An austere, high-altitude trek through Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the Upper Dolpo Trek links remote villages, high passes, and the luminous Phoksundo Lake. Expect long days, required permits, and authentic Tibetan-influenced culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail opens on a thin ribbon of dust and rock that climbs out of Juphal, the wind already sizing you up as it pushes through juniper and rhododendron. Snow-streaked ridges close in as you gain elevation, and the landscape tightens from terraced fields into crag and moraine. By the time Phoksundo Lake appears—impossibly turquoise beneath a fluted cliff—Dolpo has made itself distinct: spare, high, and quietly demanding.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
20–25 days
Fitness Level
Requires very good cardiovascular fitness and experience with multiday high-altitude trekking; able to hike 6–8 hours on uneven terrain carrying a daypack.
Wildlife
History
Upper Dolpo was part of old Tibetan trade corridors; monasteries and village customs reflect centuries of trans-Himalayan exchange and salt caravan history.
Conservation
Shey-Phoksundo National Park protects fragile alpine ecosystems and cultural landscapes—minimize impact, carry out waste, and follow local guidelines to preserve trails and sacred sites.
Reserve your spot on the Upper Dolpo Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Permit and logistics
Obtain the Dolpo restricted-area permit well in advance and budget extra days for flights into Juphal and acclimatization stops.
Altitude acclimatization
Plan multiple acclimatization days and avoid rapid ascent above 3,500 m to reduce acute mountain sickness risk.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures vary widely—pack breathable base layers, a warm midlayer, and a windproof shell for high passes.
Water and sanitation
Carry a reliable filtration system and treat all surface water; pack out waste where possible to protect fragile alpine lakes.
Sturdy mountaineering boots
Support and insulation for rocky trails, scree and long ascents.
Down jacket (–10°C rated)
Keeps you warm at high camps and during cold nights.
fall
Sleeping bag (–15°C rated)
Necessary for sub-zero nights at high-altitude camps.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on steep descents and provide stability on scree and stream crossings.