Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Highlights
- Witness the heart melting Phoksundo lake.
- Marvellous views of the mountain ranges, villages and valleys.
- Taste the local food and experience the culture, tradition and daily life of the people.
- Walking through the untouched and unexplored trekking trails of Nepal.
- Explore the vintage monasteries.
- Witness the amazing landscape throughout the trek.
Trip Overview
Extended upper Dolpo circuit trek is one of the untouched and unexplored trekking trails of Nepal. Situated in the mid western part of Nepal very few visitors explore this part of Nepal. Only 250 visitors are allowed to visit this hidden gem of Nepal in a year. Filled with beautiful himalayan glaciers, Phoksundo lake, waterfalls it is one of the most amazing trekking trails of Nepal. Similarly, you will reach the Annapurna region after exploring the upper Dolpo.
Besides that during your extended upper Dolpo circuit trek you will pass through some of the ancient gompas and the rural villages. Similarly, you will also pass through some of the high passes and witness marvellous views of the mountain ranges and the valleys from the top. Astonishing Dhaulagiri massif and the extraordinary Shey Phoksundo national park are also the main highlights of this trek.
Camping is required for the extended upper Dolpo circuit trek. Meanwhile, you will also get to experience the culture and traditions of the locals. Similarly, we will also taste the local food and the warm hospitality of the locals. We will try to taste the local food as much as possible. Because you can also get to taste the new cuisines throughout the trek. Besides that, using the local food and the local equipment will help the locals financially and help in raising the living standard.
The upper Dolpo circuit trek is a dream trip of every trekker. It required a long vacation as well as perfect planning to explore this extended version of upper Dolpo to Mustang trek. We have crafted this trip to get an ultimate experience of treks, camping and high passes in the Dolpo region. But we highly recommend the trekkers to gain some other trekking experience before choosing this extended upper Dolpo circuit trek to Kagbeni of Mustang.
Facts of Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
Trek Duration |
24 Days |
Walking Hours |
4-9 hours per day |
Highest Elevation |
5,550 meters above sea level |
Highest Point |
Jungben La Pass |
National Park |
Shey Phoksundo National Park |
Conservation Area |
Annapurna Conservation Area Project |
Trip Grade |
Moderate to Strenuous |
Type of Trek |
Tea House and Camping Trek |
Trek Starting Point |
Juphal |
Trek Ending Point |
Jomsom |
Permits |
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Best Time to Travel |
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Attractions |
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Mountain Views |
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Passes |
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Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Lake is situated inside the Shey Phoksundo national park of Nepal. It lies in the mid western part of Nepal. Situated at an elevation of 3,589 meters above sea level the maximum depth is 145 meters. Because of that it is also known as the deepest lake of Nepal as well as around the globe.The icy cold water from the glaciers are collected in the Phoksundo lake. Because of that the water is always freezing cold.
There are about 20 ancient monasteries that surround the Phoksundo lake. Besides that the aquamarine blue colour of the lake is the main charisma of this lake. Spread in 191 square kilometers, The volume of the water is 409,000,000 cubic meter. Besides that the outlet of the lake forms Nepal’s highest waterfall with a height of 167 meters.
High Passes During Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
There are various high trekking passes during the extended upper Dolpo circuit trek. These passes are the main reason that makes the trek difficult. In total there are about 9 passes that you will cross during the upper dolpo circuit trek. Among them Jungben La Pass is the highest pass situated at an elevation of 5,550 meters above sea level. Similarly, Nang La Pass is the lowest pass with an altitude of 4,375 meters above sea level.
Numa La Pass
Numa la pass is the first pass that you will be crossing during the extended upper Dolpo circuit trek. You will cross the pass after Tokyo and can reach Danigar after crossing the pass. However, you will stay overnight at Numa la base camp to cross the pass on time. The elevation of the Numa la pass is 5,309 meters above sea level.
Baga La Pass
After crossing the Numa la pass you will stay overnight at Danigar. The next day you will cross Baga la pass with an elevation of 5,169 meters above sea level. Although situated at a lower altitude than Numa la pass, it is difficult to cross. Baga la pass is open to cross during the months of April to November only. It is almost impossible to cross this pass in other months of the year. You can reach Baga la phedi for the overnight stay after crossing the Baga la pass.
Kang La Pass
Kang la pass lies at an elevation of 5,350 meters above sea level. Also known by the name Nagdalo la pass, you will reach Shey Gompa after crossing this pass. Walking through the bank of the Tuk kyaksa khola you will reach High camp and then to the Kang la pass. Marvellous views of the mountain ranges as well as the beautiful villages can be seen from the top.
Neng La Pass
Neng la pass lies on the way to Bhijier from Saldang. It is also one of the toughest passes of the extended upper Dolpo circuit trek. Situated at an elevation of 5,368 meters above sea level, marvellous views of the mountain ranges and the valley can be seen from the top. Besides that, astonishing views of the Saldang village can also be seen while crossing the pass.
Nang La Pass
Nang la pass lies at an elevation of 4,375 meters above sea level. It is among the lowest passes among all the passes of the extended upper dolpo circuit trek. You will cross this pass to reach Simi gaon from Khoma gaon.
Mola Pass
Mola pass is situated at an elevation of 5,027 meters above sea level. It is one of the difficult passes of the upper Dolpo region of Nepal. You will reach Chharka Bhot after crossing the pass from the Kharka village. Situated at a high altitude the path to the top is rocky. Besides that the slippery path during the snowfall makes it impossible to cross in the winter. Because of that Mola pass is open from March to November only.
Niwas La Pass
Niwas la pass is yet another challenging pass that you will cross during the trek. Situated at an elevation of 5,120 meters above sea level, it is also one of the high passes around the upper Dolpo region. You will reach the Ghalden Ghuldon khola camp after crossing the Niwas la pass.
Jungben La
Jungben la pass is another high pass of extended upper Dolpo circuit trek. It lies at an elevation of 5,550 meters above sea level. It is also the highest pass that you will cross during the whole trek. Astonishing views of the himalayas, glaciers and the valleys can be seen from the top of the Jungben la pass.
Bhima Lojun La
Bhima lojun la pass is the lost pass of the extended upper dolpo circuit trek. It lies at an elevation of 4,460 meters above sea level. Although being the lowest pass, there is still a high chance of getting the Acute Mountain Sickness. Our skilled guide will make sure of your safety and security throughout the trek.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo national park is the biggest trans himalayan national park of Nepal. With an area of 3,555 square kilometers it is one of the isolated hamlets of Nepal. Shey phoksundo national park is situated in the Dolpa and Mugu districts of Nepal. Similarly, it lies in the mid western region of Nepal. Open to tourist since 1989, the headquarter is in Palam, Dolpa.
Snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, himalayan tahr, himalayan black bear, jackal etc are some of the endangered animals found inside the national park. Other popular himalayan herbs include Yarsagumba, Panchaunle, Jatamasi and many more. Similarly, the buffer zone is spread over 1,349 square kilometers.
Best Time for Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
Extended upper Dolpo circuit trek is one of the toughest treks in the mid western part of Nepal. The starting point of the trek is Juphal and the trek ends at Jomsom of Mustang region. Besides that, you will take a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and then another flight to Jhuphal. Similarly, after completing the trek you will take a flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and then to Kathmandu.
The best time for the extended upper Dolpo circuit trek is during the months of April and May. The weather is clear and marvellous views of the valleys, glaciers and the lake can be seen during these months of the year.
Another best time to go on an extended upper Dolpo circuit trek is during the months of September and October. The chances of snowfall is very low during these months of the year. Because of that it makes an ideal month to explore around the upper Dolpo region.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is one of the most important things you must do before any travel or the trek. Most of the trekkers ignore this important part of the trek and face many difficulties. Travel insurance ensures that the travel is fruitful and safe.
Travel insurance not only acts as a safety net against the risk of incurring unforeseen medical expenses but also safeguards against other travel related emergencies that could spoil your trip. Meanwhile, here are few reasons about why you need to check your travel insurance before you travel any destinations
- Saves you from unforeseen medical expenses.
- A friend in an unfamiliar territory.
- Covers your personal liabilities.
- Travel related emergencies.
- It is a mandatory requirement before any travel.
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu Arrival
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Flight to Nepalgunj
Flight to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
Trek to Tarakot
Trek to Laina Odar
Trek to Toltol
Trek to Dho Tarap
Trek to Numa La base Camp
Trek to Danigar
Trek to Baga La Phedi
Trek to Ringmo
Ringmo and Lake Exploration
Trek to Forest Camp
Trek to Low Camp
Trek to Shey Gompa
Trek to Bhijer
Trek to Saldang
Trek to Shimen
Trek to Tinje
Trek to Kharka
Trek to Chharka Bhot
Trek to Nulung Kharka
Trek to Ghak
Trek to Santa
Trek to Kagbeni
Trek to Jomsom
Flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara
Departure
Trip Guide
The information about the Extended Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek from Kagbeni is in-depth; feel free to contact us 24/7. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is important before traveling to a new place especially when you are traveling for adventure. Travel insurance covers risks such as loss of personal belongings, and any unexpected expenses. Travel insurance also covers sudden medical emergencies such as accidents. It also covers high-altitude emergency evacuation in case of trekking. Travel insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended.
Medical emergency: If you face any serious medical emergency during your trekking program you will immediately evacuate the place through Helicopter Rescue which the traveler’s insurance company will cover. While trekking to Nepal's highlands, you may face minor health issues such as scratches, headaches, etc. For such a situation, your guide carries a well-equipped first aid kit, ensuring nothing happens to you.
High-altitude sickness: During your trek, you will walk through gorgeous valleys, traditional villages, and thrilling highlands above 3000m elevation. Altitude sickness is unpredictable; it can happen to anyone despite being physically and mentally fit. As you gain altitude, the chances of getting altitude sickness also slightly increase. To avoid getting altitude sickness you should drink 5-6 lt water per/day and food with high carbohydrates. Walking slowly and acclimatizing decreases the chances of getting altitude sickness. Focus on your breathing and maintain your walking pace.
Do’s and Don’t:
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Select the ideal time to travel.
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Select a reputed trekking/ travel organization.
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Training and getting ready for any kind of situation are necessary.
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Efficient packing is the key. (Nepal trekking gear checklist)
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Carry all the necessary paperwork (National Park permit, and TIMs).
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Maintaining body hydration is important while traveling to high elevations.
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Having the proper personal gear makes your journey more enjoyable.
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Respect the culture and people of the area.
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Travel for experience and not for the sake of traveling.
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Don’t litter, put trash in its place.
Packing List Suggestions
Having a good backpack and necessary gear makes trekking easier. It becomes more important if you are trekking at higher elevations. If you are wondering about what to pack for trekking to the highlands of Nepal, then you can check our complete guide on Nepal Trekking Gear Checklist.
While making a backpack, it is important to include clothing, essential items, and a first aid kit. In difficult times, a good backpack can be life-saving.
Why with Altitude Himalaya: Altitude Himalaya is one of Nepal’s growing travel companies providing excellent service to its clients. We believe in providing quality experiences and memories. We are concerned about maintaining and following our standard service, including a private transfer, at least a 3-star hotel accommodation in urban areas, the best available lodges/tea houses at the trekking trails, and dedicated personalized assistance. Additionally, we also operate our trips in Bhutan and Tibet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How difficult is extended upper Dolpo circuit trek to Kagbeni?
This is one of the most difficult treks in Nepal, it includes 9 high passes of the upper Dolpo region above 5000m, which requires a good trekking experience and physical fitness. But it could be an ultimate challenge to everyone.
Services Includes
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All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
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Flight (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj to Juphal, Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu) as mentioned in the itinerary.
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Private vehicle throughout the sightseeing at Kathmandu.
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A 3 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj as per the trek itinerary.
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Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
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Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
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All necessary paperwork. (National Park Entry Permits and TIMS Card)
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English speaking licensed trek guide.
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Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 people)
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Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
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One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
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All government and local taxes.
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Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
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Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveller’s insurance company.
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Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
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Farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.
Services Excludes
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Personal expenses.
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Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
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Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)
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International flight ticket.
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Travel health insurance. (Recommended)
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Tips for the guide, porter and driver.
Why Travel With Altitude Himalaya?
We believe in the quality services to accommodate our guests 360 degrees need with tour personalization and customization. Our dedicated and experienced team believes not only in arranging trips, but making creating life long memories. Our travel experience within the region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet could make a memorable trip of yours.
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