Trip Overview:
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, mystical, and unforgettable journeys. Nestled in the trans-Himalayan region near the Tibetan border, Upper Dolpo remains untouched by modernization and offers raw natural beauty, ancient Buddhist culture, and high-altitude adventure.
This trek follows hidden trails through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to Nepal’s deepest lake, Shey Phoksundo, and rare wildlife like the snow leopard and blue sheep. The route includes several high passes such as Kang La (5,190m) and Saldang La (5,200m), offering panoramic views of barren plateaus, dramatic canyons, and towering mountains.
Due to its restricted status, the area requires a special trekking permit, ensuring fewer tourists and a more pristine experience. You’ll encounter ancient Bon Po monasteries, yak caravans, and Tibetan-style villages where life remains as it was centuries ago.
Highlights:
- Explore the hidden kingdom of Upper Dolpo — one of Nepal’s least explored regions
- Witness the stunning turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Cross high Himalayan passes like Kang La and Saldang La
- Visit Shey Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery known as the “Crystal Monastery”
- Experience authentic Tibetan-Buddhist and Bon Po culture
- Remote camping adventure through wild landscapes, yak trails, and sacred valleys
Day 01 :
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350m (4,430ft)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 02 :
Exploration and Trek Preparation in Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350m (4,430ft)
- Explore Kathmandu’s cultural sites and prepare for the trek.
Day 03 :
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Altitude: 150m (495ft)
- Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (approximately 1 hour).
- Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.
Day 04 :
Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and Trek to Dunai
- Juphal Altitude: 2,480m (8,135ft)
- Dunai Altitude: 2,160m (7,085ft)
- Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (approximately 35 minutes), then trek to Dunai.
- Trek Duration: 2-3 hours.
Day 05 :
Trek from Dunai to Chhepka
- Altitude: 2,600m (8,530ft)
- Trek from Dunai to Chhepka through scenic trails.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 06 :
Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel
- Altitude: 3,170m (10,400ft)
- Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel, ascending gradually.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 07 :
Trek from Jharana Hotel to Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3,650m (11,980ft)
- Trek to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, a highlight of the trek.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 08 :
Rest, Exploration, and Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake
- Altitude: 3,650m (11,980ft)
- Rest day to acclimatize, explore the lake, and visit nearby villages.
Day 09 :
Trek from Phoksundo Lake to River Bed Camp
- Altitude: 3,660m (12,005ft)
- Trek from Phoksundo Lake to River Bed Camp.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 10 :
Trek from River Bed Camp to Nangdala High Camp
- Altitude: 4,120m (13,515ft)
- Trek to Nangdala High Camp, preparing for the pass.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 11 :
Trek from Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa via Nangdala Pass
- Nangdala Pass Altitude: 5,240m
- Shey Gompa Altitude: 4,400m (14,435ft)
- Cross Nangdala Pass and trek to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery.
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours.
Day 12 :
Rest, Exploration, and Acclimatization at Shey Gompa
- Altitude: 4,400m (14,435ft)
- Rest day to acclimatize, explore the gompa, and visit nearby sites like Crystal Mountain.
Day 13 :
Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa via Shey La Pass
- Shey La Pass Altitude: 5,100m
- Namgung Gompa Altitude: 4,200m (13,780ft)
- Cross Shey La Pass and trek to Namgung Gompa.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 14 :
Trek from Namgung Gompa to Saldang
- Altitude: 3,970m (13,025ft)
- Trek to Saldang, a large village in Upper Dolpo.
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.
Day 15 :
Trek from Saldang to Komas Gaon
- Altitude: 4,120m (13,515ft)
- Trek from Saldang to Komas Gaon.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 16 :
Trek from Komas Gaon to Shimen
- Altitude: 4,200m (13,780ft)
- Trek from Komas Gaon to Shimen.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 17 :
Trek from Shimen to Tinje
- Altitude: 4,180m (13,715ft)
- Trek from Shimen to Tinje, a traditional village.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 18 :
Trek from Tinje to Yak Kharka
- Altitude: 4,700m (15,420ft)
- Trek from Tinje to Yak Kharka, ascending to higher pastures.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 19 :
Trek from Yak Kharka to Chharka via Mola Pass
- Mola Pass Altitude: 5,030m
- Chharka Altitude: 4,300m (14,110ft)
- Cross Mola Pass and trek to Chharka.
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours.
Day 20 :
Trek from Chharka to Norbulung
- Altitude: 4,750m (15,580ft)
- Trek from Chharka to Norbulung.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 21 :
Trek from Norbulung to Ghok via Niwas La Pass and Jungben La Pass
- Niwas La Pass Altitude: 5,120m
- Jungben La Pass Altitude: 5,550m
- Ghok Altitude: 4,200m (13,780ft)
- Cross Niwas La and Jungben La Passes and trek to Ghok.
- Trek Duration: 8-9 hours.
Day 22 :
Trek from Ghok to Sangda
- Altitude: 3,780m (12,401ft)
- Trek from Ghok to Sangda.
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 23 :
Trek from Sangda to Phalyak
- Altitude: 3,170m (10,400ft)
- Trek from Sangda to Phalyak.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 24 :
Trek from Phalyak to Jomsom
- Altitude: 3,170m (10,400ft)
- Trek from Sangda to Phalyak.
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 25 :
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Altitude: 822m (2,700ft)
- Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (approximately 20 minutes).
- Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 26 :
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350m (4,430ft)
- Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus and transfer to hotel.
- Drive Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 27 :
Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your return flight home.