Trip Overview
The Upper Dolpo Trekking of 24 days is for those seeking an extraordinary, raw Himalayan trekking experience in the untouched, remote parts of Nepal. Inside one of the highly restricted areas tucked away in the western corner of the country, trekkers reach the Shey Phoksundo Lake and traverse through the national park for several days, 3,000 m above sea level.
Geographically a part of the Tibetan Plateau featuring dry, cold, and sparse vegetation with the increased altitude, the 24-day trek to Upper Dolpo ensures you have an incredible experience in the majestic world that is yet to be exposed to urbanization, tucked away in the western corner. The culture of Tibetans and Sherpas keeps your heart warm, and the hearty breakfast with hot tea means your body is also warm.
In the trans-Himalayan region north of the 7th-highest mountain peak in the world, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) above sea level, Upper Dolpo is also an excellent option for those seeking summer alternative treks to the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek. Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027. Our Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost is without any hidden expenses.
Further, the Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary is customizable. For a private, family, or couple trip, we can arrange it all for you. We are here with more than two decades of experience and ensure a hassle-free journey from start to end. Off the beaten path due to its remoteness, get ready to witness life centered around Bon traditions and Tibetan Buddhism; a life-changing experience is guaranteed.
What to expect during the Upper Dolpo Trekking?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is among those high-altitude trekking routes in Nepal that still carry the true spirit of adventure. Untouched, remote, and rugged, it is both rewarding and challenging. Usually spanning for more than three weeks, it offers stunning natural and cultural highlights to soon arrive at the land that starkly contrasts the lush valleys below, arid landscapes atop the turquoise Phokdundo Lake.
If you do not mind basic living, are keen on an authentic trekking experience with camping, and have made up your mind for some push and pull, the Upper Dolpo Trip is just a fantastic option. Known to only a few, a good level of physical fitness, quality trekking gear and equipment, and the company of a local licensed guide are a must to tackle sections with steep ascents and descents, and unpredictable weather, and to make your visit legitimate.
Who lives in Upper Dolpo?
In the lower Dolpo live a mix of ethnic groups of Magar, Gurung, and Chettris (mostly Hindu castes in origin). Precisely the Thakuri, the royal family caste of Nepal, with their own culture, traditions, and dialect, unique from their cousins further east. As you move further and head to higher altitude areas, Upper Dolpo trekking routes, trekkers meet Sherpas and Tibetans whose livelihood subsists on the high pastures and are supplemented with trade.
Living along once-salt caravans connecting to several mountain passes, their religion is a mixture of Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient, pre-Buddhist Bon religion, a largely animistic faith. The Tibetan dialect spoken in Kham, as you stay in teahouses, lodges, and guest houses throughout the Upper Dolpo Trekking Journey, gives you an insider insight. Feel free to interact; they are happy to share their culture with you.
Can you see mountains in the Upper Dolpo?
Yes, you trekkers can see numerous sky-towering mountain ranges during the Upper Dolpo Hiking. On a clear weather day, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, Kanhirowa Himal, and several other unnamed snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Himalayan region in the rain shadow area. While the journey is more of a cultural trip and unspoiled natural beauty, those eager for mountain scenery will also not be disappointed.
Witness the diverse and vast landscape open dramatically. Exposing rugged ridgelines, deep valleys, and glaciers, followed by mud and brick houses providing a timeless setting, the grandeur of the region hidden behind the majestic mountain peaks keeps you enthralled. Barren cliffs at higher altitudes and turquoise Phokudndo Lake with both cultural and spiritual value create an awe-inspiring contrast.
Where is Phoksundo Lake in Nepal?
The major attraction of the Dolpo Trekking region and its various hiking trails, such as the Dolpo Trek of 10 days, the Dolpo Circuit Trek of 18 days, Lower Dolpo Trekking, and Inner Dolpo Trekking, including the Upper Dolpo Trekking, is Phokdundo, the deepest lake of Nepal, which is located in the Dolpo District. In northwestern Nepal, at an altitude of 3,611 m/11,849 ft above sea level, it lies near the village of Ringmo.
About 360 km/225 miles from Kathmandu, due to the rugged Himalayan terrain, it involves several means of travel to reach the Phoksundo Lake, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Even if you are not a devotee, you will love the serene ambience amidst the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and forested hills, a right spot for meditation, spiritual rejuvenation, and self-reflection that the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary stands out for.
What are the mountain passes in Upper Dolpo?
The Upper Dolpo Hike is famous for the journey, including the crossing of several high mountain passes connecting you to the isolated villages and valleys. Conquerable even for beginners with a good level of physical fitness and mental determination if prepared well, these high mountain passes are also the high vantage points with stunning, one-of-a-kind views. A haven for photographers.
Some of the notable passes are Shey La Pass (5,010 m), also the highest point of the Upper Dolpo Hike, followed by Mushi La (5,030 m) and Chharka La (4,920 m). These passes provide you with the most unparalleled scenery, but they also present high-altitude challenges. Uphill climbs, steep downhill walks, and in winter, snowy or icy trails are common encounters. Watch out for changing weather and pack gear accordingly.
Why is Shey Phoksundo National Park called a wildlife paradise?
Dolpo trekking is through Nepal’s largest national park, the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Covering an area of 3,555 square kilometers spread across the Dolpo and Mugu districts, the national park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna in their purest form, including over 200 species of birds, 32 species of butterflies, 6 species of reptiles, and some rare endangered mammals like blue sheep, gorals, and Himalayan black bears.
On your lucky day, you may encounter some of them; hence, it is called the haven for wildlife enthusiasts that you can expect during the 24 days trekking journey to Upper Dolpo as well. The remote beauty and rich culture of the trans-Himalayan region create dramatic landscapes that contrast with the lower green valleys, enhancing the chances of spotting various wildlife and making the Upper Dolpo Trek even more mesmerizing.
The Best Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary and Cost for 2026 and 2027
The 24 days for the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary begin with your arrival in Kathmandu. A UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu Valley, so you get used to the Himalayan air and the culture of Nepal, and on the third day, you officially set out to explore the remote Upper Dolpo. Early in the morning, after breakfast, catch a flight to Nepalgunj at first and thereafter to Jupal the very next morning.
Jupal is the Upper Dolpo Trekking starting point, where the hiking trail takes you through the traditional mountain villages of Chhepka, Sanduwa/Amchi Hospital, and Phoksundo Lake/Ringmo. A spare acclimatization day so that you take in all that the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake, has to offer, and then the Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary of 24 days continues with a visit to Chunemba, Lar Tsa, Mendok Ding, Shey Gompa, and Namgung.
From Namgung, the trek to Upper Dolpo proceeds through Karang, Mugaon, Shimen, Tinje, Rakpa, Chharka, Sangda Phedi, and Jomsom, and then you fly back to Pokhara and drive to Kathmandu. It concludes with your final farewell to Nepal on the 24th day. This route allows gradual ascents without any rush and explores the main cultural, natural, and spiritual highlights; hence, it is taken as the best itinerary for the years 2026 and 2027.
Local-based government licensed here with more than two decades of experience, at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, the Upper Dolpo Hiking Cost is without any hidden expenses. The Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost, including for the years 2026 and 2027, is comprehensive, i.e., from meals, lodging, transportation, and permits to a well-trained and experienced guide, it covers it all. Bookings are now open!
