Upper Dolpo Trek
Nepal · 24 Days · Strenuous
Restricted Area Trek From US $5,660 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
24 Days / 23 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Flight KTM-Juphal
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
5,190m / Numa La
Overview
Journey to Shey Gompa — the Crystal Mountain pilgrimage through Nepal's most remote sacred wilderness.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 5,190m / Numa La
- Duration: 24 days / 23 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $4,800 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $5,660 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $6,960 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $4,800 | US $5,660 | US $6,960 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $4,320 | US $5,090 | US $6,260 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $3,980 | US $4,700 | US $5,780 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $3,650 | US $4,300 | US $5,290 |
| 14+ Pax | US $3,360 | US $3,960 | US $4,870 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu for the start of one of Nepal's most extraordinary remote treks. Upper Dolpo — the restricted Tibetan plateau of western Nepal, immortalised in Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard' — is accessible to only a small number of visitors each year. Special restricted area permit required. Welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Juphal (2,475m), Trek to Dunai (2,140m)
📍 Dunai
Morning flight to Juphal in western Nepal's Dolpo region (via Nepalgunj if required). Trek to Dunai — the district headquarters of Dolpo. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Dunai to Tarakot (2,540m)
📍 Tarakot
Trek up the Barbung Khola valley through wild, semi-arid terrain. Stone and mud-brick villages clinging to cliffs above the river. The landscape recalls Tibet more than Nepal. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Tarakot to Laisicap (2,990m)
📍 Laisicap
Enter the Upper Dolpo restricted zone. Tibetan Buddhist chortens, mani walls and prayer flags mark the increasingly Tibetan character of the landscape. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Laisicap to Dho Tarap (4,080m)
📍 Dho Tarap
Ascend to Dho Tarap — one of the most remote inhabited villages in Nepal, sitting on a wide plateau at 4,080 metres. The village monastery is one of the most important in Dolpo. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Acclimatisation in Dho Tarap
📍 Dho Tarap
Rest and acclimatisation day. Explore the village monastery, meet the community and adjust to altitude. Walking time: Short hike. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Dho Tarap to Num La (5,190m) Camp
📍 Num La Camp
Ascend towards the Num La pass — the highest point of the trek. Camp at high altitude below the pass. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Cross Num La (5,190m) to Saldang (3,770m)
📍 Saldang
Cross the Num La pass (5,190m) — the entrance to the hidden inner plateau of Upper Dolpo. The descent to Saldang passes through the most remote and beautiful landscape in Nepal. Walking time: 7–8 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Saldang to Shey Gompa (4,200m)
📍 Shey Gompa
Trek to Shey Gompa — the legendary Crystal Mountain monastery, one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Shey Gompa Exploration
📍 Shey Gompa
Full day at the Crystal Mountain monastery. Attend morning puja with the resident monks, explore the ancient thangkas and butter statues, and hike to the crystal rock above the monastery for extraordinary views of the Dolpo plateau. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Shey Gompa to Namgung (3,900m)
📍 Namgung
Continue west through the high Dolpo plateau towards Phoksundo Lake. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Namgung to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m)
📍 Phoksundo Lake
Arrive at Phoksundo Lake — Nepal's deepest lake and one of the most visually stunning places in the entire Himalaya. The water is an extraordinary shade of translucent turquoise-green, surrounded by steep cliffs and juniper forest. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Phoksundo Lake Rest Day
📍 Phoksundo Lake
Rest day at one of Nepal's most beautiful natural wonders. Hike around the lake shore, visit the Ringmo village monastery, and simply absorb the extraordinary colour of the water and the silence of the plateau. Meals: All included.
Day 14
Day 14: Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (3,000m)
📍 Phoksundo Khola
Begin the descent south from the lake, following the Phoksundo Khola river through increasingly dramatic gorge terrain. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 15
Day 15: Phoksundo Khola to Suligad (2,390m)
📍 Suligad
Continue descending through the gorge. The vegetation changes from high-altitude desert to juniper and rhododendron forest. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 16
Day 16: Suligad to Dunai (2,140m)
📍 Dunai
Return to Dunai — a significant altitude drop that brings warmth and easier breathing. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 17
Day 17: Dunai to Juphal, Fly to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Trek to Juphal airstrip and fly back to Kathmandu (via Nepalgunj). Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 18
Day 18: Kathmandu Sightseeing
📍 Kathmandu
Explore Kathmandu Valley heritage sites. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 19
Day 19: Rest / Reserve Day
📍 Kathmandu
Buffer for weather delays or free time in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20
Day 20: Rest / Reserve Day
📍 Kathmandu
Additional buffer day. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 21
Day 21: Rest / Reserve Day
📍 Kathmandu
Spare day for any remaining activities. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 22
Day 22: Rest / Reserve Day
📍 Kathmandu
Final full day in Kathmandu. Last shopping and sightseeing. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 23
Day 23: Rest / Reserve Day
📍 Kathmandu
Last buffer before departure. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 24
Day 24: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. Upper Dolpo — the Crystal Mountain, Phoksundo Lake, the most remote plateau in Nepal — is a journey to the edge of the known world. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Restricted Area Permit (USD 500–3,000) + relevant national park fees. Mantra Adventure handles everything. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Upper Dolpo Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 5,190m / Numa La. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.