Trekking Highlights
- Hidden valleys of the gem of the trans-Himalayan region
- Shey-Phoksundo Lake
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park
- The Bon-Po and Buddhist shrines, lifestyle, culture, and tradition
- the Sacred Crystal Mountain
- Dho Tarap, one of the highest-altitude human settlement areas in the world
- Breathtaking view of the numerous snowy peaks of Nepal
- Camping Trekking in Nepal
Trek Overview
Do you want to experience trekking in Nepal differently? Are you ready to trek to unexplored valleys distinct from the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit trek? If it is so, Upper Dolpo Trek is the right option.
Upper Dolpo Trek (also called Inner Dolpo Trek) takes you to the Karnali Province of Nepal. As the rain shadows of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Tibetan Plateau, it is the hidden gem of Nepal. Although the region lies in the territory of Nepal, its geography and culture resemble with Tibetan Plateau.
Almost abandoned part of Nepal until 1989, this region has become a hotspot of international tourism these days. This hidden gem gained popularity along with the publication of two books and the making of a movie.
The author duo Matthiessen and Schaller published a book titled “The Show Leopard” in 173. Next, David L. Snellgrove released another book “Himalayan Pilgrimage” in 1988. Both books describe the natural and cultural assets of the Dolpo region.
Eric Villi’s 1988 movie “The Himalayas” brought this forbidden kingdom of the Nepalese Himalayas into the limelight. This movie was also nominated for the OSCAR, the greatest film award in the world. The movie has featured the hardships, yet beauties of this remote region.
Gradually, the Nepalese tourism agencies realized the captivating caliber of this hidden valley. Then, collaborating with the Nepal Government, they managed to open it for foreign travelers. Since 1990, this virgin land has been continuously drawing the attention of avid trekkers.
The snow-capped peaks of western Nepal and the Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167 m) make your Upper Dolpo Trek more valuable. Explore the flora and fauna of Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest conservation area, and Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Permit
To learn about the Upper Dolpo Trekking Permit, let’s discuss Free Individual Trekking (FIT) and Restricted Area Trekking (RIT). You can make FIT towards the Nepal trekking region which doesn’t have any restricted areas while RIT is a rule-bound package.
The human encroachment of such culturally and naturally fragile regions may be unproductive to the local nature and culture. To protect cultural variety and biodiversity, the government of Nepal has declared this region as a restricted area. Therefore, you cannot do the Upper Dolpo Trek as a solo trekking in Nepal.
If you want to explore the genuine natural and cultural assets of such a place, you need a special permit. Talking about Upper Dolpo trek permits, you are supposed to have:
- TIMS Card
- Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit
Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost
Being an RIT, Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost is higher than FIT in Nepal. You need a restricted area trekking permit by paying a special cost. Besides this, you need to pay for other permits for Upper Dolpo Trekking.
It is a camping trek in Nepal requiring a crew consisting of cooks, porters, and a crew leader. You have to pay their daily wages (plus tips only if you want). But you don’t have to spend on accommodation services because you sleep at the tented camp.
To reach Juphal from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and return the same way, you need air tickets. Flight tickets are more expensive than bus tickets.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Costs can be minimized because you need not bear personal expenses. As the Upper Dolpo Trekking route moves through a complete wilderness, there are no shops, cafés, hotels, etc. to spend extra money.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary
Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary ranges from 8 days to 27 days. Shot Upper Dolpo Trek is suitable for those who have limited time but want to explore the hidden valleys. However, a 27-day itinerary is the ultimate way to explore the diverse culture, landscape, and biodiversity of Inner Dolpo.
Dolpo Region is divided into Lower Dolpo Trekking and Upper Dolpo Trekking. This region is surrounded by Mustang in the earth and Rukum in the west. Similarly, in the south lie Jumla and Mugu while the Tibetan Plateau lies in the northern part.
The upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary is generally started from Juphal of Dolpo District. However, you can also begin it from Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Map
Upper Dolpo Trekking Map moves westwards from Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. Moving along the diverse landscapes of the Mountain Desert of Nepal, the Upper Dolpo Trekking Route continues like this:
Kagbeni – Tsaile/Chele – Syangboche – Dhakmar – Lo Manthang – Tsarang – Ghami – Yak Kharka – Ghami La (5,100 m) – Chharka Bhot – Rupka – Tinje Gaun – Shimen Gaun – Nisal Gaun – Saldang – Namrung – Shey Gompa – Nanda La Phedi (4,600 m) – Phoksundo Khola – Phoksundo Lake – Rechi – Chhekpa – Dunai – Juphal.
The upper Dolpo Trekking Map from Juphal moves further to end up in Juphal via Dunai. The outline map of Upper Dolpo Trekking goes like this:
Juphal – Dunai – Chhekpa – Palam – Shey Phoksundo Lake – Sallaghari – Lar Tsa – Shey Gompa – Namdung Gaun – Saldang – Jeng La Phedi – Dho Tarap via Jeng La Pass (5,090 m) – Serkam – Tarakot – Dunai – Juphal.
Dolpo Trekking Guide
Upper Dolpo Trek is a restricted area of trekking in Nepal, so you cannot do it independently. For an organized trekking, you need to find the Upper Dolpo Trekking Guide. Among hundreds of local tour operators in Nepal, we are among some of the most trusted Nepal trekking guides in the Nepalese Himalayas.
After you book this trip with us, we will provide you with the best guide for Upper Dolpo Trekking. The guide introduces you to the natural and cultural wonders of the region. Our guides are highly professional and always committed to providing the best quality services to our valuable clients.
Should you wish to prolong your vacation and continue your adventure, we are more than capable of organizing thrilling treks and enriching cultural tours in Nepal, as well as in neighboring countries such as India, Tibet, and Bhutan. Your journey can extend beyond Upper Dolpo, offering you the opportunity to explore even more exciting destinations and experiences.