Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo was restricted for tourists until the 1990s. This hidden treasure of Nepal has always been taken as one of the most remotely located places and even the local Nepalese don’t have many opportunities to visit this forbidden place. Legend says that the Dolpo region is protected by Guru Rimpoche, the Founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Geographically, Upper Dolpo is situated between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri Massif.

The Upper Dolpo remains an authentic destination. The people there follow the Pre-Buddhist tradition of Bon-Po religion, which can only be found in the Dolpo. Thus, the site is a very unique place for all adventure lovers who wish to experience the primitive traditions and cultures.

Upper Dolpo sits 4300 meters above sea level, and embodies a unique culture and traditions. These types of settlement are rare in the world. These highest dwellers are not much aware about life beyond the mountains and are happy with what their forefathers have been practicing since centuries ago. The trek passes through many ancient villages. The villages lead to the high passes, which are known for the Tibetan salt trade route.

Crossing the beautiful and serene Shey-Phoksundo Lake and visiting the spiritual Shey Gompa Monastery are the most enlightening spiritual experiences during the trek. The Upper Dolpo trekking offers the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Kanjiroba. Along with the magnificent views of the Himalayas, the trekking trail is rich in different species of flowers like Orchids, Edelweiss, Campanules, and Forget-me-nots. You can also see rare wildlife such as the Blue Sheep, Snow leopard, Mountain Goat and Himalayan Langur. As the region of Dolpo lies in the rain shadow area of Dhaulagiri, the trek is also accessible during the monsoon season.

Himalayan Circuit’s treks are meant for those who are willing to take a step beyond the route and experience the trip in its totality. Visit the Upper Dolpo region and experience those unexplored jewels of the Himalayas.

Variations

Juphal to Lake Phoksundo

There are also shorter variations of the Upper Dolpo trek that you can take. One shorter variation is to trek from Juphal to Lake Phoksundo and back, which takes around eight days. Other variations connect Dolpo to Mustang and/or the Annapurna region, to the east.

Upper Dolpo to Annapurna Traverse

The Upper Dolpo to Annapurna Traverse, via Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve, would add about a week onto the Upper Dolpo trek. There is a three-day stretch during which you pass no settlements at all.

Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek

The Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek is another variation. Jomsom is in the Lower Mustang region of Nepal, and also has a strong Tibetan-influenced culture. It is in the rain-shadow of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, offering a different view of the Annapurna Himals.

Dolpo to Rara Traverse

Yet another variation is the Dolpo to Rara Traverse via Shey Gompa. It is around the same length as the regular Upper Dolpo trek, but diverges at Shey Gompa and ends at Rara Lake, in Jumla and Mugu districts. This is the largest lake in Nepal, and renowned for its abundant bird life.

Best Season

Like much of Nepal, the best time to visit Upper Dolpo is the spring (April to May) and the fall (October to November) when temperatures are pleasant, skies are the clearest, and there is minimal chance of snow at high altitudes. Late/early snow can affect this trek in April and November, making some passes impossible to cross.

Difficulty

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is considered strenuous. There are steep ascents, three passes above 5000 m., several nights spent above 3500 m. and some long trekking days of six hours or more. The fact that this is a camping trek adds to the physical challenge and discomfort of trekking in Upper Dolpo, and rest days are recommended.

This is not a beginner’s trek or one to attempt if it’s your first time in Nepal. But it will be a worthwhile challenge for experienced trekkers and repeat visitors to Nepal alike!