Upper Dolpo Trekking

The Upper Dolpo region is another remote hidden destination in far west where Nepal's most tranquil and natural beauty is still unexplored. The home of herbal land, unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments, unique human civilization at high altitude is worth a visit. Trekking around the Dolpo region is an unforgettable journey in every visitor's life. Observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and huge birds Himalayan griffon. It's difficult to grow crops there, which makes life difficult for the local people, so most of them are involved in the salt trade from Tibet, this traditional culture continue in Doplo generation to generation.

Dolpo is protected by Shey-Phoksundo National Park. It lies to the north of the Dhaulagiri Range bordering the Tibetan Plateau. Here one can find a well-preserved eco-system of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif is one of the most rewarding moments of this trek. A visit to the Phoksumdo Gompa – dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo and Tibet, is a memorable experience. The enchanting beauty and unique culture of this place will demonstrate why Eric Valli, the author of the famous book Honey Hunter of Nepal, created the movie "Caravan", nominated for the prestigious Oscar award. Dolpo is still the homeland of the Spotted Leopard, Blue Sheep, wolves, and many other varieties of flora and fauna, so you'll also uncover a deeper understanding of Peter Matthieson's book Snow Leopard. A well-organized camping trek is required and trekking in a group is recommended. This trek is most suitable for those who are exceptionally fit and prepared to face the full challenge of the Himalayan wilderness.

Trip Facts

Maximum Elevation: 4950 m
Mode of Trip: Tended Camp Trek
Activities: Trekking + Tour
Group Size: 02 (minimum)
Departure: Every month throughout the year
Per Day Hiking: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transportation: Car/ Van/ bus
Best Time: Feb, March, April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

Day to day itinerary

Day 01: Your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport(TIA) and you will be meet our airport representative then transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj. Fly to Nepalgunj, 1 hrs. Overnight at the Hotel – BB basis.
Day 03: Nepalgunj – Juphal - Dunai. Fly to Juphal (2440m) – trek to Dunai (2150m), 5 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 04: Dunai - Hanke. Trek from Dunai to Hanke (3000m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 05: Hanke – Reji. Trek from Hanke to Reji (2940m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 06: Reji – Ringmo. Trek from Reji to Ringmo (3540m), 7 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.Reji – Ringmo. Trek from Reji to Ringmo (3540m), 7 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 07: Ringmo – Rest Day.
Day 08: Ringmo – Rock Fall. Trek from Ringmo to Rock Fall (4300m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 09: Rock Fall – Gandala B.C. Trek from Rock Fall to Gandala B.C. (4650m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 10: Gandala B.C.– Shey Gumba. Trek from Gandala B.C to Shey Gumba (4300m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 11: Shey Gumba (Rest day).
Day 12: Shey Gumba - Namgung. Trek from Shey Gumba to Namgung (4560m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 13: Namgung – Saldang. Trek from Namgung to Saldang (4150m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 14: Saldang – Koma. Trek from Saldang to Koma (4060m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 15: Koma – Shimen. Trek from Koma to Shimen (3850m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 16: Shimen – Tinjegaun. Trek from Shimen to Tinjegaun (4110m). Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 17: Tinjegaun- Rest Day
Day 18: Tinjegaun – Camp Side. Trek from Tinjegaun to Camp Side (4210m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 19: Camp Side – Mallan Pass Base Camp. Trek from Camp Side to Mallan Pass Base Camp, (4350m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 20: Mallan – Chharka. Trek from Mallan Base Camp to Chharka (4110m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 21: Chharka – Tuja Khola. Trek from Chharka to Tuja Khola (4850m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 22: Tuja Khola – Kharka. Trek from Tuja Khola to Kharka (4950m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 23: Kharka – Sangdak. Trek from Kharka to Sangdak (3680m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 24: Sangdak – Sangda. Trek from Sangdak to Sangda (3690m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 25: Kagbeni – Jomsom. Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m), 3 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 26: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Day 27: Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport(TIA) and you will be meet our airport representative then transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj. Fly to Nepalgunj, 1 hrs. Overnight at the Hotel – BB basis.
Day 03: Nepalgunj – Juphal - Dunai. Fly to Juphal (2440m) – trek to Dunai (2150m), 5 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 04: Dunai - Hanke. Trek from Dunai to Hanke (3000m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 05: Hanke – Reji. Trek from Hanke to Reji (2940m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 06: Reji – Ringmo. Trek from Reji to Ringmo (3540m), 7 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.Reji – Ringmo. Trek from Reji to Ringmo (3540m), 7 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 07: Ringmo – Rest Day.
Day 08: Ringmo – Rock Fall. Trek from Ringmo to Rock Fall (4300m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 09: Rock Fall – Gandala B.C. Trek from Rock Fall to Gandala B.C. (4650m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 10: Gandala B.C.– Shey Gumba. Trek from Gandala B.C to Shey Gumba (4300m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 11: Shey Gumba (Rest day).
Day 12: Shey Gumba - Namgung. Trek from Shey Gumba to Namgung (4560m), 6 hrs.Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 13: Namgung – Saldang. Trek from Namgung to Saldang (4150m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 14: Saldang – Koma. Trek from Saldang to Koma (4060m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 15: Koma – Shimen. Trek from Koma to Shimen (3850m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 16: Shimen – Tinjegaun. Trek from Shimen to Tinjegaun (4110m). Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 17: Tinjegaun- Rest Day
Day 18: Tinjegaun – Camp Side. Trek from Tinjegaun to Camp Side (4210m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 19: Camp Side – Mallan Pass Base Camp. Trek from Camp Side to Mallan Pass Base Camp, (4350m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 20: Mallan – Chharka. Trek from Mallan Base Camp to Chharka (4110m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 21: Chharka – Tuja Khola. Trek from Chharka to Tuja Khola (4850m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 22: Tuja Khola – Kharka. Trek from Tuja Khola to Kharka (4950m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 23: Kharka – Sangdak. Trek from Kharka to Sangdak (3680m), 7 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 24: Sangdak – Sangda. Trek from Sangdak to Sangda (3690m), 6 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 25: Kagbeni – Jomsom. Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m), 3 hrs. Overnight at the Tented camp – Full board basis.
Day 26: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Day 27: Departure

Altitute Sickness

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.

Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from your travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects

There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.

1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.

Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

  • Periods of sleeplessness.
  • Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
  • Occasional loss of appetite.
  • Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
  • Periodic breathing.
  • The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
  • Runny nose.
  • Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign) 
  • Dizziness.

2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER

Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.

  • Mild headache.
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness.
  • Weakness.
  • Sleeplessness.
  • Dry Raspy cough.
  • Fatigue/Tired.
  • Loss of apatite.
  • Runny nose.
  • Hard to breath.

What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?

  • If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
  • If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by. 
  • If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
  • If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
  • If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.

3. Serious AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT

  • Persistent, severe headache.
  • Persistent vomiting.
  • Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
  • Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions) 
  • Mental confusion or hallucinations.
  • Liquid sounds in the lungs.
  • Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
  • Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
  • Severe lethargy/fatigue.
  • Marked blueness of face and lips.
  • High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
  • Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.

Dangerous cases of AMS

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

  • Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
  • Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
  • No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
  • Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
  • Climb high and sleep low.
  • Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
  • Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
  • Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
  • Never leave or descent sick person along.
  • Avoid getting cold.
  • Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.

First Aid Kit

This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.

  • Bandage for sprains
  • Plasters/Band-aids
  • Iodine or water filter (optional)
  • Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
  • Antiseptic ointment for cuts
  • Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
  • Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
  • Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
  • Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
  • Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
  • Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
  • Gel hand cleaner.

What to Pack

Essential Equipment List

Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation.

  • Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
  • Money Belt

Recommended general packing list

  • Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
  • Toiletries
  • Biodegradable Laundry Soap
  • Torch/Spare Batteries
  • Sun Hat
  • Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Sewing kit
  • Reading material/Guide Books
  • Padlocks
  • Travel pillow
  • Swiss army knife
  • Travel clothesline
  • Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
  • Student ID (if applicable)
  • I-pod/MP3/Discman
  • Pens and Notebook

Clothes and Footwear

  • Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
  • Underwear/socks
  • Swimwear
  • 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
  • 2 x shorts
  • Skirt/dress
  • Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
  • 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
  • Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
  • 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
  • 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
  • Hiking boots if any trekking involved
  • Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers

Recommended First Aid Supplies

  • Sunscreen
  • Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
  • Antiseptic
  • Blister pads
  • Pain killers
  • Diarrhorea remedies
  • Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
  • Malaria Tablets (if required)
  • Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Cold/flu decongestants
  • Antihistamines
  • Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
  • Contraceptives
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Insect bite cream
  • Tampons
  • Tweezers
  • Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)

Cost Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off by car / Van / Bus.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu as per the above program.
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • An experience Guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments.
  • Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu by private Jeep / Mini Bus.
  • Full board meal (veg. / non veg.) prepared by our expert cook.
  • Special Trekking Permits and all necessary permits.
  • Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, Table with chairs, kitchen utensils, Down sleeping bag / Jackets, walking sticks, and other necessary equipments during the trek).
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
  • Tourist service charge, Vat.
  • Office Service charge.

Cost Excludes

  • Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
  • Travel insurance
  • International air fare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
  • Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
  • Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy).
  • Tips for guide, porters, driver.

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