Upper Dolpo trek

Trek duration: 24 days
Trek difficulty: Demanding
Max altitude: 5550m at Jungben La
Accommodation: Camping
Best time: mid-May to end of October

Hidden in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote and culturally preserved regions in Nepal. Isolated from modern development, the area has retained centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions and a lifestyle shaped by harsh conditions. The Upper Dolpo trek offers an immersive experience through high-altitude desert landscapes, deep river canyons, and traditional villages where life has changed little over time.

The journey passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park and crosses several high passes, making it one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It is suitable for experienced hikers who are well acclimatized and prepared for extended periods without access to facilities. Unlike the Everest region, where teahouses are available, trekking in Upper Dolpo requires full camping support. Due to its length and remoteness, the Upper Dolpo Trek is often compared to the wildest treks in Zanskar, with a similar sense of isolation and awe-inspiring scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Arrival in the capital of Nepal. Free time for gear preparation and permits.

Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj

Short flight to the city of Nepalgunj, close to the Indian border. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Flight to Juphal (2475m) - Trek to Dunai (2140m)

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 8 km

Scenic flight to Juphal in the mountains, followed by an easy walk through terraced fields to the district headquarters of Dunai.

Day 4: Dunai (2140m) - Chhepka (2630m)

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 11 km

The trail enters the Shey Phoksundo National Park and follows the Suligad River through pine forests.

Day 5: Chhepka (2630m) - Jharana Hotel (3170m)

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10 km

Gradual ascent along the river, with views of cliffs and waterfalls. Campsite near the famous Phoksundo waterfall.

Day 6: Jharana Hotel (3170m) - Phoksundo Lake (3610m)

Time: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 6 km

Trek to the turquoise waters of Lake Phoksundo, one of Nepal's deepest and most beautiful lakes, situated next to the village of Ringmo.

Day 7: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake

Acclimatization and exploration around the lake. Optional hike to viewpoints above the lake

Day 8: Phoksundo Lake (3610m) - Sallaghari (3730m)

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 11 km

The trail follows a rugged path along the cliffside and enters a more remote valley leading to Shey.

Day 9: Sallaghari (3730m) - Nangdala Base Camp (4700m)

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 9 km

Gradual climb through alpine meadows and yak pastures. Camp below the pass.

Day 10: Nangdala Base Camp (4700m) - Nangdala Pass (5190m) - Shey Gompa (4350m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 12 km

Crossing the high point of the trek, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, then descending to the ancient monastery of Shey Gompa.

Day 11: Rest day in Shey Gompa

Visit the monastery and explore the sacred Crystal Mountain, revered by locals for its spiritual significance.

Day 12: Shey Gompa (4350m) - Namgung (4430m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 10 km

The trail climbs gently over the Shey La pass (5010m), offering panoramic views of the arid valleys and distant peaks. After the pass, descend to the small village of Namgung, home to an old monastery perched on a hillside.

Day 13: Namgung (4430m) - Saldang (3970m)

Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 7 km

An easy walk through barren hills and scattered fields leads to Saldang, one of the largest and most important villages in Upper Dolpo. Located on a high plateau, Saldang is known for its strong Tibetan influence and ancient trade connections with Tibet.

Day 14: Saldang (3970m) - Khoma Gaon (4060m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 11 km

The trail follows a traditional trade route through dry terrain and small settlements. It passes monasteries and chortens, with views of the distant mountains. Camp near the peaceful village of Khoma Gaon.

Day 15: Khoma Gaon (4060m) - Shimen (3870m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 10 km

Continue through narrow valleys and along the banks of the Panjyang Khola river. This section offers more insight into the pastoral lifestyle of Dolpo's people. The trail is lined with mani walls and chortens as you approach Shimen.

Day 16: Shimen (3870m) - Tinje (4150m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 14 km

A scenic day of trekking across gentle terrain, passing cultivated fields and yak pastures. Reach Tinje, a beautiful village with its own airstrip and an ancient gompa, once a part of an old trade route to Tibet.

Day 17: Tinje (4150m) - Yak Kharka (4400m)

Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 10 km

Climb gradually to a remote grazing area known as Yak Kharka. This campsite, surrounded by high hills and open meadows, is often used by herders during the summer months.

Day 18: Yak Kharka (4400m) - Mola Pass (5030m) - Chharka Bhot (4300m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 12 km

The trail leads over Mola Pass (5030m), with impressive views over the vast Dolpo landscape. Descend to the village of Chharka Bhot, an isolated settlement surrounded by barren hills and traditional farmland.

Day 19: Chharka Bhot (4300m) - Norbulung (4750m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 13 km

The route follows the Chharka Khola river through a wide valley, slowly gaining altitude. Camp is set at Norbulung, a high pasture used by local yak herders.

Day 20: Norbulung (4750m) - Jungben La (5550m) - Sangda Phedi (5100m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 10 km

Cross Niwar Pass (5130m) and Jungben La (5550m), the highest point of the trek. The views from the passes are extraordinary. After a long and demanding day, descend to Sangda Phedi for overnight camp.

Day 21: Sangda Phedi (5100m) - Sangda (3700m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 10 km

The trail climbs again over a final minor pass before descending steeply into the village of Sangda. The contrast between the dry high-altitude terrain and the fertile lower valleys becomes apparent.

Day 22: Sangda (3700m) - Jomsom (2700m)

Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 15 km

A long descent through rugged canyons and windy trails brings you to Jomsom, a major town in the Kali Gandaki valley. This marks the return to more accessible areas after weeks in remote Upper Dolpo.

Major Highlights

Alternative Routes

For trekkers with less time or looking for a less strenuous option, the Lower Dolpo Trek offers a shorter itinerary without entering the restricted Upper Dolpo region. Another challenging route is the Dolpo to Mustang Traverse, which connects two culturally rich and remote regions through a demanding but rewarding crossing of high passes. These alternative treks also require special permits and full camping support, and are best done with experienced trekking guides from Nepal, ideally those who are from the Dolpo region itself.