Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

USD 4,500
  • Activities
    Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
  • Max Elevation
    4,500m at Shey Gompa & 5,360m at Kang la Pass
  • Trip Duration
    27 Days
  • Trip Grade
    Moderate & Adventurous
  • Lodging
    Eco Lodges + Camping
  • Meals
    ull Board on Trek & BB Plan on City
  • Transportation
    Private vehicle & flight
  • Communication
    Available
  • Group Size
    Minimum 2
  • Best Season
    Autumn and Spring
  • Per Day Walk
    Approx. 5 - 6

Trip Highlights of Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek:

  • Carry out excursion of Upper Dolpo: Shey Phoksundo Lake & Shey Gompa located inside Shey Phoksundo National Park (largest National Park of Nepal).
  • Trek along with the traditional villages that are some of the highest permanent settlements on Earth and that are influenced by Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Explore around Kali Gandaki Valley – World’s Deepest Gorge.
  • Enjoy an opportunity to encounter the exclusive Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Thar while enjoying the scenic panorama of the surrounding peaks.

Trip Introduction:

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek leads us to the remote Far northwest Himalayan range of Nepal which is situated in between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is an excellent trekking opportunity in the less beaten trekking region of Nepal. The region was a Forbidden Land for tourists until 1996. Likewise, Great Himalayan Trail Trekkers can get the opportunity of stepping back in time and experience the largely unchanged Tibetan culture that has been preserved since 1200 years ago.

 More impressive is that the region still has a stronghold of ancient Bon Po religion and Tibetan Buddhism Culture. The exploration of Upper and Lower Dolpo covers the country’s largest National Park- Shey Phoksundo National Park with rugged and sometimes ill-defined trails that pass through several traditional mountain villages.

Besides, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, and the exclusive Snow Leopard. This region also provides shelter to a fascinating race of Tibetan-speaking people.

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek with Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition starts with a sweeping flight to Nepalgunj – a southern town city in western Nepal. From there we take another short scenic flight to Jhupal at lower Dolpo – the starting point of our trek. Passing through highland ancient traditional cultural villages, valleys, and serene forest of pines, oaks, and rhododendron our route heads towards Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo village within the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

From there we continue to follow the trail that leads higher to Shey Gompa.
Ringmo and Shey Gompa are the highlights of this Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. We take rest days for exploration of the deep blue waters of Phoksundo Lake and the high snow peaks of Kanjibro Himal. We visit the remote village of Shey Gomba also known as the crystal monastery. Our return journey heads by an alternative route via Saldang which gives us more opportunity to explore this fascinating wild west of Nepal.

The wonderful experience at Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek with Nepal Guide Treks ends with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and then a drive back to Kathmandu.

Please Visit: Essential Tools & Gear for Trekking

  • Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu [1345m/4411ft] & transfer to Hotel

    Our airport arrival and departure representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival schedule. Then you will be transferred to the hotel and our staff will help you until check-in procedure ends at Hotel. Either you can have rest at Hotel or visit NGT’s office for collecting additional information on Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. In the evening, please join our welcome dinner program organized by Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition Team.

    Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
    Meals: BB Plan + Welcome Dinner.

  • Day 02: Sightseeing at Kathmandu

    Note: It is not possible to visit all world heritage sites in Kathmandu within a day. So you can choose at least 3-4 places for day sightseeing.

    Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
    Meals: BB Plan

  • Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj [30 min flight]

    Today we take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. Nepalgunj is located in the southwestern part of the Terai region near to the border of India. In Nepalgunj, we spend our day by paying a visit to the holy Bageshwari Temple and just wandering around the market. Here we can see people from every corner of Nepal, including people from Tibet and India. They gather here for a trade of goods and services.

    Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal [2475m/8118ft] [45 min flight] & Trek to Dunai [2140m/7019ft] [3 hrs Trek]

    We take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to the dirt airstrip of Juphal.  From Juphal we start our trek following a broad trail which descends passing through beautiful terraced fields. We walk along with a small group of buildings before crossing the Thuli Bheri Khola. After crossing the river we continue on a broad dirt track trail that leads towards Dunai. Dunai is the administrative centre as well as the main trading centre of the whole Dolpo Region.

    Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka [2838m/9308ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]

    Today we start our trek by crossing the suspension bridge over Thulo Bheri Khola and follow the trail that goes along the right bank of the river towards Sulighat. Here at Sulighat we make a stop to register at the National Park office. After registration and permit checks we continue our trek along the true left bank of the river passing through the village of Raktang. Heading further we cross a large tributary, Ankhe Khola and then make a climb for about an hour to reach our camping site at Chhepka.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 06: Trek from Chhepka to Rechi [2940m/9643ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]

    We follow our trail crossing the Suli Khola to its west bank avoiding a steep, landslide affected area and return to its east bank after about an hour of trekking. We continue on our trail passing through dense forest before crossing a tributary and then climbing a switch back to reach a broad grassy plateau. From here we follow the flat trail for a while before gradually descending down to a river and head towards Rechi where there is a good camping site.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 07: Trek from Rechi to Ringmo Village [3733m/12244ft][5-6 hrs Trek]

    From Rechi continue on our trail passing through a school and gompa. The teachers and students are always happy to receive guests. Our trail from there continues along the true right bank of Phoksundo Khola. We now start ascending through cedar and pine forest on the trail that swings north, passing through the small winter settlement of Polam. We climb further up the ridge with good views of turquoise Lake Phoksundo. Soon our trail descends through birch forest before climbing an easy gradient to reach Ringmo Village. We will spend an additional day for exploration around Ringmo.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 08: Rest and exploration at Ringmo.

    Today we will spend the day exploring around Ringmo. Ringmo is a traditional Tibetan village with ancient gompas. Here locals make a range of impressive handicrafts. Phoksundo Lake is another highlight of Ringmo and the whole Dolpo region. It is Nepal’s deepest and second largest lake which gives a wonderful leisure day while exploring around Ringmo.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 09: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola [3750/12300ft] via Phoksundo Lake [3600m/11808ft] [6-7 Hrs Trek]

    Today we follow one of the most spectacular sections of the trail. We start our trek continuing on the western side of the lake outflow and then gradually ascending towards the cliff with excellent views of the Phoksundo Lake and the village. After a few hours of uphill journey, the trail descends to the floodplain of the Phoksundo Khola where there is an excellent grassy campsite.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Campsite [4717m/15471ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]

    After having breakfast we leave our campsite and follow the trail heading towards the mouth of the gorge. Soon our trail winds up the gorge crossing the river several times. We continue our trekking as the gradient eases and as the gorge widens. From there we trek for about an hour to arrive at the Campsite for the overnight camping.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 11: Trek from Campsite to High Camp [4900m/16072ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]

    Today we leave the campsite and start following the trail that climbs the switchback to the true left side of the magnificent waterfall. We continue to ascend over the river valley which gradually broadens to a large basin. There are many flat areas in the basin, we continue a little further to the base of the long curving tail for the overnight camping.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 12: Cross Nangdala La Pass [5350m/17548ft] & Trek to Shey Gompa [4343m/14245ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]

    We start early for the crossing of adventurous Nangdala La Pass. We follow the trail that is over loose slate-scree, climbing steeply upwards we head to the top of the pass. From the top, we can see a broad valley. Gently descending the trail now follows an easy gradient down to the valley. We will probably meet yak and sheep herds on our way down before reaching the red-painted walls of Shey Gompa.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 13: Rest and Exploration at Shey Gompa.

    We take a rest day for exploring around Shey Gompa. We can visit Kagyupa gompa as well as the hermitage at Tsakang. It is one of the most sacred valleys in Dolpo. It is common to spot blue sheep and snow leopard in this area. However, locals here strictly prohibit the killing of any animals in and around Shey Gompa. After a full day excursion, we will spend the overnight in Shey Gompa.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 14: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung [4806m/15763ft] [6-7 hrs Trek] via Sela La Pass [5095m/16711ft]

    After spending a full day exploring around Shey Gompa, we leave our campsite and head east into Sephu Khola Valley. Then our trek is over an ascending trail over the loose ground for about three hours to the top of the Sela La Pass at 5095 meters. Once at the top of the pass we begin to descend into a shallow valley and continue our trek as we pass through a watercourse to the small village of Namgung.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 15: Trek from Namgung to Saldang [3770m/12365ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]

    Today is a short but spectacular day for walking. After a few hours of easy walking, we climb up onto a ridge with prayer flags and look down on Saldang below us. On our way, we will stop for some salt-butter tea and a cup of Tibetan barley beer. Wandering through this fascinating Tibetan village we camp just above Saldang’s gilded gompa. Saldang is the commercial and administrative centre of Upper Dolpo.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 16: Trek from Saldang to Khomasgaon [4060m/13316ft [7-8 hrs Trek]

    From Saldang we head northeast along the little-trekked route to Khomasgaon. Our trail goes along the Nagaon Khola passing through several white-washed villages, long mani walls, painted chortens and old gompas. Once we reach Chagaon, we follow the trail to the left and cross the river, continue heading northeast along a smaller trail that leads us to Khomasgaon.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 17: Trek from Khomasgaon to Mendo [3950m/12956ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]

    After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Khomasgaon and then continue our trekking as we follow the trail that passes through traditional villages and mani walls. Trekking up and down through the valley we head towards Mendo where we camp for our overnight stay.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 18: Explore Upper Dolpo & Trek to Rapka khola [5205m/17072ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]

    Today our trek continues as we explore the less-beaten trails of Upper Dolpo region. The views of breathtaking landscapes and the unique culture of Upper Dolpo surely puts forward magical experience to its trekkers. After a long and good trekking day, we will arrive at Rapka for our overnight stay.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 19: Trek from Rapka Khola to Chharkabhot [4110m/13480ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]

    After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Rapka Khola and trek over the trail that ascends gently towards Chharka La Pass at 4920 meters. After reaching the top of the pass we descend through the side of the valley all the way down to Chharka Village situated at the bank of Barbung Khola.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 20: Trek from Chharka to Norbulung [4750m/15580ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]

    Today we follow our trail by descending down to the river. Then we continue to trek following the right fork southwards climbing in and out of the side valleys on a rough trail. We emerge into a big meadow as the valley narrows. Our trek continues as we climb up to reach our campsite at Norbulung.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 21: Trek to Sangda Phedi via Niwal Pass [5120m/16793ft] [7-8 hrs Trek]

    We start to follow the trail that climbs up to Molom Sumna  – a yak pasture. From there, our trek continues to climb before making a long traverse across meadows to reach the foot of Sangda La. From there we make a long and steep final climb for the crossing of Sangda La also known as Niwal Pass before gently descending down to our campsite at Sangda Phedi.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 22: Trek to Sangda [3940m/12923ft] [6-7 hrs Trek]

    After breakfast, we climb to a lower Sangda La at 4990 meters before descending down to the village of Sangda Ghunsa. From there we descend down for the crossing of Chalung Khola at 3750 meters before climbing again towards the steep switchbacks and then descend down to a stream. A final climb from there leads us towards the compact settlement of Sangda.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 23: Trek from Sangda to Dhagarjun [3840m/12595ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]

    From Sangda we climb up the hill and spend our day making high traverses, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280 meters. We then descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley traversing along high cliffs before descending down to the large village of Dhagarjun.

    Accommodation: Tented Camp
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 24: Trek from Dhagarjun to Jomson [2700/8856ft] [4-5 hrs Trek]

    From Dhagarjun we climb to a ridge at 3360m before making a final descent on a challenging loose trail that leads us towards Jomsom. Jomsom is an important hub for Mustang and Upper Mustang Treks with the airstrip, abundance of tea houses and services. This is a celebration day after successfully completing Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek with Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition.

    Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
    Meals: All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

  • Day 25: Fly to Pokhara. Free Exploration day at Pokhara

    We take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Pokhara is home to thick forest, emerald lakes and a place of remarkable natural beauty. The reflection of the Machhapuchre (Fish-Tail) Himal over the serene Fewa Lake makes this place truly magical. Besides, visiting sacred places and sightseeing around the city in Pokhara could be a good way to spend your day.

    Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
    Meals: BB Plan

  • Day 26: Drive to Kathmandu

    It takes approximately four to five hours drive to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. We drive along Prithvi Highway which offers scenic hilly zigzag roads through the banks of Trishuli River. The daily activities of the local people can be seen along the road when we pass through many villages and towns.

    Accommodation: Hotel/Resort
    Meals: BB Plan + Farewell Dinner

  • Day 27: International Departure as per your flight schedule

    Our representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.

What's included?
  • Airport Arrival and transfer to Hotel
  • 3 nights ‘Day 01, 02 & 27” stay in Kathmandu & 1 Night Stay ‘Day 26’ in Pokhara with BB Plan
  • All land transportation by private vehicle
  • Fly from Kathmandu – Nepaljung – Juphal & Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • All meals [B/F, Lunch & Dinner] During Trekking period
  • Tea House Lodges & Camping Accommodation during Trekking
  • Special Permit for Upper Dolpo Region, National Park fee & TIMS [Trekkers Information Management System] fee.
  • Highly experienced Trekking guide for the entire trek
  • Required Number of Porters
  • Staffs food, clothing & salary, Insurance.
  • General First aid Kids
  • All tax, vats and necessary paper works
  • Airport Drop
What's not included?
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Bar bill and all kind of drinks
  • Rescue & Evacuation
  • Gratitude (tip) for staff

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Check our assured departure schedules given below:

Start Date End Date Price Availability Booking
7 Apr, 2023 3 May, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
12 Apr, 2023 8 May, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
20 Apr, 2023 16 May, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
27 Apr, 2023 23 May, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
4 May, 2023 30 May, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
13 May, 2023 8 Jun, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
3 Sep, 2023 29 Sep, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
13 Sep, 2023 9 Oct, 2023 USD 4500 LIMITED Book Now!
21 Sep, 2023 17 Oct, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
29 Sep, 2023 25 Oct, 2023 USD 4500 GUARANTEED Book Now!
9 Oct, 2023 4 Nov, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
15 Oct, 2023 10 Nov, 2023 USD 4500 LIMITED Book Now!
21 Oct, 2023 16 Nov, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
29 Oct, 2023 24 Nov, 2023 USD 4500 GUARANTEED Book Now!
2 Nov, 2023 28 Nov, 2023 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
13 Nov, 2023 9 Dec, 2023 USD 4500 LIMITED Book Now!
10 Mar, 2024 5 Apr, 2024 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
17 Mar, 2024 12 Apr, 2024 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
27 Mar, 2024 22 Apr, 2024 USD 4500 OPEN Book Now!
Accommodations:
Generally, we will provide three-star rated hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in our inclusive cost of Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek Package Trip, but as per the preference of clients, can easily upgrade or degrade. During the entire Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek, there would be tented camping accommodation set up by our Sherpa crew. We will arrange comfortable tents for accommodation, separate kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents and essentials by choosing a good camping site to make your perfect holiday.
Meals:
Basically, our package trip of Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek covers inclusive of all meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the entire trekking, Bed and Breakfast plan in the city. We will have dinner and breakfast at the same overnight stop and lunch will be en-route of trekking towards the next destination since we have to leave our accommodation after breakfast to continue the trek. During the trek, our Sherpa Cook will prepare hygienic foods (with varieties in cuisines; Nepali food, Tibetan, Continental, Indian etc) and purified waters to serve. Our working team will highly concern about the hygienic food preparation to totally avoid possible food poisons while on a trek.
 
Physical Conditions and Experience Required:
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is one of the longest and adventurous trekking routes in Nepal since we have to cross numerous numbers of high passes walkthrough snows, glaciers and several hills in a high altitude. Sometimes walking at a high altitude may occur unexpected high altitude sickness, a slow and steady walk would be the perfect solution. We suggest every trekker who is planning to come to Nepal for trekking adventure to do daily around an hour physical workout (jogging, hiking, cycling, gym, etc) prior to a couple of weeks. Previous trekking experience and physical strength would highly recommend for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek.
Best Season for Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek:
Basically, September, October and November 3 months in autumn and March, April, May 3 months in Spring are considered as the best trekking seasons for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. The weather would be clear, sunny and warm in the mountains so we can have great views of the mountains during the seasons. However, some adventure seekers who do not like crowded environment in the trail can also choose December, January and February months for this trip. June, July and August 3 months will be affected by the monsoon. The region is also called “Rain Shadow”, where the effects of rain will be less than other regions so it is also possible to do Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek in rainy seasons as well.
How to Get Nepal Visa?

Immigration Office at Kathmandu Airport Facilitating Tourist Visa on arrival.

Visa Fees:

Two Weeks – 30 USD

One Month (Four Weeks) – 50 USD

Three Month (90 Days) – 125 USD

For more info, please email at info@nepalguidetreks.com

Visa Extension Fees:

Tourist Visa Extension required a minimum of 15 days (USD 45)and USD 3 for each extra days.

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GLIMPSES OF   Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
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