Upper Dolpo is a region of mystical beauty and its remoteness adds to the sense of adventure among its visitors. The customs and traditions seem here are quite similar to those of Tibet.
This is one of the challenging treks of Nepal. Meanwhile, there are no technical difficulties throughout the trekking routes. Kang La Pass, Saldang La Pass and Jeng La Pass are 3 of the high passes that you will be crossing during your upper Dolpo trek. All of these passes are situated above 5,000 meters in altitude.
Because of such high altitudes, high altitude sickness is one of the major problems around this region. But you will be taking enough acclimatization and following other instructions by the experienced trekking leader to avoid altitude sickness.
Trekkers admire the wild remoteness, the stunning mountain scenery and the fact that the local people had that innocent friendliness peculiar to people who live in excessively remote mountainous regions in this trekking route. Trekking in Nepal’s Dolpo region allows you to experience the grandeur of Nepal’s rugged and remote far west. Dolpo borders Tibet, where the culture and much of the landscape is reminiscent of its northern neighbor.
Major Highlights for Upper Dolpo Trek
Some of the major highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek are as follows
- Adventurous camping trek to the remote trans Himalayan region of Nepal.
- Majestic view of Kanjirowa Himal, crystal Mountain and many more.
- Visit ancient monasteries of Dolpo district.
- Observe Unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Crossing Kang La, Saldang La and Jeng La pass.
- Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake (Deepest lake of Nepal)
Best Time/Season for Upper Dolpo Trek
Best time to visit Upper Dolpo is February, March and April and October, November and December when temperatures are pleasant, skies are the clearest, and there is minimal chance of snow at high altitudes.
Late/early snow can affect this trek in April and November, making some passes impossible to cross.
Foods and Accommodations
You will enjoy typical Nepalese food and international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, India, etc.) during your Upper Dolpo Trek. Be sure that the lodges or teahouses will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per their available menu.
During the Upper Dolpo Trek, most of your accommodations contain attached bathrooms, while some of the teahouses may not have, and you may have to share the washing and toilet facilities in that case.
In Kathmandu and lower elevations the trekking regions will have single room facilities, but it will be hard to find them at higher elevations.
Required Documents (Permits)
The permit cost of upper Dolpo is $500 per person for ten days and an additional $50 per person day beyond 10-days. It obtains from the immigration department and applies through the registered trekking agency.
For the recent changes in visa and trekking permits fees, please log on to the official website of the department of immigration.
Upper Dolpo Trek FAQs
There are variant itineraries for Upper Dolpo. Usually, it takes 22 to 26-days to complete the entire circuits.
Trek to Upper Dolpo is more challenging. It requires walking 4 to 9 hours a day and crossing over 5,000 meters of several high passes. Thus, you should have an excellent physical condition and mountain experience.
The best time to trek to Upper Dolpo is from April to October. In April, some passes will not open but still possible to make the circuits with proper gears. The rainy season (July to September) is ideal for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
