Upper Dolpo Trek

Overview of Upper Dolpo Trek

Dolpo Trekking is travel to an unexplored paradise. The pristine nature, uncrowded trails, unique culture, and remoteness of the Dolpo Trekking are rewarding experiences for the travelers visiting the region. The high Himalayas of western Nepal isolates the Dolpo region. The exceedingly amazing landscapes and serene beauty of the land resembles Tibet. At places, the beauty of Dolpo by far surpasses the striking views people get to behold in Tibet. Himalayan Hospitality Treks and Tours targets to bring trekkers around the globe to Dolpo and its neighboring region undoubtedly is the expert of treks in Dolpo.

Dolpo Trekking is an adventure journey to the remote land of the Dolpa region. It is one of the least developed and the most remote regions in Nepal. In 2000, Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, “The Caravan,” was nominated for the Oscars after being a huge success in many countries. After the movie, the world recognized the Dolpo region. Despite the fact, the region remains an isolated corner and very fewer people visit the region. It was not open to foreigners until 1989. However, the government had allowed the southern part for some organized trekking groups.

Dolpo Region

Dolpo/Dolpa lies beside the Shey Phoksundo National Park in the western north of Nepal and in between the Dhaulagiri range and the Tibetan plateau. Nepal government established the Shey Phoksundo National Park to preserve the ecosystem of plants and wildlife that include rare blue sheep, grey wolf, and snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksundo Lake, and the Dhaulagiri massif is the major attraction of this trek.

One of the easiest ways to reach Dolpo is a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal you will need to trek for about four hours to reach the Dolpa district headquarters, Dunai. But you can also trek to Dunai from Dhorpatan that can be easily reached from Tansen. Along with this journey, you will get to experience the Himalayan lakes, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, turquoise blue Phokhsundo Lake, and get to watch yak caravans being involved in the trade of rock salt and barley with Tibet. If you opt for this trek during summer, you will be able to see the caravans of yaks and sheep running and playing around the valley in the trade route between the Tibetan Plateau and Nepal.

The beauty and charm of this region are unique in the whole world. Dolpo Trekking is an opportunity to meet the pleasant inhabitants of Tibetan origin. Additionally, you will explore their untouched lifestyle and villages during the trek. Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas due to which the landscapes are like deserts without green trees and monsoon-watered hills.

Meal

Our professional staff serves you typical Nepali food to continental meals during your camping days. The trekking crew will stop at the Lunch stop for daily meals, however, Dinner and breakfast are served at the tea house or in the tent camp.  During your stay in Kathmandu, the hotel will serve only breakfast. You can choose either a vegetarian or vegan or nonveg meal based on your choice while in Kathmandu.

Staff Crew

Trekking Staff, porter, trekking cook along with a guide accompany your trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. We serve a group of travelers with more than eight-member with two guides. Porter or mule carry the luggage from Juphal to Juphal. A porter or mule carries a weight ranging from 15kg – 20kg.

Necessary Equipment for Dolpa Trekking

• Experts recommend the following equipment to bring for Dolpo Trekking :
• Down Sleeping Bag
• Down Jacket
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Jumper or fleece jacket
• T-shirts, Trekking shoes, or boots
• Comfy shoes for around the camp
• thick and warm woolen socks
• Light cotton socks
• A day bag to carry your valuable
• Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, raincoat,
• Sunblock, lip balm, Goggles or sunglasses,
• Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle
• Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit,
• Flashlight, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel, and toiletries, etc.
• Physical Fitness and experience

Dolpo trek is a challenging trek that demands one’s ability to walk. Normally, one has to walk for 7-8 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. However, some days are even longer with 8-10 hours of walking. Dolpo trek is also a high altitude hiking demanding more physical fitness, strong determination, and excellent health. A strong determination with average physical fitness can complete this trek. Before the trek, we recommend to go weeks of regular physical exercise and basic training will strengthen your feet and muscles. The trek, particularly, does not require much training however experience also helps. Travelers with heart disease, lung, or blood disease should consult with their physician and require to inform Himalayan Hospitality Journeys before the tour departure.

Insurance

Travel, medical and rescue, and emergency 0evacuation insurance is a must before setting off for the Dolpo trek. The insurance policy should cover up to the highest altitude of the trekking route.

Trekking Seasons for Dolpo Trek

Generally, the days of May to October are suitable periods for Upper Dolpo Trek. Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow area beyond the high Himalayas. It is more scenic and beautiful with greenery and freshly cultivated land in the rainy season between mid-June to mid-September.

Flight

Mountain weather is unpredictable. The bad weather often is the major cause of flight cancelation between Nepalgunj to Juphal. We advise the travelers to add a few extra days in Kathmandu. If everything goes fine, you can enjoy the days after the trip to Kathmandu doing other activities. In case the flight cancels, we can re-book it for the next day. Himalayan Hospitality Journeys will arrange the hotel for you but the meal will be on your part. You will get a similar arrangement Juphal if the flight cancels.

Other tours with Dolpo Trekking?

Travelers who book the Dolpo Trekking can enjoy other tours to make a good combination of the Nepal experience. The sightseeing tours in Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, Wildlife Jungle Safari in Bardia National Park can be the most promising tours to combine with the Dolpa trek. UNESCO World Heritage Site tour in Kathmandu is the best opportunity to experience the culture of Kathmandu Valley. However, the Bardia National Park is the best place to see the Royal Bengal tiger including several other wildlife.

Required Permits for Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo is a secluded region that requires special permits from the department of immigration to trek.  Government of Nepal, Department of Immigration issues two permits for Dolpo trekking; one for Lower Dolpo and another for Upper Dolpo.

Lower Dolpo trekking permit fee: USD 20 per person/ week  and USD 5 per person /day ( beyond 1 week)
Upper Dolpo trekking permit fee: USD500 per person (for the first 10 days) and USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days)

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Fee: USD30 per person

TIMS: USD 10 per person

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