Upper Dolpo Trek
Nepal, High Pass Trekking In Nepal, less crowded Treks, Restricted Trekking Region
Overview
Upper Dolpo Trek is remote the wilderness area of Dolpo region which is fully isolated from the marks of modernization. The region has full of hidden mysteries of the nature including ancient monasteries and Gompas. Shey Phoksundo Lake, Phoksundo National Park, Shey Gompa can be excursed in the region. Trekking in Dolpo region is quite strenuous and challenging due to its geographical remoteness. Trekking to high passes like Kang La Pass at the altitude of 5375m, Jeng La Pass at 5110m and Shey La at 5000m. are very challenging to the trekkers.
Upper Dolpo Trekking is the trekking into isolated part of Mid-Western part of Nepal. The exciting landscape, natural vegetation and wildlife make the region one of the interesting regions to explore. The highlights of the Trek in Upper Dolpo region are Juphal, Kageni, Dunai, Chhepka, Shey Gompa, Saldang, Rinje, Dho and Lingdo etc.
Dolpo region is supposed to be blessed by Guru Rimpoche where you can get spiritual serenity being away from hustle and bustle of urban life. The opportunity to explore this abandoned region which is very rich in natural life including different endangered animals like Blue sheep and snow leopard and precious plants like silvery fir and other plants gives you exact picture of diversity of Nepalese flora and fauna.
Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trekking
- Aerial flight from the capital to terai to the Himalayas
- Visit the pristine and deepest lake of Nepal, Shey Pokshundo
- Enjoy the stunning view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
- See sunrise views from the various viewpoint on the trail
- Visit many ancient gompas of the Dolpo region
- Explore the Bon and Buddhist culture
- Enjoy the warm hospitality
Best Time for Upper Dolpo Trek
Now, are you wondering when the best time for Upper Dolpo Trekking is? The trek to Upper Dolpo is suitable any month, season, and time of the year. But the favorite seasons and best times for many trekkers are spring and autumn.
During spring and autumn, nature flaunts its utter beauty to the visitors. Plus, the weather and temperature are also best during these times. The skies are clear, the views are visible, and it is sunny throughout the day, making the seasons perfect for treks.
Permit
As Upper Dolpo Trekking is a remote trek, are you questioning whether permits are necessary or not? Yes, it is compulsory to bring entry permits to finish the circuit.
You will need three different permits to enter the Dolpo region. They are Lower Dolpo restricted area entry permits, Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permits, and Upper Dolpo restricted area entry permits.
Also, always note that you need to be at least two or more people to trek in these remote areas. So, the permits are not available for single trekkers and only through local agencies.
The government opened the trekking routes of Upper Dolpo for foreigners only in 1989. Before that, it was restricted to the outside world, so the accommodation is still under development.
Meals & Accommodation
You will need to adjust for meals and accommodation as the lodging and food available are basic to average. You will spend your nights in cozy tea-houses and lodges in the Dolpo region.
As for foods, you get to try out the traditional cuisines for the entire Upper Dolpo Trekking. You get to have Dal, Bhat (rice), Curry, various side dishes, different styles of eggs, Bread and Jam, tea and other western foods.
Overall, this Upper Dolpo trekking lasts for a total of 24 days. So, grab this opportunity and make plans to escape into the tranquility of the Himalayas. Find yourself far from all the noise and stress of daily life.
High passes in Upper Dolpo Trek
Trekking in the restricted Upper Dolpo region in the Himalayas of Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is a journey of discovery into high-altitude, remote, and pristine mountains. This remarkable endeavor will encounter and introduce you to the diverse landscapes, rugged wilderness alpine terrains, unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, and several high Himalayan passes.
Here are the 5 high passes in Upper Dolpo trekking that are known for their breathtaking heights and scenic view.
Nangdala Pass
Nangdala Pass, or Nangpa La, is a notable high mountain pass in the Upper Dolpo region at an impressive elevation of 5,350 m/17,552 ft. This pass is in the high Himalayas near the border of the autonomous region of China, Tibet. Nangdala Pass has a historic legacy of an ancient trade route between the Upper Dolpo region and Tibet. It helps to flourish the cultural exchange and commercial transactions by linking these two places.
Nangdala Pass serves as a bridge for trekking between two different valleys in the Upper Dolpo. The breathtaking valleys of Tarap and Phoksundo, are connected by means of Nangdala Pass. During the exhilarating Upper Dolpo trekking journey, you will cross this pass to head from Shey Gompa to Sallaghari or vice versa.
The ascend to the Nangdala Pass is a challenging undertaking in the remote mountain locations of Upper Dolpo. You will have to navigate demanding trails such as rocky boulders and steep and narrow sections all the way to the pass. The routes are possibly covered with ice and snow during the cold winter seasons. Owing to the significant elevation of the pass, unexpected weather conditions like heavy snowfall and strong high winds can trouble the navigation. So, it is better to start ascending the pass from early in the morning when the weather is clear and pleasant.
After a successful ascent to the pass, you will be treated to the incredible sweeping panorama of the surrounding landscapes, rocky cliffs, and rugged beauty of the majestic snow-covered Himalayas. Moreover, the stunning scenery of shimmery Shey Phoksundo Lake in the middle of the lofty mountains will mesmerize you, enriching the journey tenfold.
Sela (Gela) Pass
Sela Pass, or Gela, is another high Himalayan pass in the remote Upper Dolpo region within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This pass is situated at an elevation of 5,094 m/16,712 ft above sea level. It is at the Upper Dolpo trekking routes on the way from Shey Gompa to Namgung village. Sela Pass is a well-known trekking choice for avid and adventurous trekkers who want to explore the untouched areas of secluded Upper Dolpo.
Similar to Nangdala Pass, the navigation of Sela Pass is challenging. The possible difficulty factors during the pass crossing are unpredictable weather conditions, rugged terrains, trails with several ups and downs/twists and turns, high altitude, and risk of altitude sickness. If you are well-prepared with weather updates and flexibility with itineraries, physical and mental readiness, and hydration and acclimatization, you can surely conquer the pass with ease and comfort. Once you achieve the Sela Pass, you will be rewarded with mind-blowing vistas of the surrounding barren landscape, sacred Crystal Mountain, and numerous other peaks in the region.
The best time to cross Sela Pass in Upper Dolpo trekking is during the weather-favored seasons of spring and autumn. During this time, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. The mild temperature will make it easy and comfortable to navigate the pass without layering up with heavy clothes. Likewise, the weather at this time is stable, and there is no chance of unexpected atmospheric changes. Extreme conditions like high winds, heavy snowfall, blizzards, etc, are reduced during these seasons, which will contribute to the easy, safe, and seamless journey of crossing the Sela Pass.
Mo La Pass
Mo La Pass is one of the prominent high passes during the Upper Dolpo Trek. The Upper Dolpo Trek commences from Juphal and takes you across the varied mountainous terrains and numerous rural villages before encountering this breathtaking high mountain pass. During the trek, you have to cross Mo La Pass in order to explore the rugged splendor and culturally rich regions of the Upper Dolpo further on the other side of the pass.
Trekking to the top of Mo La Pass and crossing it is challenging, given its high altitude and rugged topography. The pass is physically demanding to navigate, which involves passing through complex alpine terrains. You need to have a basic level of physical fitness and endurance capacity in order to tackle the rough and uneven trail surfaces leading toward the pass. With the enriched sight of diverse, unique wildflowers and sparse vegetation adapted to harsh high Himalayan conditions, you will reach the apex of the Mo La Pass. While the trek is a bit challenging, the enthralling views and pristine wilderness experience will make it even more rewarding.
The Mo La Pass rises at an astounding elevation of 5,027 m/16,493 ft. The high-altitude area of Mo La Pass is encircled by towering Himalayas. The stretching jaw-dropping scenery of the rugged Dolpo landscapes and gratifying mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Macchapuchre, Kanchenjunga, Gurja Himal, Api, Saipal, Kanjirowa, Kanguru, Nilgiri, Churen Himal, etc will make your every step to the top of Mo La Pass worthwhile.
Niwar La Pass
Niwar La Pass is usually encountered during the adventurous trekking journey of restricted and isolated Upper Dolpo. To access Niwar La Pass, you need to complete several days of walks over the high-altitude mountainous trails. The trek begins from Juphal, which is reached via a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal, the adventurous remote mountain trek of the Upper Dolpo starts, which ultimately leads towards the stunning Niwar La Pass.
Niwar La Pass has a breathtaking elevation of 5,110 m/16,765 ft above sea level. The Upper Dolpo region is rich with unspoiled nature and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. The Niwar La Pass connects one remote and isolated village to another, with lush beauty, several ancient monasteries, Tibetan-style architecture, and people with resilient ways of living. The pass will bring you closer to the hidden nature and provide you with an opportunity to learn and understand the unexplored history and culture of the region.
Nirwar la Pass is technically straightforward, and you do not need any technical climbing skills to traverse this pass. However, the navigation of the pass demands a considerable level of physical fitness and stamina to endure the strenuous hike. You will have to make several ascends and descends over the steep and narrow mountainous trails in order to scale the Niwar La Pass. Traversing the rugged and complex terrains, you will ultimately reach the top of the pass. The pass-top moment will be truly enriching and rewarding. You will be awe-struck by the spell-binding vistas of the glistening snow-coated peaks, deep valleys, and untouched Himalayan landscapes that surround you.
From my own perspective, the most beautiful experience of crossing Niwar La Pass is during the snowy winter. Though the temperature can be bitterly cold, and it is a bit challenging to stay warm, the pristine winter wonderland views from the top of the pass are beyond what words could describe. There can be snow gathering at the steep and narrow sections of the trails during the navigation of the pass. But, if you are equipped with the appropriate gear like trekking poles, sturdy snow boots, crampons, gaiters, etc, you can easily pass over. Likewise, for cold, you can bring thermal layers like merino wool, which will provide insulation and warmth. The right packing makes your adventure easy, smooth, and comfortable no matter what time of year it is.
Jungen La Pass
Jungen La Pass is generally navigated as part of Upper Dolpo trekking routes. While exploring the Dolpo region through adventurous trekking, this pass will fascinate and enrich your experience by offering a stunning panorama of the pristine snow-capped Himalayas and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.
Jungen La Pass is a linking bridge between the two cultural villages in the Upper Dolpo region. It connects picturesque Dho Tarap village and Jyanta village. During the Upper Dolpo trekking journey, you will make your way through lush alpine meadows and rugged terrains toward the Jungen La Pass. The views from the high elevation of this pass are simply unparalleled. The expansive 360-degree panoramic vistas of the glorious snowtopped towering mountains, the wilderness terrains, and deep valleys in the Dolpo region will captivate your senses.
Jungen La Pass is at an elevation of 5,550 m/18,209 ft. The high altitude of Jungen La Pass makes it exposed to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Especially the weather during winter is tough for pass-crossing due to the huge accumulation of thick piles of snow. There can even be a chance that the pass can be impassable. So, it is better to go for the summer, spring, or autumn months for the Upper Dolpo Trek, which ultimately encounters you with Jungen La Pass. The weather at this time is on the favorable side, with the pass usually being free of snow. The clean and well-defined trails during this period will help for easy navigation of the pass.
The significant altitude of Jungen La Pass demands thorough preparation for high-altitude trekking conditions. You need to pace slowly by providing enough time for your body to acclimatize, as altitude sickness is possible. It is also recommended to pack a layer of clothes to accommodate the varied temperatures and weather instability during this challenging undertaking.
Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary
Cost Include / Exclude
What’s include
- Airport / Hotel Airport Transportation
- 3 nights 3 stars hotel in Kathmandu In including breakfast
- Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley
- Trekking permit: All necessary trekking permit , national park entry permit & conservation permit.
- Trekking guide: An experience , Helpful ,Nepalese Government License Holder, English speaking trekking guide
- Trekking Porter: A Strong Trekking porter. ( One porter between for 2 members)
- Drinks: tea / Coffee and Hot water
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Jumla, / Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu round trip flight tickets
- Government taxes and service charge.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit)
- Welcome / Farewell Diner
What’s excluded
- International airfare and Nepal visa
- Travel and rescue Insurance
- Lunch / dinner in Kathmandu.
- Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
- Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
- Tips for guide, porter.