Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote regions of Nepal. The Upper Dolpo trek is an ideal destination for trekkers looking for a physical challenge and a stunning wilderness adventure in a tranquil, pristine and mysterious high-altitude region.
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote regions of Nepal. The Upper Dolpo trek is an ideal destination for trekkers looking for a physical challenge and a stunning wilderness adventure in a tranquil, pristine and mysterious high-altitude region.
Highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek
There’s no denying that the Upper Dolpo trek is one of the harder and longer treks in Nepal, with several camps situated above 4500 meters and some high passes. But, this makes it ideal for experienced trekkers on a return trip to Nepal who is looking for a new challenge and fresh sights. A high level of fitness is required, and an organized tour is essential as there is little-to-no tourism infrastructure here.
The trek passes many incredible and unforgettable sights: turquoise SheyPhoksundo Lake, snowy high passes, hidden valleys, the SheyGomba monastery, and numerous fortified villages (dzongs).
Dolpo is within the rain-shadow of the Himalayas, meaning that the landscape is dry and harsh. The locals used to have to rely on trade with Tibetans for their livelihoods. The people themselves are descendants of those who migrated from Tibet. The Upper Dolpo trek passes through many villages that bear evidence of the ancient trade route.
While most inhabitants practice Tibetan Buddhism, there are also traces of the pre-Buddhist, shamanistic Bon religion in Dolpo.
Upper Dolpo’s main international claim to fame is being featured in Peter Matthiessen’s classic travel memoir, The Snow Leopard. It is well worth reading if heading to Dolpo.
The Route Followed
Because of Dolpo’s remoteness, getting there from Kathmandu is an adventure in itself!
First, fly to Nepalgunj, on Nepal’s western plains. From Nepalgunj, fly to the tiny mountain airstrip at Juphal, only accessible by air.
On the first couple of days of the trek, you head towards Phoksundo Lake, following the Phoksundo River. Ringmo is the last settlement of any size encountered before entering the true wilderness.
The altitude on the trek increases gradually until you reach the famous SheyGomba. It’s one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Nepal.
After crossing a 5000m-plus pass, incredible views of the Mustang region open up, as well as the mountains of Tibet and the Kanjiroba Range. The next few days are spent trekking through remote valleys.
The Dolpo region is separated from the Kali Gandaki Valley by the Sangda La (pass). Once this pass is crossed, you enter the Mustang area, another culturally Tibetan region on the ‘other side’ of the Himalaya. End the trek at Jomsom, headquarters of Mustang, and fly back to Pokhara.
A number of acclimatization days are built into itineraries in Upper Dolpo, as well as contingency days. Flights are often delayed or canceled, so extra days are added. If you don’t encounter any delays, these days will be used on the trek for side trips.
Accommodation
It is necessary to camp in Upper Dolpo, and carry food supplies with you. Visit Himalaya Treks has good skill carry enough food to avoid Food shortages sometimes afflict Upper Dolpo. Occasionally, a village homestay may be possible.
There are few of the comforts of other treks in Nepal on the Upper Dolpo trek. That only makes it a greater experience for the adventurous traveler!
Upper Dolpo Trek Short Itineraries.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1350 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj. (130 meters).
Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2490 meters) and trek to Chhepka. (2675 meters).
Day 05: Trek to Amchi Hospital. (3110 meters).
Day 06: Trek to Phoksundo Lake. (3733 meters).
Day 07: Acclimatization day.
Day 08: Trek to Phoksundo Khola. (3690 meters).
Day 09: Trek to Snowfield Camp. (4625 meters).
Day 10: Cross Kang La (5345 meters) and trek to Shey Gompa. (4375 meters).
Day 11: Acclimatization day.
Day 12: Cross Sela Bhanjyang (5075 meters) and trek to Namgung. (4430 meters).
Day 13: Trek to Saldang. (3980 meters).
Day 14: Trek to Khoma Gaon. (4100 meters).
Day 15: Trek to Mendo. (4000 meters).
Day 16: Trek to Tinje Gaon. (4110 meters).
Day 17: Trek to Rapka. (4535 meters).
Day 18: Cross Chharka La (5030 meters) and trek to Chharka. (4110 meters).
Day 19: Acclimatization day.
Day 20: Trek to Norbulung. (4750 meters).
Day 21: Trek to bottom of Sangda La. (4800 meters).
Day 22: Cross Niwar Pass (5130 meters) and Sangda La (5300 meters), and trek to Sangda Phedi. (5100 meters).
Day 23: Trek to Lower Sangda. (3710 meters).
Day 24: Trek to Dhagarjun. (3210 meters).
Day 25: Trek to Jomsom. (2720 meters).
Day 26: Fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Day 27: Free day at Kathmandu.
Day 28: Departure.
Service include on trip cost
Service exclude on trip cost
Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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