Overview

Nepal is a country of natural beauty and diverse culture, and Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the best ways to experience both. Located in the western part of Nepal, the Upper Dolpo Trek region boasts semi-arid topography and a Tibetan-like culture. The trek takes you through small settlements of Bon people who are native to the region. The trek passes through several villages of Dunai, Dho, Phoksundo, Saldang, Juphal, and others. In this article, we will explore the hidden gems of Upper Dolpo Trek and why it should be on every adventure-seekers bucket list.

Upper Dolpo Trek traverses through the Dolpa district of Nepal, which is the largest district of the country. The region is sandwiched between the Dhaulagiri and Tibetan Plateau ranges. The terrain is rugged and remote, with an elevation ranging from 2,130 meters to 5,115 meters. The trek passes through the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna.

The culture of the Dolpo region is heavily influenced by the Tibetan way of life. The Bon religion, which originated in Tibet, is prevalent in the region. The people of the Bon religion believe in the existence of both good and evil spirits and have a unique way of worshiping them. The region is also known for its traditional salt trade with Tibet, which has been going on for centuries.
The Upper Dolpo Trek has multiple routes, with varying levels of difficulty. The most popular route is the Juphal to Jomsom trek, which takes approximately 18 to 20 days to complete. The trek starts from the tiny airstrip of Juphal and passes through several villages, including Dunai, Tarakot, and Dho Tarap. The trek also takes you through the stunning Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa.
The trek is considered to be challenging due to its remote location and high altitude. The trek passes through several high passes, including the Numala Pass (5,360m) and the Bagala Pass (5,214m). It is recommended to have prior trekking experience and to be physically fit before embarking on this trek.

The best time to visit Upper  Dolpo Trek is during the autumn season (September to November) and the spring season (March to May). These months in Nepal are calm and provide mild warm temperature with clear blue skies that makes traveling perfect for trekkers. The temperature during the day ranges from 10-15 degrees Celsius, and at night it can drop to -5 degrees Celsius.
During the winter season (December to February), the region experiences heavy snowfall, which can make trekking difficult. The summer season (June to August) is also not recommended as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and make the trekking trails slippery.