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
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Trek Duration |
24 Days |
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Walking Hours |
4-9 hours per day |
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Highest Elevation |
5,550 meters above sea level |
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Highest Point |
Jungben La Pass |
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National Park |
Shey Phoksundo National Park |
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Conservation Area |
Annapurna Conservation Area Project |
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Trip Grade |
Moderate to Strenuous |
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Type of Trek |
Tea House and Camping Trek |
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Trek Starting Point |
Juphal |
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Trek Ending Point |
Jomsom |
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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.
10Km