Explore Adventures

Upper Dolpo Trek

Enter one of the most remote regions on Earth — Upper Dolpo. Made famous by Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard," this extreme trek reveals a hidden Tibetan world barely touched by modernity.

24 Days
5190m Max
Extreme

From

$2499

Book Now
4.9(34 reviews)
Juphal to Juphal

About This Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most iconic and sought-after trekking experiences in the Dolpo Region of Nepal. This 24-day journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayas, reaching a maximum altitude of 5190m.

Enter one of the most remote regions on Earth — Upper Dolpo. Made famous by Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard," this extreme trek reveals a hidden Tibetan world barely touched by modernity.

Throughout the trek, you'll experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the local communities. The trail passes through dramatic glacial valleys, high-altitude deserts, and pristine alpine environments. Our experienced guides ensure your safety and comfort while sharing their deep knowledge of the region's history, flora, and fauna.

This trek is rated as "Extreme" and is reserved for seasoned mountaineers with extensive high-altitude experience and technical climbing skills.

Duration24 Days
Max Altitude5190m
DifficultyExtreme
Group Size2-8

Trek Highlights

One of Earth's most remote regions

Crystal Mountain (Shey Gompa)

Ancient Bon religion practices

Possible snow leopard sighting

Phoksundo Lake — deepest in Nepal

Living Tibetan nomadic culture

Dramatic trans-Himalayan landscapes

True wilderness expedition

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and trek briefing with your guide. Explore Thamel district if time permits.

1400m
16.7km approx.

Travel to the trek starting point. Depending on the route, this may involve a scenic flight or a drive through beautiful Nepalese countryside. Brief orientation walk in the afternoon.

2585m
12.3km approx.

Trek through lush valleys, suspension bridges, and terraced hillsides. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

2854m
12.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

3117m
8.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3353m
9.2km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3574m
8.3km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3784m
9km approx.

Rest day for proper acclimatization. Optional short hike to a nearby viewpoint for stunning views. This day is crucial for adapting to the altitude and ensuring your safety for the higher sections ahead.

3986m
9.4km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

4181m
8.1km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

4370m
16.6km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

4555m
10km approx.

Early morning start to reach the highest point of the trek at 4736m. Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This is the highlight of your Upper Dolpo Trek. Descend to a lower camp for the night.

5190m
14.8km approx.

Rest day for proper acclimatization. Optional short hike to a nearby viewpoint for stunning views. This day is crucial for adapting to the altitude and ensuring your safety for the higher sections ahead.

4913m
11.8km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

5087m
16.7km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

4906m
14.8km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

4508m
9.1km approx.

Trek through dramatic high-altitude terrain with stunning mountain panoramas. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.

4196m
17.3km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 8 hours.

3921m
14.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3670m
9.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.

3436m
10km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.

3214m
13.5km approx.

Trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional villages. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.

3003m
17.8km approx.

Final day of trekking. Descend through forests and villages. Celebration dinner with the trekking team in the evening.

2255m
9.7km approx.

Return to Kathmandu by flight or vehicle. Free time for shopping and sightseeing. Farewell dinner with the team to celebrate your achievement.

1400m
10km approx.

What's Included

Included

  • Airport & hotel pickup/drop-off
  • All ground transportation
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • Teahouse & camping accommodation
  • Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All necessary permits and entry fees
  • First aid kit and oximeter
  • Sleeping bag (if required)
  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
  • Trek completion certificate
  • Government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking gear and clothing
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages
  • Hot showers and device charging (where available)
  • Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
  • Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather or health

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this trek.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is rated as "Extreme". This is one of our most demanding adventures, requiring peak physical condition, extensive mountaineering experience, and mental resilience. Technical skills and prior high-altitude experience above 5,000m are essential.
The best seasons for the Upper Dolpo Trek are Spring (May-Jun), Autumn (Sep-Oct). During these periods, you can expect stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain views. The autumn season (September-November) typically offers the clearest visibility, while spring (March-May) brings beautiful rhododendron blooms. Monsoon (June-August) and winter (December-February) are generally not recommended due to heavy rainfall and extreme cold respectively.
The trek price of $2499 per person includes airport/hotel transfers, all ground transportation, experienced English-speaking guide, porters (1 per 2 trekkers), all accommodation during the trek, three meals per day, necessary permits and entry fees, first aid kit, and a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. Government taxes and service charges are also included.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation up to $100,000, trek-related accidents, trip cancellation, and medical treatment at altitudes up to 5190m. We can recommend reputable insurance providers that cater specifically to high-altitude trekking.
We recommend starting your training at least 8-12 weeks before the trek. Focus on cardiovascular fitness (running, cycling, swimming), leg strength exercises (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and practice hikes with a loaded backpack. Try to include some uphill walking to simulate trail conditions. Yoga and stretching are also beneficial for flexibility and mental preparation.
The Upper Dolpo Trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5190m. Our itinerary is carefully designed with proper acclimatization days built in. We follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Our guides are trained in recognizing symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and carry pulse oximeters and first aid kits. We also have contingency evacuation plans. Staying well-hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and avoiding alcohol at high altitudes are key prevention strategies.
The Dolpo Region is a restricted trekking area in Nepal. You will need a Special Restricted Area Permit in addition to the standard TIMS card. These permits require trekking with a registered agency (which we provide) and a minimum group size. All permit costs are included in our trek price, and we handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.