Upper Dolpo Trek
Overview
Key Facts
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight to the gateway city of the Far West.
Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
Small plane to Juphal airstrip, then trek to Dunai district headquarters.
Dunai to Chhepka
Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park. Trek upriver through the lower Dolpo.
Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake
Arrive at the astonishing Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) — Nepal's deepest lake with its extraordinary colours.
Explore Phoksundo Lake and Monastery
Full day at the lake and ancient Bon monastery above it.
Phoksundo to Upper Dolpo Entry
Begin the crossing into the heart of Upper Dolpo toward Shey Monastery.
Ascend toward Kangla Pass
Climb toward the Kangla Pass approach through increasingly barren Tibetan plateau landscape.
Cross Kangla Pass to Shey Monastery
Cross Kangla Pass (5,010m) and descend to the sacred Shey Monastery (Crystal Mountain) — the spiritual centre of Upper Dolpo, setting of Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard."
Explore Shey Monastery and Crystal Mountain
Full day at Shey. The monastery and its surrounding crystal quartz mountain are among the most sacred sites in the Himalayan Buddhist world.
Shey to Namgung
Trek through the high Dolpo plateau.
Namgung to Saldang
Trek through ancient Tibetan-origin villages.
Saldang to Dho Tarap
Cross into the Tarap Valley — one of Upper Dolpo's main habited valleys.
Explore Dho Tarap
Explore the Tarap Valley communities and their remarkable preservation of Tibetan plateau culture.
Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola
Begin the return journey.
Cross Jangla Pass (5,178m)
High pass crossing on the return route.
Descend toward lower Dolpo
Long descent toward the lower valley.
Lower Dolpo Valley Trek
Trek through the lower valleys back toward Phoksundo.
Phoksundo to Amchi
Return through the national park.
Amchi to Tarakot
Trek downstream.
Tarakot to Dunai
Return to district headquarters.
Reserve/Buffer Day
Rest day in case of weather or logistical delays.
Dunai to Juphal, Fly to Nepalgunj
Trek to airstrip and fly out.
Fly Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Return flight to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Rest
Rest day.
Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
What's Included
Price Includes
- Airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Juphal–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flights
- Tent camping and tea house accommodation where available
- All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide
- Cook, kitchen staff, and camping equipment
- One porter per two trekkers (max 15 kg luggage)
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 per 10 days)
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit
- TIMS card
- Full camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, kitchen tent)
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter
- Yeti Routes duffel bag and detailed trekking map
Price Excludes
- International flights to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
- Personal sleeping bag and down jacket
- Personal trekking gear (boots, waterproof layers, trekking poles)
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for all staff
- Helicopter rescue costs if required
Reviews
"An unforgettable journey! The guides were so professional and caring. The views were breathtaking. Highly recommend Yeti Routes!"
Need Help?
Our expert travel consultants are ready to help you plan your perfect trip.
Get a Custom Quote →