea houses during the trek, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Snacks During Trek
    Supplementary snacks such as cheese, crackers, salami, fresh fruits, and similar items to maintain energy levels.
  • Trekking Staff Support
    Licensed trekking guide and porters, including their food, accommodation, wages, insurance, and domestic air tickets.
  • Office & Service Charges
    All operational and administrative service charges.

Exclusions

Personal Expenses

  • International airfare to Nepal
  • Personal equipment (boots, climbing harness, gloves, jackets, crampons)
  • Personal trekking/medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, porters, or staff

Extra Services

  • Extra hotel nights outside itinerary
  • Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
  • Satellite phone, internet, or personal communications

Unforeseen Costs

  • Rescue or evacuation due to personal negligence or health issues
  • Weather-related delays (flights or lodging beyond plan)

Other

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks purchased personally
  • Any items not mentioned in the inclusions

Trip Notes

Key Facts – Upper Dolpo Trek

  • ✔ Highlights: Upper Dolpo villages, Tibetan culture, Phoksundo Lake, Numa La Pass, pristine alpine landscapes
  • ✔ Unique: One of Nepal’s most remote trekking regions, culturally preserved, less visited
Featured

Upper Dolpo Trek – Nepal

18 Days • Schedule Your Own Departure

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