Upper Dolpo Trek, Fixed Departure Date for 2024/2025/2026
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a popular and challenging trekking route situated in the northwestern part of Nepal, bordering Tibet (China) to the north. The Upper Dolpo Trek is an extraordinary adventure that transports trekkers to the remote and captivating landscapes of the Dolpa region in Nepal. This trek is like a big adventure where people walk through beautiful landscapes and learn about a different way of life. This trek is renowned for its untouched beauty, ancient culture, and challenging terrain.
The trek begins in a place called Juphal, which is reached by a short plane ride from a city called Nepalgunj. The trek usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks to complete, depending on the specific route and pace you choose. As trekkers cross diverse terrains, from dense forests to barren valleys, they are rewarded with breathtaking views and encounters with ancient monasteries. The jewel of the trek, Shey Phoksundo Lake's mesmerizing blue green waters set against a backdrop of rugged mountains create an awe-inspiring sight. It's one of the deepest lakes in Nepal and a focal point of natural beauty. The trek offers opportunities to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, such as Shey Gompa and Thasung Monastery. These monasteries are not only architecturally impressive but also provide insights into the region's rich religious and cultural history. The Upper Dolpo region remains relatively unexplored, preserving its pristine landscapes and untouched beauty. Accommodation options along the trek are modest, ranging from teahouses to camping in certain areas. These accommodations provide basic necessities and a warm place to rest after a day of trekking. While the Upper Dolpo Trek is incredibly rewarding, it's not without its challenges. Trekkers should be prepared for high altitude, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding terrain. Proper acclimatization is key. Upper Dolpo Trek offers a transformative journey into a world of untouched beauty, ancient traditions, and remote landscapes. This trek stands as a testament to the remarkable diversity Nepal has to offer, as trekkers traverse through dense forests, barren valleys, and high passes, all while being captivated by the unique culture and heritage of the region's people. The Upper Dolpo Trek, with its natural and cultural resources, is more than just an adventure but it's a journey that leaves an enduring imprint, reminding trekkers of the beauty and flexibility of a world pushed away in the heart of the Himalayas.
Upper Dolpo Trek Group Joining with Fixed Departure Dates
Our itinerary for Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek will allow us to make a visit in the remote area of Nepal and head further to a particular area close to Tibetan border. Further, we follow a challenging trail to reach to Jomsom across the Great Himalayan trail. Upper Dolpo constitutes the last enclave associated with the pure Tibetan culture in combination with similar types of landscapes.
The complete region has rugged landscapes inhabited with enterprising and hardy folks living in a few highest villages across the world. It is culturally a region of Tibet in western part of Nepal and hence, during the course of our trek, we will make visits to a large number of Bonpo i.e. shamanistic pre Buddhist and Buddhist monasteries. Dolpo area remains protected from the Shey Phoksundo National park in Nepal and it is at the western region of the country to cover many parts of Mugu and Dolpo districts. Setup during the year 1984, this constitutes the biggest national park of the country and has an areas equal to 3555 square kilometers.
Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trekking route starts by meandering from cedar and pine forests in combination with the background views of the massive Dhaulagiri Range. This long trek highlights a few beautiful yet remote areas of Nepal.
Where is the Upper Dolpo Trek located?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is located in the Dolpa district of Nepal. It is situated in the western part of Nepal, near the border with Tibet (China).
Upper Dolpo Trek Elevation and altitude
The highest point of the 22-day Upper Dolpo trek is typically considered to be the Numa La Pass. It is located at an elevation of approximately 5,310 meters (17,421 feet) above sea level.
Best time to trek to Upper Dolpo Trek
The best time to trek to Upper Dolpo is during late spring (May and early June) and early autumn (late September to October). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for trekking in this high-altitude region. Late spring showcases vibrant rhododendron blooms, while early autumn provides the best mountain views. Monsoon season (July to early September) and winter months (November to April) are less favorable due to heavy rain and extreme cold, respectively.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Autumn (Sept – Nov)
Upper Dolpo Trek during autumn is a fantastic choice. This season offers some of the most ideal conditions for exploring this remote Himalayan region. The weather is stable with clear skies, providing excellent visibility of the stunning mountain landscapes. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, making it pleasant for trekking, and the trails are well-defined and relatively dry, ensuring a more comfortable journey. Additionally, the cultural experience is enriched as you may have the opportunity to witness local festivals and interact with the friendly Dolpo people. Overall, autumn is considered the best time to embark on the Upper Dolpo Trek, providing an unforgettable adventure amid breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural encounters.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Winter (Dec- Feb)
Upper Dolpo Trek during the winter months is not recommended for most travelers. This period experiences extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, making the trekking trails challenging and potentially dangerous. The high-altitude passes and remote villages are often inaccessible due to snow blockages. Accommodation options may be limited, and local services may be closed for the season. Furthermore, the cold weather can pose serious risks to trekkers, including frostbite and altitude-related issues. Therefore, it's best to avoid trekking in Upper Dolpo during the winter, and instead, opt for the more favorable seasons like spring and autumn for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Spring (March- May)
Upper Dolpo Trek during the spring is another excellent and preferable choice for experiencing this remote Himalayan region. Spring brings a fresh vibrancy to the landscape as the snow from the winter season melts, and the valleys and hillsides come alive with blooming wildflowers, including the famous rhododendrons. The weather in spring is generally quite pleasant, with gradually warming temperatures and longer daylight hours. This makes for comfortable trekking conditions during the day, although nights can still be cold, especially at higher elevations. Additionally, the trails are less muddy than during the monsoon season, and the region begins to awaken from its winter slumber. You'll have the opportunity to witness the unique culture of the Dolpo people and explore their traditional villages, monasteries, and way of life.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Monsoon (Jun - Aug)
Upper Dolpo during the monsoon season is a challenging struggle that's typically not recommended for most travelers. While the region's rugged beauty remains, the heavy monsoon rains transform the trekking experience into a test of endurance. Persistent rainfall leads to muddy and slippery trails, making hiking difficult and potentially hazardous. Cloudy and misty conditions often obscure the stunning mountain vistas that are a major attraction of the trek. Swollen rivers and potential landslides can render some sections of the trail impassable. Moreover, the presence of leeches and other insects can be a discomfort. Many guesthouses and services may shut down during this period. For these reasons, it's advisable to plan your Upper Dolpo trek during more favorable seasons like spring or early autumn, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable adventure.
Permits for Upper Dolpo Trek
Three different kinds of permit are required for the upper Dolpo trekking. They are: Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit and Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit.
Important Notes for Upper Dolpo Trek
- While booking, we need the photocopy of your passport and you have to pay us a minimum of 10% payment of the total cost as advance.
- Beverages, snacks, charging electronic devices, hot showers, Wi-Fi are not included in our packages, so you have to pay additional cash.
- It is preferable to pack your bag lightly because porters will only carry your 15-20kg luggage
- You should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking activities including medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets like iodine, aquatabs tablets.
- Pack your clothes according to the seasonal basis.
- Upper Dolpo Trek is a high level of difficulty and is considered one of the more challenging treks which requires a high level of physical fitness so, it is recommended to prepare with cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking.
- You should carry enough cash in Nepalese rupees as ATMs may not be available in remote areas.
- We suggest you not to book your international flights early as there may be sudden change in weather which will make your flights delay or even cancel.
