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Upper Dolpo Trekking

  • 20 Days
  • Moderate
max-altitude

Max. Altitude

5370
best-season

Best Season

Oct -Dec & March-May
activity-icon

Activity

Trekking
start-end

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Upper Dolpo Trekking

The Upper Dolpo trekking begins at the northwest region behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. The Upper Dolpo trek route passes through the most isolated remote areas of western land. Dolpo, a land beyond the Himalayas, conjures up visions of mysterious monasteries, snow leopards, and blue sheep. The traditions and way of life have remained intact in the Dolpo Region for decades.

Upper Dolpo is a region of mystical beauty. And its remoteness adds to the sense of adventure among its visitors. The customs and traditions here are quite similar to those of Tibet. It is one of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal. It offers rare opportunities to explore many unseen parts of the region. Referred to as “The Forbidden Kingdom” in its own terms, it happened to be closed to foreigners. It requires a special permit. The abundance of Himalayan wildlife, including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, and rare Snow Leopard, makes it an Eco-trek destination as well.

Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, about 45 minutes, and the next morning flight ends at Jhupal. The trail passes through numerous gigantic mountain ranges over the Numa La pass (5,190m/17,028ft), till you reach Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo village inside the Phoksundo National Park.

After a day’s rest, one can continue on the trail, crossing different passes to Jumla. The main highlights of the trek are ancient, spectacular landscapes, the mesmerizing Shey Phoksundo Lake, the isolated villages of Ringmo, and the centuries-old monasteries.

Phoksundo is the deepest lake of Nepal with its 145m depth according to a survey by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.  Like centuries-old Buddhist monasteries (which is known as Shey Gompa), wildlife, pristine lakes, soaring peaks, and people’s lifestyle of the least developed region are also other attractions of the trek. Here is a holy mountain called “Crystal Mountain” which is why, each year, hundreds of pilgrims travelers visit the upper Dolpo region and make a circuit of the mountain.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary

day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representative will warmly greet you. He will take you to the hotel we have reserved for you in Kathmandu.

You can then take some time to relax. Our team member will then explain briefly about your domestic flight the following day. He will also briefly explain the trek, and precautionary measures in case you feel altitude sickness. Our team will then prepare all the required permits needed for our Upper Dolpo Trek.

If you have leisure time, we recommend you stroll around the nearby streets of your hotel. Get some exposure to the city life. We recommend you retire early as we will take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj the next day.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,400 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
accommodation

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel
transportation

Transportation

30 min drive to Hotel

day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After breakfast, our guide will take you to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car. We will then take a flight to Nepalgunj which takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Our guide will then transport you to the hotel in the city.

Nepalgunj is a vibrant and colorful city resembling our neighboring country India. You can take our guide or you can stroll around the town on your own in colorful rickshaws. Do visit the famous Bageshowri temple. This temple is one of the significant Hindu temples of Nepal.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

150 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
activity-icon

Trek Duration

45 mins
accommodation

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 03 Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, trek to Chhepka

After an early morning breakfast, we will head to Nepalgunj airport to take a flight to Juphal. It takes only 35 minutes to reach Juphal by flight. As soon as you land in Juphal, you can see the contrast between Nepalgunj and this quaint little village. Juphal is located amid the Himalayas, embracing you with its chill atmosphere.

Our trek now begins from Juphal. We will walk down a small path among agricultural fields, descend Kalagauda, and reach the tranquil Thuli Bheri River. We will move forward and reach a small town named Dunai, where we will take a lunch break. We will now cross the Dhim bridge, around a 99 m-long iron suspension bridge. It is also an entrance gate to the Shey Phoksundo National Park (SPNP). Here, the checkpost will check our permits.

We will now continue along the Phoksundo River trail. As we progress on this trail, we will pass several small villages, such as Kageni, Jutung, and Shangta. We will now cross a bridge over the confluence of Maiba Khola and Phoksundo. We will then head to North and reach Chhepka where we will stay at one of the unique local guest houses for the night.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,838 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

35m flights / 6hr trek
accommodation

Accomodations

Local Guest House

day 04 Trek to Amchi Hospital

We will have early breakfast, after which we will begin our trek to reach Amchi Hospital. As we progress along our journey, we will traverse through some beautiful pine, fir, larch, and birch forests. Our path is a typical Nepali landscape alternating between uphill climbs and downhill descents. We will also encounter numerous local people with their mules or yaks. After about 4 hours, we will reach the renowned caping site Rechi. There is also a tea shop where we will stop for lunch.

After much-needed rest, we will walk for 2 hours to reach Chunuwar. Near Chunuwar is Amchi Hospital, which practices traditional Tibetan medicine to heal local people. We will call it a day at one of the guest houses of the region.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,110 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Local Guest House

day 05 Trek to Ringmo/ Phoksundo lake

Today is a relatively short hike so we will slow our pace today. Along the trail, we will come across Nepal’s highest waterfall known as the Phoksundo or Suligad waterfall. The waterfall stands at a height of 167 m. We will also have the first magnificent view of Phoksundo Lake.

We will eventually arrive at Ringmo a small charming village, which sits at an altitude of 3,600 meters. So it makes sense that you deliberately set a leisurely pace because of the high altitude. The small village of Ringmo is located directly on Lake Phoksundo. The village offers a glimpse of various chortens and mani walls representing the Buddhist culture of the region. For the night, we will be setting up the camp in Phoksundo lakeside.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,600 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 06 Acclimatization day

We have set aside this day for acclimatization to prepare our bodies for the upcoming altitude gains. After breakfast, you can explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village. Get to know the people of Ringmo, observe their unique culture, and enjoy their hospitality. You can also visit Bon Monastery called Tshowa which is a statue of the religion’s founder, Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche. The monastery is 900 years old so you can study the ancient Nepali and Tibetan culture.

You can also rest along the peaceful shores of the serene Phoksundo Lake. As the day draws to an end, we will return to the campsite we have set the day before.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,600 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5-6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 07 Trek to Chunemba

Today we will be entering the restricted area of Inner Dolpo. Our path will lead up along the Demon Trail made famous by the movie Caravan. We will ascend a ridge and traverse a dark green pine forest. From here, we will have a view of the magnificent 6085 m high Norbung Kang.

We will now slowly descend and take a break for lunch. We will now ascend a wide valley and cross some streams. We will have a splendid view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612 m) en route. we now arrive at Chuneba or Lakeside camp, an alpine area decorated with fragrant junipers. Here we will set our camp for to spend a night.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,630 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 08 Trek to Snowfield Camp

We will resume our trek to Inner Dolpo today also. We will walk through a path narrowed by the high rock walls on both sides. A further 30-minute walk will again bring us to another narrow gorge. From here, we will have a long steep climb. Eventually, we will reach the Snowfield Camp christened by Peter Mathieson in his famous book The Snow Leopard. We will settle for the night by setting up a camp here.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

4,400 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 09 Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La

Our trek today is going to be a bit demanding as we ascend to our first destination Kang La aka Ngadra La. We have to climb hard along a dusty path for about 2 and a half hours. Most of the time, the path is covered by snow so you must secure your footing. Our hard labor will be rewarded by the extraordinary views of the valley, flowing rivers, and majestic mountains on top.

Our descent from Kang La begins now, characterized by an initial 45-minute steep descent. Afterward, a gradual descent of 3 hours will ease your stride. On the way you can see numerous sacred prayer flags,chortens, and mani walls offering a glimpse of Buddhist tradition. You will eventually reach the small village of Shey Gompa distinguished by houses made of stones and colorful monasteries. We will set up a camp at this village and will spend the night under the clear starry sky.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

5,375 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 10 Trek to Namgung via Shey La

Today we will cross another five-thousander pass, the Shey La. The path leads through a valley and over wide plains up to the top of the pass. When visibility is good, you can see the white, over 6,800-meter-high Kanjirowa mountain to the west, which rises imposingly. The descent leads over scree switchbacks to Namgung or Luri Gompa, which lies at the foot of impressive rocks. This is where we set up our tented camp for the night.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

5,000 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 11 Trek to Sibu (4200m) via Saldang (4060 m) 7-8 hrs

After breakfast, we will walk on the trail above the Namgung Khola. On the way, we can visit the monastery of Dolpo Tulku. Afterward, a 3-hour stage takes us over an extensive mountain range to Saldang. Here we can take a tour of the interesting village. Maybe we can visit the large Saldang Gompa with the Tibetan medical center. Here we will rest for our lunch.

We will now resume our journey following the Namgung Khola. We will traverse various local settlements such as Namdo. The similar path adorned with chorten, prayer flags, and mani walls will take us to Sibu, where we will set up a tent for our overnight stay.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

4,060 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7-8 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 12 Trek to Lagmo Che (4570m) 4 hrs

Today is an easy trek of 4 hours only, so we will slow our pace and walk on the path alongside the serene river. We will traverse the small village of Raka. After this, we will come across a large inhabited valley.

Sometimes, blue sheep and snow leopards can welcome you on the path. After about 2 hours of walking, you have to climb steeply to reach Lagmo Che known as the base camp for climbing to the Jeng La. Overnight stay at tented camp.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

4,570 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

4 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 13 Trek to Tokyu via Jeng La

We will begin our trek early morning after breakfast. We will climb about 2 hours from Lagmo Che to reach Jeng La. From the top, a spectacular view of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayas will captivate your senses. Following this mesmerizing encounter, we will slowly descend to reach Tarap Valley. Here we will take a short break or our lunch.

We will now resume our hike till we reach Tokyu. The village is known to be the highest human settlement in the world. It is also renowned for the Monastery that features the statue of Maitreya, regarded as the future Buddha.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

5,110 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Camping

day 14 Trek to Sisaul Village (3,750m) via Dho Tarap (4080 m) 6hrs

About a 2-hour walk from Tokyu will take us to Dho Tarap. On the way, we will run into the prestigious Cristal Mountain School run by French Ngo for Dho children. After 30 minutes, we will arrive at Dho Tarap, where we will pause for lunch. Simultaneously, you can devour the beauty of this village and its fields cultivated with barley, wheat, and potatoes.

We will now traverse through the passage furnished with mani walls and shortens. After passing the Tarap Khola, vegetation changes to a landscape blanketed with luscious green grass. After a short ascent, we will reach Sisaul, where we will stay for the night at one of the guest houses.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

4,080 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

6 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Guest House

day 15 Trek to Laina Odar

After leaving Sisaul, we will ascend a pass with a beautiful small chorten. As we move forward, we will be towered with high rock walls on both sides. If we are lucky, we can catch a glimpse of blue sheep or snow leopards. After about 3 and 3-and-a-half-hour hours hike, we will arrive at Nawarpani where we will have our lunch.

We will then pass through the enchanting pine forest. The path is now straightforward till we reach Laina Odar. Here we will choose one of the guest houses for our overnight stay.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

3,370 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

7-8 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Guest House

day 16 Trek to Lingdo

After leaving Lingdo early morning after breakfast, we will descend steeply to Laisicap located at an altitude of 2772 m. our path will pass through a forest and some stiff cliffs. Enjoy the fragrant smell of pine, juniper, fir, and cypress trees as you hike along the way.

Now, get ready to cross the Thuli Bheri River over a 120 m long suspension bridge. We will now steeply descend for 45 minutes after which the path is pretty flat. Keep an eye out for gray langurs on the way and absorb the best view of the snow-capped Kang Tokal of 6294 m height as the memento of this trip.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,390 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Guest House

day 17 Trek to Dunai

We bid farewell to Lingdo and continue our return journey from Dolpo. After about 2 to 3 hours, we will arrive at the village of Bazar situated at 2427 m above sea level.

The rail then goes uphill and downhill following the coast of the Thulo Bheri river. Eventually, we will reach Dunai- the headquarter of Dolpa district. If you wish to explore the village, you can visit the Dolpa Kendriya Gompa, a serene Buddhist monastery

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,140 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

5 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Guest House

day 18 Trek to Juphal

We will leave Dunai to reach Juphal, the same place from where we began this remarkable journey. After walking for about 45 minutes, we will arrive at the stunning Chorten gate. It is also the entrance gate to Dunai VDC. We will now cross the long iron suspension bridge.

The same one that we crossed when entering Shey Phoksundo National Park. We will come across a small village of Dangiwada. After about 2 hours, we are now at Juphal. Since you have plenty of time, you can explore this little village and its quaint market.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

2,475 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
activity-icon

Trek Duration

4 hrs walk
accommodation

Accomodations

Guest House

day 19 Flight to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

We will take flight to Nepalgunj in early morning after breakfast. Like at the beginning of this journey, you may feel a change in the climate suddenly entering the Terai plains from the mountains. We will take an afternoon flight to Kathmandu so we will have lunch at a restaurant in the city. We will explore some colorful markets of Nepalgunj.

Then at noon, we will board the flight to Kathmandu. We will safely transport you back to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest for a while and explore the capital streets, market vendors, and buy some souvenirs for your way home.

max-altitude

Maximum Altitude

1,400 m.
meals

Meals

Breakfast
activity-icon

Trek Duration

35minutes + 45 minutes
accommodation

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 20 Departure

Say farewell to this paradise as today is the day you bid farewell to Nepal. We sincerely hope that you have had an amazing time exploring the beauty of Upper Dolpo. Our team will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey home.

meals

Meals

Breakfast
upper-dolpo-trekking
equipments

Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal

  • Breathable Underwear
  • Sports Bra
  • Base Layers
  • Trekking Shirts
  • Trekking Trousers and Shorts
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Down jacket (insulated jacket)
  • Windcheater (water proof)
  • Sun protection Hat
  • Headband or Beanie
  • Scarf or neckband
  • Gloves (inner and outer )
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Hiking Socks
  • Thermal Socks
  • Gaiters
  • Duffel Bag
  • Day pack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Hydration bladder or Water bottle
  • Head Lamps
  • Batteries
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Woolen socks
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Lip Guard
  • Insulated pants
  • Baby wipers

Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal

  • Water bottle
  • Batteries and bulbs
  • Flashlight
  • Personal towel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Rucksack
  • Sun lotion
  • Medical & first-aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Polypropylene/wool socks
  • Other required equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Down Jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking shoes/boots
  • Camp shoes
  • Jumperorpile jacket
  • Hiking pants
  • Hiking shirts
  • Full–sleeves shirt
  • T-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Gloves
  • Woolen hat
  • Long underwear
  • Goggles or sun glasses
  • Gaiters
  • Sun block for lips
  • Light cotton socks
  • Mountain trekking boots
  • Woolen socks to wear with boots
  • Nylon wind breaker
  • Insulated pants
  • Nylon wind pants
  • Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
  • Sun hat
  • Long cotton hiking shorts
  • Fleece/wool for climbing
  • Lightweight fleece
  • Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
  • Down high altitude sleeping bag
  • Down jacket/trousers/vest
  • Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
  • Water proof climbing jacket
  • Head torch/batteries/bulbs
  • Climbing sunglasses
  • Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
  • Sun screen
  • Warm climbing trousers
  • Wool long underwear
  • Other required equipment
  • Climbing boots
  • Gaiters
  • Ice axe
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Karabiners
  • Tapes/slings
  • Snow bars
  • Ice screws
  • Rock pegs
  • Deadmen
  • Crash hat
  • Day bag
  • Rucksack
  • Lip salve
  • T-shirts
  • Ascenders
  • Ascenders
  • Kit bag

What's Included

  • Airport picks up and drops international and domestic.
  • Complete departure information, about trek, flight ticket, guide, altitude sickness and reconfirmation and extend visa service (if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starting.
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal..
  •  Flight from Kathmandu to  Nepalgunj and Juphal to Kathmandu only 15 kg luggage aloud.  (10kg Big bag & 5kg hand bag)
  • Trek flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal for member and involved Guide.
  • Private transportation picks up and drops.
  • Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
  • Hot tea and coffee in a cup with each meals.
  • 17 breakfast, 17 lunch and 17 dinner included chosen from lodge menu.
  • 16 Nights twin share accommodation during the trek.
  • As per group size experience, government licensed holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
  • Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the ABC trekking ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permits)
  •  Conservation trek permit fee.  Annapurna base camp trail map.
  • First Aid kits for the staffs and the groups.
  • Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
  • Government taxes & office service charge

What's Excluded

  • Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa charge.
  • All beverage and others personal expenses.
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek

Upper Dolpo Trekking - Essential Information

Best season for Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is accessible all year round. Still, the popular season for this trek is Spring from March to May, and autumn season from September to early December. During these months, trekkers can experience favorable weather conditions for hiking. The sky is clear blue, the passes are open, and the temperature is pleasant, suitable for 5 to 6 hours of hiking every day. One can enjoy the spectacular views of the region in clear visibility. The success rate for the Upper Dolpo trek is also high during these seasons.

The summer/monsoon season from June to August is also favorable for the Upper Dolpo trek. Unlike other trekking regions of Nepal, Upper Dolpo is located in the rain shadow of rocky cliffs. So there is little rain in the area, and the temperature is also cool due to its higher altitude.

From late December to February, when the Upper Dolpo region experiences chilly weather can be quite challenging. The passes above 5000 m altitude are often blanketed in heavy snow. The temperature drops below freezing, so you have to be well prepared for the bone-chilling and unpredictable weather. With necessary preparation with suitable equipment and precaution, however, you can embark on the upper Dolpo trek even in winter.

Upper Dolpo Trek Difficulty

The upper Dolpo trek is undoubtedly the challenging and demanding trek. Yet it is one of the most adventurous treks you can ever experience in Nepal. On this trek, you will come across several passes above 5000 m elevation. Such as Kang La pass and Shey La pass. In addition, the trail to Upper Dolpo constitutes an uphill and downhill trek taking between 5 to 7 hours. Therefore, having prior experience of trekking especially above 5000 m is beneficial. You should also be in an excellent physical and mental state. We recommend you engage in some physical training such as walking for 5 to 6 hours a day before this trek.

Our company has prepared the itinerary for this trek setting aside adequate acclimatization days. Our accompanying team is highly experienced and knowledgeable. Therefore, we ensure you the smooth completion of the Upper Dolpo trek.

Altitude Sickness

Upper Dolpo trek takes you to passes that are above 5000 m. most of the trekking days are spent above 3000 m elevation. so your body may feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. We have planned our itinerary such that your body will get enough rest physically and mentally. We will take our pace slowly and gradually. Still, at such great altitude, you may sometimes feel the symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting. If you feel any of these symptoms, inform your guide, rest, progress slowly, and take a Diamox tablet to subside the symptoms.

Remember to always drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day to adequately hydrate your body. Avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. Drink ginger tea or garlic soup as much as possible. If you feel your symptoms persist, inform your guide, do not continue your trek, and prepare for a return journey.

Accommodation, Food, and Transportation during Upper Dolpo trek

Our company strives to offer the most suitable accommodation option to our clients. In urban cities like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we have arranged a 2 or 3-star hotel with twin sharing rooms with quality and affordability. If you desire single or deluxe rooms, please inform us so we can arrange the most favorable option for you. We are flexible in providing you with all kinds of lodgings from budget-friendly to luxurious ones at a reduced or additional cost.

During the trek, we will try to board you in the most comfortable and clean lodges or guest houses. Due to the remoteness of the place, the amenities will be basic here. You may have to pay an extra cost for hot water.

From the 5th day to the 13th day of our Upper Dolpo trek, we will settle you in a tented camp where our well-trained staff will prepare hot meals from locally grown fresh produce.

As for meals, when you reside in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, breakfast is included in the accommodation cost. For any other meals, the cost is excluded from our package. There are several options to try out in cities if you are looking to taste new cuisines. There are several high-quality restaurants in every nook and corner.

However, during the trek, you cannot have many food options. However, the food will be well prepared and hygienic. Our Upper Dolpo trek package includes three complimentary meals every day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek. Our staff will also serve hot tea or coffee with every meal. However, for alcoholic and other beverages, you have to pay for yourself.

We will also take care of your transportation as soon as this journey begins. Our competent representative will meet you at the airport as you land in Nepal. He will transfer you to the reserved hotel in a private car or van. We will also take care of domestic flights that you will be taking from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, from Nepalgunj to Juphal, and from Juphal- Nepalgunj-Kathmandu. As this journey comes to an end, our members will transport you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure to your home.

Insurance

When embarking on the Upper Dolpo trek, you will be visiting some remote and restricted regions in Nepal. There is limited vehicle access and few health posts. Therefore, we recommend you purchase travel insurance that can cover you at altitudes of more than 3000 m or 5000 m. At such greater heights above sea level, you sometimes can experience mild to severe symptoms of altitude sickness.

In addition, the area, being surrounded by the Himalayas, often encounters heavy snowfall and windy storms, especially during winter. In such cases, emergent helicopter evacuation may be needed, which can be a heavy load for your pocket. Therefore, buying the correct travel insurance will cover all your medical, hospital, and evacuation costs in case you encounter such problems.

What to expect in Upper Dolpo Trek?

The upper Dolpo trek is the challenging yet the most rewarding in Nepal. For nature lovers, travel enthusiasts, and thrill seekers, this trek is the perfect trip. Each day of this trek gives you a new adventure. You can suddenly experience a complete change in weather and landscape as soon as you land in Juphal after a flight from Nepalgunj. Transformation from a colorful vibrant city to the most serene and secluded place on Earth, get ready to be surprised!

Each day, 5 to 7 hours of walk across a stony path, narrow ridges, with high rock walls on each side. Paths covered with sacred prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls will give you a glimpse of ancient Buddhist and Tibetan culture. The magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and several other snow-capped mountains can leave you spellbound. The rapidity of Thulo Bheri River and the turquoise serene Phoksundo Lake make you forget your worries and delve into making new memories.

The occasional sighting of blue sheep, snow leopards, and grey langurs can steal your heart. Moreover, the hospitality of Magars, Gurungs, and other residents will win you over. The local cuisines prepared from the fresh local produce will enchant your pallet. Therefore, prepare to be unprepared, and expect to be unexpected when making a trip to Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo Trekking - FAQs

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Tripadvisor Reviews

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Based on 210 reviews
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Stefano G profile picture
Stefano G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Esperienza di viaggio bellissima Ottima agenzia seria e affidabile. Abbiamo fatto un trekking privato upper Mustang abbinato a visita Katmandu. Tutto perfetto. Guida Badri fantastica con esperienza e grande professionalità. Porter Dan bravissimo. Inoltre hanno sempre mostrato una grande empatia. Bravissimi
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Sharon D profile picture
Sharon D
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EBC da sogno + visita Katmandu d’eccezione Grazie a Life Himalaya Trekking, io e mio marito abbiamo potuto realizzare un sogno. Sin dal momento dell’organizzazione dall’Italia, Shiba si è dimostrato estremamente disponibile e celere nelle comunicazioni. E, una volta qui, abbiamo potuto verificare immediatamente quanto efficiente sia l’intera equipe che compone la compagnia. Shiba è di una dolcezza e simpatia infinita, ci ha coccolati accompagnandoci attraverso tutti gli aspetti organizzativi del nostro viaggio, dal trekking al Campo Base dell’Everest alle visite culturali a Katmandu e d’intorni, passando per tutte le tipologie di trasporto di cui abbiamo avuto bisogno. Grazie a lui, abbiamo avuto il piacere di trascorrere il nostro tempo in Nepal insieme a persone uniche, che ci hanno permesso di conoscere da vicino questo meraviglioso Paese e la gente che lo abita. Tika è stato la nostra guida durante l’escursione verso il EBC e, grazie a lui e al nostro porter Podam, abbiamo vissuto un’esperienza meravigliosa ed autentica! Entrambi molto preparati, sono stati bravissimi a prendersi cura di noi, grazie alla loro attenzione anche per le piccole cose, ai consigli e alle nozioni che ci hanno fornito, ma, soprattutto, grazie alla loro simpatia che ci ha permesso di vivere con leggerezza anche le situazioni più difficili. Tika è un intrattenitore eccezionale, nonché ottimo fotografo; è stato la nostra famiglia per più di una settimana e gli siamo molto grati. L’intera esperienza per raggiungere il Campo Base dell’Everest è stata totalizzante, ci ha rapiti sotto ogni aspetto, paesaggistico e umano. È stato emozionante raggiungere la meta attraverso un percorso durato circa una settimana. Ma è stato altrettanto incredibile e commovente volare con l’elicottero da Gorak Shep fino a Lukla, ripercorrendo dall’alto ogni passo conquistato e ogni luogo vissuto durante i giorni precedenti. Ci teniamo a ringraziare anche Promot, Raj, Rajan e, soprattutto, la nostra eccezionale guida turistica Ajya, che ci ha accompagnato attraverso i luoghi più iconici di Katmandu, raccontandone la storia e ogni aspetto culturale. La passione e l’amore per il proprio lavoro ci ha permesso di immergerci in un mondo che, altrimenti, avremmo compreso e vissuto solo a metà. Grazie anche a tutti gli altri membri che hanno collaborato alla riuscita del nostro viaggio. Questo è un arrivederci, non vediamo l’ora di tornare in Nepal!
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Inspiration763559
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Unforgettable life experience We were extremely satisfied with our Everest Base Camp trek with Life Himalaya Trekking. From the moment we were picked up at the airport, everything was organized perfectly. Due to weather conditions, the company arranged a helicopter flight for us, which made the start of our adventure even more special. Our guide, Rabin, was exceptional. He was kind, caring, and looked after us every step of the way. Whenever we felt unwell, he made sure we were comfortable and helped us recover. His knowledge of the mountains, careful approach to acclimatization, and genuine care for our well-being allowed us to continue the journey safely. Most importantly, he treated us like family, making the entire trek feel like a trip with friends rather than a guided tour. Our porter, Arjun, was equally amazing. He was always cheerful, funny, and incredibly helpful. During acclimatization hikes and challenging moments, he even helped with our backpacks when we were struggling. His positive attitude made every day more enjoyable. Both Rabin and Arjun are true gems and a huge asset to the company. We cannot thank them enough for everything they did for us. A special thank you also goes to Shiba, the owner of Life Himalaya Trekking. He was friendly, professional, and made our experience truly special from beginning to end. I also had a unique experience during this trip as I participated in the Everest Marathon. Rabin and Arjun came to support me, pace me, and cheer me on during the final kilometers, helping me reach the finish line. It meant so much to me and is something I will never forget. Thank you, Life Himalaya Trekking, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are incredibly grateful for the memories, friendships, and support we received throughout this unforgettable adventure. With love and gratitude, Dominika
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Dawn G profile picture
Dawn G
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Awesome experience with Life Himalayan I had a wonderful time trekking EBC. Birsha Rai was an awesome guide he made sure I had anything I needed. He made sure my accommodations were good and I had plenty of water and snacks for the trek. Dhan Kajl was my porter and he took extra care of my things my bag was always clean and dry when delivered to my room. He even carried my day pack the last stretch of EBC trek. Life Himalayan took care of me from the moment I landed and was without one bag to making sure I made all my helicopter connections. Someone was there every step of the way. I am so grateful that I chose to travel with Life Himalayan. Thank you! 😊
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Roving04696555305
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5 Stars! Life Himalaya Trekking gave us an amazing experience! We had the most wonderful guide, Jal Tamang. Not only did he provide amazing conversation, high spirits, and tons of great information about the Everest region, he went above and beyond when a member of our party got altitude sickness. He worked tirelessly to bring food & water to them during their hospital stay, but also coordinated their time in Lukla after they had had to descend. I still made it to Base Camp, and throughout our journey he made the entire experience unforgettable. The accommodations were also truly top notch, with the earlier tea houses offering hot showers, readily available charging, and even heating pads under the mattresses. Highly recommend, thank you Jal!
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Cynthia C profile picture
Cynthia C
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Camp de base Everest Quelle belle expérience! Life Himalaya trekking et sont équipe est vraiment super. Notre guide Rabin Ray est un professionnel de la montagne. Il a pris grand soin de nous tout le long du parcours. Notre porteur Tik aussi, toujours là pour nous aider. Shiba le propriétaire est un professionnel et il prend soin de nous rencontrer et s'assurer que tout se passe bien avant notre départ. Les transports, hôtel et autres, tout était parfait. Merci beaucoup à tous
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david b
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Lifetime Experience! Life Himalaya Trekking took great care of us. We wanted to do Everest Base Camp in as little time as possible and found this company. We found out they are family owned Sheba is the owner and his son Raj were both awesome. Sheba first started as a Sherpa, then became a guide and now owns his own company. Our guide Rabin was so kind to us! Rabin always went out of his way to take care of us every step of the way. Rabin also started as a Sherpa and now is a guide. I would highly recommend this company our shortened trip to Everest Base Camp from 10 to 7 days because of our tight schedule was a success and a trip of a life time that my good friend and I will remember the rest of our lives. What an amazing experience and a spacial thank you to Sheba, Raj, and our incredible guide Rabin for making it happen and bringing us back safe.
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akrishnappa
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Submitting Mera Peak - thanks to Sagar and Robin for making it happen I had a truly wonderful 11 days trek that culminated in successfully summitting Mera Peak. My guides Sagar and Robin were outstanding. They built rapport with each hiker in the group and understood each persons capabilities. They walked with us every step of the way and were always on hand to make sure we safely crossed tricky and dangerous sections. They encouraged, entertained, and gave us moral support especially during the push to summit. At one point, the going got so tough that I was almost ready to turn back. Sagar gave me the much needed encouragement, confidence, and made sure I didn't give up. I couldn't have made it to the top without them. The views from the top were just spectacular and it was worth every bit of the effort. Thanks to Life Himalaya Trekking for making it possible for me to have this beautiful once in a lifetime adventure!!!
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Dhanya J profile picture
Dhanya J
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Excellent team fantastic service My friend and I completed the Everest Base Camp trek with Life Himalaya in April 2026, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Shiba was incredibly prompt with communication and thoughtfully customised the itinerary according to our requirements and preferences, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. We were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Kiran, and from that moment onward he ensured we were well looked after every step of the journey. His care, compassion, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the mountains and local culture were outstanding. Kiran consistently prioritised our safety, comfort, and enjoyment, making the trek both rewarding and memorable. Our porters, Dhan Kumar and Asthan, were equally caring and supportive. I wholeheartedly recommend Life Himalaya for their exceptional trekking experience, professionalism, and genuine Himalayan hospitality. Kiran is truly one of the best guides we have experienced, and we look forward to returning for more adventures with Life Himalaya in the future.
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Paul D profile picture
Paul D
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The best memories and the best of times Life Himalayas were outstanding from the start to finish, every situation catered gor. I especially liked the personal touches from the owners Sheba, he needs every one ate the start of the trip and take toy out for a farewell meal at the end. Our guide Pro and sherpa Arg were both absolute hero's. Would not hesitate in recommending this comany
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