• Duration:26 Nights 27 Days
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5515m
  • Group Size: 2-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trekking is the toughest of the Dolpo treks, a thrilling trek for expert trekkers. This trek crosses more than eleven mountain passes of the Himalayas, seven of them higher than 5000m. The difficulty of the route is well compensated by the forbidding beauty of the mountains and gentle hospitality of the people. The Upper Dolpo Trekking starts at Juphal and follows the same Inner Dolpo Trekking trail up the Suligad River gorge to Phoksundo Lake, 3600m. We cross a 5000 meter pass leading to the sacred Shey Gompa monastery. From here on you are unlikely to encounter any other trekkers. Instead, we share the trail with laden yak caravans travelling to or from Tibet.

Upper Dolpo Trekking cross Saldang-La, 5515m pass on the way to the village of Saldang into the even more remote regions: Khomagaun, Shimen and Tinkyu from where we head into the enchanted Panzang valley, the heart of Dolpo. After reaching the beautiful, high altitude village of Charkha, we enter the no-man’s-land of eastern Dolpo where spend the next five days crossing the high barren plateau and clambering over high passes. There are no villages in this area, and only scattered traces of yak caravans that pass this route. One extremely difficult challenge is when we have to cross two high passes on the same day. We pray for good weather on this day! Our trek ends in Jomsom from where we catch our flight back to Pokhara.

NOTE: Upper Dolpo Trekking can be customized according to your requirements and depending upon the length of  your stay. An additional cost of USD 150 Dollars per person per day will be added if you want to exted your trekking days and similarly, USD 150 Dollars per person per day will be deducted if you wish to shorten your trekking days.

The Best Time of Year for the Upper Dolpo Trekking :

The best seasons for trekking in Upper Dolpo are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late October). A trek in May and June is ideal however you should plan for some contingency days as the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal may be affected by monsoon weather.

Temperatures on the Upper Dolpo Trekking :

The temperatures at night will drop to around 5C, and during the day will climb to around 25C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15C to 20C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.

Why Trek to Upper Dolpo with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

When trekking into extremely remote regions, it is important to have trek with an experienced company. Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions in Dolpo for over 13 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.

Upper Dolpo is a Camping Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

Tented camping in Upper Dolpo is sure to be a great outdoors holiday. Our cook will assure you will enjoy delicious and hygienic food during the trek to keep you healthy and strong. Most of the food is flown in from Kathmandu. Three generous meals a day, tea/coffee, hot Tang and high energy snacks are included in the package.

  1. Foothills Treks logistics are well organized and of excellent quality. Besides your two person sleeping tents*, we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs and even toilet AND shower tents! 

Sherpa Support Staff:

  1. Foothills Treks has a capable support staff with ample experience in organizing camping trips. The relationship we have developed among us over the years makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Your personal packs will be carried by the porters, saving you time and energy to fully enjoy the surrounding environment.

Drinking Water on the Upper Dolpo Trekking :

You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.

Fitness/Health:

The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

  • We either take Gamow OR oxygen in case of
  • Satellite phone (personal calls charged USD $3/minute)
  • First Aid Kit

Environmental Responsibility:

Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

Acclimatization:

It is really difficult to head straight up to high altitude for the first time even if you follow the recommended 400m-a-day-rule. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. Please read Altitude Advice.

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trekking

  • phoksundo lake, 3600m
  • shey Gomba Monastery and Crystal Mountain
  • 11 high passes, of which 7 are over 5000m
  • villages of the Drokpa people
  • ultimate Himalayan scenery
  • extreme physical challenge in remote Himalayan wilderness

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

We fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj, which lies in the southwest part of the Terai, right on the border to India. After checking into our hotel we might visit the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple to honour Goddess Kali. Nepalganj is known for its local bazaars, which have goods with cheap price rates. Here, not only do we see people from all over Nepal, but also people from Tibet and India; they all come here for trade.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
  • Hotel

Another morning flight from Nepalgunj takes us to Juphal which takes about 40 minutes. After landing at Juphal, we meet the rest of the trek members and make final preparation for the trek. 

The trail from Juphal to Sulighat is quite comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running here and there. We then descend alongside Thuli Bheri River and make our way to Sulighat. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From today, the real adventure of Dolpo region begins. The trail goes through disseminated villages and abandoned crude stone houses. Many of these villages are temporary settlement esp. for winter months when the groups of Upper Dolpo bring their animals down from the high pastures. We have our lunch nearby a wooden suspension bridge and after lunch, we pass Aanke Khola and ascend alongside Suli River and finally reach our todays' destination, Chhepka where we will be camping overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we cross and ascend the narrow valley through forests of bamboo and conifer along the trail that leads you at the side of Phoksundo Khola (Lower Dolpa Circuit Trekking Trail). From there, we trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. Gradually, the gorge opens up and the trail becomes easier until we cross a bridge to Rechi, where we stop for lunch.  After lunch, the trail (valley) gets narrower again following several ups and downs till the joining of Phoksundo River and Pungmo River. Above the junction, we will see Samduwa where we stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake by traversing through Cedar forests to reach Palam (a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village). Ringmo village is situated by the side of the Crystal clear Phoksundo Lake. Before reaching the lake, we will be welcomed by a large waterfall. From here, we follow a pleasant trail along the Phoksundo Khola to a green clearing spot for lunch. Afterwards, we trek up to Ringmo Gaon and along the trail, we eye witness enormous rock walls guarding the upper valley and as we reach Ringmo village, the magical Phoksundo Lake can be seen where we will camp overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

A trail leads from the lakeside through juniper trees to the white Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing gompa, a ramshackle Bon-po gompa overlooking the lake that is said to have been built 60 generations ago. There are five other private gompas in various houses of small monastic community near the lake. The insides of the temples contain dusty Buddhist paintings and statues, but the trappings also reflect the animistic elements of the Bon-po religion, so some of the chapels are reminiscent of an ancient witch's cavern. A donation to the ragtag collection of dirty monks will gain us entrance to the gompas; our Sherpas will be equally fascinated by the strange iconography and practice of the Bon-po religion.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From our campsite near Ringmo on the southern end of Phoksumdo Lake, the trail contours on a rocky ledge as it skirts the western lip of the lake. In places it's precariously suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevices in the rocks. As we cross a stream, look up at the glacier descending from the upper slopes of Kanjeralwa (6612m). We then climb to a crest at 4060m for a spectacular view of the lake with the snowy peaks of Sonam Kang in the background. The trail makes a step and dusty descent through birches and blue pines to the westernmost edge of the lake at 3630m where the Phoksumdo Khola enters. The route now heads west, up along a wide valley. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We begin the day along the level path that now heads north through a glacial valley. We then cross to the east bank of Phoksumdo Khola. We follow the main valley for another hour to Kang Gompa. We climb steeply from Kang Gompa and stay on the grassy ridge. It's a long climb up the ridge past a few groves of birch trees. There are spectacular mountain views with Shey Shikar (6139m) and Kang Chunne (6443m) dominating the skyline to the west. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We continue on the route that follows the upper reaches of the Phoksumdo Khola, then we turn north towards the peak of Riwo Drugdra (Crystal Mountain). There is a choice of trails here; we follow the more scenic pilgrim route across the Sehu La to the west of Crystal Mountain, making a kora (circumambulation) of this sacred peak. The Dolma trail turns north soon after camp while the pilgrim trail starts up a steep scree slope on the opposite side of a stream that flows from the north.

After a long pull to Sehu La (also known as Mendok Ding La) at 5160m the trail descends a scree slope to a grassy meadow besides a stream valley and begins a series of long ascents and descends across ridges in and out of side valleys as it traverses around Crystal Mountain. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We trek east from Shey gompa and across the 5010m Shey La. Here we turn north and descend before climbing again to Namduna Gaon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We descend to Saldang on the banks of the river. We descend to Torak Sumdo (3670m), the confluence of the Namgung and Polang kholas, and cross to the northern bank. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From Saldang, we move further along the quite paths leading to Khomasgaon. The track goes along the vast landscape composed of sand dunes and bare hills, moving through several white-washed villages, long Mani walls, and painted chortens. We cross small streams and climb uphill and downhill until we reach Khomagaon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Khomasgaon and start moving further following the trail that goes through traditional villages and Mani walls. We cross Shimen La Pass (4375m) and climb down along the arid terrain to reach Panjyan Khola on whose bank Shimen is situated. We walk alongside the river for a while to reach Shimen Gompa.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today our trek continues as we move downhill along the off-road trails above the gorge of Panjyan Khola. We visit the ancient Pu Gompa before continuing on our trail to Tinkyu (Tinje). The sights of spectacular sceneries and the exclusive culture of Upper Dolpo surely put forward enchanted experiences to the trekkers. After a long and good trek day, we reach Tinkyu

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We trek past the runway of mysterious Tinje airport to a trail junction at 4130m, where a high route leads to Tarap. We continue southward to a campsite on the banks of the river at Rakpa.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We begin our day with a long climb to the Chharka La (4920m). We continue on the trail descending along the side of the valley, then make a big drop into a side valley at 4290m. We then make a long traverse down to the picturesque village of Chharka on the banks of Barbung Kola at 4120m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Another Climb to a crest at 4380m begins this day. We then descend again to a river. We follow the right fork southward, climbing in and out of side valleys on a rough trail. The valley narrows, we then emerge into a big meadow and climb to our campsite at Norbulung.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We begin the day climbing to a yak pasture at Molum Sumna (4860m) and on to a crest at 5130m. We then make a long traverse across meadows to the foot of the Sangda La, then a long, steep final climb to the pass at 5460m. Switchbacks descend down to our camp site by a stream at 5100m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We climb to a lower Sangda La at 4990m, then descend through loose shale towards the village of Sangda Ghunsa (4190m). We drop to the Chalung Khola, crossing it at 3750m, and then climb steeply up the opposite bank. A long high traverse leads to a cairn at 4090m, we then come to a set of steep switchbacks descends to a stream at 3580m. We do another climb to the compact settlement of Sangda, were we end a long day at 3700m.

  • Camping

We climb the hill behind Sangda and spend most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m. We then descend into the Kali Gandaki valley, traversing under high cliffs and descending to the large village of Dhagarjun.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We climb to a ridge at 3360m and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara - a fantastic way to round off the trek, flying right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In Pokhara we check into the Hotel, get the dust of the last three weeks washed off and head out for a nice dinner.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We either take a 35 minutes flight or a six hour drive to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you can indulge in independent activities of your choice

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

  • Breakfast

Trip Map

Upper Dolpo Trekking map

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation in Pokhara, One night on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Fully Organzied Camping Services during the Trek.
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Restricted Area Permit, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • All ground transfers.
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date01 Jul, 2025End Date27 Jul, 2025AvailableUS$ 4350
Start Date29 Jul, 2025End Date24 Aug, 2025AvailableUS$ 4350
Start Date30 Jul, 2025End Date25 Aug, 2025AvailableUS$ 4350

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.


The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Upper DolpoTrekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Upper Dolpo Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Upper Dolpo is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Useful Info

 

Packing List:

Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking and trekking experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list.

Here is the complete packing checklist for Upper DolpoTrekking or any other similar teahouse trekking in the captivating Himalaya of Nepal.

Upper Body:

  • Warm beanie hat
  • Tubular Headwear (buff)
  • Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
  • Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
  • Sunscreen with factor 50+
  • Upper Body (Core body):
  • 3 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
  • 3 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket with hood (lightweight, breathable)
  • 1 Down Jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
  • 2 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 Heavy weight hiking trousers (wind proof soft shell for warmth at higher altitude)
  • 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
  • 1 Fleece Pants
  • 4 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

  • 1 Lightweight gloves or liner gloves
  • 1 Pair shell gloves (Gore-Tex)

Feet:

  • 3 Warm Trekking socks (smart wool)
  • 3 Pairs of liner socks
  • 2 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
  • 2 Thick wool socks to wear at night in lodges
  • Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
  • Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

  • 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
  • 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
  • Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this)
  • A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
  • Sleeping Bag liner
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Solar Charger
  • Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

  • Personal Medication
  • Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
  • Paracetamol Tablets
  • Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
  • Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
  • Water Purification tablets or drops
  • Blister kit / Zinc Tape
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Dressing Gauze
  • Antibiotic Cream

Client Reviews

Beautiful Limi Valley, Humla

- Emma, United Kingdom

We trekked with Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions for the second time. This time we went to Humla in the far north-west of Nepal; somewhere I'd always wanted to go. The tiny and beautiful Limi Valley was our destination. This is NOT a tea house trek.

Our guide, Dawa Sherpa was wonderful. He was very experienced and always on the look out for both us, his clients and his staff (the cook, muleteer and three porters). On top of that he was enormous fun and great company.

Lakpa, our cook, we knew from a previous trek. Also extremely experienced and hard working and with a great sense of fun!His dal bhaat is the best!And we particularly loved his soups.

The muleteer, Netup, was a young local Lama. He was a sheer delight and looked after his mules beautifully.None had sores.It was a joy to watch him feed ,brush and look after his mules and loading them up each morning required enormous skill. 

The three porters/cook helpers were also young local lads, who could not do enough to ensure that we were comfortable and having a good time. 

Travelling with such a fabulous team of people is what I will remember most. 

The first six days of the trek towards the Tibet border are pretty and we passed through some lovely old villages, BUT a road is being built ( a necessity for local villagers, who are so far from anywhere)to the Chinese/Tibet border and sadly there is much litter en route.

However The Limi Valley is remote and extraordinarily beautiful.We only saw two other trekkers en route.The villages are old and very traditional and culturally Tibetan. Halji is home to Nepal's oldest gompa. We saw many blue sheep and snow leopard scat.

I cannot recommend Ngima Sherpa's trekking company more highly. We will be back! Thank you all for another hugely memorable trek.

Visited October 2016

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