Upper Dolpo Trek

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Streneous

Country

Nepal

Duration

23 Days

Altitude

5350 M

Trip Start From

Kathmandu

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Overview

Journey to Nepal’s Legendary “Hidden Land” (The Inner Sanctum): This is the land of the “Snow Leopard” and Shey Gompa.

Embark on a journey to Ba-Yul—the legendary “Hidden Land” of Upper Dolpo. Isolated by a formidable barrier of high mountains and deep gorges, this remote region remained off-limits to outsiders for centuries. Today, it offers one of the most pristine and unforgettable trekking experiences in all of Nepal, a true expedition through unspoiled Himalayan wilderness.

This is not just a trek; it’s a passage into a living museum of Tibetan culture, untouched by the modern world, set against a backdrop of stark, crystalline beauty.

Trek Highlights: An Unforgettable Adventure

Trek through parts of Nepal that few visitors ever see, following ancient trade routes into the heart of the Tibetan Plateau’s rain-shadow.
Traverse the Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of the world’s highest-concentration animal parks, where you might glimpse the elusive snow leopard.
Visit the 800-year-old Shey Gompa, the holiest monastery in Dolpo, nestled at the base of the sacred Crystal Mountain—immortalized in Peter Matthiessen’s classic, The Snow Leopard.
Natural Spectacle: Behold the breathtaking turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, known for its surreal, jewel-like color.

The Expedition Experience

Accommodation: This is a full camping trek. You will sleep in comfortable tents under vast starry skies, with all camping logistics handled by our expert crew.
Meals: Our kitchen team prepares hearty and varied meals, offering a mix of local and familiar dishes like rice with fresh vegetables, noodles, pasta, dumplings, and local breads.

Best time to trek : Due to its unique rain-shadow location, the best time to trek is during the summer/monsoon months (June to early October), when the skies over Dolpo are often clear while other regions experience rain.

Who Is This Trek For?

The Upper Dolpo Trek is ideal for the adventurous trekker seeking:

A truly remote and rugged wilderness experience.
Deep cultural immersion in authentic Tibetan traditions.
A challenging journey that is more about endurance and exploration than technical difficulty.
The privilege of walking in the footsteps of explorers in one of the last great Himalayan sanctuaries.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 2:

In Kathmandu for official procedures and preparations – Afternoon scheduled flight to Nepalgunj – transfer to hotel
Day 3:

Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m) flight and Juphal to Dunai (2140 m) / 3 hrs
Day 04:

Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m) / 6 hrs
Day 05:

Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m) / 6 hrs
Day 06:

Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3600 m) / 5–6 hrs
Day 07:

Phoksundo Rest Day
Day 08:

Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3630 m) / 5–6 hrs trek
Day 09:

Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4717 m) / 5–6 hrs trek
Day 10:

Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa (4343 m) crossing Nangdala Pass (5350 m) / 5–6 hrs
Day 11:

Rest day in Shey Gompa
Day 12:

Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360 m) crossing Shey La Pass (5100 m) / 6–7 hrs
Day 13:

Namgung Gompa to Saldang (3770 m) / 4–5 hrs
Day 14:

Saldang day hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590 m)
Day 15:

Saldang to Komash Village (4060 m) / 6 hrs trek
Day 16:

Komash Village to Shimen (3850 m) / 6 hrs walk
Day 17:

Shimen to Tinje (4110 m)
Day 18:

Tinje Village to Yak Kharka
Day 19:

Yak Kharka to Dho Tarap (3944 m)
Day 20:

Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475 m)
Day 21:

Naworpani to Tarakot
Day 22:

Tarakot to Dunai and drive to Juphal (1 hr drive)
Day 23:

Schedule flight Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu

Streneous

Strenuous climbing
May require carrying bag packs (15kg)
High or extreme altitude with elevation above 7000m
Intermediate to advance terrain
Nights are spent in tents
Moderate to extreme glacier travel is involved
Travel in remote areas
Usually expedition duration above four weeks

Package Details

Cost Includes:

All arrival and departure transfers for both international and domestic flights (Airport ↔ Hotel).
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast as per itinerary.
Hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj on a twin/double sharing basis MAP ( dinner and breakfast )as per itinerary.
Full tented camping setup with meals, fuel, and equipment (sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet tents)Hot water for showers on rest days
Complete trek crew (guide, cook, camp staff, porters/horses) including their wages, insurance, food, and accommodation
All wages, accommodation, meals, and comprehensive insurance for your guide,cook and porter.
Applicable government and local taxes, as well as required trekking permits (e.g., TIMS card, conservation area entry fees).

Cost Excludes:

Airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal Tourist Visa fee (can be obtained on arrival).
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Expenses of a personal nature, including phone calls, laundry, and internet access.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and boiled water.
Personal trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles).
Personal travel and medical insurance mandatory to cover medical, hospitalization, and rescue evacuation charges.(; must cover emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking).
Gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers.
Any additional costs arising from unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (e.g., flight cancellations, political unrest, natural disasters, or illness).