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Upper Dolpo Trek — 28 Days · 28 days. Questions about dates, fitness or altitude? A trek planner will answer.

Upper Dolpo Trek — 28 Days
28 days

Upper Dolpo Trek

Experience a demanding 28-day trek through Upper Dolpo’s monasteries and high desert valleys, designed for premium travelers seeking restorative Himalayan adventures.

From

$5,180

Deposit $1,035

Trip facts

Duration
28 days
Highest altitude
5,000 m
Best seasons
May–June · September–October

Elevation profile

Upper Dolpo Trek — 28 Days — on the trail

Overview

Upper Dolpo trekking involves extended time above 4,000 m, long camping stretches, and demanding high-pass crossings. Villages such as Saldang and Shey reflect a rich spiritual tradition shaped by centuries of caravan trade. This trek is ideal for those seeking a deep connection with nature and local culture in a remote Himalayan setting.

Map

Explore the route

Highlights

What sets this journey apart

1 / 7

  1. Phoksundo Lake reflections

    01

    Phoksundo Lake reflections

  2. Serenity at Shey Gompa

    02

    Serenity at Shey Gompa

  3. Ascent to Kang La

    03

    Ascent to Kang La

  4. Monastery architecture details

    04

    Monastery architecture details

  5. Camps in remote valleys

    05

    Camps in remote valleys

  6. Pack animals on trails

    06

    Pack animals on trails

  7. Clear high-altitude nights

    07

    Clear high-altitude nights

Dates & price

From
$5,180 per person
Deposit
$1,035
Duration
28 days

Pick a departure from the calendar and pay the deposit to hold your place. Want a date that isn't listed? Ask us.

Itinerary

Day by day

After the trail

Stay a few more days

Essentials

What's covered

Included

  • Leader & guide

    • Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with wilderness first-aid training.
  • Accommodation

    • Kathmandu twin-share hotel; camping / basic lodges on trail as itinerary.
  • Internal flights

    • Nepalgunj–Juphal domestic flights as listed on the itinerary.
  • Airport transfers

    • ETE representative EV private-vehicle pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport; trip briefing on arrival day; local tra
  • Permits & fees

    • Restricted-area Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo permits arranged and included.
  • Porter service

    • One porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg each.
  • Kathmandu meals

    • Welcome and farewell dinners included; breakfasts provided during stay.
  • Ground transportation

    • Private vehicle transfers only (airport, city, and trailhead sectors as itinerary) — no shared public road transport.

Not included

  • Trail meals

    • Lunch and dinner at locally owned teahouses during the trek.
  • International flights

    • International flights to and from Nepal.
  • Travel insurance

    • Personal travel insurance with high-altitude coverage is mandatory.
  • Nepal visa

    • Visa fees and immigration-related charges.
  • Personal equipment

    • Personal trekking gear such as boots, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.
  • Tips & gratuities

    • Tips for guides, porters, and support staff are customary but discretionary.
  • Personal expenses

    • Expenses such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and battery charging.
  • Extra accommodation

    • Any additional nights in Kathmandu not part of the itinerary.

Questions

Before you commit

Morning overlook across a Himalayan valley — trail stewardship

On this trek · shey-phoksundo-national-park

High desert culture. Fragile ground.

Minimal-impact ethics. Fair crew. Deep respect for local custom.

Whole-team stewardship

Packing

What to pack

Upper Dolpo Trek — 28 Days kit — counts for one person.
  1. 01

    Base layers

    Pack moisture-wicking base layers for both tops and bottoms to ensure comfort during the trek.

  2. 02

    Insulation & shell

    Bring a warm fleece or down jacket and a waterproof shell to protect against wind and rain.

  3. 03

    Footwear

    Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support are essential, along with a pair of comfortable camp shoes.

  4. 04

    Sleeping gear

    A high-quality sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is necessary for the cold nights in Upper Dolpo.

  5. 05

    Day pack essentials

    Include a day pack for carrying water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and extra layers as you trek.

  6. 06

    Toiletries

    Personal hygiene items should be compact and environmentally friendly; consider biodegradable options.

  7. 07

    Documents & money

    Carry your passport, trekking permits, and some Nepali rupees for local expenses.

  8. 08

    First aid & meds

    A personal first aid kit with altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, and any personal prescriptions is important.