Overview

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is a true journey of imagination. The civilization that evolved beneath the great Himalayan peaks and passes was guided by early Bön religion and culture. This authentic way of living can still be witnessed while trekking in the Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. Amidst the push of modernization, Dolpo still enjoys the Yak Caravan as a mode of transportation from village to village, traditional farming, and picking of rare herbs for their livelihood and well-being are still part of local life.

As the nearest road or airport for travel is far beyond their homeland, the Dolpo people still have to walk for days to reach nearby towns. Dolpo’s remoteness makes it a true Shangri-la in the Himalaya. The rest of the world came to know this truly hidden treasure when it first opened to tourists in 1989. The region is also featured in famous books and movies, including ‘The Snow Leopard’ and ‘The Himalaya’.
Trekking in Dolpo requires a special permit and it is recommended for experienced hikers who are passionate about exploring unseen culture, a region less frequented by tourists, and trekking for an extended period of over three weeks.

The trek starts at Juphal, an airstrip situated amidst the mountains, and reaches after a short flight from Nepalgunj on a small aircraft. There are mainly three trekking options here; Lower Dolpo (approx. 12 days, described in another trip); Upper Dolpo circuit (15-17 days, starts and ends at Juphal); and a further option commencing at Juphal (Lower Dolpo), ascending to Upper Dolpo and finishing at the Jomsom area of Upper Mustang (approx. 25 days, see the itinerary below). There are some other options to reach and explore Upper Dolpo and we will be happy to provide further information on request.

We have been organizing treks to Lower and Upper Dolpo for many years. We were one of the first organizers to take trekkers there after COVID-19, and here is a beautiful Upper Dolpo trekking review from one of our previous clients who trekked there with us. You can also read important practical information regarding the Upper Dolpo trek on our blog link.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary

Days	Places/Program	Activity Time	Sleeping Elevation
Day 01:	Kathmandu, Arrival and meet the guide		1350 meters
Day 02:	Kathmandu for trek preparation and stay at hotel		1350 meters
Day 03:	Fly to Nepalgunj in late afternoon and rest		150 meters
Day 04:	Fly to Juphal and start the trek, reach Kagani	4 hours	2300 meters
Day 05:	Trekking to Reichi	6 hours	3000 meters
Day 06:	Trekking to Phoksundo	7 hours	3600 meters
Day 07:	Rest day for acclimatization, explore the lake area and village	6 hours
Day 08:	Phoksundo- Sallaghari	6 hours
Day 09:	Sallaghari- Kangla Base Camp	6-7 hours	4717 meters
Day 10:	Kangla Base Camp-Kangla pass 5240-Shey Gompa	8 hours	4280 meters
Day 11:	Shey Gompa Rest, Explore part of Crystal Mountain
Day 12:	Shey Gompa- Sela Pass 5010m / Namgong Gompa	7 hours
Day 13:	Namgong Gompa – Yanger Gompa	6-7 hours	3890 meters
Day 14:	Yanjer Gompa – Rest
Day 15:	Yanjer – Simen village	6 hours	4550 meters
Day 16:	Simen village – Tinjegaon	6 hours	4550 meters
Day 17:	Tinje Gaon to nomadic camp
Day 18:	Nomadic camp to Mola pass 5036m and to Chharka Bhot	7 hours	4100 meters
Day 19:	Chharka – Yak Kharka	6 hours	4780 meters
Day 20:	Yak Kharka- Twin Pass west base and Camp	6 hours
Day 21:	Twin passes (Niwas Pass and Jungbenla Pass – Sangta Village	7 hours	5000 meters
Day 22:	Sangta Village- Kagbeni (Mustang)	6-7 hours	2800 meters
Day 23:	Kagbeni to Jomsom, half day rest		2760 meters
Day 24:	Jomsom- Pokhara /fly and rest		800 meters
Day 25:	Pokhara- Kathmandu / fly or drive
Day 26:	Fly home or plan more trips