Upper Dolpo Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek Nepal's most remote district, crossing five high passes into a landscape unchanged for centuries
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Upper Dolpo Trek: What to Expect
Cross Kang La, Saldang La and three more high passes
Born in western Nepal, fluent in Dolpo culture
Tents, cook, kitchen crew all included
We manage both restricted area permits for you
Upper Dolpo is a 24-day camping trek through western Nepal’s Dolpa district, a restricted area that only opened to foreign trekkers in 1989. You fly into Juphal, trek roughly 220 to 250 kilometres through Shey Phoksundo National Park, cross five passes above 5,000m, and reach settlements where the Dolpo-pa people still trade with Tibet. There are no teahouses beyond the lower villages. Everything you sleep in and eat from comes with your crew.
This is not a trek for beginners. You will spend close to two weeks above 4,000m, walking 6 to 8 hours daily on rocky terrain with no mobile signal and no reliable exit except helicopter evacuation. Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. The rewards match the effort: Phoksundo Lake at 3,611m with water that shifts from blue to green depending on the light, the 800-year-old Shey Gompa opposite Crystal Mountain, and Saldang village, still sitting on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet.
MountainKick runs Upper Dolpo with local guides from western Nepal who know the terrain, the passes and the people. On a trek this remote, that knowledge is practical, not a marketing line. Permit paperwork, camping logistics, cook crew and emergency protocols are all handled before you reach the trailhead.
For context on physical demands and permit costs, read our Nepal Trekking Permits 2026 and Altitude Sickness guides before booking.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is free so use it to pick up any last-minute gear from the shops nearby. There is a pre-trip briefing in the evening covering permits, the camping setup and what to expect on the trail.
Preparation Day — Kathmandu
This day is set aside for trek preparation. Your guide runs a full gear check, reviews the itinerary and ensures all permits are in order. Use the time to pick up anything missing from the rental shops in Thamel. Early bed recommended as the flight to Nepalgunj leaves in the morning.
Fly to Nepalgunj
A 50-minute flight drops you from the Himalayan foothills into the flat Terai plains of southern Nepal. Nepalgunj sits on the Indian border and is hot, humid and busy compared to Kathmandu. Use the afternoon to rest and prepare for the early morning connection to Juphal. All permits are confirmed and the crew briefed tonight.
Fly to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
A 35-minute mountain flight lands you at Juphal, a small airstrip perched above the Bheri River valley with views of Dhaulagiri to the north. From here the trek begins downhill through terraced fields and riverside trails to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpa district. This is the last town with reliable mobile signal before the wilderness sets in.
Trek to Chhepka
The trail crosses a suspension bridge and follows the Thuli Bheri River west through walnut groves and small villages. The path climbs steadily through dense forest into the lower reaches of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Chhepka is a small settlement where the landscape begins its transition from forested valley to the rocky terrain of upper Dolpo.
Trek to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake
The trail climbs through cedar and birch forest before emerging onto a ridge with the first views of Phoksundo Lake below. A 167m waterfall drops from the lake outlet into the gorge above Ringmo village. The lake itself is Nepal’s deepest at 145m, its water shifting between turquoise and deep blue depending on the light and time of day.
Rest and Acclimatisation at Phoksundo Lake
A full rest day at the lake before the route climbs into Upper Dolpo. Explore Ringmo village, a small settlement of mud-brick houses and prayer flags on the southern shore, or visit the working monastery above the village. Your body needs this day at 3,611m before the passes ahead. Do not skip it.
Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp
The trail follows the eastern shore of the lake on a relatively flat path before entering a wide valley scattered with boulders and meadows. Kanjiroba Himal dominates the skyline to the north as the route traces the Phoksundo River upstream. Camp is set in open terrain with no settlements nearby, the first real taste of the remoteness ahead.
Trek to Kang La Base Camp
The valley narrows as the trail climbs steadily through moraines and scree onto a high alpine plateau. Vegetation disappears completely above 4,000m and the terrain becomes raw rock and glacial debris. Camp is set at the base of Kang La Pass with clear views of the route ahead. An early night is essential before tomorrow’s biggest day on the trek.
Cross Kang La Pass to Shey Gompa
The hardest day on the trek starts before dawn. The climb to Kang La at 5,360m is steep and relentless on loose scree, with thin air making every step slower than expected. Views from the top extend across the entire Dolpo plateau and back to Phoksundo far below. The long descent brings you to Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery sitting opposite Crystal Mountain, its cliffs covered in quartz and marine fossils.
Rest and Exploration at Shey Gompa
A full day to recover and explore one of the most remote monastery complexes in Nepal. Shey Gompa dates to the 11th century and houses a large copper Buddha statue plated in gold. Walk across to Crystal Mountain to see the quartz-covered cliffs and marine fossils embedded in the rock face. The Bon Po village of Shey sits nearby where locals still follow ancient pre-Buddhist traditions.
Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La Pass
The trail climbs through juniper forest before opening onto the rocky zigzag ascent to Saldang La at 5,200m. Views from the pass stretch north towards the Tibetan plateau and south across the entire Dolpo basin. A long descent through yak pastures brings you to Namduna Gaun, a tiny settlement in a wide open valley with camping on flat ground beside a stream.
Descent to Saldang Village
The descent from Namduna Gaun opens up onto the dry trans-Himalayan plateau with Saldang village visible below on a wide open slope above the Namga Khola stream. Saldang is actually five separate settlements spread across a large hillside, the largest village in inner Dolpo and one of the most prosperous due to its position on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet. Locals still brew chhyang barley beer and butter tea using traditions unchanged for centuries.
Into the Bon Po Heartland
The trail heads north from Saldang along the Nagon Khola river through wild barren terrain passing the isolated settlements of Marang and Ki. The route crosses a tributary of the Panzang River before reaching Yangze Gompa, home to an ancient Bon Po monastery. This is one of the last functioning centres of the pre-Buddhist Bon religion in Nepal, still active with resident monks and ritual practices.
Return to Sibu
The route retraces to Saldang before turning east towards Sibu on a path that climbs steadily through open rocky terrain. Blue sheep are commonly spotted on the slopes above the trail in this section. Sibu sits at the base of the Jeng La approach and the camp here marks the start of the trek’s final high-altitude push before the long descent back towards Dunai.
Up to Jeng La Base Camp
A shorter day by distance but the altitude makes it demanding. The trail follows the Nam Khong Khola river east through a narrow canyon before climbing onto open ground at the base of Jeng La. Camp is set at 4,900m with clear views of the pass above. Rest well, drink plenty of water and eat a full dinner before the early start tomorrow.
Cross Jeng La Pass to Tokyu Gaun
An early start in the dark for the climb to Jeng La at 5,090m on loose rock and scree. The pass delivers wide views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding Himalayan ranges on a clear day. The descent to Tokyu Gaun is long and knee-testing but the terrain softens as you drop into the Tarap Valley, one of the highest permanently inhabited valleys in the world.
Down to Dho Tarap Valley
A relatively short and easy day after two consecutive high passes. The trail descends gently through marshland and yak pastures into Dho Tarap, the largest settlement in upper Dolpo and the cultural heartland of the Bon religion in Nepal. Stone houses, prayer wheels and chortens line the valley floor. Take the afternoon to walk through the village and talk to locals before tomorrow’s rest day.
Rest Day at Dho Tarap
A well-earned rest day in one of the most culturally significant valleys in the Himalayas. Dho Tarap sits at 4,090m and has been permanently inhabited for centuries by people following the Bon tradition. Visit the local monastery, watch yak herders move their animals across the valley floor or simply rest your legs before the long descent back towards Dunai begins tomorrow.
Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola
The trail descends from Dho Tarap through a forest of juniper trees into the dramatic Tarap Khola gorge. The river runs fast and loud through narrow canyon walls with blue sheep occasionally visible on the cliffs above. Camp is set beside the river in open terrain with the sound of water the only company. Keep an eye out for wildlife in this section as the gorge is prime snow leopard territory.
Tarap Khola to Dunai
A long descent back to civilisation passing through Khanigaon and the ancient hilltop fortress of Tarakot before dropping to Dunai along the Bheri River. The dramatic elevation loss of over 1,600m means the temperature rises steadily through the day. Dunai feels like a different world after two weeks in the high plateau, with shops, tea stalls and mobile signal returning for the first time since Day 4.
Trek to Juphal, Fly to Nepalgunj
An early morning walk back up to Juphal airstrip for the short flight out to Nepalgunj. The 35-minute flight covers in minutes what took days to walk in. Nepalgunj feels immediately familiar after three weeks in the wilderness. The crew is tipped and thanked at the airstrip before you board. A warm shower and a proper bed wait in Nepalgunj tonight.
Fly Back to Kathmandu
A morning flight returns you to Kathmandu where a vehicle transfers you back to your hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping in the markets around Thamel or a visit to any heritage sites you missed on Day 2. In the evening the team hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate completing one of Nepal’s most demanding and rewarding treks.
Final Departure.
Your guide transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight home. If your flight departs late you have the morning free to explore Thamel one last time. Twenty four days, five passes above 5,000m and one of the most remote landscapes on earth. Safe travels.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu twin-sharing with breakfast
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Hotel in Nepalgunj twin-sharing with breakfast
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Kathmandu to Nepalgunj return flights Domestic flights both ways included
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Nepalgunj to Juphal return flights Mountain flights both ways included
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All ground transfers in private vehicle Airport pickups, drops and city transfers
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Full camping equipment throughout Sleeping tents, mess tent, kitchen tent, foam mattress
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Sleeping bag and down jacket loan Returned at end of trek
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All meals during the trek Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Day 4 to Day 22
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Breakfast and farewell dinner in Kathmandu Days 1, 2, 3 and 23
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Government licensed English speaking guide Licensed by Nepal Tourism Board
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Required number of porters 20kg load limit strictly enforced
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Full medical insurance for all crew Guides, porters and kitchen staff
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Upper Dolpo restricted area permit $500 per person for first 10 days
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Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit
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TIMS card
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All government taxes and official fees
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MountainKick duffel bag, sun hat and t-shirt Yours to keep
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International airfare Book separately before contacting us
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Nepal entry visa Available on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
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Travel insurance Mandatory, must cover helicopter evacuation
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj Budget $15 to $25 per meal in the city
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Personal trekking gear and clothing Full list in the packing section below
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Alcoholic and soft drinks Available at Dunai, Ringmo and Saldang
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Tips for guides, porters and kitchen crew Customary and appreciated
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Helicopter evacuation costs Covered by your travel insurance
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Any costs due to delays or itinerary changes Weather, flight cancellations, illness
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
2 nights in Kathmandu: Comfortable 3-star hotel in Thamel with twin sharing rooms, hot shower and daily breakfast included. We use hotels we know and trust, not the cheapest option available.
1 night in Nepalgunj (outbound): Simple but clean hotel near the airport. Hot water, air conditioning and a good night’s sleep before the early Juphal flight.
Days 4 to 22 on trek: Full camping throughout. Individual sleeping tents for each trekker, a separate mess tent for meals and a dedicated kitchen tent for the cook crew. Foam mattress provided. A sleeping bag rated to at least -15C is essential and available to loan from us.
1 night in Nepalgunj (return): Same hotel as the outbound night. Hot shower and a real bed after three weeks in a tent.
1 night in Kathmandu (final): 3-star hotel in Thamel for the farewell dinner night before departure.
All meals are included from Day 4 through Day 22. The cook crew prepares three meals daily in the kitchen tent using fresh ingredients carried from Dunai and restocked where possible in Saldang and Dho Tarap.
Expect dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soups, eggs, potatoes, lentils and seasonal vegetables. Meat is available in the lower villages but avoided above Dunai for food safety reasons at altitude. The crew bakes fresh bread most mornings.
In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj lunch and dinner are on your own. Thamel has restaurants covering every cuisine and budget. Budget $10 to $20 per meal in the city.
| Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj | $10 to $20 per meal |
| Alcoholic drinks on trek | $3 to $8 per drink where available |
| Soft drinks and bottled water | $1 to $3 per bottle |
| Personal snacks and energy bars | $50 to $100 total recommended |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A truly remote Himalayan adventure”
Upper Dolpo was unlike any trek we've done before. We spent days walking through remote valleys with hardly another traveller in sight, and the landscape was incredible. Our MountainKick team were experienced and handled the difficult sections calmly, the whole trip felt like a real expedition rather than a standard…
“Wild, beautiful and completely different”
Travelling as a small group, we loved feeling so far from everything. The landscape in Dolpo is extraordinary, dry valleys, high passes, and huge open mountain scenery. The days were demanding, but our guide and crew took excellent care of us. MountainKick did a great job with the logistics in…
“One of the most memorable trips I have taken”
Upper Dolpo isn't an easy trek, but that's exactly what made it special for us. We saw very few other trekkers and had the chance to experience a part of Nepal that feels almost untouched. The scenery, villages, and high mountain passes were incredible, and the MountainKick team were professional…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous trekking experience for Upper Dolpo?
Yes, and I mean real experience. This is not a trek for first-timers or anyone who has only done day hikes. You will spend close to two weeks above 4,000m, cross five passes above 5,000m and walk 6 to 8 hours daily on remote terrain with no teahouses and no easy exit. We recommend completing at least one high-altitude trek above 5,000m before attempting Upper Dolpo. Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit are good benchmarks. If you are unsure whether you are ready, message me and I will give you an honest answer.
How difficult is Kang La Pass compared to other Nepal passes?
Kang La at 5,360m is the highest point on the trek and one of the more demanding passes in Nepal. The climb from base camp is steep and on loose scree for most of the ascent. At that altitude your pace will be roughly half what it is at sea level. The descent to Shey Gompa is long and hard on the knees. That said, if you are fit, properly acclimatised and have prior high-altitude experience, it is absolutely achievable. We build the itinerary specifically to give your body the best chance of crossing it safely.
What permits do I need for Upper Dolpo?
You need the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, which costs USD 50 per person per day. You also need the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit. A licensed guide and a registered agency are required. All permits are included in our package, and we arrange them in Kathmandu before you leave.
Is altitude sickness a serious risk on this trek?
It is the most serious risk on this trek and you need to take it seriously. You will gain significant altitude quickly on several days and spend an extended period above 4,000m. We build acclimatisation days into the itinerary at Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa specifically to reduce the risk. Every guide carries a pulse oximeter and a basic medical kit. If symptoms become severe the only safe option is descent, which on this route can mean a helicopter evacuation. This is why travel insurance covering helicopter rescue is mandatory, not optional. Read our Altitude Sickness guide before you book.
What is the best time of year to do the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Late April to early June and mid-September to late October are the best windows. Upper Dolpo sits in the rain shadow of the Himalayas so the monsoon is less severe here than in other parts of Nepal, but the high passes become dangerous in winter snow and the Juphal flights get disrupted frequently outside the main seasons. We do not recommend December through February. If you are considering a monsoon trek between June and August it is possible but the lower valleys will be wet and the Juphal flights unpredictable.
Is this trek suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, many of our Upper Dolpo trekkers come alone. You will be with our guide and crew throughout so you are never actually alone on the trail. The restricted area regulations also require you to trek with a licensed agency and guide, so independent solo trekking is not permitted here. If you want to join a small group departure to keep costs down, message me and I will let you know what dates have other trekkers already signed up.
What travel insurance do I need?
Your policy must cover helicopter evacuation at altitude above 5,000m. This is non-negotiable on Upper Dolpo. Many standard travel policies exclude high-altitude rescue so check the fine print carefully before you buy. The evacuation from a remote location in Dolpo can cost $5,000 to $15,000 without insurance. We have a full breakdown of what to look for in our Travel Insurance for Nepal Trekking guide.
How far in advance should I book?
For Upper Dolpo at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, ideally more. The Upper Dolpo restricted area permit takes time to process and the Juphal flights have limited seats. Spring departures in April and May fill up earliest. If you have fixed travel dates, contact me as soon as you know them and I will check availability and start the permit process immediately.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Clothing
ⓘ Layers are more important than single heavy pieces. You will go from hot river valleys at 2,000m to freezing passes at 5,000m sometimes in the same day. Pack for both.
Footwear
ⓘ Camp temperatures at Shey Gompa and Jeng La base camp regularly drop below -10C at night even in peak season. A bag rated to -15C is the minimum, not a recommendation.
Sleeping
ⓘ category_note: Camp temperatures at Shey Gompa and Jeng La base camp regularly drop below -10C at night even in peak season. A bag rated to -15C is the minimum, not a recommendation.
Backpack and Bags
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel. Your daypack carries everything you need on the trail each day including water, snacks, layers, camera and first aid. Keep it under 8kg.
Health and Hygiene
ⓘ category_note: Water from streams above Dunai must be purified. Giardia is common in untreated water sources in this region. Tablets are fine but a filter bottle is more practical over 24 days.
Electronics and Navigation
ⓘ category_note: There is no electricity beyond Dunai. Solar charging panels are available but unreliable in overcast conditions. Bring enough battery capacity to last the full trek without relying on charging.
Documents and Money
ⓘ category_note: Keep a physical copy of your passport, insurance documents and emergency contacts separate from your originals. Leave a full set of copies with someone at home who can be contacted in an emergency.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Upper Dolpo sits in the rain shadow of the Himalayas so the monsoon is less severe here than in other Nepal trekking regions. However the lower valleys between Dunai and Phoksundo Lake will be wet and leechy, Juphal flights become unreliable and the high passes carry increased risk of fresh snow. Plan accordingly.
Leave at home
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Heavy camera equipment Weight is critical on a camping trek. A mirrorless camera or phone is sufficient.
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Jeans or cotton trousers Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly. Dangerous at altitude in cold and wet conditions.
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Perfume or scented products Attracts insects in lower valleys and disrespectful near monasteries
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Excessive jewellery or valuables No secure storage on a camping trek
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Portable speakers Remote areas deserve the quiet
Sleeping bags rated to -15C and down jackets are available to loan from us at no extra cost. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel as rental quality varies. We connect you with trusted shops during your prep day briefing. Do not buy gear at the airport.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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