Explore the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo, crossing high Himalayan passes, visiting the sacred Shey Gompa and the spectacular turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake while experiencing one of the most authentic Tibetan Buddhist cultures in the Himalaya.
The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, culturally rich and adventurous Himalayan journeys, taking trekkers deep into the hidden valleys of the legendary Dolpo region. Located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri Himal and bordering the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Dolpo remains one of the least-visited trekking destinations in Nepal, preserving an ancient way of life, unique Tibetan Buddhist culture and some of the country’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard and Eric Valli’s film Himalaya, Upper Dolpo is a land of high-altitude deserts, turquoise lakes, ancient monasteries, remote settlements and dramatic mountain passes. The trek traverses Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, pristine wilderness and rare wildlife including snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves and musk deer.
The journey begins with a flight to Juphal before following ancient trade routes through deep river canyons, pine forests and traditional villages. Trekkers visit the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, cross several high Himalayan passes above 5,000 metres and explore the sacred Shey Gompa, one of the most important monasteries in Dolpo. Along the way, travellers experience centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions that remain largely unchanged by the modern world.
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a genuine expedition-style adventure, the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek offers exceptional wilderness, cultural immersion, challenging mountain passes and some of the most remote landscapes in the Himalaya.
Everything you need to know at a glance before your Upper Dolpo Circuit.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and passport collection.
Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2,350m), approx. 3-5 hours.
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (3,011m), approx. 6-7 hours.
Day 6: Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital area.
Day 7: Trek from Chunuwar to Ringmo (3,641m), approx. 5-6 hours.
Day 8: Rest and exploration day in Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake area.
Day 9: Trek from Ringmo to Lakey Dunga (Rugla Forest Camp) (3,700m), approx. 5-6 hours.
Day 10: Trek from Lakey Dunga to Nagdalo High Camp (4,100m), approx. 3-4 hours.
Day 11: Trek from Nagdalo High Camp to Shey Gompa (4,343m) via Nagdalo Pass (5,350m), approx. 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa.
Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Sheyla Mukchung Base Camp (4,760m) via Sheyla Mukchung Pass (5,300m), approx. 6-7 hours.
Day 14: Trek from Sheyla Mukchung Base Camp to Numala High Camp North/Tangpoche via Kyungla Pass (5,143m), approx. 6-7 hours.
Day 15: Trek from Numala High Camp North/Tangpoche to Dho Tarap (3,945m), approx. 6-7 hours.
Day 16: Trek from Dho Tarap to Nawarpani (3,370m), approx. 5-6 hours.
Day 17: Trek from Nawarpani to Lasicap (2,775m), approx. 5-6 hours.
Day 18: Trek from Lasicap to Dunai and drive to Juphal, approx. 7-8 hours.
Day 19: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu.
Day 20: Depart Nepal.
Note: The itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice due to weather conditions, flight schedules, trail conditions or operational requirements.
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Passport Collection
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a member of our team and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, passports will be collected to process the Humla restricted area permits. The remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Trek Briefing and Preparation (B)
Today is dedicated to final preparations for the trek. Your guide will conduct a detailed briefing covering the route, safety procedures, camping arrangements and equipment requirements. There will also be time for any last-minute shopping or gear rental.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (B L D)
Fly south-west across Nepal to Nepalgunj, a bustling city located near the Indian border. This overnight stop positions us for the early mountain flight to Humla the following morning.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Fly to Juphal and Trek to Dunai (2,350m) | Approx. 3-5 Hours (B L D)
An early morning mountain flight takes you to Juphal, offering spectacular views of western Nepal’s rugged terrain. From Juphal, begin trekking through terraced hillsides and traditional villages before reaching Dunai, the administrative centre of Dolpo District.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (3,011m) | Approx. 6-7 Hours (B L D)
Following the Thuli Bheri River upstream, the trail enters Shey Phoksundo National Park and passes through beautiful forests of pine, cedar and walnut. The route offers opportunities to observe local wildlife while gradually gaining altitude.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital Area (B L D)
Today’s trek follows scenic forest trails and river valleys deeper into Dolpo. The route passes traditional settlements and the famous Amchi Hospital area, where traditional Tibetan medicine is still practised.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Trek from Chunuwar to Ringmo (3,641m) | Approx. 5-6 Hours (B L D)
One of the most scenic days of the trek, today’s route leads to Ringmo, a traditional Bon and Buddhist village situated above the spectacular Phoksundo Lake. As the trail climbs, breathtaking views of waterfalls, cliffs and turquoise waters begin to emerge.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Exploration Day in Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake (B L D)
A day to rest, acclimatise and explore one of Nepal’s most beautiful mountain lakes. Phoksundo Lake is famous for its remarkable turquoise colour and dramatic setting beneath towering cliffs. Visit Ringmo village, local monasteries and enjoy walks around the lakeshore.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Trek from Ringmo to Lakey Dunga (Rugla Forest Camp) (3,700m) | Approx. 5-6 Hours (B L D)
Leaving Phoksundo behind, the trail traverses rugged terrain above the lake before entering remote alpine landscapes. Forests gradually give way to high-altitude meadows and mountain wilderness.
Overnight in a basic lodge or camp.
Day 10: Trek from Lakey Dunga to Nagdalo High Camp (4,100m) | Approx. 3-4 Hours (B L D)
A shorter day allows for gradual acclimatisation before the first major pass crossing. The trail ascends through increasingly barren landscapes with expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in a basic lodge or camp.
Day 11: Trek from Nagdalo High Camp to Shey Gompa via Nagdalo Pass (5,350m) | Approx. 5-6 Hours (B L D)
Today is one of the major highlights of the trek. Crossing the Nagdalo Pass provides spectacular panoramic views across Dolpo’s remote mountain wilderness. Descend to the sacred Shey Gompa, one of the region’s most revered monasteries and spiritual centres.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Rest Day at Shey Gompa (B L D)
Spend the day exploring Shey Gompa and the surrounding sacred landscape. The monastery is an important pilgrimage site and offers fascinating insight into the spiritual traditions of Upper Dolpo. Optional walks to nearby viewpoints provide further mountain scenery.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Sheyla Mukchung Base Camp via Sheyla Mukchung Pass (5,300m) | Approx. 6-7 Hours (B L D)
Another challenging but rewarding day crossing a high Himalayan pass. The trail traverses remote alpine terrain with magnificent views of barren valleys, colourful hillsides and distant snow-capped peaks.
Overnight in a basic lodge or camp.
Day 14: Trek from Sheyla Mukchung Base Camp to Numala High Camp North/Tangpoche via Kyungla Pass (5,143m) | Approx. 6-7 Hours (B L D)
Cross the Kyungla Pass and continue through some of Upper Dolpo’s most remote landscapes. The route offers exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and dramatic high-altitude terrain.
Overnight in a lodge or camp.
Day 15: Trek from Numala High Camp North/Tangpoche to Dho Tarap (3,945m) | Approx. 6-7 Hours (B L D)
Descend into the vast Dho Tarap Valley, one of the highest permanent settlements in Nepal. Surrounded by wide open plains and dramatic mountain scenery, Dho Tarap is renowned for its unique culture and traditional Tibetan architecture.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 16: Trek from Dho Tarap to Nawarpani (3,370m) | Approx. 5-6 Hours (B L D)
The trail follows ancient trade routes through remote valleys and narrow river gorges. As altitude decreases, the landscape gradually becomes greener and more varied.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 17: Trek from Nawarpani to Lasicap (2,775m) | Approx. 5-6 Hours (B L D)
Today’s route continues through dramatic canyon scenery, crossing suspension bridges and following rivers through increasingly forested terrain.
Overnight in a lodge.
Day 18: Trek from Lasicap to Dunai and Drive to Juphal | Approx. 7-8 Hours (B L D)
Complete the final section of trekking back to Dunai before transferring by vehicle to Juphal. This marks the conclusion of your journey through the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo.
Overnight in Juphal.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj (B)
Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and connect onward to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 20: Depart Nepal (B)
Today marks the end of your Upper Dolpo adventure. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight home.
The itinerary is intended as a guide and may be subject to change at short notice due to weather conditions, flight schedules, trail conditions or operational requirements.
MEALS INCLUDED: B – breakfast | L – lunch | D – dinner
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Additional Information
Permit info: Upper Dolpo is a restricted area and special permits are required. Original passports are required prior to departure to process trekking permits.
Cost Includes
- Pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
- International & domestic airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu: 2 nights pre-trek & 1-night post-trek
- 1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj: Pre trek
- Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team
- Domestic flights as outlined in the itinerary
- Camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
- During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
- All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
- 1 porter for every two people
- Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
- Rescue assistance
- Group medical kit
Cost Excludes
- International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
- Visa for Nepal
- Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
- Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers etc., during the trek
- Meals unless specified
- Sightseeing
- Gratuities
- Excess baggage on domestic flights
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests
What to Bring
Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
This is a guideline only
| UPPER BODY LAYERS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| T-Shirts – walking | 2 | We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton. |
| T-shirt – sleeping | 1 | This can be cotton |
| Base layers (ie thermal top) | 1 | Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry |
| Top insulating Layers | 1 | Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers |
| Fleece Vest | 1 | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Down Jacket | 1 | |
| LOWER BODY LAYERS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Underwear | Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them) | |
| Thermal long johns/long underwear | 1 | |
| Trekking Trousers | 2 | Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good |
| Evening/sleeping trousers | 1 optional | 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans. |
| Hiking Shorts | 1 | If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies |
| Rain Pants | 1 | |
| PACKS & BAGS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Day pack | 1 | Approx. 35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear |
| Sleeping bag with compression sack | 1 | Minimum 3 season |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Optional |
FOOTWEAR
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Hiking boots | 1 | Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support |
| Socks | 3 | |
| Sandals/Camp shoes | 1 | Lightweight for evening use |
| MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS | ||
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
| Water bottles | 2 | One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred |
| Water purification drops | 1 | Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus) |
| Lip Balm | 1 | With SPF factor |
| Sunscreen | 1 | We recommend SPF 30 or greater |
| Mosquito repellent | 1 | |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | To include any prescribed medications |
| Sunglasses | 1 | |
| Bandana/Buff | 1 | Useful for a variety of purposes. |
| Flashlight /head torch | 1 | Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries |
| Travel towel | 1 | Lightweight and compact |
| Wash kit | Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible | |
| Instant Hand Sanitizer | 1 | Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean |
| Sun hat | 1 | |
| Warm hat | 1 | |
| Gloves | 1 | |
| Trekking poles | Optional | |
| Trekking snacks | Good selection available in KTM | |
| Camera | With charger &/or extra batteries | |
| Toilet paper & rubbish bag | ||
| Book/journal | ||
| Pack of cards/travel game | 1 | For evening entertainment |
| Photocopies of all your important documents | ||
| Compression socks | 1 | Great for international flights & long road/jeep journeys |
| A great sense of humour & a positive attitude | Essential – don’t come without it!! | |
Similar Trips
Trip Photo Stories
FAQs for Upper Dolpo Circuit
What will the food be like?
There are is a set menu that is used by all of the tea houses along the trek, with such foods as: Breakfast – porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, rice pudding. Lunch/Dinner – dal bhat, pasta, soup, mo mos, eggs, chapati, noodles. Tea and coffee will be served at each meal.
What will the weather be like?
Generally, the weather is warm/hot during the day with the temperatures dipping at night into the early morning. The higher you go, the cooler the temperatures get. During the spring season the minimum night time temperature at Badal Dada / High Camp should be just below freezing, although it will depend on the weather at the time. During the autumn season, traditionally the minimum night time temperature will be below freezing, possibly as low as -5 to -10 degrees Celsius up high. The mountains have their own micro climates, and climate change is impacting the traditional weather patterns and you need to be prepared for all conditions – sun, rain, snow, ice.
Do I need travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at the maximum altitude of your chosen route, as well as emergency medical treatment and evacuation where appropriate.
What happens if I get sick or there is an emergency during the trek?
Our guides are trained to respond to common trekking emergencies and will coordinate assistance when necessary. Depending on the location and situation, this may involve rest and observation, descent, evacuation or medical support.
How do I deal with altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Our itineraries are designed with acclimatisation in mind, and our guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace and allowing your body time to acclimatise are important.
Will I be carrying my own gear on the trek? How much luggage can I take on a trek?
You will be provided with a duffle bag for your main trekking gear, which will be carried by a porter. The weight limit per person for this is 10kg. You will just carry your day pack with your personal items for the day.
Is there electricity / WiFi on the trek?
There is only mains electricity at the teahouses on the first and last night, the rest are all solar powered. You are able to charge your phones, camera batteries, however, the teahouse may make a small charge, especially where there is no mains power. Some trekking areas have mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi at certain villages, while remote sections may have little or no connectivity. We recommend being prepared for periods without a reliable signal.
What is the accommodation like on the trek? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
You will be sleeping in small, simple teahouses along the trek. The rooms are usually twin or triple. Single rooms cannot be guaranteed. Attached bathrooms might only be available on the first and last nights of the trek. Simple beds with a sheet and pillow are provided. A sleeping bag and liner will be provided for you during the trek.
What clothing/gear do I need to bring for the trek?
Please refer to the detailed gear list you have been provided with. Ladies, please make sure any trousers or shorts fall below the knee. Please make sure your walking boots are well worn in and comfortable. Technical gear such as ropes and crampons are not required for this trek, although micro spikes/Yak Trax will be useful if the conditions are snowy/icy up at high camp. These can be bought cheaply (c.£10 a pair) in Nepal.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Not necessarily. You don’t need previous trekking experience, but a good level of physical fitness, proper preparation, and the ability to walk for several hours a day are important.
What is the best time of year to trek in Nepal?
The main trekking seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when conditions are generally favourable. There are also some lower-altitude and rain-shadow treks that can be suitable during the monsoon, while winter offers clear skies but colder conditions at higher elevations.
21 Days
Lower Dolpo Region
Moderate/Strenuous
