Upper Dolpa Expedition 2026 | 24 Days Itinerary & Cost

Overview

Nepal's Most Authentic Expedition Trek

Upper Dolpa is a rare corner of the Himalaya where high passes, stone villages, and living Tibetan culture come together in a true expedition-style journey. The trek begins with a flight to Juphal and follows remote valleys deep into Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Trip Facts

Group Size	2-12 Persons
Accommodation	Camping + Lodges (where available)
Meals	B, L, D during trek
Transportation	Domestic Flights + Private Transfers
Permits	Restricted Area + National Park
Trek Style	Expedition / Remote

Highlights

Why Upper Dolpa Is Different

Restricted Region Adventure
One of Nepal's least-visited treks, protected by permits and distance.
Shey Gompa & Crystal Mountain
Ancient monastery and sacred landscape central to Himalayan pilgrimage culture.
High Pass Crossings
Epic days over Kang La and Jeng La with wide views of the Tibetan plateau.
Bon & Tibetan Heritage
Stone villages, prayer walls, and traditions that feel centuries away from modern Nepal.
True Expedition Logistics
Camp support, remote trail management, and a well-paced acclimatization plan.
Wildlife Habitat
Travel through prime snow leopard and blue sheep territory in protected parkland.
Phoksundo Lake (Optional Extension)
Add the jewel-blue lake and waterfall viewpoints on select itineraries.
Off-the-Grid Trails
Minimal facilities, big landscapes, and a rare sense of solitude.
Safety-First Team
Altitude monitoring, communication plan, and evacuation coordination when needed.

Day-by-Day

Upper Dolpa Itinerary

This is a classic 24-day outline. Weather and flights can shift days in remote Nepal.

01 Arrival in Kathmandu

Airport pickup, hotel check-in, and a welcome briefing with our team.

02 Permits, gear check & trek briefing

Final preparations, restricted permit verification, and staff coordination.

03 Fly to Nepalgunj

A short flight west to Nepalgunj for an overnight before the mountain flight.

04 Fly to Juphal & trek to Dunai

Scenic mountain flight to Juphal. Trek along river valleys to Dunai, the district hub.

05 Trek to Tarakot

Follow the river gorge past small settlements and terraced fields to Tarakot.

06 Trek to Laini / camp

Transition into wilder terrain as the valley narrows and villages thin out.

07 Trek to Nawarpani / camp

A steady day through remote gorges and side streams, camping in a broad valley.

08 Trek to Dho Tarap

Enter the high plateau environment and reach Dho Tarap, a major cultural village.

09 Acclimatization day in Dho Tarap

Short hikes and cultural exploration to help the body adapt safely.

10 Trek to Numala Base Camp

An expedition-style day heading toward the first major pass.

11 Cross Numala Pass (5,190m) to camp

Long, demanding day across a high pass with wide mountain views and a remote camp.

12 Cross Baga La Pass (5,170m) to Ringmo area

Another dramatic pass day, descending toward the Phoksundo valley region.

13 Trek to Phoksundo area (itinerary dependent)

Depending on route choice and conditions, visit viewpoints and lakeside settlements.

14 Trek toward Shey Gompa

Move deeper into Upper Dolpa with a higher, drier, Tibetan plateau feel.

15 Cross Kang La (5,360m) to Shey Gompa

Signature day: cross Kang La to the sacred Shey Gompa below Crystal Mountain.

16 Exploration day: Shey Gompa & Crystal Mountain

A full day for monastery visits, local interaction, and optional hikes.

17 Trek to Namgung / Saldang area

Traverse high plateaus to villages known for Tibetan culture and trading routes.

18 Trek deeper into Saldang valley

Explore a chain of stone villages with stunning valley scenery and prayer walls.

19 Cross Jeng La (5,090m) toward Dho Tarap

Final major pass crossing before rejoining the main return route.

20 Trek to Dho Tarap (return)

Return to familiar villages, with time for rest and cultural visits.

21 Trek to Tarakot

Descend through valleys and river crossings, easing back into greener landscapes.

22 Trek to Dunai

Final walking days with team celebration and preparation for the flight out.

23 Trek to Juphal & fly to Nepalgunj

Trek to the airstrip and fly back to Nepalgunj (weather permitting).

24 Fly to Kathmandu & departure planning

Return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner and onward travel support.

Cost Includes

Certified local guide, assistant guide (where required), and full support team
Porters / pack support and group equipment for camping days
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu)
Restricted Area Permit (Upper Dolpa) and Shey Phoksundo National Park permit
Accommodation in Kathmandu and local lodges (where available) + camping logistics
Three meals per day during the trek (B/L/D) and drinking water support plan
Airport transfers and all required ground transportation

Cost Excludes

International flights and Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance (must include high-altitude evacuation)
Personal expenses (snacks, hot shower, Wi-Fi, charging, bar bills)
Tips for guide and porter (expected)
Single room supplement (Kathmandu) if requested
Extra nights due to flight delays in remote airstrips (we assist to arrange)

Visuals

Gallery from Dolpa

Help Center

Upper Dolpa FAQs

Do I need special permits for Upper Dolpa?

Yes. Upper Dolpa is a restricted area and requires a Restricted Area Permit plus a national park permit. We arrange all permits and handle the paperwork in Kathmandu.

How hard is the Upper Dolpa Expedition?

It's a challenging expedition trek with long walking days, remote terrain, and multiple high passes above 5,000m. Good fitness and prior multi-day trekking experience are strongly recommended.

Do you camp or stay in lodges?

Upper Dolpa typically includes camping on remote stretches, with occasional simple lodges in bigger villages. We plan the best mix based on route, season, and availability.

Reviews

What Our Trekkers Say

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"An absolutely life-changing experience. The organization was top-notch and the views were beyond description."

D

David L.Sydney, Australia