Upper Dolpo Trek - 18 Days

Duration

18 Days

Trekking Grade
Moderate
Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Max Elevation

5090m

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Lodging

Tea house & Camping

Transportation

Flight

Maximum size

15 pax Maximum

Embark on the Upper Dolpo Trek, exploring remote Tibetan villages, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and high Himalayan passes like Numa La and Baga La. Discover unique wildlife, Buddhist culture, and untouched landscapes.

Introduction

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich treks, offering an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Located in the northwest of Nepal, Upper Dolpo lies beyond the reach of modern civilization, making it an exclusive destination for adventure seekers. Known for its raw, untouched beauty, the region offers an ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, pristine landscapes, and dramatic high-altitude valleys. The trek passes through deep gorges, high passes, and alpine lakes, while trekkers can also glimpse sacred sites such as the Shey Phoksundo Lake and the ancient village of Phoksundo. Upper Dolpo, which lies close to the Tibetan border, also boasts unique wildlife, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and the Himalayan tahr.

The Upper Dolpo region is sparsely populated, with only a few small Tibetan-influenced villages that preserve an ancient way of life. With the trek starting from Juphal, passing through remote settlements, and crossing high-altitude passes such as Numa La and Baga La, this is a trek for those who wish to escape the crowds and venture into one of the most rugged and scenic corners of Nepal. The route provides breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri massif, deep valleys, and remote Buddhist monasteries.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1330m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Expedition Himalaya will welcome you and assist with the hotel check-in. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the city.

Day 2: Rest/Preparation

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for rest and final preparations. In the evening, attend a briefing about the trek, including essential guidelines and tips.

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m) .

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring this bustling town that sits near the Indian border, where you’ll find an interesting mix of cultures and local markets

Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2475m) & Trek to Dunai (2140m)

Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. After arrival, begin your trek to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo. You’ll pass through terraced fields and small villages along the way, offering glimpses of daily life in the region.

Day 5: Trek to Tarakot (2537m) – 6 Hrs

Today, the trail takes you deeper into the Dolpo region, following the Bheri River. As you approach Tarakot, you will pass traditional villages and Tibetan-style stupas, setting the stage for the remote areas to come

Day 6: Trek to Laini (3160m) – 7 Hrs

After breakfast, continue your trek along the river and through lush valleys. The trail will pass through terraced farmland and bamboo forests before reaching Laini, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 7: Trek to Saldang (3700m) – 6 Hrs

On this day, you'll enter the more arid landscapes of Upper Dolpo, with dry valleys and high desert terrain. Upon reaching Saldang, a picturesque village nestled in a secluded valley, you’ll experience traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Day 8: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3600m) – 6 Hours

Trek towards the sacred Shey Phoksundo Lake, passing through the village of Ringmo. The lake is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forests, with an ethereal, turquoise color that adds to its mystical beauty

Day 9: Rest Day at Shey Phoksundo Lake

Take a well-earned rest day to explore the lake and surrounding areas. You can visit the nearby Buddhist monasteries, hike along the cliffs for panoramic views of the lake, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m) – 7 Hrs

Today, trek through rugged landscapes to reach the base camp for Numa La Pass. The trail ascends through forested areas, with occasional views of wildlife and picturesque valleys.

Day 11: Cross Numa La (5318m) & Trek to Phedi (4600m) – 8 Hrs

Cross the Numa La Pass, one of the highest points of the trek, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After descending, continue to Phedi for an overnight rest.

Day 12: Trek to Baga La Base Camp (4900m) – 6 Hrs

The trail leads through alpine meadows and rocky terrain to the base camp of Baga La Pass. Here, you’ll witness spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Day 13: Cross Baga La (5070m) & Trek to Dho Tarap (4040m) – 8 Hrs

Cross the Baga La Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys. Afterward, descend to Dho Tarap, a beautiful village known for its ancient monasteries.

Day 14: Trek to Ringmo (3600m) – 5 Hrs

Return to Ringmo, a charming village on the edge of Shey Phoksundo Lake, where you can relax and explore more of the local culture. Enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Day 15: Trek to Dunai (2140m) – 7 Hrs

Retrace your steps back to Dunai, where you can reflect on the incredible journey through the Upper Dolpo region. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way back down to lower altitudes.

Day 16: Trek to Juphal (2475m) – 6 Hrs

Continue descending to Juphal, passing through villages and lush valleys. Once in Juphal, you’ll have time to rest and relax before your return flight.

Day 17: Flight to Nepalgunj & Drive to Kathmandu

Fly from Juphal back to Nepalgunj, and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and relax after your adventure.

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast, a representative from Expedition Himalaya will escort you to the airport for your departure. Depart Kathmandu with unforgettable memories of the breathtaking Upper Dolpo Trek.

Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle
  • Airfare: Kathmandu/ Nepalgunj/ Juphal/ Kathmandu (Fixed wing)
  • All ground transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) fee
  • 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu for three nights along with breakfast on twin sharing basis
  • Accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
  • Experienced and licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Assistant Guides as required by group size
  • Porters (As required by group size)
  • Staff expenses (salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
  • First Aid Kit (Carried by trek guide)
  • Applicable local and government taxes
  • Welcome or Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Excludes

  • Nepal visa fee
  • Any meals in Kathmandu  except for welcome dinner (Day 1).
  • Your personal equipment (Available on hire in Kathmandu)
  • Expenses such as mineral water, laundry, bar bills, showers, internet, battery chargers, etc.
  • Travel insurance covering Helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Tips to guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

Reviews

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Authentic N
Dec 11, 2025

Good!

Exellent guide for solo trekking. The flexibility of the programm was good and everything worked with Expedition Himalaya.

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Nigel G
Nov 02, 2025

Awesome experience.

This is a one in a lifetime experience, to one of the most remote areas of the world. The whole journey was breathtaking and an excellent experience. We were unfortunate with the weather at the end but that is mountain life. Himalayan experience worked tirelessly to organise helicopter flights off the mountain, along with the other 2000 people stranded at Lukla airport. Big thanks to Ian Pallister for organising this for us. Pasan our lead guide, and Lapa our junior guide. I would thoroughly recommend this company if you want to complete Everest Base camp and other adventures.

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Rosa D
Aug 24, 2025

Tibet2025_Zanardi

We were a group of 4 family members traveling to Tibet through Kathmandu. EH organized the perfect trip for us. All guides and drivers were excellent from all points of view: professional, friendly, experienced, thoughtful, flexible, reliable, respectful. Prabeen was our guide in Kathmandu. Dawa Sherpa flew with us from Kathmandu to Lhasa and carefully orchestrated every single detail of our Tibet tour, including shopping for picnics in late evenings and last-minute helicopter arrangements. Tashi is THE guide you want in Tibet: all the adjectives above, plus much more, and always in harmony with Dawa for daily decisions. Driver Tsering is simply amazing: great driver, improvised porter, strong communicator with gazes and gestures (not English speaking). We ended up with the feeling of traveling in a group of 7 family members for 2 weeks. The tour included the Kailash kora, up to 5630 mt altitude. EH organized it carefully, so that we arrived acclimatized and suffered a minimum. EH co-owner (with Dawa) Nabin met us personally multiple times in Kathmandu before the Tibet tour and after it, for briefing and farewell. And Niren has been in constant contact with us, in person and by phone. I strongly recommend EH for adventure accompanied by safety and special treats.

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