Best Season to go for Upper Dolpo Camping Trek
Trekking in Upper Dolpo is a truly off-grid Himalayan Experience in Nepal due to its high elevation, remoteness, and limited infrastructure. Choosing the right time to challenge the Upper Dolpo Circuit Package is critical for both safety and enjoyment. Fortunately, Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges, making it drier than other parts of Nepal, and allowing a longer trekking window, even when monsoon rains soak other regions. The best time to trek the Upper Dolpo Region is broken down month by month to help you decide the best period based on Upper Dolpo Weather, trail accessibility, and visibility.
Upper Dolpo in Spring Season (March to May):
March:
The weather begins to warm, but the high passes are often still snow-covered and challenging to cross. While lower areas like Dunai and Ringmo are accessible, trekking to Shey Gompa or Saldang may not be possible early in the month. This month is great to trek in the lower areas, but it might not be suitable as the passes could be snow-blocked.
April:
April is a great time to begin trekking. Temperatures are milder, the skies are clear, and wildflowers start to bloom in lower valleys. Most passes begin to open, though snow may linger. April is an ideal month to start the Upper Dolpo Full Circuit Trek.
May:
May is one of the best times to start your ramble to Upper Dolpo. The weather is stable, passes are mostly cleared, providing excellent visibility. This is the peak spring window, making you enjoy long days of sunlight and fewer logistical challenges.
Monsoon (June to August):
June:
The start of monsoon in most parts of Nepal, but Dolpo remains mostly dry thanks to its rain-shadow location. Vegetation turns greener, and the skies can still be quite clear. June is a surprisingly good month in Dolpo with fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes.
July & August:
uring July and August, there is heavy rainfall all across Nepal, but Upper Dolpo remains dry and trek-friendly. The heavy rain can lead to flight cancellations to/from Juphal to Nepalgunj. The trails are still open and scenic but there might be some leeches on the way some forested trails.
Autumn (September to November):
September:
September is another ideal trekking month. The monsoon fades, skies are crisp, and trails are firm and dry. This is when you get the clearest views of snowcapped peaks, sacred landscapes, and endless open skies. This time is excellent for photography and full circuit treks, and prepare yourself for the cultural events of Dolpo.
October:
The most popular and safest month for Upper Dolpo trekking. The weather is stable, rivers are low, and passes are dry. It’s a perfect time for the full circuit, including remote villages like Saldang, Tinje, and Shey Gompa. The nights are chilly, but the views are clear and the best.
November:
The trek during this time is still worth it during early November, but temperatures start to drop, especially at night. High passes may see early snowfall. Lodges begin to close as locals descend for winter. There is an increasing risk of snowfall by mid-November, so it is better to start from late October to early November for the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek.
Winter (December to February):
We do not recommend you to visit Upper Dolpo during the winter season. The region becomes harshly cold, high passes are completely snow-blocked, and most locals migrate to lower altitudes, leaving villages empty. Camping becomes extremely difficult, and weather-related risks increase.
Upper Dolpo Trek Permits and Requirements:
You need to have the following permits during the Upper Dolpo Trek:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Dolpo:
Dolpo Region is a restricted area; trekkers entering Upper Dolpo require a permit. The Upper Dolpo Permit Cost USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, and USD 50 for each additional day. This permit is mandatory for this trek and Walk Mountain Pvt. Limited would help you with arranging the permit.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Lower Dolpo:
Since Lower Dolpo is also part of the Dolpo Region and while doing this trek, you will also touch the Lower Dolpo region. So, you will also need to pay for the RAP Lower Dolpo. Unlike the Upper Dolpo permit, the Lower Dolpo Permit costs USD20 per person for one week, USD5 per day for an additional day.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit:
Trekkers need to purchase an entry permit for Shey Phoksundo National Park, costing NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals. This permit supports the conservation of the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Physical Fitness for Upper Dolpo Trek:
The 24-day Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary by Walk Mountain requires a high level of physical fitness due to its remote location, challenging terrain, off-the-beaten route, and high altitudes. The preparation must be enough to ensure that they can handle the physical demands that this trek requires. As you will be constantly hiking for 5 to 6 hours on average per day on such a rugged path and at high altitude, cardiovascular exercises are a must as well.
Hiking an average of 5 to 6 hours daily for like 20 days straight will test you physically and mentally. Crossing the high-altitude passes will test your mentality, physical strength, and perseverance. So, physical strength and mental strength both are equally important and must be above average before choosing this trek. You can do the following preparations before going for the Upper Dolpo Trek Route;
- You can practice actual hiking on a hilly/mountainous trail with a loaded backpack. This would not only help the body to get used to physical exertion but also make them used to the loaded backpack.
- You can engage yourself in exercises like running, cycling, or swimming for your cardio and engage in exercises more on your lower body muscles, such as squats, lunges, and planks.
- You should also practice flexibility and mobility exercises, including stretching routines and yoga, to prevent injuries and muscle stiffness.
- Being mentally fit must be equally prioritized, so engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation can help build mental strength and resilience.
Therefore, with consistent and comprehensive preparation, your trek in Upper Dolpo will be safe and more enjoyable.
Accommodation and Meals During the trek to the Dolpo Region:
The Upper Dolpo trek with Saldang La Pass offers you the accommodation and meals reflecting the remoteness, isolation, and traditional way of living of the region. The infrastructure in Upper Dolpo is not as developed as Annapurna or Everest regions. The Walk Mountain guided trek to Upper and Lower Dolpo Region will provide you with three times meals during the trek, i.e., Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. While you will be given the meals in an American plan, you will be using camping as a means of accommodation, except for Nepalgunj, Juphal, Dunai, and Ankhe.
Accommodation during the Upper Dolpo Trek:
As you are aware, the Dolpo Region is not well developed. So, there might not be enough teahouses in the region. Hence, this Dolpo trek is mostly a camping trek. In the developed region, like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you will be staying at a hotel. In the lower region, like Juphal and Dunai, you will be staying at a teahouse. Whereas, you would be camping on the remaining trek since other areas do not have a teahouse, even if available, it is very limited. Trekkers should carry a sleeping bag, especially in higher altitudes, to prevent getting cold at night in Upper Dolpo altitude where the temperature significantly drops.
You can choose to stay in teahouses at some places during the trek too. The room will have a twin bed with a blanket and pillow. The teahouses are old and rusty, so you can get unique authenticity as well. If you choose to stay in a tented accommodation, we will be providing you with a cook and kitchen staff, support staff, an Upper Dolpo Trekking Guide, and porters, along with camping gear, sleeping mats, and portable toilets.
Meals:
As stated, we will be providing you meals on an American plan basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. The meals are relatively very limited and simple. The teahouses generally have a similar menu like Nepali Dal Bhat, roti, noodles, pasta, potatoes, etc, and an occasional meat depending on the availability. They will also provide hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot lemon.
During the camping time, the meals are prepared by the kitchen staff, consisting of calories and nutrients that are required at high altitude. These meals often include soups, stews, fried rice, pasta, and even some desserts like pudding or fruit to keep spirits high. Despite the remote location, our cooking team will make sure that you are well fed and provide a varied menu. Make sure to carry some snacks and extra food like energy bars, Snickers, and dried fruits, as it helps at higher altitudes.
Drinking Water:
In the case of drinking water, the inhabitants of the Dolpo region drink the water from natural sources like streams and lakes directly. So, you will not be able to find bottled water as you ascend to high altitude. We recommend that you carry water purification tablets or a water filter.
Altitude sickness and the requirement of acclimatization during the trek:
Altitude Sickness
The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek takes you to one of Nepal’s most remote regions. This 24-day Upper Dolpo trek Itinerary by Walkmountain will take you to altitudes over 5000 m like Jeng La Pass (5100 m), Saldang La Pass (5200 m), and the highest Kang La Pass (5360 m). As you ascend to higher altitudes, the level of oxygen decreases in the air, which can bring trouble in breathing, and the body cannot adjust quickly to such an environment, by which the condition of Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurring in the person. The following are some of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness/AMS: -
- Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
Take the necessary precautions, like acclimatization, to avoid altitude sickness. In severe cases, the altitude sickness can progress into High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), both of which are life-threatening and require immediate descent to lower altitudes and medical attention. So, necessary actions must be taken.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is really necessary for a safe, successful, moreover enjoyable trek. Acclimatization during the trek will help to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. We have customized the above itinerary in such a way; it would contain adequate acclimatization and reduce the chances of AMS. Some of the strategies of acclimatization are mentioned below:
- Gradual Ascent
- Staying Hydrated
- Resting days
- Eating Well
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Climbing high and sleeping low
Requirement of Travel Insurance for the trek to the Dolpo Region:
Travel Insurance is necessary during this trek to the Dolpo Region. The Nepal Upper Dolpo region lies in a remote area, and the trek is quite challenging due to various factors like the duration, accommodation, high altitude passes, off the beaten path. The main reason to buy travel insurance is due to the remote location and the lack/ scarce in medical facilities. In case of any emergency of serious illness or injury, you may need emergency evacuation by helicopter. Emergency Evacuation can cost thousands of dollars. So, to avoid the loss of such a huge amount of money, travel insurance is necessary as it will help you cover all your medical expenses, and evacuations if necessary. Moreover, having travel insurance provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the trek without any worry or foreseen events. Hence, we not only highly recommend but mandatorily require any trekkers to the Travel Insurance during this trek. It safeguards you against financial losses from medical emergencies, evacuation, and other travel-related issues, making it an indispensable part of your trekking preparations.
