Upper Dolpa Circuit Trek – 21 Days

Trip Facts

Duration 21 Days
Max. Altitude: 5350m
Group size 2-10+
Best Time for Visit Spring (Mar/Apr/May),  Autumn (Sept/Oct/Nov) and Rainy ( June/July/August)
Activity Trekking/Hiking
Mode of Trek Camping, Teahouse/Lodge, Homestay
Meals Locally available Food Menu
DIFFICULTY Hard
/Adventure Trek
LOCATION Upper Dolpa
Arrival On Juphal
Departure From Juphal

Overview

Trekking in the upper Dolpa region gives an exposure to the High and isolated Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. Dolpa first settled by Rokpa farmers and Drokpa nomads from Tibet in the 10th century. It is one of the highest inhabited places on earth, with scattered fortress-like villages and monasteries nestling among mountains of stark, ascetic beauty.  Peter Matthiessen’s “The snow leopard” and David Snell grove’s “Himalayan Pilgrimage” have contributed to the mystique and attraction of Dolpa. Both writers visited the Shey Gompa (11th Century), to the north of the Phoksumdo Lake, in inner Dolpa. Dolpa is Bon-pro country, where people practice a shamanistic religion predating Tibetan Buddhism. This upper Dolpa Region was open to foreigner visitors since 1992 and still requires a special permit.

This is quite a strenuous trekking. You have to cross three high passes, Nagdalo La (5350 m), the Shey La (5010 m) and Jeng La (5220 m). These crossings involve long climbs and long descents. The trails linger above 4000 m for long periods of time that results in very cold nights. That being said, the unforgettable landscapes, the views from the passes and the rare insight into a preserved culture makes it all worth it.

Itinerary

The above-mentioned itinerary from Kathmandu is 21 days trip, but it can be shortened or extended depending on how many hours of walking you fit into your days. It is strongly suggested to have 2 to 3 days surplus before and after the trek in Nepal to avoid flight cancellations due to bad weather conditions in mountain Flight. There are basic guesthouses in Juphal, Dunai, Kageni, Chhepka, close to Sanduwa (next to the Amchi Hospital), Ringmo, Shey, Saldang, Dho and Lingdo. At the other places you have to camp (day 7, 10-14, 16 and 17 of this itinerary).

 

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