Upper Dolpo Trek
Seasoned trekkers, happy with basic comfort, who want one of the last corners of living Tibet.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is an immersion in a little-known Nepal, where modern life has barely arrived. The landscapes range from arid deserts to snowy passes and sacred lakes such as Phoksundo, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Tibetan culture, preserved by isolation, lives on in centuries-old monasteries and in villages where people follow age-old traditions, often linked to yak herding or the harvest of Yartsa Gunbu (a medicinal fungus). This trek is a physical and logistical challenge: passes above 5,000 m, nights in tents and isolation (no phone network, limited supplies) require excellent preparation. In return, it offers an unmatched spiritual and visual experience, where every step seems to connect the trekker to the raw essence of the Himalayas.
Trek level: Very difficult (remote, altitude above 5,000 m)
Duration: 22 to 25 days, depending on the route
Maximum altitude: 5,350 m (Nangdala pass; 5,550 m with the Jungben La option)
Type : Lodge/camping trek (mixed depending on the stages)
Permits required : Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (500 USD/10 days), Shey-Phoksundo permit (30 USD)
Access : Flight Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal; return via Juphal or Jomsom
Routes :
OPTION 1 : Full loop – start and finish in Dunai
A circular route in the Upper Dolpo region, returning without going through Mustang.
Advantage: simpler logistics (in and out via Dolpo).
OPTION 2 : Dolpo – Mustang traverse: start in Dunai, finish in Jomsom. More difficult, but offers a wider variety of landscapes and cultures (Dolpo and Mustang).
Requires more logistics (transport from Jomsom).
Highlights of these treks
- A remote region: very few tourists, Dolpo keeps a rare authenticity
- Grand landscapes: turquoise lakes (such as Phoksundo), high-altitude deserts, glacial valleys and hilltop villages
- Living Tibetan culture: Bön and Buddhist monasteries (Shey Gompa, Namgung), prayer flags, traditional festivals
- Wildlife: snow leopards, blue sheep (bharal), golden eagles
- Human encounters: local people attached to a traditional way of life
Note
- The stages are flexible (on request).
- Would you like to know more about our services and the price of this trek?
The itinerary
Day 01 : Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, transfer to your hotel
Day 02 : Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475 m), then 1 hour by 4×4 to Dunai (2,140 m)
Day 03 : Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,687 m) – 6 hours
Day 04 : Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3,000 m) – 6 hours
Day 05 : Trek from Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 06 : Rest day at Phoksundo Lake
Day 07 : Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sallaghari (3,630 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 08 : Trek from Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (4,717 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 09 : Trek from Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa (4,343 m), over the Nangdala pass (5,350 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 10 : Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4,360 m), over the Shey La pass (5,100 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 11 : Trek from Namgung Gompa to Saldang (3,770 m) – 4 to 5 hours
Day 12 : Day hike from Saldang to Yangjer Gompa (4,590 m) – 5-6 hours
Day 13 : Trek from Saldang to Komash village (4,060 m) – 6 hours
Day 14 : Trek from Komash village to Shimen (3,850 m) – 6 hours
Day 15 : Trek from Shimen to Tinje (4,110 m) – 6 hours
Day 16 : Trek from Tinje to Yak Kharka camp – 7 hours
Day 17 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4,240 m) – 6 hours
Day 18 : Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (3,944 m) – rest day
Day 19 : Trek from Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3,475 m) – 6 hours
Day 20 : Trek from Naworpani to Lashicap (2,775 m) – 6 hours
Day 21 : Trek from Lashicap to Dunai – 6 hours, then transfer by 4×4 to Juphal – 6 hours
Day 22 : Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then flight to Kathmandu
Option:
Day 17 : Trek from Yak Kharka (4,780 m) to Chharka over the Mola pass (5,030 m) – 5 hours of walking
Day 18 : Trek from Chharka to Norbulung / Nulungsumda – 7 hours
Day 19 : Trek from Nulungsumda / Norbulung to Ghalden Ghuldum (4,247 m), over the Niwala (5,120 m) and Jungben La (5,550 m) passes – 7-8 hours
Day 20 : Trek from Ghalden Ghuldum to Sangta (3,777 m) – 6 hours
Day 21 : Trek from Sangta to Phalyak (3,175 m) – 6 hours
Day 22 : Trek from Phalyak to Jomsom (2,720 m) – 6 hours
Day 23: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, then flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Photo gallery
Our other treks
Trek facts: Upper Dolpo Trek
Best time to go
May to October, including the monsoon: the region is sheltered behind the Himalayan range. Tiji festival in May in Mustang.
Who is it for?
Seasoned trekkers, happy with basic comfort, who want one of the last corners of living Tibet. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions.
What the price includes
- Return domestic flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal (travellers and team), private transfers, jeep Juphal – Dunai
- All permits ($1,150 per person): Upper and Lower Dolpo restricted areas and Shey Phoksundo National Park
- French-speaking guide, assistant guide, cook, porters or mules, satellite phone, oxygen bottle and first-aid kit
- Full camping set-up (North Face tents, mess tent, cooking equipment), 1 hotel night in Nepalgunj and 1 in Dunai
- Full board: 3 hot meals a day prepared by the cook, unlimited tea, coffee and hot water
What the price does not include
- International flight, Nepal visa and repatriation insurance
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (can be booked on request)
- Extra costs if domestic flights are delayed by the weather
- Cold drinks, alcohol, extras and tips for the team
Starting price per person, in euros. The final price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options: we confirm it in a free quote.
Permits required (2026 rates)
| Shey Phoksundo National Park | NPR 3,000 (≈ €20) |
| Upper Dolpo restricted area permit guide required | $500 for 10 days then $50/day |
Permits are obtained by the agency and included in the quote. All about trekking permits.
Day-by-day altitude profile
Sleeping altitudes taken from the itinerary above. Hover over a point to see the stage.
Route map
Indicative map of the main stages, OpenTopoMap base map. This is not a GPS track.
Live weather: Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3,640 m)
Open-Meteo forecast for the region's reference point, for guidance only. At altitude, allow about 6 °C less for every extra 1,000 m.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Upper Dolpo Trek take?
Allow 20 days from Kathmandu, transport included. The stages are flexible: Mohan adapts the pace to the group, and we always recommend a spare day at the end of your trip.
What fitness level do I need for this trek?
Level: Demanding. For trained walkers only: long stages, passes above 5,000 m, sometimes harsh conditions. No mountaineering skills are needed.
When is the best time for the Upper Dolpo Trek?
May to October, including the monsoon: the region is sheltered behind the Himalayan range. Tiji festival in May in Mustang. See our guide When to trek in Nepal.
Which permits are needed and who arranges them?
For this trek: Shey Phoksundo National Park (NPR 3,000 (≈ €20)), Upper Dolpo restricted area permit ($500 for 10 days then $50/day). The agency obtains all permits before departure, from a simple copy of your passport. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in Nepal's protected areas.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
The maximum altitude is 5,350 m. Above 3,000 m, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone. The itinerary includes acclimatisation stages and Mohan checks on every participant morning and evening. Read our guide to altitude sickness.
How much does the Upper Dolpo Trek cost?
From €3,850 per person, with a guide, porters, permits, lodge nights and meals during the trek, and the transport listed in the itinerary. The exact price depends on the number of participants, the season and the options. The full list of what is included is in the trek facts. Ask for your free quote, or estimate the total budget of your trip with our calculator.
Can I do this trek alone, as a couple or with my family?
Yes. Every departure is tailor-made, on the date of your choice, from one person. The guide and porters work only for your group. See trekking alone in Nepal.
Useful guides: FAQ · when to go · gear · visa · permits · altitude sickness · budget
Interested in this trek?
Mohan answers you personally and adapts the itinerary to your pace, your dates and your budget. Free quote, no commitment.