The Upper Dolpo Trek with Trek Pathways is one of the most remote and culturally rich treks in Nepal. Located in the far northwest of the country, it’s a high-altitude adventure that takes trekkers deep into the isolated regions of the Dolpo district, an area that remains relatively untouched by modern life.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Key Highlights:

1. Stunning Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, high-altitude lakes, and arid landscapes similar to the Tibetan Plateau. You’ll be walking in a world of snow-capped peaks, with views of Kanjiroba Himal, Dhaulagiri, and other majestic mountains.

2. Cultural Experience: Upper Dolpo is culturally rich and home to the Tibetan Buddhist community. You’ll get the chance to visit ancient monasteries such as Shey Gompa, and witness a traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

3. Shey Phoksundo Lake: This stunning turquoise lake is one of the main attractions of the trek. Located in Shey Phoksundo National Park, it’s the deepest lake in Nepal and has an otherworldly beauty.

4. High Altitude: The trek is physically demanding due to the high-altitude terrain. The highest point is Numa La Pass at around 5,190 meters (17,030 feet), which requires acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

5. Isolation: The trek takes you through very remote villages, where life is simple and largely unchanged for centuries. It's not as tourist-heavy as other trekking regions in Nepal, so you’ll experience a sense of solitude and adventure.

Best Time to Go:

• Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons to do the Upper Dolpo trek. The weather is clear, and the views are stunning.

Trekking Details:

• Duration: Typically, the trek lasts around 20 to 25 days, depending on your pace and the route taken.

• Difficulty: Challenging due to the remote location, altitude, and rugged terrain. It requires strong physical conditioning and preparation.

• Permits: Trekking in Upper Dolpo requires special permits such as the Trekking Permit for Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, as the area is a restricted zone.

Sample Itinerary:

1. Day 1-2: Arrive in Kathmandu; preparation and sightseeing.

2. Day 3: Fly to Juphal (via flight from Kathmandu).

3. Day 4-7: Trek to Dunai, then continue through remote villages, including Tarakot and Ladakh.

4. Day 8-12: Cross Numa La Pass (5,190 meters) and head towards Shey Phoksundo Lake.

5. Day 13-15: Visit Shey Gompa and explore the surrounding areas.

6. Day 16-19: Trek through Saldang, Yangze, and Jengla Pass.

7. Day 20: Trek back towards Juphal.

8. Day 21: Fly back to Kathmandu.

Difficulty Level:

The trek is considered strenuous due to the high altitude, long days, and rugged terrain. The remoteness of the area means that you won’t find many facilities or medical help along the way, so adequate preparation is essential.

Travel Logistics:

• Flight to Juphal: The flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal is a key part of the trek, but the flight can be delayed due to weather conditions. It’s a small plane and only operates on clear days.

• Teahouses vs Camping: The Upper Dolpo trek is not as developed in terms of teahouse accommodations, so in many places, trekkers opt for camping. Having a well-equipped guide and porter is highly recommended.

Equipment and Gear:

• Clothing: Warm layers (including down jackets), rain gear, hats, and gloves are essential. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night.

• Sleeping bag: A high-quality sleeping bag rated for -20°C is a good idea.

• Trekking poles: Helpful for the steep ascents and descents.

• Water purification: Bring a purification method, as water sources are often untreated.

Why Trek Upper Dolpo?

• Sense of Adventure: It’s one of the least trekked regions in Nepal, offering a sense of solitude and immersion in the wilderness.

• Cultural Immersion: Dolpo is culturally and spiritually fascinating. You’ll encounter a rare side of Nepalese culture that is still strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: From the Phoksundo Lake to the snow-capped peaks, the area offers a landscape that feels otherworldly.