SnapTrip
ExtremeDolpo, Nepal
Upper Dolpo Trek
The most remote and isolated trek in Nepal — Tibetan plateau culture, the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, Crystal Mountain, and true wilderness. Made famous by Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard'.
Quick Answer
The Upper Dolpo trek takes 21–28 days, reaches a maximum altitude of 5,190m, and costs $3000–$5000 total (permits included). It is rated extreme and best done in spring or fall.
Duration
21–28
days
Max Altitude
5,190m
17,028 ft
Total Cost
$3000–$5000
USD per person
Best Seasons
spring
fall
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🔥 Popular this season
Trek Highlights
- Shey Phoksundo Lake — Nepal's deepest
- Crystal Mountain (Shey Gompa)
- Bon Buddhist monasteries
- Tibetan plateau wilderness
- Most isolated trek in Nepal
Permits & Documents Required
Restricted Area Permit
$500 for first 10 days, $50/day afterUpper Dolpo is a restricted area with very limited permits issued
Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (via agency)Processing: 5-7 business days
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
$30National Park entry permit
Park officeProcessing: On the spot
TIMS Card
$20Trekkers' Information Management System card
Nepal Tourism BoardProcessing: Same day
Tip: Get your TIMS card and permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. Bring passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Complete Equipment Checklist
🧥Clothing(13 items)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece mid-layer jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking trousers (zip-off)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Wool/synthetic hiking socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters
- Expedition down jacket (-30C)
- Balaclava / neck gaiter
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Snow pants
🎒Gear(10 items)
- 60–70L trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10C rated)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles (2× 1L)
- Waterproof stuff sacks
- Crampons / microspikes
- Ice axe (if snow season)
- UV-protection glacier glasses (Cat 4)
- 4-season tent (if camping sections)
🩺Essentials(11 items)
- Passport + permit photocopies
- First aid kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness prevention)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ & lip balm
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Cash in NPR (ATMs unreliable on trail)
- Oxygen saturation monitor (pulse oximeter)
- Emergency whistle
- Satellite communicator (InReach)
- Detailed topographic map
📷Optional(8 items)
- Kindle / book
- Playing cards
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Portable charger (10000mAh+)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Solar panel charger
- Trekking umbrella
📖 In-depth guide available
Read our complete day-by-day Upper Dolpo guide with permit costs, teahouse tips, and altitude acclimatization advice.
Required Permits
- •Restricted Area Permit ($500/10 days)
- •Shey Phoksundo NP Permit ($30)
- •TIMS Card ($20)
Requirements
FitnessExcellent fitness required
Difficultyextreme
Acclimatization3 days
Max altitude5,190m (17,028 ft)
🤔
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