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The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most secluded and mystic journeys in Nepal. Nestled in the trans-Himalayan region close to the Tibetan border, Upper Dolpo is a land of raw natural beauty, ancient Bon-Buddhist culture, turquoise lakes, high mountain passes, and the elusive snow leopard. With Crystal Mountain, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and ancient monasteries such as Crystal Monastery, this trek is ideal for those seeking a fully immersive and adventurous trekking experience.
Organized by Himalayan Adventure International Treks, the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek 20 Days offers a combination of authentic culture, wild terrain, and isolated Himalayan wilderness. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the Upper Dolpa trek price, detailed Upper Dolpo trek itinerary, permit costs, food and accommodation expenses, transportation, guide and porter charges, and health tips, including AMS prevention.
Trekking to Upper Dolpo Nepal is not for the faint-hearted. It's a remote, rugged, and restricted region that only a few fortunate adventurers get to experience. Since the area remains untouched by modernization, the trek promises a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Here’s why the Upper Dolpo Trek should be on your bucket list in 2025/26:
Experience the mystical Bon-Buddhism culture of Dolpo.
Witness the breathtaking Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Nepal.
Cross high Himalayan passes above 5000m such as Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng La.
Visit ancient monasteries including the revered Shey Gompa near Crystal Mountain Nepal.
Camp in remote Himalayan villages untouched by tourism.
The Upper Dolpa trek price varies depending on the trek duration, level of service (fully guided vs semi-supported), number of trekkers, and season. Here's a breakdown:
| Trek Package | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek (Fully Camping) | 20 days | $4,200 – $4,800 |
| Upper Dolpo Trek Cost for Indian | 20 days | ₹250,000 – ₹280,000 |
| Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek Cost (Group Join) | 20 days | $3,600 – $4,000 |
Note: Prices are slightly reduced for groups of 3 or more trekkers.
The Upper Dolpo trek itinerary 2025/26 is carefully designed by Himalayan Adventure International Treks to ensure proper acclimatization, cultural immersion, and optimal sightseeing.
Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 02: Fly to Juphal (2,400m), trek to Dunai (2,140m)
Day 03: Trek to Chhepka (2,838m)
Day 04: Trek to Jharana Hotel (3,120m)
Day 05: Trek to Ringmo / Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m)
Day 06: Acclimatization day at Shey Phoksundo
Day 07: Trek to Sallaghari (3,640m)
Day 08: Trek to Nangdala Base Camp (4,700m)
Day 09: Cross Kang La Pass (5,360m), arrive at Shey Gompa (4,500m)
Day 10: Exploration day at Shey Gompa, visit Crystal Monastery Nepal
Day 11: Trek to Namgung (4,400m) via Saldang La (4,990m)
Day 12: Trek to Saldang village (3,770m)
Day 13: Trek to Yangze Gompa (4,200m)
Day 14: Trek to Sibu (3,940m)
Day 15: Trek to Jeng La Base Camp (4,900m)
Day 16: Cross Jeng La (5,090m), trek to Tokyu (4,200m)
Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040m)
Day 18: Trek to Nawarpani (3,545m)
Day 19: Trek to Dunai
Day 20: Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
If you’re short on time or prefer a moderate version, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a great alternative. Here’s a quick outline:
Day 1-3: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Dunai – Chhepka
Day 4-6: Jharana – Shey Phoksundo Lake – Acclimatization
Day 7-10: Trek to Dho Tarap via Sunduwa and Numa La (5,190m)
Day 11-13: Cross Baga La (5,190m) to Tokyu – Nawarpani – Dunai
Day 14-15: Juphal flight and return to Kathmandu
A reliable Upper Dolpo trek map includes important landmarks like Shey Phoksundo Lake, Kang La Pass, Shey Gompa, Crystal Monastery, Saldang, and Jeng La Pass. Trekking with a map helps understand elevation profiles, rest stops, and river crossings.
Tip: You’ll receive a detailed route map when booking with Himalayan Adventure International Treks.
As a restricted region, Upper Dolpo requires special permits issued through a licensed trekking agency. The Upper Dolpo Trek permit cost is high, but it helps preserve the pristine environment and supports local development.
| Permit Type | Cost |
| Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit | $500 (for 10 days), then $50/day |
| Lower Dolpo Permit | $20/week |
| Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry | $30 |
| TIMS Card (not required for restricted areas but recommended) | $20 |
Unlike popular tea house treks, Upper Dolpo is a fully camping trek. This means you'll be sleeping in tents and eating meals prepared by the trekking crew.
Three meals a day (Dal Bhat, pasta, soup, vegetables, eggs, bread, tea/coffee).
Food supplies are carried by porters/yak caravan.
Cost included in the package.
Tented camping at designated sites.
Occasionally, homestays in villages like Saldang or Dho Tarap.
Boiled and filtered water is provided daily.
Bring a reusable bottle + water purification tablets as backup.
Getting to Upper Dolpo requires multiple flights:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj – 1 hour
Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpa Airport) – 40 minutes (small aircraft)
The Upper Dolpo trek transportation cost is around $350–$400 round trip per person.
Tip: Flights are weather-dependent, so keep buffer days in your itinerary.
Hiring experienced staff is essential for navigating Upper Dolpo’s rugged terrain and restricted area regulations.
| Staff | Cost (USD/day) |
| Trekking Guide (licensed) | $30 – $40 |
| Porter (20-25kg max load) | $20 – $25 |
| Cook + Assistant (for camping trek) | $25 – $35 each |
Total for full support team (for a group of 2–4): Around $700–$1000 depending on duration.
All guides and porters provided by Himalayan Adventure International Treks are insured, trained, and experienced in Dolpo region logistics.
Altitude sickness is a real concern in Upper Dolpo, especially above 4,000 meters. Prevention is key.
Acclimatize properly: The itinerary includes rest days.
Hydrate: Drink 4+ liters daily.
Eat carbs: Avoid alcohol, consume energy-rich food.
Climb high, sleep low.
Medications: Carry Diamox (consult your physician first).
Know symptoms: Headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea.
Your trekking guide is trained in high-altitude safety and will monitor symptoms daily.
The Upper Dolpo hiking tours are a blend of wilderness trekking, cultural exploration, and high-altitude endurance. You’ll walk 6–8 hours per day on varied terrain — from forested trails to alpine deserts.
Expect:
Silence and solitude in nature
Occasional interaction with semi-nomadic locals
Majestic mountain views without crowds
Himalayan Adventure International Treks organizes both fixed departures and private custom treks for 2025/26.
This is a fully supported camping trek with a team that includes:
Guide
Porter
Cook
Kitchen assistants
Horse/yak caravan (on request)
Wake up to the sound of yak bells
Cooked breakfast in wild valleys
Stars over your tent at 4,500m
Crossing icy passes like Kang La
Meditation near Crystal Mountain Nepal
Camping allows access to the remotest villages and trails, giving you the most authentic Dolpo experience.
Himalayan Adventure International Treks offers a comprehensive Upper Dolpa trek package that includes:
✅ Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal)
✅ All required permits and national park fees
✅ English-speaking licensed guide, cook, and porters
✅ Three meals per day + tea/coffee
✅ Fully equipped tents, kitchen gear, and sleeping arrangements
✅ Ground transportation
✅ Emergency backup and first-aid kit
The Upper Dolpo Trek is more than a trek — it’s a spiritual and physical journey through the untouched heart of the Himalayas. Whether you are fascinated by Crystal Mountain, intrigued by Shey Gompa, or simply seeking remote wilderness, this trek has it all.
Himalayan Adventure International Treks ensures a safe, sustainable, and deeply memorable adventure into this hidden corner of Nepal. Book now for the Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary 2025/26, and explore the secret valleys of Dolpo like never before.
Contact Himalayan Adventure International Treks for customized itineraries, early bird discounts, group join dates, or private luxury options.
Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks P.Ltd
Email: info@himalayanadventureintl.com
WhatsApp: +977-9803526139
Upper Dolpo Trek is renowned for its remote and untouched landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and diverse flora and fauna.
The best time to embark on the Upper Dolpo Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear and stable.
The duration of the Upper Dolpo Trek typically ranges from 18 to 24 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and trekking pace.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is considered to be moderately strenuous, requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance due to its high altitude and rugged terrain.
Yes, permits are required for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Trekkers need to obtain the Restricted Area Permit and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
The highest point of the Upper Dolpo Trek is often Shey Gompa, reaching an elevation of approximately 5,160 meters (16,929 feet).
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo Trek typically includes teahouses, guesthouses, and camping in designated areas.
While it's technically possible to trek Upper Dolpo independently, hiring a local guide is highly recommended due to the remote nature of the region and the complexity of the trails.
Wildlife sightings during the Upper Dolpo Trek may include blue sheep, Himalayan thar, musk deer, snow leopards (rarely), various bird species, and yaks.
Yes, there are several cultural highlights along the Upper Dolpo Trek, including ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan villages, and interactions with the local people, who follow Tibetan Buddhism.
Essential items to pack for the Upper Dolpo Trek include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and high SPF sunscreen.
Communication and internet connectivity are extremely limited during the Upper Dolpo Trek, with sporadic mobile network coverage in some areas and no internet access. It's advisable to inform loved ones beforehand about potential communication gaps.
Acclimatization measures during the Upper Dolpo Trek include gradual altitude gain, regular hydration, and rest days at strategic points to allow the body to adjust to high altitudes.
Yes, it's possible to combine the Upper Dolpo Trek with other treks or tours in neighboring regions, such as the Annapurna Circuit or the Mustang region, depending on time and logistics.
Emergency evacuation services via helicopter are available in case of serious medical emergencies during the Upper Dolpo Trek, but it's crucial to have adequate travel insurance covering such situations.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal – Complete Guide with Itinerary, Cost, Permits, and Difficulty
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote, mystical, and culturally rich treks in Nepal. Nestled in the northwestern corner of the country, near the Tibetan plateau, Upper Dolpo is famous for its dramatic landscapes, ancient Bon monasteries, and turquoise-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake. This trek offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through rugged Himalayan terrain, secluded villages, and untouched Tibetan-influenced culture.
If you are planning for this trek with Himalayan Adventure International Treks, this article will give you a complete guide, including the Upper Dolpo trek itinerary, cost from Kathmandu, permits, difficulty level, transportation, and comparison with Lower Dolpo Trek and other treks like Upper Mustang and Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why Choose the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary (Classic 27 Days)
Here’s a sample Upper Dolpo trek itinerary recommended by Himalayan Adventure International Treks.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Fly to Juphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai.
Day 05: Dunai to Tarakot.
Day 06: Tarakot to Laini Odar.
Day 07: Laini Odar to Nawarpani.
Day 08: Nawarpani to Dho Tarap.
Day 09: Rest and acclimatization at Dho Tarap.
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp.
Day 11: Cross Numa La Pass (5,360m) to Pelung Tang.
Day 12: Cross Baga La Pass (5,190m) to Dajok Tang.
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo village near Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 14: Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Monastery.
Day 15: Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La Pass.
Day 16: Rest and exploration at Shey Gompa (Crystal Mountain).
Day 17: Trek to Namgung Gompa.
Day 18: Namgung Gompa to Saldang village.
Day 19: Trek to Yangze Gompa.
Day 20: Trek back to Sibu.
Day 21: Trek to Jeng La Phedi.
Day 22: Cross Jeng La Pass (5,110m) and trek to Tokyu.
Day 23: Trek to Tarakot.
Day 24: Tarakot to Dunai.
Day 25: Dunai to Juphal.
Day 26: Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu.
Day 27: Final departure from Kathmandu.
👉 How long is the Upper Dolpo trek?
The full circuit usually takes 24–27 days, depending on pace and side trips.
Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary 10 Days – Short Option
For trekkers with limited time, Himalayan Adventure International Treks also offers a 10-day Lower Dolpo trek itinerary focusing on Shey Phoksundo Trek:
Day 01: Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj.
Day 02: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai.
Day 03: Dunai to Chhepka.
Day 04: Chhepka to Jharana Hotel.
Day 05: Trek to Ringmo (Shey Phoksundo Lake).
Day 06: Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 07: Trek back to Chhepka.
Day 08: Trek to Dunai.
Day 09: Trek to Juphal.
Day 10: Fly Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu.
This short version is ideal for trekkers who mainly want to experience Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary
The Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary (18–21 days) covers Dolpo’s southern areas, which are slightly easier than Upper Dolpo.
Highlights: Shey Phoksundo Lake, Dho Tarap valley, and the crossing of high passes such as Numa La and Baga La.
👉 What is the difference between Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo?
Upper Dolpo Trek Map
Carrying an Upper Dolpo trek map is essential to understand trekking routes, passes, and villages. Himalayan Adventure International Treks provides detailed maps for trekkers.
Upper Dolpo Trek Permit & Cost
Do I need a permit to trek in Nepal?
Yes, every trekker in Dolpo requires multiple permits.
Upper Dolpo Trek Permit cost:
👉 Lower Dolpo trekking permit and cost: Much cheaper than Upper Dolpo (USD 20 per week).
Upper Dolpo Trek Cost from Kathmandu
The total Upper Dolpo trek cost from Kathmandu depends on group size, itinerary length, and services.
👉 Dolpo transportation cost from Kathmandu:
How Difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
👉 Difficulty comparison:
So, if you’re wondering which is the hardest trek in Nepal, Upper Dolpo is definitely among the top five.
Trekking Costs in Nepal (Comparison)
👉 How much does it cost to trek in Nepal?
General treks cost between USD 1,200–3,000, while restricted areas like Dolpo and Mustang cost more.
Since Dolpo is remote and camping-based, packing wisely is crucial.
Upper Dolpo trek packing list:
👉 What to pack for Nepal trekking?
In addition to standard trekking gear, Dolpo requires camping gear (tents, mats, cooking equipment) provided by Himalayan Adventure International Treks.
Upper Dolpo vs. Other Restricted Treks
Conclusion – Best Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal
The Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal is a challenging yet rewarding adventure for trekkers seeking untouched culture, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and spiritual journeys to ancient monasteries. With the right preparation, permits, and guidance from a professional team like Himalayan Adventure International Treks, this trek becomes a life-changing Himalayan expedition.
Whether you choose the full Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek, the 10-day Shey Phoksundo Trek, or the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary, you’ll experience one of Nepal’s most mystical trekking regions.
Gerhard Haas
4th Oct, 2015
The trip is amazing, the views, the people, the culture the sense of pride making it to Upper Dolpo, with the whole experience handled masterfully by our guide Pramod. Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks is owned and operated by local Nepalese - they know the culture and all the lodge managers better than any other company, so you get excellent service. Our guide Pramod was fluent in English and knows every nook and cranny of the Dolpo Region. He has a wonderful sense of humor, always sm... See more iling, and is also highly medically trained. He had everything in his medical kit box to assist and get our bud well. See less...
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