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Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days

Explore the remote beauty of Upper Dolpo on this 26-day Himalayan adventure, featuring turquoise Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and spectacular high mountain passes. Experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture and untouched landscapes of one of Nepal’s most remote trekking regions.

Trip Key Facts

Duration

26 Days

Max Altitude

5000 m / 16404 ft

Difficulty Level

Challenging to strenuous

Group Size

2-14+( Customizable)

Best Season

Spring and autumn, subject to current local conditions

Accommodation

Hotels, teahouses, and camping, depending on availability

Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

Start / End Point

Kathmandu, Nepal / Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally fascinating trekking adventures, taking travelers into a hidden Himalayan region of ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, and high-altitude passes. Located in western Nepal, Upper Dolpo offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore a part of the Himalayas where traditional lifestyles and centuries-old Buddhist and Bon traditions remain deeply rooted in everyday life.

This 26-day journey begins in Kathmandu, then flies to Nepalgunj and Juphal before the trek starts. The route follows the beautiful landscapes of the Dolpo region, including Phoksundo Lake, Phoksundo Khola, Kang-La Pass, Shey Gompa, Saldang, Yangze Gompa, Jeng La, Dho Tarap, Tarakot, and Dunai. Along the way, trekkers will cross high mountain passes and remote settlements, traverse deep valleys and rugged trails, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan scenery.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is designed for adventurous travelers who want to experience Nepal beyond the popular trekking routes. Due to its remote location, restricted-area regulations, high elevations, and limited facilities, the trek requires good physical fitness, careful preparation, and an experienced trekking team. The combination of natural beauty, cultural discovery, and wilderness makes this journey a memorable Himalayan experience.

Key Trip Highlights

Explore the remote and culturally rich Upper Dolpo region of western Nepal.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan landscape and surrounding mountain ranges.

Visit the beautiful turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.

Discover traditional villages influenced by Tibetan culture and Himalayan Buddhism.

Explore Shey Gompa, one of the region’s significant spiritual destinations.

Cross challenging high-altitude passes, including Kang-La Pass and Jeng La.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Total 26 Days Itinerary · Click any day to view details & day highlights

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in, relax and enjoy your first introduction to Nepal’s capital city.

Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby streets, enjoy a traditional Nepali meal, or rest at the hotel. Kathmandu is known for its historic temples, colorful markets, cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere.

In the evening, your trekking team can provide an initial briefing about the Upper Dolpo Trek, including the route, permits, transportation, packing requirements, and safety arrangements. Overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Kathmandu.

MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Altitude1400 m
Important Note: The Upper Dolpo Trek takes place in a remote Himalayan region where weather, flight schedules, trail conditions, and local facilities can change. The itinerary is a proposed plan and may need to be adjusted by the trekking guide or operator to protect the safety and well-being of the group.The elevations and overnight locations in this draft are based on the supplied outline and should be checked against the final trekking route before publication. In particular, the listed elevations for Dunai, Sulighat, Shey Gompa, Yangze Gompa, and some other overnight stops may need correction. Also confirm the stated maximum elevation against the actual route and pass crossings.Restricted area permits, national park fees, domestic flights, and local requirements are subject to current regulations and availability. Trekkers should obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation, prepare suitable equipment, follow the guide’s safety instructions, and respect the cultural and environmental values of the Dolpo region.With careful preparation, a qualified trekking team, and realistic expectations, the Upper Dolpo Trek offers a remarkable opportunity to discover one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally distinctive Himalayan landscapes.

Route Map

Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days Route Map

Elevation Profile

1,400mD12,150mD33,180mD53,612mD63,612mD73,507mD84,120mD95,360mD104,560mD155,090mD164,090mD174,090mD184,090mD193,800mD203,150mD212,150mD232,500mD24
Day 1 → Day 24Max: 5,360m

Cost Includes & Excludes

Clear, transparent pricing breakdown with no hidden surprises.

What's Included in the Price

  • ✓Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
  • ✓3 Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 2 night & Nepaljung 1 night on B.B plan.
  • ✓Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu - Nepaljung - Jhuphal both way.
  • ✓Teahouse or Camping accommodation throughout the trek.
  • ✓Food on trekking like Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • ✓Upper Dolpa Restricted permit
  • ✓Shey phoksundo National park permit
  • ✓Experience english speaking trekking Guide
  • ✓All necessary Camping equipment , camping crew , cook and kitchen staff for sections without teahouse.
  • ✓Porter service to carry trekking luggage.
  • ✓Last night farewell dinner at Nepali typical restaurant at Kathmandu.
  • ✓All kind of government tax, vat etc.

What's Excluded in the Price

  • ✕International airfare to and from Nepal.
  • ✕Nepal entry visa fees and personal travel documents.
  • ✕Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage.
  • ✕Personal trekking equipment, clothing, boots, sleeping bag, and other individual gear unless specifically provided.
  • ✕Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj other than those explicitly included in the package.
  • ✕Extra hotel nights caused by flight delays, itinerary changes, early arrival, or late departure.
  • ✕Any service not specifically listed under Cost Includes.
  • ✕Tips for guides, porters, drivers, and other trekking staff.
  • ✕Excess baggage charges and additional porter services beyond the agreed allowance.

Packing List for Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days

Here is a curated list of gear and clothing you might want to pack for your trek. Please take this as a comprehensive starting point. You will need layers of warmer clothing during cold evenings and high-altitude passes.

Important Documents

Passport
Passport-size photographs
Travel insurance documents
Trekking permits
Flight tickets
Emergency contact information
Copies of important documents
Nepalese cash
Keep important documents safe and dry. Digital copies can also be saved on your phone or email.

Optional Items

Binoculars
Book or cards
Thermos flask
Whistle
Small comb
Camera accessories
Small notebook and pen
Extra battery
Personal hygiene products
If you forget something, you can buy many basic trekking supplies in Kathmandu, especially around the Thamel area. Your guide can also help you find the items you need before the trek.

Electronics

Mobile phone
Camera
Power bank
Extra batteries
Charging cables
Universal travel adapter
Headlamp
Electricity and charging facilities may not always be available at higher elevations, so a power bank can be useful.

General Gear and Equipment

Four-season sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Warm down jacket
35–45 liter daypack with rain cover
Duffel bag
Waterproof or dry bags
Headlamp with extra batteries
Trekking poles
Reusable water bottle
Hydration bladder
Sleeping bags and down jackets may be available for rent in Kathmandu at an additional cost. Check the current rental price before your trek.

Head and Upper Body

Sun hat or cap
Warm knitted hat or beanie
Scarf, neck gaiter, or Buff
Headlamp
Good-quality sunglasses
Warm hood or jacket

Clothing

Thermal or technical base layers
Short-sleeve T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Fleece jacket
Warm down jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Trekking pants
Thermal base-layer pants
Waterproof trousers
Trekking shorts
Lightweight rain pants
Bring clothes that dry quickly. Avoid packing too many heavy cotton clothes because they can take a long time to dry.

Gloves

Lightweight liner gloves
Warm wool or fleece gloves
Insulated waterproof outer gloves
Warm gloves are especially useful above 4,000 meters.

Footwear

Comfortable waterproof trekking boots
Warm trekking socks
Hiking socks
Lightweight liner socks
Comfortable casual shoes or sandals
Gaiters
Microspikes if needed during icy conditions

First Aid and Personal Medicines

Personal prescription medicines
Basic first-aid items
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Basic skin ointment
Pain relief medicine
Bandages and blister treatment
Hand sanitizer
Personal hygiene items
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the entire trip and keep it in your daypack.

Toiletries and Other Essentials

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Small towel
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Soap or hand sanitizer
Moisturizer
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets or purifier
High-energy snacks
Protein bars or nuts
Earplugs
Trekking poles

Optional Items

Binoculars
Book or cards
Thermos flask
Whistle
Small comb
Camera accessories
Small notebook and pen
Extra battery
Personal hygiene products
If you forget something, you can buy many basic trekking supplies in Kathmandu, especially around the Thamel area. Your guide can also help you find the items you need before the trek.

Rental Gear in Kathmandu

We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your porter during the trek. You can also rent high-grade down jackets and four-season sleeping bags at affordable rental fees in Kathmandu before departure.

FAQs for Upper Dolpo Trek – 26 Days

General

Weather and Temperature

Arrival and Visas

Who Can Trek?

Physical Fitness

Trek Preparation and Packing

Accommodation, Food, Water, Toilets & Showers

Health and Safety

Practical Matters

Transportation

Booking and Additional Information

Traveler Reviews & Experiences

Verified ratings and feedback from adventurers who completed this trek.

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 (3 Reviews)
★★★★★

““The kind of journey that stays with you forever. Exceptional safety protocols, top-tier teahouse selection, and heartfelt Sherpa hospitality from start to finish.””

Sofia Rodriguez

Sofia Rodriguez

Spain · Alpine Adventurer

★★★★★

““An unforgettable Everest experience from start to finish. Acclimatization was paced flawlessly and reaching Base Camp and Kala Patthar at sunrise exceeded every expectation.””

Lukas Weber

Lukas Weber

Germany · High Altitude Trekker

★★★★★

““Manaslu Circuit was wild, untouched, and utterly breathtaking. Universe Himalayan handled our special dietary needs and permit paperwork with absolute perfection.””

David & Sarah Park

David & Sarah Park

Australia · Wilderness Explorers

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