Trip Overview
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and least explored trekking trails into one of the country's restricted regions, which is also home to the deepest lake, Phoksundo. The Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary of 26 days progresses through the largest national park of Nepal, the Shey Phoksundo National Park. From lush valleys and villages with Tibetan cultural influence to high mountain passes, the landscape is diverse.
Reaching the highest point at Nangdala, located at around 5,350 m above sea level, the Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary is best suited for seasoned trekkers and climbers who are used to high-altitude trekking and climbing challenges. Tucked away in the far western corner of Nepal, in comparison to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, there’s hardly anyone who has been here before.
Opened recently for tourism only in the 1980s, in isolation, it means you are about to witness and experience the true Himalayan wilderness. Nature, culture, scenery, serenity, and spirituality with a touch of mountaineering challenges—the Upper Dolpo Trek is for someone seeking an extraordinary adventure. With well-preserved Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture, heritage, and traditions, the Upper Dolpo Hike ensures you a true escape from chaotic city life.
Local-based and well-experienced, Mountain Monarch, a trekking and climbing operator in Nepal, is taking bookings for the years 2026 and 2027. Our Upper Dolpo Trek cost is without any hidden expenses and is reasonable, which includes managing all the essential logistics like meals, lodges, transportation, permits, and a licensed guide. Fixed departures in spring and autumn—contact us now and secure your spot!
What to expect during the Upper Dolpo Trip of 26 days in Nepal?
The Upper Dolpo Hiking takes you through diverse yet some of the most unique and stunning landscapes, which feature lush hidden valleys, turquoise alpine lakes, and panoramic mountain views. Trekkers come across several typical villages offering a deeper understanding of local life, and as the journey continues with acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness, you are set to conquer the high mountain passes.
Within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, you can always look forward to wildlife sightseeing; on a lucky day, you might see rare species of blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards. While it is a rewarding journey with higher-altitude ridges offering close-up and open mountain views, you should never underestimate the inherent challenges of high-altitude treks and climbs in Nepal, and be prepared accordingly.
Less-trodden restricted area trek
The Upper Dolpo Hike route is among the least trodden high Himalayan trekking trails in Nepal, even in comparison to other renowned off-the-beaten-path treks like the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek. Without any direct road and airway connections to Kathmandu and other major cities, the regions have further strict tourism regulations as restricted areas; you have access to the most pristine nature and culture.
The vast alpine valleys, cascading waterfalls, lush subtropical forests, and, as you go higher, arid Himalayan terrain with dramatic canyon systems with minimal vegetation are all yours on the Upper Dolpo Trekking behind the 7th highest mountain in the world, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Kanjiroba. This Himalayan trip of 26 days ensures you a profound sense of solitude and self-exploration miles away from any modern distractions.
The Shey Phoksundo National Park and wildlife
After the flight to Nepalgunj and Jupal, the hike to complete the round trip of Mount Dhaulagiri, Upper Dolpo Trekking, and the Dolpo Circuit Trek proceeds through the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Covering an area of 3,555 square kilometers, it is the largest national park of Nepal and features diverse yet pristine ecosystems, from dense pine forests to high-altitude deserts similar to those in Tibet.
I.e., the national park area provides a perfect natural habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including the rare species of blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and elusive snow leopard. Therefore, when you pave the way through the Shey Phoksundo National Park during the Upper Dolpo Hike, you also have a greater chance of sightseeing a wide array of flora and fauna and also spotting rare wildlife on an extremely lucky day.
The serene Phoksundo Lake and Caravan Trail
Phoksundo Lake, at around 3,611 m/11,849 ft above sea level and also the deepest lake in Nepal, with a depth of 145 m/476 ft, is one of the major highlights of the Upper Dolpo Hike. Trekkers follow ancient salt trade routes between Tibet and Nepal with occasional yak caravans and nomadic herder encounters. No stranger to fame, featured in Eric Valli’s film of Dolpo life, ‘Himalaya,’ its beauty is compelling to every nature lover.
Nestled at the center of the snow-capped mountain peaks, the pristine, serene, and crystal-clear alpine glacial lake, with its spiritual, religious, and historical significance, keeps you further intrigued by what the Upper Dolpo Trek Trail has to offer. Both Hindus and Buddhists cherish the lake as a pilgrimage site, but unlike at Gosaikunda Lake, bathing here is not allowed, and even if you are a pilgrim, respecting the local culture is nonnegotiable.
Tibet coming alive with Bon and Buddhist culture
Along the Upper Dolpo Trekking route are the typical mountain villages that are inhabited by several indigenous communities of Nepal. Namgung, Saldang, Tokyu, Dho Tarap, Ghyamgar, Tarakot, Dunai, and others: as you stay in the teahouses in between the villages or walk past as part of the Upper Dolpo Trek activities, you have a golden opportunity to relish the insider insight into the local culture, customs, and traditions.
Locals, also called “Dolpo Pa,” are friendly, living a simple life herding and farming. Nature worshippers follow one of the most ancient religions, “Bon,” and Buddhism with close ties to Tibet, as showcased by numerous mani walls, monasteries, gompas, and prayer wheels often decorated with prayer flags in almost the same architectural style as those found in Tibet. It adds to both the cultural and spiritual dimensions, especially in participation in daily rituals.
Rewards and challenges of high mountain passes
Crossing and conquering several high mountain passes is what makes the Upper Dolpo Trekking an adventurous endeavor. Often with steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, and high altitude in addition, it is not for faint hearts. Connecting you to more remote and isolated valleys, you get to explore the hidden gems and stand amidst the sky-towering snow-capped mountain ranges, like the push and pulls, like the rewards.
Sela La Pass (approx. 5,095 m) and Jyanta La Pass (around 5,220 m): the weather here is fickle and can go from sunny to cloudy or stormy anytime, and the routes are also often snowy throughout the year, adding to the challenges. These are both physically and mentally taxing sections. Especially due to a lack of proper acclimatization, anyone can suffer from the symptoms of altitude sickness, which can take fatal forms if not taken care of on time.
The Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary and Cost for 2026 and 2027
The 26 days is the standard Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary. Officially beginning with mountain flights to Nepalgunj and then Jhupal, the primary highlight and intent of this high Himalayan voyage is to reach Sela Pass and Jyanta La Pass, both 5,000 m above sea level. For it, at first, you make your way through Dunai, Ankhe, Renje, and Ringmo near the Phoksundo Lake. From the lake, you head to Shey Gompa.
It is when you also cross the first pass of the Upper Dolpo, called Nang Dola Pass (5,350 m), to reach Namgung, also marking the completion of the first half of the journey. The Upper Dolpo Trekking trail then takes you over the Sela Pass with outstanding views of the Mustang and some of the peaks in Tibet. Starting the rugged route toward Saldang, here the culture and traditions seem timeless in the tiny yet scenic settlements.
There’s more to do. The journey does not conclude here; you walk past the villages of Sibu, cross the Jyanta La Pass the very next day, and then descend to Tokyo village. From this village onwards is a walk to return to Kathmandu and mostly descending trail via the traditional mountain villages of Dho Tarap, Ghyamgar, and Tarakot, back to Dunai and Jupal. From Jupal, now you fly back to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu, a scenic end.
Like this, the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary of 26 days strikes a perfect balance of high-altitude hiking, rest, and exploration, and allows a hassle-free trekking experience from start to end; hence, it is taken as the best Upper Dolpo trekking route, including for the years 2026 and 2027. As we offer customization services, and though the exact Upper Dolpo Trekking Cost may vary based on changes made, we offer you the best prices possible.
Why choose Mountain Monarch for your journey to Upper Dolpo?
Mountain Monarch is a registered trekking, climbing, and tour operator in Nepal. Committed to providing reliable, top-tier services on every Himalayan trip you do with us, be it the 8,000 m Manaslu Expedition and the Everest Expedition, the beginner-friendly Island Peak Climbing and Mera Peak Climbing, the Everest Three High Passes Trek, or the Upper Dolpo Trek in more rugged and remote areas, your safety and well-being is our priority.
We go above and beyond to ensure you feel at ease throughout your journey and have opportunities to craft memories for a lifetime. Provision of group and other gear and equipment as per requirements, including oxygen cylinders and a comprehensive medical kit to handle unforeseen situations, all included in the standard Upper Dolpo Trek Package cost. Skilled porters and guides supporting you every step—you are in capable hands with us!
Join a fixed departure group in spring and autumn, or personalize
As spring and autumn feature the most favorable conditions for high Himalayan trekking and climbing in Nepal, with the least flight cancellations and delays, fully operating teahouses, and also active wildlife for better wildlife observation, we can offer you fixed departures on almost every Himalayan trip we offer, including the Upper Dolpo Trek. Join our group or plan a private one. Share your preferences, requirements, and areas of interest.
Get a custom-made Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary for a more personalized experience. Looking for mid-altitude moderate treks, add-ons, or shortening the journey, and sharing with you essential pros and cons, we are happy to help your dream Himalayan trip come true. Connect with us now and enjoy meticulous planning from an experienced crew, locals from the Himalayas who know every trail they lead you on by heart!
