Upper Dolpo Trek - 23 Days

Tips & Ideas

🗓️ Best Season to Trek

• Ideal months: April–June and September–October

• Clear skies, stable weather, and incredible Himalayan views

• Since Dolpo lies in a rain-shadow region, monsoon (July–August) trekking is also possible

🪪 Permits & Regulations

• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

• Lower Dolpo Permit (if route includes that section)

Trekking is only allowed through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide.

💪 Physical Fitness & Difficulty

• Classified as a challenging trek — remote and high altitude

• Crosses several passes above 5,000m / 16,400ft

• Recommended for experienced trekkers with strong endurance

• Begin training 4–6 weeks prior with cardio and hiking practice

🏕️ Accommodation & Meals

• Primarily a camping trek with tents, kitchen crew, and porters

• Basic teahouses available in Dunai, Chhepka, or Ringmo

• Meals include dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, Tibetan bread, and tea

🏔️ Altitude & Acclimatization

• Maximum elevation: 5,360m / 17,585ft

• Gradual ascent with rest days at Shey Gompa and Phoksundo

• Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and monitor symptoms of altitude sickness

✈️ Transportation

• Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (1-hour flight)

• Nepalgunj → Jhupal (Dolpo) (35-minute flight)

• Trek begins from Jhupal to Dunai and returns via same route (weather dependent)

🎒 Packing Essentials

• Down jacket & sleeping bag (–10°C / 14°F rated)

• Thermal layers & trekking boots

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves

• Water purification tablets & personal medication

• Power banks / solar charger for off-grid energy

Camping equipment (tents, mats, kitchen gear) provided by trekking crew.

📶 Communication & Electricity

• Limited or no mobile coverage beyond Dunai

• Satellite phones used by guides for emergencies

• Bring extra batteries or solar chargers — limited electricity in villages

🕉️ Culture & Etiquette

• The region follows ancient Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions

• Respect monasteries, prayer walls, and local customs

• Always ask permission before taking photos of people or religious objects

• Practice Leave No Trace — protect the pristine Dolpo environment

🎒 Detailed Equipment List – Upper Dolpo Trek

1. Trekking Essentials

• Backpack: 50–65L with rain cover

• Daypack: 20–30L for daily essentials

• Trekking Poles: Adjustable, lightweight

• Water Bottles / Hydration Bladder: Minimum 2 liters

• Headlamp / Torch: With extra batteries

• Sunglasses: UV protection, preferably glacier glasses

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm: SPF 50+

• Camera / GoPro: Extra memory cards and batteries

• Travel Documents: Passport, permits, trekking insurance, cash

2. Clothing

Layering is key for high-altitude trekking:

• Base Layer: Thermal top and bottom

• Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or pullover

• Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket & pants (Gore-Tex preferred)

• Insulation Layer: Down jacket for cold nights and high passes

• Trekking Pants: Lightweight and quick-dry

• T-shirts / Shirts: Moisture-wicking

• Warm Hat / Beanie: For nights and high altitudes

• Sun Hat / Cap: For daytime trekking

• Gloves: Warm insulated gloves + thin liner gloves

• Socks: Thermal and trekking socks (3–4 pairs)

• Gaiters: To protect from snow, mud, and dust

• Buff / Scarf: Protection from wind and dust

3. Footwear

• Trekking Boots: Waterproof, high-ankle, broken-in

• Camp Shoes / Sandals: Lightweight for evenings at camp

• Crampons (Optional): If trekking in late spring with snow patches

4. Camping Gear (Usually Provided by Trekking Agency)

• Tents: High-altitude 2-person or 3-person tents

• Sleeping Bag: Rated for –15°C / 5°F or lower

• Sleeping Mat / Foam Mattress

• Camp Pillow

• Stove and Cooking Gear: Provided by trekking crew

• Dining Set & Cutlery: Provided by trekking crew

5. Personal Items

• Personal Medications / First Aid Kit: Include Diamox for altitude sickness if prescribed

• Band-Aids / Blister Pads

• Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes

• Hand Sanitizer

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste

• Quick-Dry Towel

• Sewing Kit (Optional)

6. Optional / Additional Items

• Satellite Phone or GPS Device (for emergencies)

• Notebook / Travel Journal

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

• Snacks / Energy Bars

• Water Purification Tablets or Filter

• Solar Charger / Power Bank

✅ Tips for Packing

• Keep day essentials in a smaller backpack for daily trekking.

• Use dry bags to protect clothes and electronics from rain or snow.

• Layer clothing for flexibility with varying temperatures.

• Minimize weight: Upper Dolpo is remote, so lighter gear ensures comfort.

FAQs – Upper Dolpo Trek, Nepal

1. Where is Upper Dolpo located?

Upper Dolpo lies in the remote northwestern region of Nepal, bordering Tibet. It falls within Dolpa District of Karnali Province and is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park. The area is known for its untouched Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and rugged Himalayan landscapes.

2. How long is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The standard Upper Dolpo Trek usually takes 24 to 26 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The trek involves several high passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), making it one of the longest and most adventurous trekking routes in Nepal.

3. What is the best time to do the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The best seasons for the Upper Dolpo Trek are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). These months offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and warmer temperatures in higher altitudes. Monsoon months (July–August) can also be possible since Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area.

4. Do I need a special permit for Upper Dolpo Trek?

Yes. Trekkers need multiple permits:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Dolpo

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

• Lower Dolpo Permit (depending on your route)
  All these are arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, as independent trekking is not allowed in Upper Dolpo.

5. How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The Upper Dolpo Trek is considered strenuous due to long walking days, high altitudes (up to 5,360m / 17,585ft), and limited facilities in remote areas. It requires good physical fitness, previous high-altitude trekking experience, and mental endurance.

6. What type of accommodation is available on the trek?

Accommodation is mostly basic teahouses or tented camping. In remote villages, facilities are simple — expect rustic rooms, limited electricity, and traditional meals prepared from local ingredients. Most treks to Upper Dolpo are organized as fully supported camping treks with guides, cooks, and porters.

7. Is altitude sickness a concern in Upper Dolpo?

Yes. The trek crosses several high passes above 5,000m, so altitude sickness can be a risk. Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, hydration, and listening to your body are crucial for a safe experience.

8. How do I reach the starting point of the trek?

The trek usually starts from Jhupal (Dolpo), which is reached by a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another short flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal. From there, trekking begins toward Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.

9. What kind of food is available during the trek?

Expect a mix of Nepali and Tibetan-style meals, including dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), noodles, soups, potatoes, bread, and tea. On camping treks, a cook prepares hygienic meals suitable for trekkers.

10. Why should I choose the Upper Dolpo Trek?

The Upper Dolpo Trek offers a true off-the-beaten-path adventure — with ancient Bon monasteries, the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake, breathtaking Himalayan views, and authentic Tibetan-influenced culture. It’s perfect for trekkers seeking peace, wilderness, and cultural immersion away from commercial trekking routes.