Bhabi Trek Adventure
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Upper Dolpo Trek wide mountain valley
Remote & Off-Beaten Region

Upper Dolpo Trek

Difficulty Challenging to Strenuous
Duration 24 Days
Max. Altitude 5,110 m/16,765 ft
Best Season Mid-April to May, Sep-Oct
Lodging & Meals Tea house, lodge & camping

Upper Dolpo

A remote 24-day trans-Himalayan trek linking Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, high passes above 5,000 meters, and some of Nepal's most intact Tibetan-influenced culture.

Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's most demanding classic treks. Most itineraries begin with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and on to Juphal, then follow the Lower Dolpo approach through Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo before entering the restricted Upper Dolpo section.

The standard commercial route then continues toward Phoksundo, Shey Gompa, Namgung or Namduna Gaun, Saldang, Yangze Gompa, Jeng La, and Dho Tarap. Camp names and village order vary slightly by operator, but the classic trip is usually 24 days and tops out at about 5,110 meters.

Permit rules are one reason the trek is expensive and tightly managed. Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of Immigration currently list Upper Dolpa at USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per day beyond that, while the Lower Dolpa permit is charged separately at USD 10 per week.

This route suits experienced trekkers who are comfortable with flight delays, multiple nights above 4,000 meters, limited services, and a mix of tea houses and camping support. If you want a less commercial trek with real cultural depth, Upper Dolpo remains one of Nepal's standout expeditions.

Upper Dolpo Trek landscape view
Upper Dolpo Trek landscape view
Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

01

Enter Nepal's restricted Inner Dolpo, where travel must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.

02

Reach turquoise Phoksundo Lake inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest national park at 3,555 sq km.

03

Cross major passes on the classic route, including Kang La/Nangdalo La at about 5,110 m and Jeng La at about 5,090 m.

04

Visit Ringmo, Shey Gompa, Saldang, Yangze Gompa, and Dho Tarap, key settlements of Upper Dolpo's Tibetan-influenced culture.

05

Trek through a rain-shadow landscape where spring and autumn are best, with some summer departures also possible.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

1
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Arrival, hotel check-in, and trek briefing in Kathmandu.

2
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Fly to western Nepal and prepare for the Juphal mountain flight.

3
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Fly to Juphal, then begin trekking on the Lower Dolpo approach toward Dunai or Suligad, depending on the operator's exact camp plan.

4
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Follow the Suligad valley through forest and river gorge terrain.

5
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Continue upward through cedar and pine forest toward the upper valley camps.

6
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Reach Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake, the turquoise landmark that defines many Dolpo journeys.

7
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Rest day for altitude adjustment before entering the higher Inner Dolpo route.

8
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Leave the lake basin and move into a drier, more alpine landscape.

9
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

The route steepens as you climb toward the main high-pass approach camp.

10
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

One of the biggest days of the trek, crossing the route's usual high point before descending to Shey Gompa.

11
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Spend time in the sacred Shey basin and around the historic monastery.

12
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Cross another pass and descend to one of Upper Dolpo's culturally important villages.

13
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Reach Saldang, one of the largest and most important settlements in Upper Dolpo.

14
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Make the side trip or onward walk to Yangze Gompa, another major religious site in the region.

15
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Return from the Yangze side and continue toward the Jeng La approach.

16
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Climb to the base camp area below Jeng La for the next morning's crossing.

17
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Cross the pass and descend into Dho Tarap, one of Dolpo's best-known villages.

18
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Acclimatization and village exploration day in the broad Tarap valley.

19
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Start the long descent through the Tarap valley and gorge.

20
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Continue downstream through narrower canyon terrain and lower settlements.

21
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Rejoin the main lower valley route and return to Dunai.

22
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Complete the walking section and overnight near the airstrip.

23
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Weather permitting, connect back through Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

24
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,110 m/16,765 ft

Use this day for departure, or keep it flexible because Dolpo flights are often delayed by weather.

Upper Dolpo Trek landscape view
Upper Dolpo Trek landscape view

Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
  • Hotel nights in Kathmandu plus domestic flight coordination via Nepalgunj and Juphal.
  • Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo permit processing through a registered trekking agency.
  • Licensed guide support for the full trek, as required for restricted-area travel.
  • Camping setup with shared tents and kitchen support where lodge infrastructure is limited.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking section.
  • Experienced trekking guide, porters, and support staff.
  • Tea house or simple lodge stays on lower sections, with camping or basic local accommodation deeper in the route.
  • Staff wages, meals, insurance, and operational expenses.
  • Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day beyond that.
  • Lower Dolpo permit for the approach section: USD 10 per week per person.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit and related local paperwork.
  • Juphal flights often shift due to weather, so a time buffer is smart.
  • Independent trekking is not allowed in the restricted Upper Dolpo section.
  • Charging, hot showers, and food variety become much more limited once you move beyond the lower approach villages.

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal visa fees and personal travel expenses in Kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking gear, clothing, sleeping bag, and other equipment.
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude rescue coverage.
  • Personal snacks, drinks, tips, charging, hot showers, and private room upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Unlike popular regions like Everest or Annapurna, remote regions (like Manaslu, Dolpo, or Kanchenjunga) have simpler teahouses or require camping. Facilities are basic, featuring shared squat toilets and limited hot water.
Many remote borders require Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) and must be hiked with a registered guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Our agency handles all permit processing for you.
Charging is mostly solar-powered and available at lower teahouses for a fee. Wi-Fi is rare or non-existent in remote villages. We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank and a local SIM card.
The trails are less developed, more rugged, and see very few tourists. You should expect steep ascents, high mountain passes (like Larkya La at 5,106m), and long walking days over challenging terrain.
Since there are absolutely no ATMs in remote regions, you must withdraw sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu. We recommend budgeting at least 2,500 Rupees ($20 USD) per day for personal expenses.
You should pack high-quality gear: a warm sleeping bag (rated to -15°C), broken-in trekking boots, thermal layers, water purification tools, basic toiletries, and a small personal first-aid kit with altitude medication.
Captured Moments

Expedition Gallery

6 photos

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