Upper Dolpo Trek — photo 1
Upper Dolpo Trek
Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain
The 24-day Upper Dolpo trek crosses multiple passes above 5,000m to Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain (Shey-Phoksundo), one of Nepal's most remote restricted regions. Camping trek through barren high plateau and Bon Buddhist culture.
Expedition Highlights
- ✓Shey Gompa (4,300m) at the foot of Crystal Mountain
- ✓Cross Kang La (5,115m) and other high passes
- ✓Bon Buddhist culture predating Tibetan Buddhism
- ✓One of Nepal's most remote and restricted trekking regions
Short Itinerary
- 01
Kathmandu (1,345m)
1,345m
- 02
Fly Kathmandu — Nepalgunj
150m
- 03
Fly Nepalgunj — Juphal — Dunai
2,720m
- 04
Dunai — Ankhe
2,140m
Private Note
Itineraries may adjust for weather, flight schedules, or trail conditions. We recommend two spare days after your trek for Lukla flight delays. Custom private departures available year-round.
At a Glance
Everything essential, before you go deeper.
24 Days
5,115m
Extreme
- Country
Nepal
- Activity
Trekking
- Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
- Meals
Included
- Start / End
Kathmandu
Overview
Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain
The 24-day Upper Dolpo trek crosses multiple passes above 5,000m to Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain (Shey-Phoksundo), one of Nepal's most remote restricted regions. Camping trek through barren high plateau and Bon Buddhist culture.
Departures & Availability
Itinerary
Day-by-day trail
Arrival. Upper Dolpo restricted permit briefing.
Price Includes
- Private IFMGA Lead Alpine Guide & 1:1 Sherpa climb support
- All administrative fees and special conservation permits
- Luxury boutique heritage accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Private high-altitude dome camps with insulated heating systems
- Bespoke dining menus prepared by private expedition chefs
- Private helicopter evacuation cover & medical insurance
Price Excludes
- International airfare and excess baggage fees
- Federal Nepal entry visa (obtainable on arrival)
- Personal high-altitude mountaineering apparel and boots
- Gratuities and optional summit bonuses for climbing staff
- Alcoholic beverages and premium vintage selection
Equipment & Gear
A detailed packing list will be sent upon booking. Essentials you should bring:
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Down jacket rated to −10°C
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Warm fleece or softshell mid-layer
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and UV sunglasses
- Sleeping bag rated to −15°C (rental available)
- Daypack (25–35L) with rain cover
Upper Dolpo Trek
- Main
- Visit
- Flight
- Overnight
Tap a stop to open the itinerary
FAQs
Reviews
★★★★★Sarah Mitchell · United Kingdom · October 2024“Standing at Base Camp, looking up at the Khumbu Icefall, I realised this was not just a trek — it was the experience that divided my life into before and after. Tenzing and the TrekTrove team made every step feel safe, purposeful, and genuinely extraordinary. I have trekked in five countries. This was something else entirely.”
Everest Base Camp Trek
★★★★★Rajesh Karmacharya · Nepal · November 2024“As a Nepali who grew up in Pokhara, I thought I knew these mountains intimately. TrekTrove showed me corners of my own country I had never visited, connected me with communities I did not know existed, and gave me a new appreciation for the Himalayas I call home. The guides are extraordinary people.”
Annapurna Circuit — 16 Days
★★★★★Emma and Daniel Kowalski · Poland · July 2024“Lo Manthang at dawn, with the entire walled city quiet except for the sound of monks chanting in Thubchen Gompa. Nothing prepares you for that moment. Nothing we write here does it justice. We came as tourists and left as people who understood, at least a little, why the kingdom kept itself hidden for so long. TrekTrove — thank you for making this possible.”
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