An Upper Dolpo trek usually takes three to four weeks. It starts with flights to Juphal, passes Phoksundo Lake, crosses high passes to Shey Gompa and continues to the northern villages, then returns by a different route.
A three-week expedition-style trek
The Upper Dolpo trek is normally planned as a 21-day journey. It is a camping trek with a crew, because lodges are rare above Phoksundo. Heights and times are approximate.
Days 1 and 2: flights
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then to Juphal at about 2,500 m, and walk to Dunai in around three hours.
Days 3 to 5: toward Phoksundo
Follow the river to Ankhe and Renje, then climb to Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo. The route passes the high waterfall and rises through forest.
Days 6 and 7: Phoksundo Bhanjyang
Cross a ridge at roughly 3,875 m and 4,040 m and continue up the valley to the camp at Phoksundo Bhanjyang, where the landscape opens.
Day 8: Kang La to Shey Gompa
Cross Kang La at about 5,151 m. The climb takes about three hours and the descent less than one. Camp near Shey Gompa.
Day 9: rest at Shey Gompa
Explore the monastery and the Crystal Mountain circuit.
Days 10 to 12: Saldang region
Cross Saldang La to Namduna and walk to Saldang, the largest village in the district. Continue to Sibu through Namdo.
Days 13 to 18: Jeng La and Tarap
Cross Jeng La, descend to Tokyu and the Tarap valley, and continue via Dho Tarap, Serkam, Khani Gaon and Tarakot.
Acclimatisation strategy
The itinerary builds in rest days at Phoksundo, Shey Gompa and Saldang so that sleeping altitude rises slowly. Use these days for short walks, not for long climbs. Your guide will check oxygen saturation if equipped.
A day at Shey Gompa
The rest day lets you explore the monastery, take the Crystal Mountain circuit and talk with monks. It is the cultural high point of the trek.
Days 19 to 21: return
Walk to Dunai and Juphal, fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. Allow spare days for weather.
A typical outline
Teams fly to Juphal, walk via Phoksundo Lake and cross Kang La and Numa La, reaching Shey Gompa before returning by another route. Plan about three weeks with weather days.
