Upper Dolpo trek means exploring the beautiful forbidden territory in highlands of Nepal. Upper Dolpo in Nepal homes fascinating landscapes, remote villages, and wildlife. The place is known for the Bon people and Tibetan Buddhists who strongly follow their Tibetan-influenced culture. There are different Upper Dolpo route, but the best one passes through sparsely populated remote villages settled in the banks of rivers and streams. Shey-Phoksundo lake, a stunning turquoise-colored lake is the major attraction of Upper Dolpo region. It is among the best less crowded trek in Nepal. Here is everything you need to know about Upper Dolpo Trek including Upper Dolpo Trek Cost.
Besides that, the lifestyle of Dolpo people, called as Dolpo pa, is another luring factor of this region. There are monasteries, shrines, and ancient villages that carry huge values to those locals.
Contents
Upper Dolpo Circuit trek Trekking:
First thing first, you cannot trek to Upper Dolpo on your own. A government licensed guide should accompany you in the trek. Upper Dolpo is one of the restricted regions that lack even trekking infrastructures. So a guide will manage all possible problems in the trek.
Upper Dolpo trek Highlights:
- Shey-Phoksundo Lake
- Crystal Mountain
- Shey Gompa and Buddhist monasteries
- High passes over 5000 meters
- Tibetan-influenced culture
- Old and traditional villages
- Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhism
- Wildlife as Blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, and snow leopard
- Nomadic and agro-pastoral lifestyle
- Yarsagumba- a medicinal herb
Upper Dolpo Trek Permit costs:
- The Upper Dolpo was opened to foreigners since 1996. But it is still a restricted region with quite expensive permits.
- Upper Dolpo permits ($500 for first 10 days, $50 per additional day)
- Lower Dolpo permits ($10 per week per head)
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park permits ($30 plus 13% VAT)
- TIMS card ($20)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (only if you exit your trek at Jomsom, $20)
Upper Dolpo Trek Cost:
Comparing Upper Dolpo with some other trekking routes, it’s pretty expensive. And the reasons are valid- you will need a total of four internal flights in the trip and very expensive permits. Further, the trip is long (almost a month) and everyday expenses make the cost high. Also, human porters need to carry sleeping bags, tents, and every other necessary item. Sometimes, you need a cook yourself in tented camps. The cost is even higher if you travel solo with a guide. Learn more about trekking in Nepal costs.
Upper Dolpo permit costs
Being a restricted region, the permit fee for Upper Dolpo is high for a foreigner. You need the permit worth USD $500 for 10 days and $50 for each additional day. In addition, you will also need to pay for Shey-Phoksundo National Park permit and Lower Dolpo trekking permit.
But still hundreds of people are lured for the trek to Dolpo, there’s a reason for that. Dolpo trek offers the rawness of nature like no other trek offers. You get to behold the caravans of Himalayan yaks and sheep. You can also witness the virgin agro-pastoral life.
Upper Dolpo transporation costs:
Firstly, you can either drive (which takes a long time, 16 hours) or fly to Nepalgunj (a district in the western side of Nepal). One way fight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj for foreigner costs about $190 ( $87 for Nepalese).
From Nepalgunj, you ought to take a 45-minute flight that takes you to Juphal which costs $165. Nepal Airline and Tara Airline schedule this early in the morning. There are a few flights in a week from Nepalgunj to Juphal which greatly depends on the weather condition, so you need to book your flight in advance.
Note: flights from Nepalgunj-Juphal have bag limit if 5 kg for hand luggage and 10 kg limit for hold baggage.
The 25 days Dolpo trek costs around USD $ 3000 to $3500 per person. If you customize your trek itinerary by lowering the number of days, it might be a little cheaper.
Cost Includes Airport Transfer Fair, Food and Accommodation Cost, Guide service, Porter service, Permits, Transportation Cost and some Necessary items.
Conclusion:
Contact us here to book your Upper Dolpo Trek. We can make the best arrangements for you.
