Upper Dolpo Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Dolpo RegionStrenuous

Upper DolpoTrek

Trek through Upper Dolpo, Nepal's last true wilderness. Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,589m), five passes above 5,000m, Bon-po monasteries, and a landscape that resembles the Tibetan Plateau. Restricted area, 25 days, from USD 2,875.

View Itinerary
25
DaysTotal trek duration
5360m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Apr–Sep
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,875
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Shey Phoksundo Lake is 145 meters deep, the deepest in Nepal, with turquoise-blue water surrounded by pine forest and rock walls. The lake surface is absolutely still on calm mornings, reflecting the cliffs above. It is one of the most photographed and least-visited sights in Nepal.

Upper Dolpo's landscape looks like western Tibet transported into Nepal. Arid valleys, wind-sculpted rock, and treeless passes above 5,000m. The Bon-po monasteries practice a pre-Buddhist religion unique to this region.

Saldang valley is one of the highest year-round inhabited areas in the world. Stone houses, barley fields, and yak herds at 4,000m. The people are ethnically Tibetan and speak a Tibetan dialect. Very few foreigners have visited.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a 25-day expedition through one of Nepal's most remote and restricted trekking areas. Upper Dolpo lies between the Dhaulagiri massif and the Tibetan Plateau, a landscape of arid valleys, wind-scoured passes, and Bon-po Buddhist monasteries that has barely changed in centuries. The trek crosses five passes above 5,000m and visits Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake.

The route starts with a flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj, then treks to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,589m) before entering the restricted Upper Dolpo zone. The trail passes through Saldang valley (one of the highest inhabited areas in the world), Shey Gompa (the Crystal Mountain monastery), and crosses multiple high passes including Kang La (5,380m) before returning via the Barbung valley.

Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park fee and Upper Dolpo restricted area permit (USD 500 for 10 days). All included. This is a full camping trek with expedition-style support.

For Shey Phoksundo Lake without the restricted Upper Dolpo section, a Lower Dolpo trek is possible in 12 to 14 days. For another remote restricted-area trek, the Rara Lake Trek reaches Nepal's largest lake in 16 days (USD 2,375).

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
4,402m3,638m2,874m2,109m1,345mKathmanduDunaiAnkheRenjePhoksundo LakePhoksundo KholaPhoksundo BhanjyangShey GompaNamduna GaonSaldangSibuFoot Of The Jeng LaTokyu GaonDho TarapSerkamKhani GaonTarakotDunaiJuphalKathmandu4,402m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

25 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Fly to Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj

Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.

Hotel
Day04

Fly to Juphal & Trek to Dunai

Dunai

35-minute flight to Juphal (2,400 m), then trek to Dunai (2,150 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,150m3h trekTented Camp
Day05

Trek to Ankhe

Ankhe

Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,660m6h trekTented Camp510m
Day06

Trek to Renje

Renje

Trek to Renje (3,104 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,104m7h trekTented Camp444m
Day07

Trek to Phoksundo Lake

Phoksundo Lake

Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m), approximately 6.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,600m7h trekTented Camp496m
Day08

Trek to Phoksundo Khola

Phoksundo Khola

Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,507m6h trekTented Camp93m
Day09

Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang

Phoksundo Bhanjyang

Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,402m7h trekTented Camp895m
Day10

Cross Kang La Pass to Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa

Cross Kang La Pass (5,151 m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,126 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,126m7h trekTented Camp276m
Day11

Rest & Exploration Day at Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa

Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa. Overnight at tented camp.

4,126mTented Camp
Day12

Cross Saldang La to Namduna Gaon

Namduna Gaon

Cross Saldang La Pass (4,785 m) and trek to Namduna Gaon (4,400 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,400m7h trekTented Camp274m
Day13

Trek to Saldang

Saldang

Trek to Saldang (3,903 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,903m4h trekTented Camp497m
Day14

Trek to Sibu

Sibu

Trek to Sibu (3,942 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,942m6h trekTented Camp39m
Day15

Trek to the Foot of Jeng La

Jeng La Phedi

Trek to the foot of Jeng La (4,369 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,369m5h trekTented Camp427m
Day16

Cross Jeng La to Tokyu Gaon

Tokyu Gaon

Cross Jeng La Pass (4,845 m) and trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,240m7h trekTented Camp129m
Day17

Trek to Dho Tarap

Dho Tarap

Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090 m), approximately 4.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,090m5h trekTented Camp150m
Day18

Trek to Serkam

Serkam

Trek to Serkam (3,630 m), approximately 6.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

3,630m7h trekTented Camp460m
Day19

Trek to Khani Gaon

Khani Gaon

Trek to Khani Gaon (2,550 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,550m7h trekTented Camp1,080m
Day20

Trek to Tarakot

Tarakot

Trek to Tarakot (2,281 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,281m4h trekTented Camp269m
Day21

Trek to Dunai

Dunai

Trek to Dunai (2,052 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,052m5h trekTented Camp229m
Day22

Trek to Juphal

Juphal

Trek to Juphal (2,404 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

2,404m3h trekTented Camp352m
Day23

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, total flight time approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,059m
Day24

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day25

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 2,875
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Nepalgunj, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and camping accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Round-trip flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo special trekking permit and all other necessary permits.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge.

Not Included

9

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Nepal's last true wilderness. Upper Dolpo is one of the most remote inhabited regions on Earth.

Thrill

Shey Phoksundo Lake is stunningly beautiful and almost impossible to reach without a 3-week commitment.

Connection

Five passes above 5,000m in 25 days. This is an expedition-grade trek, not a teahouse walk.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are an experienced trekker seeking the most remote multi-week route in Nepal.

You can walk 6 to 8 hours a day for 20 trekking days with five passes above 5,000m.

You are comfortable with camping for the entire trek. No teahouses in Upper Dolpo.

Prior experience above 5,000m is essential. Extended time at altitude.

Budget is USD 2,875. Includes the USD 500 restricted area permit, camping gear, and full expedition support.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Day pack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

- Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

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