Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. This 50-minute flight provides fantastic views of the Himalayas as you approach the lowlands of the Terai region. Nepalgunj is a bustling town that serves as the gateway to the remote areas of Western Nepal. You’ll have the evening to explore the local markets or relax in preparation for the trek ahead.
Today, you'll take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, a small town in the Dolpo region. The flight offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan foothills. From Jhupal, the trek to Dunai begins, a journey of about 4 hours. Dunai, situated at 2,850 meters, is a charming village and the administrative center of the Dolpo region. It’s a peaceful place to rest before heading deeper into the mountains.
The trek today takes you from Dunai to Ankhe, situated at 2,896 meters. The journey takes about 6 hours, crossing bridges and passing through villages, terraced fields, and forests. As you gradually ascend, you'll get your first taste of the rugged terrain that defines the Upper Dolpo region.
You will continue your journey today, trekking for around 5 hours to reach Sulighat at 3,180 meters. The trail takes you through river valleys and forests of pine and oak. Sulighat is a small settlement with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the pristine environment.
The trek to Phoksundo today takes approximately 5 hours, and you’ll ascend to an altitude of 3,612 meters. Phoksundo is renowned for its striking blue lake, which lies in a stunning valley surrounded by high peaks. The area is tranquil, and you’ll have time to explore the lake’s shores or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.
In order to adjust to the higher altitudes, today is an acclimatization day in Phoksundo. You can take a short hike around the lake or explore the nearby villages. This day will help your body adjust and prepare for the more demanding sections of the trek ahead.
Today’s trek takes you to Phoksundo Khola Camp, situated at 3,507 meters. The journey, which lasts about 5 hours, takes you through narrow river valleys, forests, and rocky terrain. You’ll experience the dramatic beauty of the landscape as you approach the camp, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Dolpo region.
Today’s trek, which takes around 6 hours, will bring you to Phoksundo Bhanjyang at 3,910 meters. The path climbs steadily through alpine meadows and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Phoksundo Bhanjyang is a high-altitude pass and a perfect place to enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of the area.
The trek today leads you to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery at 4,500 meters. The 6-hour trek takes you through rocky, rugged terrain, providing views of distant peaks and valleys. Shey Gompa is a place of spiritual significance and an important stop on your journey through Upper Dolpo. You’ll have time to visit the monastery and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.
To ensure proper acclimatization, today is a rest day in Shey Gompa. You can explore the area around the monastery, take a short hike, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Your guide will also provide information about the next sections of the trek.
On this day, the trek will take you to Namduna Gaon, situated at 4,800 meters. The 6-hour journey takes you through isolated valleys and rugged terrain. Namduna Gaon is a remote village with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll rest here and prepare for the next part of your journey.
Today’s trek will take you to Saldang, situated at 3,620 meters. The 5-hour hike takes you through alpine meadows and high-altitude villages. Saldang is one of the largest villages in the region and offers a fascinating glimpse into the local way of life. The village is nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by towering peaks.
The trek to Yangze Gompa takes around 4 hours today, and you'll ascend to 4,960 meters. The trail climbs through high-altitude landscapes and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Yangze Gompa is a peaceful spot where you can visit the monastery and learn more about the religious practices of the region.
Today’s trek will take you to Sibu at 4,560 meters, which takes around 6 hours. The route traverses alpine meadows and rocky landscapes, providing a serene atmosphere and excellent views of the Dolpo region. Sibu is a small settlement where you can rest and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surroundings.
The journey to Jeng La Phedi takes about 6 hours, and you will reach an altitude of 4,900 meters. The trek involves gradual ascents through rugged terrain, and you'll enjoy sweeping views of the mountains. Jeng La Phedi is a base camp located near the Jeng La Pass, one of the highest points on the trek.
Today’s trek involves crossing the Jeng La Pass at 5,085 meters, a challenging yet rewarding experience. The journey takes around 7 hours, and once you reach the pass, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, descend to Tokyu Gaon, situated at 4,209 meters, where you will spend the night.
The trek today takes you from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap, a journey of about 5 hours. Dho Tarap, situated at 4,040 meters, is a traditional village known for its unique culture and stunning surroundings. It’s an important cultural center for the Dolpo people, and you’ll have time to explore the village and learn about its rich history.
Another acclimatization day is scheduled today in Dho Tarap. You can explore the village, visit the nearby monasteries, or take a short hike to further adjust to the altitude. This day is crucial for ensuring that you are fully acclimatized to the high-altitude conditions before continuing the trek.
Today’s trek will take you to Tarap Khola, situated at 3,800 meters. The 6-hour journey takes you through valleys and lush vegetation, with the river providing a soothing background sound. Tarap Khola is a quiet campsite where you’ll rest for the night.
The trek from Tarap Khola to Khani Gaon takes about 5 hours, bringing you to an altitude of 3,150 meters. The trail gradually descends through terraced fields and villages. Khani Gaon is a scenic village that offers a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Today’s trek takes you from Khani Gaon to Tarakot, located at 2,537 meters. The 5-hour journey takes you through forests, ridges, and small villages. Tarakot is a historical village with an ancient fortress and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Dolpo region.
You’ll retrace your steps today, trekking back to Dunai in about 6 hours. The trail passes through forests and rivers, providing a tranquil walk back to this bustling town. Dunai serves as a great place to reflect on your journey before heading back to the lowlands.
After a 3-hour trek, you will reach Jhupal, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed through Upper Dolpo. Jhupal is a peaceful town where you’ll spend your final night in the Dolpo region.
After a short flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj, take a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. The journey concludes with incredible memories of the remote and beautiful Upper Dolpo region, and upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you can rest and reflect on the adventure you’ve just experienced with Explore Holiday Nepal.
The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is an epic and remote trekking journey that takes you through the wild and rugged landscapes of the Dolpo region, a place that has remained relatively untouched by modern development. This trek provides stunning views of the Himalayas, passes through Tibetan Buddhist villages, and offers an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Dolpo people. The highlight of this trek is Shey Phoksundo Lake, a turquoise alpine lake set in a stunning valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek also includes high-altitude passes, ancient monasteries, and an opportunity to experience life in one of the most isolated regions of Nepal.
Explore Holiday Nepal specializes in offering authentic, safe, and well-organized trekking experiences in some of Nepal’s most remote and challenging regions. Our team of expert guides, porters, and support staff is dedicated to providing you with a seamless and enriching adventure. We prioritize your safety, offering proper acclimatization schedules, high-quality equipment, and emergency evacuation plans. Additionally, we ensure that our itineraries allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty, while maintaining a comfortable trekking pace.
The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is considered strenuous and is suited for experienced trekkers. This trek involves long days of hiking, high-altitude terrain, and high passes above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). The difficulty lies in both the physical challenge of the rugged terrain and the altitude, which can cause altitude sickness if not properly managed. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended for this trek. However, the itinerary is designed to include acclimatization days to ensure trekkers can adjust to the higher elevations safely.
The best times to trek the Upper Dolpo Circuit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these seasons, the weather is typically clear and dry, offering stunning views of the mountains and landscapes. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers and rhododendrons, while autumn offers crisp, cool air and clear skies. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to August) as heavy rains can make trails slippery and dangerous. Winter (December to February) is also not recommended due to extreme cold and snow.
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is generally basic. You will stay in local teahouses and guesthouses along the route, though the availability of lodges will become more limited as you reach higher elevations. In more remote sections of the trek, you may need to camp at higher altitudes or when there are no guesthouses available. The lodges provide basic facilities, including a bed, simple meals (like dal bhat, noodles, and chapati), and shared bathroom facilities. At higher altitudes, accommodation will be simpler, and you will need to bring a good-quality sleeping bag and other camping gear.
The highest point on the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is the Baga La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,190 meters (17,030 feet). The trek also involves several other high passes above 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), making acclimatization crucial. While the trek doesn’t go to extreme altitudes like some other treks in Nepal, it still presents challenges related to altitude sickness, so trekkers must take it slow and follow the acclimatization schedule.
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and porter for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. The region is remote and less-developed, and a guide will be invaluable for navigating the route, interpreting local culture, and ensuring your safety. A porter will carry your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on the trek itself and enjoy the stunning views. Explore Holiday Nepal provides experienced and licensed guides and porters who are familiar with the region and its challenges.
o prepare for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek, consider the following tips:
Physical Fitness: Build endurance with cardiovascular exercises, and strengthen your legs through hiking and stair climbing. Training with a weighted backpack will help simulate the trek’s conditions.
Trekking Experience: If you have not trekked in high-altitude conditions before, it’s advisable to gain experience on shorter treks before attempting the Upper Dolpo Circuit.
Packing: Pack warm clothing, including layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy trekking boots. You’ll also need a sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures) and other personal trekking gear.
Mental Preparation: The trek involves long days of walking through remote terrain. Be mentally prepared for a challenging yet rewarding journey.
The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is generally safe if proper precautions are taken. Explore Holiday Nepal ensures your safety by planning the trek with proper acclimatization, providing experienced guides and porters, and having emergency evacuation plans in place. We also monitor weather conditions and take necessary measures to avoid dangerous situations. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of acclimatization and staying hydrated to minimize risks associated with high-altitude trekking.