Upper Dolpo Trek: The Best Way To Experience Nepal

Trip Facts

Duration : 25 Days Max-Altitude : 5880m Program Type : Camping Best Season : Sep to Jan, March to Aug Per Day Walking : 6/7 Hours Trek Grade : Grade 3:

Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should expect to trek above 5416m/17872ft.

Mode of Travel : Flight/Land

Start From

All price inclusive

$ 4300 $ 3850

USD per person

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most mesmerizing and remote trekking routes, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual serenity. Tucked away in the northwest corner of Nepal, the Upper Dolpo region borders the Tibetan Plateau but remains largely unexplored. The area has preserved its natural beauty, untouched by the waves of modernization. This makes it an essential destination for trekkers who value serenity.

History

The Upper Dolpo Trek was opened to tourism only in 1989, the Dolpo Trek is a restricted area within Shey Phoksundo National Park. The Dolpo Trekking route is 4,000 meters long and immerses you in Tibetan cultural influences. The journey commences from Juphal, a modest airstrip nestled in the Jumla district, and follows the age-old trade route that connects Dolpo with Tibet. The trek meanders through a symphony of landscapes, from verdant forests to dry deserts, deep canyons, and lofty mountain passes.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Upper Dolpo Trek is the opportunity to explore the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Dolpo people. These residents have inhabited the region for centuries, preserving their unique culture and rituals. Rooted in Tibetan heritage, they practice Bon Buddhism, a shamanistic faith predating Tibetan Buddhism. Their distinct attire, including woolen chubas adorned with Topi hats and vibrant aprons, stands out. The Dolpo people excel in traditional crafts such as weaving, woodcarving, and metalwork, showcasing their artisanal finesse.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park enhances the trek’s allure, serving as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species like snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep. At its heart lies the resplendent Phoksundo Lake, a turquoise gem nestled among towering peaks. The Upper Dolpo Trek is a difficult venture that demands robust physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The optimal period to undertake this journey is from May to October, a window of clear skies and prime trekking conditions.

The Upper Dolpo beckons those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path expedition in Nepal. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural heritage, and rare wildlife, this odyssey unveils a realm of unparalleled grandeur.

Trans-Himalayan Journey: Unearthing Upper Dolpo’s Essence

The Upper Dolpo trek known as the Trans-Himalayan Trek Nepal, unfolds within mid-west Nepal. This itinerary takes you through the icy domains of the famous Shey Gompa Monastery beyond Phoksundo Lake, near Tibet. While the Lower Dolpo trek grants access to Phoksundo Lake, the Upper Dolpo trek immerses you in the spiritual core of the Dolpo Region, renowned as the Crystal Monastery. Pilgrims believe that passing through this mountain liberates one from the cycle of life and death.

A tapestry of traditional Tibetan cultures intertwined with snow leopards, blue sheep, and highland grazing yaks awaits in Upper Dolpo. The trail winds across five imposing passes: Kang La (5,380m), Saldang La (5,060m), Chharka La (5,015m), Sangda La (5,515m), and lower Sangda La (5,035m).

The Upper Dolpo Circuit trek to Jomsom itinerary integrates segments of the Great Himalayan Trail, uniting Nepal with the Tibetan border. Geographically within Nepal yet culturally reminiscent of Tibet, this region resonates with the Upper Mustang trek.

Ancient Buddhist monasteries

Ancient Buddhist monasteries, alongside pre-Buddhist Bon Po monasteries, dot the Upper Dolpo region, preserving the last vestiges of traditional Tibetan heritage. One such gem is the Shey Gompa, a Buddhist sanctuary at 4,200m within the Shey Phoksundo rural municipality of Dolpa. Named Shey Gompa or Crystal Monastery by Tibetans, this village traces its origins to the 11th century. This monastery is the spiritual center of the Upper Dolpo trek. It is housed in a red two-story building decorated with detailed Buddhist artworks. In 1220 BS, the Kagyu tribe initiated a festival symbolizing triumph over evil spirits, the Rakshas.

A paramount highlight of the Upper Dolpo experience is the captivating Phoksundo Lake, unrivaled on the trek circuit. Plummeting to depths exceeding 1,500 feet, the lake’s cerulean waters are encircled by dense pine forests and the towering magnificence of the Himalayan skyline.

Starting the Upper Dolpo Trek, you begin with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalganj. En route, you enjoy panoramas of picturesque landscapes and vast mountain ranges. Wending through expanses and mixed woodlands, the trail escorts you to Ringmo Lake, Say Phoksundo Lake, and indigenous cultures. A spiritual haven named Gombas Monastery graces Crystal Mountain, home to semi-precious gems and historical edifices. As you traverse villages inhabited by devout Buddhists, the symphony of Tibetans conversing in their native tongue remains in the air. The ascent culminates in Musi Gaun, affording a glimpse of the Tibetan border before advancing toward Jomsom through the Sangda La pass (5,111 meters). This marks the inception of the Upper Mustang Trek, the Tilicho Pass Trek, the Dhaulagiri Pass, and the Dhampus Peak Climb.

Retreats and Refuges: A Haven for Rest

Accommodations along the Upper Dolpo Trek vary. Chharka Bhot offers only basic tea house rooms, while other locals are exclusively suited for camping. However, Dunai Bazaar, Phoksundo Lake, and Jomsom promise cozy lodgings for the Upper Dolpo Odyssey. Nestled in the region’s northeastern confines, Chharka Bhot is a rural village situated along the Tibetan border. The Shree Chharka Bhot Basic School is a government institution facilitating education for approximately 120 children, including those from adjacent hamlets.

A Glimpse into Local Gastronomy

Upper Dolpo’s indigenous fare includes staples like Champa, boiled potatoes, and Su Chya, as well as yak and goat meats. The region’s challenging topography denies expansive arable lands, limiting lucrative crop cultivation at such high altitudes.

Guided Ventures: Expedition with Nepal Wilderness Trekking

Our expert guides and well-equipped porters seamlessly arrange the western expanse of the Dolpo trekking package. Experience this journey through our comprehensive Nepal wilderness trekking packages.

Upper Dolpo Trek Distance

The Upper Dolpo Trek typically covers around 230-270 kilometers (about 143-168 miles), depending on the specific route taken and side trips included. This trek usually takes 18-24 days to complete. It is renowned for its remote and rugged terrain with views of the Himalayas and unique cultural experiences with the local Tibetan-influenced communities.