Upper Dolpo Trek: My experience in Nepal’s Remote Himalayan Wilderness

Upper Dolpo Trek: My experience in Nepal’s Remote Himalayan Wilderness

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The Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote journey in the Himalayas. It is about quiet trails and solitude far from the crowded treks. In this article, I will share my experience of exploring the 27 days Upper Dolpo trek.

I was curious, and physically and mentally prepared for this adventure into the world almost forgotten by time. The people of Upper Dolpo live much like their ancestors, the villages are ancient, and the mountains are wild.



Upper Dolpo was an ideal trek for a seasoned trekker like me. I had a deeper, more remote and spiritual experience during the journey.

Where is Upper Dolpo?

Upper Dolpo is in the far northwest of Nepal, near the Tibetan border. It is among the most remote regions of the country. There are no roads here. Big town, cars, and luxury lodges are not available. I took a flight to Nepalgunj. From there I flew on a small plane to Juphal, a little airport in Dolpa District.

Upper Dolpo is a restricted area due to its location and cultural significance. Due to this, I had to travel with a registered trekking Company, Nepal Trekking Routes. They helped me with special permit.

Why I chose the Upper Dolpo Trek?

Trekking in the Upper Dolpo is difficult, long and remote. But that is what I enjoyed most.

Cultural Experience:

The Dolpo People are known as Dolpo-pa. They practice Tibetan Buddhism and Bon which are the oldest spiritual traditions in the Himalayas. I saw historic monasteries like Shey Gompa, where monks prayed and chanted like their ancestors. In some villages, people exchanged goods by yak caravan.

Wonderful Sceneries

The beauty of nature is memorable. I walked through deep valleys, high mountain passes and dry, windy plateaus. I saw waterfalls, deep canyons and rocky terrain carved by rivers. One of the breathtaking views is Phoksundo Lake, a bright blue lake surrounded by cliffs and forests.

Wildlife

Upper Dolpo is a part of Shey Phoksundo National Park. I could spot rare birds like the Himalayan griffon, musk deer and Himalayan blue sheep with my binoculars. However, I was not lucky enough to catch the glimpse of Snow leopard.
My experience on the trail

The trek to the Upper Dolpo began in Juphal and lasted for 27 days. Here is a brief overview of the route:

Juphal to Dunai: The trek started with a hike from the Juphal airport to the district office in Dunai.

Dunai to Phoksundo Lake: I climbed through forests and riverbank trails to reach Ringmo village.

Phoksundo to Shey Gompa: The trail became more difficult at this point. I crossed high passes like Kang La (5,360m) and arrived at Shey Gompa. It is a sacred monastery known as the “Crystal Monastery”.

Shey to Saldang and Dho Tarap: I continued through the high-altitude villages like: Saldang and Dho Tarap. Here, people have simple life rich with spiritual significance.
Returning to Juphal: I had many opportunities to interact with locals as I passed through many valleys and villages on the return trail. This full circuit was rewarding while challenging my physical strength.

Dolpo Trek Nepal Culture and People

Doplo people live in small villages that have few stone homes. Life is difficult during the winter months. The temperature falls below freezing and everything is covered in snow. The locals are friendly and welcoming. They welcomed me into their home and offered yak butter tea. They shared stories about their land and beliefs.

They follow the Bon religion which is older than Tibetan Buddhism. I could see colorful flags, spinning prayer wheels, and mani walls carved with mantras. I could feel the deep spiritual energy while visiting Shey Gompa.

How difficult is Upper Dolpo trek?

Trekking in Dolpo is not for beginners. It is a long, remote and physically tough journey.

High Altitude

I crossed several passes above 5,000 meters. There was risk of altitude sickness. So, I took time to acclimate, walked slowly, and drank lots of water.

Camping and Logistics

Teahouses are rare in Upper Dolpo. I had to sleep in tent most nights. The agency provided porters to transport food, gear, and cooking supplies. Some days can be without electricity, phone signals, or even people.

Permits and Guides

This trek cannot be done solo. For Upper Dolpo, the Nepali Government requires a special permit and a minimum of two trekkers with a licensed guide. This adds to the cost, but it also helps in the preservation of the local culture and the fragile environment.

You can read a full blog on How difficult is Upper Dolpo Trek?

When is the Best time for Nepal Trekking?

The best time to trek to Upper Dolpo are Spring and Autumn.

Spring (May-June): During spring, skies are clear and rhododendrons bloom at lower altitudes. The weather is perfect for crossing high passes. The daylight hours are longer.

Autumn (September-October): Autumn is popular season for trekking. The weather is stable and forests turn into beautiful golden hues. The skies are clear after the monsoon which offers wonderful mountain views.

However, winter and monsoon are considered off-peak seasons. Winter is too cold and snowy. Monsoon makes the trails slippery and dangerous.

Permits and Preparation

I needed to obtain permits to trek in Upper Dolpo.

• Restricted Area Permit: $500 for the first 10 days, then $50 per day.


• Lower Dolpo Permit: $20 per week.


• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Fee: NPR 3,000 or $25

A local trekking company, Nepal Trekking Routes and licensed guide made all the arrangements.

Fitness and Training for Himalayan Trekking
It is important to be in a good physical condition due to the altitude and length of the trek. A few months before the trek, I started walking regularly, cardio training and hiking to build my stamina.

Responsible Trekking in Upper Dolpo

Despite its beauty, Upper Dolpo is fragile. It is important to travel responsibly. Here is what I did:

• Leave No Trace: I swore by the “Leave No Trace” principle. I carried my trash like: plastics and food wrappers and disposed carefully.


• Support Locals: I hired local guides and porters to support local economy. I bought local food and crafts.


• Respect Culture: I took permission before entering monasteries and before taking pictures of people.


• Water and Firewood: I took a reusable water bottle and purification tablets to avoid plastic bottles. We used gas or solar powered equipment instead of cutting firewood for camping.

Trekking responsibly helps to protect the environment and culture for next generations.

Final words

The Upper Dolpo Trek is more than just a physical challenge. It is a journey to the place that seems lost in time. The mountains are huge and silent. The people are kind and spiritual. The trail took me far from modern life and closer to nature, culture and to myself.

This trek is for serious trekkers. It requires patience, strength, and respect. However, it offers a sense of deep connection with an environment that has been preserved for centuries.

Since, I was looking for Himalayan wilderness, the Upper Dolpo was a true hidden gem. The journey mattered more than the final destination. It was not just a trek but a story I will remember for the rest of my life.

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