
Upper Dolpo Trekking
Upper Dolpo trekking explores isolated Himalayan valleys resembling the Tibetan highlands, with unique culture, flora, and fauna, starting with a flight to Jumla and continuing into Upper Dolpo. This remote region, open since 1989, offers a journey through ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, and challenging high mountain passes, providing a peaceful and culturally rich experience.
Upper Dolpo trekking is located in the remote Karnali zone of Nepal, along the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Traditionally, Dolpo is regarded as one of the ancient lands where early human civilization thrived. According to historical Tibetan records, Dolpo was a separate province during the Yarlung dynasty (6th–9th century AD). Additional evidence comes from PT 1287, an Old Tibetan Chronicle preserved in the Dunhuang Library, which also suggests that Dolpo was independent of Tibetan imperial rule. Thus, during the 8th century, Dolpo was neither part of Tibet nor Nepal, but an autonomous province. A 14th-century medical text by Braun tied Pal ldantsho bayed mentions a Dolpo physician, Khyol MA Ru rtsi (8th century), who was invited by King Khri srong lde btsan (reigned 756–797 AD), alongside doctors from India, China, and Nepal.
After more than six centuries of foreign rule, Dolpo became an independent kingdom around the 15th
Trip Facts
Group Size
Maximum 20 persons
Maximum Elevation
5360 m (Kang La Pass)
Location
Remote Karnali zone of Nepal, along the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
Route
Begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then to Jumla. The trek continues into Upper Dolpo, with the option to return the same way or cross Sandang Pass, ending in Jomsom. Asian Hiking Team recommends the Sandang Pass route.
Grade
Strenuous (Grade C)
Best Season
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)
Accommodation
Single/Twin-sharing rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets in guesthouses/lodges (shared or attached toilets, hot showers at extra cost). Tented camping in remote areas.
Transportation
Combination of domestic flights (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj to Jumla/Juphal) and land transport (A/C, non A/C, tourist luxury bus, car, van, jeep).
Guided by certified, first-aid-trained guides and porters for safety and authentic insights.
Explore one of Nepal’s most isolated trekking regions, open to visitors only since 1989.
Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved in high Himalayan villages such as Shey Gompa, Saldang, and Namgung.
Visit Nepal’s deepest and one of the most beautiful lakes, with stunning turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forests.
Cross several challenging high passes like Kang La (5,350 m) and Saldang La (5,200 m), with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Encounter rare wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, snow leopards (if lucky), and medicinal plants used in traditional Tibetan medicine.
Explore ancient monasteries including the famous Shey Gompa, known as the "Crystal Monastery," with a rich spiritual legacy.
Trek through arid trans-Himalayan landscapes that resemble the Tibetan plateau—desert valleys, towering cliffs, and dramatic ridges.
Visit remote villages where ancient Bon and Buddhist traditions are still practiced, offering a rare cultural immersion.
Enjoy a peaceful trekking experience far from the busy trails of the Annapurna and Everest regions.
Options to combine Upper and Lower Dolpo, Rara Lake, or exit via Jomsom through the scenic Sandang Pass.
Land Transport / Domestic Air ticket:
- Pick up/drop from International Airport to Hotel.
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight both way.
- Nepalgunj to Dunai both way flight.
Accommodation and Meals:
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast as itinerary (here are so many options, we provide on cost 3-star hotel if you want higher star please add on option.
- Accommodation during the trekking: Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
- Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple: lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and pickles—unlimited refills!), Noodles/Pasta (fried noodles, garlic pasta, or ramen), Momos (dumplings stuffed with veggies or meat), sandwiches (egg, cheese, or tuna), soup (garlic, mushroom, or veggie—popular for warmth and hydration) etc.
- Dinner: Dal Bhat, Curries (veggie, potato, or chicken with rice or chapati), Thukpa (local noodle soup), Pizza, Pasta, Fried Rice/Noodles, Desserts (apple pie, rice pudding, or Snickers rolls etc.).
Permits and Entry fees:
- Upper Dolpa special trekking permit.
- Lower Dolpa special trekking permit.
- Shy-phaksundo National park permit.
- Local Entry permit / Entrance fees.
- Entrance fees in Monastery/temple.
Staffs: Guide, Sherpa, Porters:
- Trekking Guide: A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder professional equipped English-speaking guide.
- Support Sherpa: if the group size more than six persons, we provide one extra Sherpa to support the group.
- Porters: One Porter between each 2 members while on trek (Maximum weight for a porter is 25 Kg). If you are single booking the porter cost need to pay extra, please add the cost add on option.
- Accommodation, meals, daily salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of Asian Hiking Team staffs (guide, Sherpa, porter).
Equipment or gear and souvenir:
- Trekking Map /Itinerary: Asian Hiking Team provides free a copy of trekking map /trekking Itinerary to our client.
- Sleeping Bag: Asian Hiking Team provide sleeping bag, the sleeping bag is (-20 degrees). If you are planning high passes trekking/ camping trekking or climbing you should be need to bring your own which is -30.
- T-short: Asian Hiking Team provide the company T-short for a souvenir.
- Certificate: Asian Hiking Team provide Trekking/Hiking/Tour/Climbing success certificate for your memory and awardees.
Additional features:
- First Aid: First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or ill until professional medical help is available. Its goal is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. Asian Hiking Team staff carry the basic first aid. You need to bring your own personal medicine with you. If you are trekking in high altitude should be bringing Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more). You can buy here in Kathmandu any pharmacy.
- Farewell dinner: Asian Hiking Team provide a farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural programs the last day of the trip.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement service: You should bring insurance, must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
International Air Ticket / Nepal Visa fees:
- International air ticket to/from Nepal.
- Nepal tourist visa: for the Nepal Tourist visa fees, process of visa, further rules and regulation please check here https://www.immigration.gov.np.
**Additional Accommodation and Meals: **
- Accommodation: Asian Hiking Team provide the hotel in Kathmandu and during the trekking as itinerary. If you stay an additional day, you need to pay an extra cost.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner are not includes in Kathmandu.
- Hot drinks: Tea/ Coffees/ Hot water, hot showers etc.
- Cold/soft drinks: All cold drinks, alcohol drinks, beer, bottle water etc.
- Snacks: Pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate, or local chyura (beaten rice) for quick energy boosts between meals.
Personal Natural Expensive:
- Personal trekking gears & clothing (some of the equipment is possible to rent in Kathmandu): please check in check list for equipment list
- Internet / Wi-Fi/Telephone: There are almost all trekking reason you can buy internet/ Wi-Fi service in the hotel. It is also possible to buy the NCAL or NTC Sim card for telephone or use data.
- Insurance: Medical evacuation in case of emergency, expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
Additional Entry fees and tip/donation:
- Kathmandu: During the sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara the entry fees for Temple or Monastery, Durbar Square are not includes on the cost.
- The tip for guide or porter: It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is often left as a small present or in addition. Tips are a common practice in many cultures and are often expected for services. It is not fix amount, so you can own decide.
Additional porter or Sherpa request:
- Porter: Asian Hiking Team provide one porter between two members. If you want to hire the additional porter, the cost in not includes.
- Sherpa/ Guide: If you want personal Sherpa/guide, it is not including on the cost.
No Fixed Dates Available
Enquire us for booking
Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.
Tailored add-ons include:
Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops (start US$20/night during the trekking & start US$40/night in Kathmandu).
Porter/Sherpa Service: Let our skilled porters carry your gear so you can focus on the breathtaking beauty of the Nepal Himalaya. Each porter can transport up to 25 kg and can be shared by two trekkers. The cost per day US$ 22.
Helicopter: Flight in mountain areas depends on weather so you can...
Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.
Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide are fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide are friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.
Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carrying trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.
Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carrying light loads...
Trekking in Nepal is categorized into grades based on altitude, terrain difficulty, remoteness, and daily walking hours. The most widely used grading system includes Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Challenging.
Easy (Grade A)
- Altitude: Up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft)
- Walking Hours: Max 3–5 hours per day
- Terrain: Well-established trails, gentle ascents/descents, minimal steep sections.
- Who is it for? Beginners, families, or those with limited time seeking cultural experiences and Himalayan views.
####Moderate (Grade B)
- Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,700 ft)
- Walking Hours: Max 7 hours per day
- Terrain: Mixed trails with some steep climbs and high passes, moderate altitude gain.
- Who is it for? Trekkers with average fitness and some prior hiking experience.
####Strenuous (Grade C)
- Altitude: 4,500–5,500 meters (14,700–18,000 ft)
- Walking Hours: Max. 8 hours per day, often for 2–3 weeks
- ...
####Accommodation Upper Dolpa trekking:
Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
Tented Camping: Tented camping is a classic and essential part of trekking, peak climbing, and expedition in remote areas of the Himalayas where teahouse accommodation is unavailable. Asian Hiking Team provides tent (2-person or single occupancy Dom and Box tent depends on area and numbers of days), sleeping mat (foam or inflatable), dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent (group use - for expedition), Kitchen equipment and utensils (carried by support crew), Power bank or solar charger, heater, Generator (for expedition) etc.
####Meals:
During the hotel/guest house trekking, there are international menus so you can choose whatever you like. During the camping, our...
Nepal’s rugged terrain and remote mountain regions require a combination of transportation modes to ensure safe, efficient, and scenic travel. Asian Hiking Team offers a range of transportation options to suit your needs and itinerary, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, tourist luxury buses, cars, vans, and jeeps. We also arrange domestic flight tickets for major trekking routes to help you save time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of Nepal's diverse landscapes.
Kathmandu (KTM) ro Nepalgunj (KEP)
- Multiple daily flights operate on this route : typically around 6–8 flights per day by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines.
- Flight duration: Approximately 50 minutes, covering about 360–366 km
Nepalgunj (KEP) to Dunai (Dolpa District)
- Flights to Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpa District, are operated by Tara Air under Dolpa route schedules. Typical schedule: TA 717, departing Nepalgunj at 06:30 AM and arriving Dolpa (Juphal/Dunai) around...
General Climate Overview
Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)
- Climate: Mild and temperate
- Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience:
- Summer: 19°C – 35°C
- Winter: 2°C – 12°C
- Pleasant weather year-round with occasional winter chills and summer showers
Mountain Region (High Himalayas)
- Climate: Alpine to Arctic
- Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude
- Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall
- Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps
- Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable
Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:
Autumn (September–November)
- Best trekking season clear skies, excellent mountain views.
- Warm days, cold nights (as low as -10°C at high altitudes).
- Ideal for long and high-altitude treks.
Winter (December–February)
- ...
To trek in Upper Dola a restricted area in northern Nepal, foreign nationals must obtain a Restricted Area Permit issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through a registered trekking agency. We need three different permits.
Restricted Area Permit Upper Dolpo
- Foreigners/SAARC: USD 500 for the first 10 days + USD 50 per day there after
- Nepali citizens: Free
- Minimum trekking duration: 10 days; only issued via a registered agency, with at least two trekkers required.
- Coverage Areas: Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4 to 6), Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7), Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6).
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
- Required because entry to Upper Dolpo passes through Lower Dolpo which is also a restricted zone.
- Foreigners: USD...
Trekking in the Himalayas poses risks of Altitude Sickness (AMS). The body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, a process known as acclimatization.
Types of Altitude Illnesses (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS)
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain
- High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH): Bleeding in the retina
Common Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Dizziness, mild weakness
- Swelling of hands and face
Severe Symptoms (Seek Immediate Descent):
- Severe, persistent headache
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Confusion, loss of coordination
- Bluish lips or face
- Coughing blood-tinged sputum
- Coma or unconsciousness
Prevention Tips:
- Drink 4–5 liters of fluids daily (avoid alcohol)
- Ascend slowly and rest if symptoms appear
- ...
Landline and mobile phone services are available in Nepal. The network covers Kathmandu, major cities and towns and most of Nepal, except some rural Himalayan places. The Nepal Telecommunications Corporation is the national service supplier. There are also private service suppliers such as Hotels and private communication centers also provide long distance telephone, internet and fax facilities. You can get SIM card either NTC or N Cell with data to use the internet. The price for SIM card US$ 1, and you need to recharge as you require. You can buy a SIM card inside the airport or anywhere in Kathmandu or major cities. You need to bring a passport copy with Nepali visa and one passport size picture.
To call from outside, the country code for Nepal is “977” and the area code for Kathmandu is “1”. To call Nepal from other countries: 00 + country code (977) + city...
Asian Hiking Team strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation, air ambulance/helicopter rescue insurance. You should be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, cover for this type of travel. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time. If this is not done or impossible for practical reasons, then you will not be allowed to continue with our trekking/climbing trips and will not be entitled to any refund for services not provided. Your insurance must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
Recommended Insurance Company in Nepal (Only for Nepali)
- Neco Insurance Co Ltd....
Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.
All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.
At Asian Hiking Team, we believe that every journey should be both transformative for the traveler and respectful to the host environment and communities. Responsible tourism isn’t just a practice—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate, lead tours, and engage with people and places.
Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations while encouraging a greener way of traveling.
Our eco-conscious practices include:
- Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 20 to reduce environmental pressure.
- Using stainless steel mugs for tea/coffee to reduce single-use waste.
- Relying on gas for cooking instead of wood fires, preserving forests.
- Carrying out waste from high altitudes for proper city disposal.
- Avoiding the use of soap near natural water sources.
- Using reusable containers and encouraging travelers to bring their own refillable water bottles.
- Leaving campsites cleaner...
Trekking Poles : Poles come in handy for balance and easing impact to your knees. Get collapsible poles that can attach to your backpack and fit into your Duffel.
Backpack : You may choose to bring a smaller "day pack" for your airline travel carry on, and this can be used on the trek if you want to carry a smaller (35 liter or so), light trekking pack. You need a pack big enough for your clothes, water, camera, food, etc. during the day.
Pack Cover : Waterproof rain cover for your trekking pack.
Sleeping Bag : Bring a sleeping bag comfortable to -20 for trekking, however it is better to bring -30 to -35 for climbing. During the trekking in hotel/guest house -20 is fine but on the tented home you need -30 or -35. Down is lighter and much more compressible. Keep in mind that many of your nights will be much warmer than -20, especially on the trek in to base camp.
Duffel Bags : Asian Hiking Team provide one duffel bags each member as you want. We normally pack all our equipment in large Duffel bags. Make sure they are well labeled with indelible ink as well as a travel tag. The duffels go on the trek/climb with you and will be carried by porters or yaks. Except for them to get wet and muddy, so rugged, waterproof duffels are good. Bags with wheels are nice for the airport, but the porters and yaks don't like to carry them, so don't bring wheeled bags (or at least not two of them). You will also store some travel clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu while trekking, so a small additional bag with a lock might be handy. Bring 5 large plastic garbage bags to pack gear inside duffels to protect gear from rain.
Hiking Boot : These boots provide more stability and ankle protection against protruding limbs and rocks than hiking shoes do. Mountain walking or hiking boots are designed for mountain and hill walking, backpacking and mountaineering.
Gaiters and Micro spikes : if you are trekking in high passes you should prepare gaiters and Micro spikes in case of snow. You can buy in Kathmandu.
Sport sandals : Sandals (such as Teva's) are lightweight and tough, doubles as shower slippers.
Socks : Three/Four sets of warm socks.
Jacket : Lightweight waterproof-breathable construction with a hood -20 Down Jacket.
Pants : Lightweight waterproof-breathable hiking pants with full-length leg zippers. Mountain Hardware Compressor Pants or anyone.
Trousers : Water-resistant hiking pants (for TK), North Face and Patagonia are good brands, avoid jeans, pants with zip-off legs can come in handy.
T-Shorts : 1/2 pair of t-shorts (for TK), walking shorts. Loose and comfortable, preferably nylon, which (for men) double as a swimsuit. (Avoid shorts which are too revealing.) T-shirts (TK/TR).
Over-shirt : 1 long-sleeved over-shirt, light to medium weight and breathable, to protect you from the sun and bug bites. Hemp, linen or cotton is recommended.
Mid-Layers : Fleece or Soft Shell layering pieces that work well with the rest of your clothing. A Soft Shell jacket and an expedition weight long john top will work well.
Base Layers : - 2 synthetic tops and 1 bottom. Zip neck tops are the way to go.
Light Gloves/ Leather gloves : A warm insulated glove with leather palm will be worn a lot of the time. Polypropylene or fleece. Leather palms handle the fixed line better. Or good abrasion resistant climbing glove for the rock sections.
Belt : 1 belt, cotton or nylon lashing strap doubles as a gear strap.
Hat : Wool or fleece stocking hat with ear protection and Sun hat.
Neck Gaiter and/or a Buff : Neck Gaiter and/or a Buff (highly recommended), Baseball hat and Bandana.
Underpants/panties, Bra : 2–3 pairs.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months) : It is easy to get your Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport, bring a passport photo. Bring a copy of the information pages and a couple of extra passport photographs. Carry these in a separate location. You'll be glad you did if you ever lose a passport.
Camera : with spare batteries, and film or memory cards, but keep it reasonable and weight. Consider a small USB drive to make it easy to share photos with your teammates.
Bathing Suit : Towel, Toothpaste and brush, floss, mini hairbrush, razor, soap, mini bottle of shampoo, travel mirror, nail clippers etc.
Travel Wallet : Some type of secure travel wallet is a must. Remember a pen for travel documents.
Headlamp : Bring a good LED headlamp with 2 sets of lithium batteries for cold conditions.
Water Bottles : 2 wide mouth plastic water bottles with insulated covers. A small Thermos bottle is great for cold mornings. Bring a pee bottle too (optional:
Water purification : Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua or similar) or iodine crystals (Polar Pure). One bottle of Potable Aqua (enough to treat 25 liters) should be more than sufficient.
Eyewear : Bring good sunglasses with side protection. For contact lens wearers, ski goggles with light color lenses (for use at night) might be useful in windy conditions. The ski goggles are essential for all climbers in really stormy conditions and can serve as an emergency backup for broken or lost sunglasses.
Vision correction : Bring extra prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them. Lens solutions are not widely available in Nepal, bring enough for the duration.
Wrist Watch : With alarm and night light. An altimeter watch is useful.
First Aid : Hand sanitizer (Pirelli), moleskin or Compete, athletic tape, aspirin (some climbers take a baby aspirin every day up high) and/or ibuprofen / acetaminophen, Imodium, Band-Aids, antacid, insect repellant, ear plugs, and two rolls of toilet paper in quart Ziploc bags (we will have a supply at Base Camp), small towel, soap/shampoo.
Prescription Medications : Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems, Antibiotic for GI problems, Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more), Tylenol 3 or similar for severe headaches, Asthma medication, if any history.
Skin Care : Sun block lotion (at least #30 protection factor -- have at least one smaller tube (1 oz) that can fit in your pocket) and lip salve. Put your lip protection on a string and hang it from your neck. That way you'll use it. It also works great for your nose.
Personal Snack Food : The food is great on the trek, but you might enjoy a few snacks/chocolates.
MP3 Player and Books : As you want to read on the way to trekking. Plan on sharing books on hotel/guest house or MP3 player. Chemical Hand Warmers (not compulsory).

