Preparation for Upper Dolpo Trek
Preparation is key for a successful and enjoyable Upper Dolpo Trek. Here are some important steps to consider when preparing for the trek:
- Physical fitness is essential for the Upper Dolpo Trek, as the trek involves long days of hiking at high altitudes over rough terrain. It's important to start preparing well in advance by doing regular exercise and building up your endurance.
- The Upper Dolpo Trek is located in a remote area, so it's important to have the necessary gear to stay warm and comfortable. This includes proper clothing, footwear, a sleeping bag, and a good-quality backpack.
- The Upper Dolpo Trek is located at a high altitude, so it's important to properly acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. It's recommended to take a few days to acclimatize in the lower elevations before starting the trek.
- Travel insurance is essential for any trek, especially one as challenging as the Upper Dolpo Trek. Make sure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment.
Difficulty during Upper Dolpo Trek
Various factors level up the difficulty of a Himalayan trekking journey. First and foremost, the long itinerary of the Upper Dolpo that requires almost 20 days of several steep ascents and descents on the desert-like topography makes the trek difficult. It's worth noting that Upper Dolpo is the country's least developed region. It's not just the altitude that causes problems; remoteness and a lack of basic amenities are also issues.
Upper Dolpo Trekking in different seasons
Trekking in Upper Dolpo is best done during the spring and autumn. It is possible to do this trek in the summer/monsoon as Upper Dolpo falls in the rain shadow area. It is not advisable to trek during winter due to excessive snowfall.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Spring Season
The spring season is the best season to trek in Nepal. The weather and temperature in spring are pleasant with a bright sky. The clear sky and stable weather mean there are fewer risks of flight cancellations in Juphal, the trek's starting point. With the temperatures beginning to rise in mid-March, the trekking trails gradually become visible. The post-winter season allows Snow Mountains to be viewed at their best. There will be breathtaking vistas of the central Himalayan range. The rhododendron blossoms will be blossoming at their peak along the way, with a wide range of hues in the lower region. However, snow can be an issue in the Upper Dolpo during the early spring, making it difficult or impossible to cross some passes. The optimum spring months for Upper Dolpo are from late March until the end of May.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Monsoon Season
Some of the trekking journeys in Nepal during the monsoon season are not recommended. However, some places like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo are rain-shadow locations in western Nepal. No rain means those places are accessible during the summer/monsoon season. The high passes are snow-free, the landscapes are lush, and the paths are well-marked with locals' footsteps during this season. The only concern during the monsoon for Upper Dolpo Trips is a strong likelihood of flight cancellations arriving in Juphal due to the overcast weather and heavy rain in the lower regions.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Autumn Season
Out of all seasons, autumn is considered the ultimate time for treks in Nepal including the Upper Dolpo Trek. The skies are bright and blue after the summer monsoons, providing many picturesque moments of glittering nature and the majestic Himalayas. Additionally, you can mingle with the inhabitants, many tiny villages, and communities on their journey to the Upper Dolpo during the fall harvest season. Though November is an autumn month, snow is likely to be seen starting from this time in the Upper Dolpo Region. So, we recommend you come early or come prepared.
Upper Dolpo Trek in Winter Season
The temperature slowly begins to drop in November, especially during the night-time and continues to do so for the next few months. Due to the harsh cold temperature, impassable passes, and snow-covered trails, winters are not recommended for the trek in Upper Dolpo.
Permits to trek in Upper Dolpo
Trekkers need to carry three permits to do the Upper Dolpo Trek:
1. Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
2. Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Fee
3. Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (US$500 entrance fee for the first ten days and an additional US$50 per day after that)
Note: Trekkers are not permitted to trek alone in restricted zones. As a result, you are unable to apply for restricted area permits on your own. But, you do not have to worry about it. Iconic Holiday Nepal will be responsible for all the permits for you. Because of the comparatively hefty permit cost, the number of trekkers in the area is limited, contributing to Upper Dolpo's status as one of Nepal's most exclusive and unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation
The Upper Dolpo Trek is primarily a camping trek lasting 20 days. You will be given a high-quality tent to share with one other member. For added comfort and warmth, each tent will contain a thick down-filled mattress. We also provide a kitchen tent, a dining tent, a staff tent, and a toilet tent with a commode. You will stay four nights in Kathmandu before and after the trek will be at a 3-star category hotel accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast. However, you can also upgrade the services and choose to have luxurious accommodation in the city by informing us prior and with an additional cost. Also in Nepalgunj, you will be stationed at the best available lodge on a twin/double sharing basis.
Meals During Upper Dolpo Trek
Except for lunch and dinners in Kathmandu, all the food costs are included in the package.
Note: We have not included lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu in the package because you will have plenty of choices from a vast variety of cuisines and restaurants/cafes/pubs accessible in the cities. But, we can recommend some of the bests that match your preferences.