Upper Dolpo Trek

Trip Duration

21 Days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Highest Altitude

5151 m

Accommodation

Teahouse/Lodge

Transportation

Bus/Car

Group Size

1-10

Best Season

Autumn, Spring

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

Upper Dolpo is a remote place, yet a very rewarding trek that lies in the mid-western region, between Tibet and Mount Dhaulagiri of Nepal. Upper Dolpo Trek comprises a vast arid region of rolling semi-desert highlands, a continuation of the topography of the Tibetan Plateau Upper Dolpo basically is a restricted area but we can get a special permit from the government which costs 500$. This place opened in 1989 publicly.

The route to Upper Dolpo is usually over 4000 m offering all the views of landscapes and green forests. The area is beautifully decorated with local villages, monasteries, prayer walls, and gompas. This area falls under the protection of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

The Park is the largest national park in Nepal and covers an area of 3,555 km2. In addition, you can see several floras and fauna throughout your journey. Dolpo is one of the few remaining places where the people of pre-Buddhist religion practiced Bon Po. Bon PO religion is quite similar to Buddhism. However, the only difference is this religion walks anti-clockwise around stupas and shrines.

The walk normally begins in Juphal and travels through a number of small communities, via high-altitude lakes, and over a number of challenging mountain passes before arriving in Jomsom.

Trekkers will have the chance to experience stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, such as Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Makalu, along the way. They will also have the opportunity to learn about the distinctive customs and cultures of the Dolpo people. In spite of the effect of modernization, nonetheless lead mostly traditional lives.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging trek that is appropriate for experienced trekkers. It needs a high degree of physical fitness and takes two to three weeks to accomplish. Many trekkers discover the experience to be immensely rewarding and well worth the effort despite the challenges.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

  • Amazing Shey Gompa and the lifestyle around it
  • Explore the remoteness of the Dolpo region
  • Visit the deepest Shey Phoksundo lake
  • Diverse flora and fauna of Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Bon Po highly Influenced Tibetan cultures

Trip Map

Difficulties and Safety

Dolpo is a remote area, and trekking to this place can be slightly challenging. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. But you can build your muscle strength, and make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging.

 

The trek to Upper Dolpo is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 20 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, and maybe snowy on off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek is the base camp (5ooom) with other high passes over 4000m on the way. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. 

Symptoms of Mountain sickness

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fast heartbeats

Preventing mountain sickness 

  • Walk slow
  • Stay hydrated
  • Have nutritional food 
  • Have enough rest
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol 

Medicines for mountain sickness 

  • Acetazolamide 
  • Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)
  • Promethazine (for nausea) 

Trekking Equipment List

Woolen t-shirts/shirts/thick sweaters. Backpack/Duffle bag
Thermal top/bottoms Passport
Jackets Fiber or down Passport size photographs
Raincoat Permit and travel insurance
Pair of sandals Suns cream and lip balm
Underwear Travel towel
Trekking trousers Wash kit
Sleeping trousers First aid kit
Hiking shorts Power bank
Waterproof pants Summer/winter hat
Daypack Buff/bandana
Sleeping bag/Sleeping bag liner Water bottles and water purifiers
Hiking boots Trekking poles
Hiking shocks Charger/adapter
Camp shoes Money/cash
Gloves and beanies Camera
Snow glasses and sunglasses trekking map
Down jacket/Gore-Tex Toiletries
Neck gaiter Water purification
Sun hat/woolen hat Water bottles

Other requirements

Travel Insurance

Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you.

 

Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

 

Visas/passports

If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.   

Payment and Cancellation

Policy regarding Payment and Cancellation Payment:

Payment:
1) To confirm a reservation, a deposit equal to 30% of the total price is required.
2) If the payment is made online, the remaining balance is due 10 days before the Tour, Trekking, Peak Climbing, or Expedition begins. If the payment is made in cash, it can be made after arrival.
3) If the booking is made within 30 days of the expedition beginning, full payment must be made at the time of booking.

 

Cancellation:
1) A full refund of the deposit will be given if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled more than 60 days before the start date.
2) The deposit will not be refunded if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled within 30 days of its start date.
3) A tour, trek, peak climbing, or expedition will not be refunded if it is canceled prior to or on the start date.
4) All participants should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or other occurrences.

 

Note: We reserve the right to modify or cancel any trek in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, a full refund or an alternative option will be provided.

Dates of Trip

PRICE
DEPARTURE DATE
TRIP STATUS
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
January 28, 2023 - February 17, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
February 18, 2023 - March 10, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
March 11, 2023 - March 31, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
April 1, 2023 - April 21, 2023
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1300

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21 Days
April 22, 2023 - May 12, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
May 13, 2023 - June 2, 2023
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1300

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21 Days
June 3, 2023 - June 23, 2023
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1300

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21 Days
June 24, 2023 - July 14, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
July 15, 2023 - August 4, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
August 5, 2023 - August 25, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
August 26, 2023 - September 15, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
September 16, 2023 - October 6, 2023
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1300

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21 Days
October 7, 2023 - October 27, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
October 28, 2023 - November 17, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
November 18, 2023 - December 8, 2023
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1300

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21 Days
December 9, 2023 - December 29, 2023
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
December 30, 2023 - January 19, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
January 20, 2024 - February 9, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
February 10, 2024 - March 1, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
March 2, 2024 - March 22, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
March 23, 2024 - April 12, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
April 13, 2024 - May 3, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
May 4, 2024 - May 24, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
May 25, 2024 - June 14, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
June 15, 2024 - July 5, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
July 6, 2024 - July 26, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
July 27, 2024 - August 16, 2024
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1300

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21 Days
August 17, 2024 - September 6, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
September 7, 2024 - September 27, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
September 28, 2024 - October 18, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
October 19, 2024 - November 8, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
November 9, 2024 - November 29, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
November 30, 2024 - December 20, 2024
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
December 21, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
January 11, 2025 - January 31, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
February 1, 2025 - February 21, 2025
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1300

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21 Days
February 22, 2025 - March 14, 2025
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1300

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21 Days
March 15, 2025 - April 4, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
April 5, 2025 - April 25, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
April 26, 2025 - May 16, 2025
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1300

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21 Days
May 17, 2025 - June 6, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
June 7, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
June 28, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
July 19, 2025 - August 8, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
August 9, 2025 - August 29, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
August 30, 2025 - September 19, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
September 20, 2025 - October 10, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
October 11, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

970Save 330

21 Days
November 1, 2025 - November 21, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
November 22, 2025 - December 12, 2025
Guaranteed
1300

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21 Days
December 13, 2025 - January 2, 2026
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Group Discount Prices

No. of Persons
Price per Person
1 Person
2 Persons
3-5 Persons
6-9 Persons
10-14 Persons
15-17 Persons
17-25 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperature and weather
The route to Upper Dolpo is usually over 4000m. It is better to expect a very cold temperature. During the spring season, the average temperature can be around 13⁰C in the daytime and falls to -10⁰C during morning and night. The autumn season has a similar temperature. The nighttime temperature in the autumn season can be around -11⁰C. Summer/monsoon is relatively warmer with an average temperature of 17⁰C in the daytime and -4⁰C in the night. The winter season is the coldest of all with an average temperature of -14⁰C. Considering all the temperature, weather, and warmth the best or peak season to trek Upper Dolpo is in spring and autumn. The bearable temperature, the clear skies, and atmosphere, stunning views of Rhododendrons and mountains, the best condition of the trails, all features make these seasons best for trekking.
Food and accommodation
Here, teahouses are barely available up to Shey Phoksundo. Due to the fewer teahouses, they are mostly packed and you need to be ready for camping. Being a remote area, there are no proper facilities for transportation. The goods and accessories need to be transported by airplane or helicopter from Jhupal. That is why everything is relatively expensive in Dolpo including food and accommodation. Since the place is highly influenced by Tibet, very basic food like Dal, Bhat, Vegetables, and Tibetan food is available here. The available teahouses provide very minimal facilities like small rooms, beds, and blankets. Toilets and bathrooms have to be shared along with the dining hall. Generally, the price for a meal is 8-10$ (800-1000 NRS). The price of a one-night stay in teahouses is 6-9$ (600-900 NRS). Once you cross, Shey Phoksundo this trek is entirely a camping trek. You need to bring all the necessary equipment like tents, sleeping bags, mats, cooking gas, and utensils. Or, your travel agencies will manage this for you.
Electronics and communication
There is no doubt, Dolpo is one of the remotest areas of Nepal, all the facilities including electricity and the internets are very limited. Only a few areas in upper Dolpo have mobile coverages or signals. Some villages have emergency telephones and satellite phones. You can use them by paying extra money to the owner. Internet service is available in Dunai only.
Guides and porters
If you choose to trek in Dolpo you need to know Dolpo is an entirely restricted area. You need a special government permit to enter the Dolpo district for which you need a professional and a licensed guide. They have enough knowledge about the directions and places. Porters are more than important in this trek. Since the place is really far and remote with rugged trails, carrying all your stuff and walking around is difficult.
Transportation
There are two options available for the upper Dolpo trek. Either you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Jumla via Surkhet, and trek from Jumla to Dolpo. You can also take a private jeep to Jumla. Or, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which only takes 50 minutes. From Nepalgunj, you can take another flight to Dolpo airport, or to Jumla airport and again trek to Dolpo.
Permits and fees
1) Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit SAARC countries – 1500 NRS (15$), (excluding VAT) NON-SAARC countries – 3000 NRS (30$), (Excluding VAT) 2) Upper Dolpo restricted area permit- 40$ 3) Dolpo district special permit- 500$

Booking Details


Price: US$970 per person
  • A detailed certificate from Marvel Treks and Expedition (after accomplishment)
  • A complimentary raincoat to shed you during the rainy season. (returnable)
  • A Complimentary Duffel Bag throughout the trek from our company. (returnable)
  • A warm complimentary Down Jacket during the entire trek on behalf of Marvel Treks. (returnable)
  • A complimentary sleeping bag for your icy trek. (returnable)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trek.
  • The essential climbing gear like mountain axe, trekking sticks, etc, for your need throughout the trek. (returnable)
  • Delightful complimentary Authentic Nepali cuisine as dinner to embark on your arrival and departure
  • Critical complimentary First Aid Service (in times of need)
  • An informative trekking map for you to cherish on behalf of our company
  • Trendy Sunhat and t-shirt as souvenirs on behalf of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the crucial services about airport transfer to and from the hotel via a private tourist vehicle ($40)
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems )($10)
  • National park entry fees / ACAP permits / Conservation entry fees. ( $30)
  • All essential local tax and office service charges Gov tax ($100 )
  • Upper Dolpo Special Permit ($40)
  • Restricted Area Special Permit per first ten days ($500)
  • Miscellaneous ($20)
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Kathmandu hotel or similar) ($40)
  • Porter Guide ($800)

  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for all the Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra nights in any city that’s not accommodated in the itinerary of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the International flight checks and airfares.
  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
  • Additional porter fees along with tips for guides and porters.
  • Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
  • Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
  • Tips for our staff’s drivers.

Upper Dolpo Trek

$970.00 $970.00,

Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (vice versa)
($400.00)
Flight from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (vice versa)
($300.00)
Food in Mountain
($570.00)
Standard Hotel Services in Mountain
($665.00)
Potter Service
($380.00)
Guide Service
($570.00)
2 days accommodation in Kathmandu
($60.00)
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
($40.00)
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