Upper Dolpo Trekking

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is a journey of imagination. The civilization that grew beneath the great Himalayan peaks and passes was guided by early Bön religion and culture that 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 to explore 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 reached 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 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.

Itinerary for Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trekking

This trek can be shortened by two to four days depending on where we visit. So if need to adjust the timing or details on given itinerary, please let us know. 

Upper Dolpo Trip Cost Includes

• Kathmandu hotel as per itinerary breakfast and taxes
• One welcome meal with staff
• National Park Entry fee, Local Municipal Entry Fee, Special Area Permit
• Kathmandu –Nepalgunj – Juphal -Jomsom- Kathamndu air ticket as per itinerary
• Trekking period: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea or coffee at the time of meal prepared by our cook
• One tea break in a day tea or coffee, drinking water boiled or treated
• Accommodation: single or double tents
• Porter to carry luggage, extra bag
• Cook and assistant staff for cooking/kitchen jobs
• Guide entire trip from Kathmandu back to Kathamndu
• Insurance, equipment, bonus, wages for staff
• Airport pick up and drop

Upper Dolpo Trip Cost Doesn’t Include

• Hotel change or upgrade if applicable in Kathmandu
• Extra porter if required for a specific purpose like camera equipment
• Additional day trek charge in the case of itinerary change or dates added
• Your travel, rescue, medical insurances.
• Meals in Kathmandu except for hotel breakfast and welcome meal
• Bottled drinking water, and beverages other than tea/coffee during meals
• Hot shower
• Personal expenses such as shopping, tipping, donation, offering, etc
• Anything that’s not mentioned under the cost includes the section above