Upper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo TrekUpper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo trek takes you into the high-altitude zone of the Trans-Himalayan Ecosystem in the western district of Nepal. The vast majority of Upper Dolpo is protected by the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which extensively covers 3555 sq.km.It is essential trekkers understand that the greater Dolpo region is culturally and environmentally sensitive and fragile. Your respect and care of this region is a small trade-off for its astonishing beauty, cultural richness and biodiversity.

The Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventure’s itinerary through Upper Dolpo ensures a daily experience of contrasts. From arid mountains to walnut groves and dense cedar, birch and pine forests; grassy mountain plateaus and flood plains to gorges of different colored cliff lines, steep valleys and gentle sloping hills; streams laced with stepping stones to a thundering waterfall and the silent Phoksundo Lake – the journey is simply mind-bending.
For nature-lovers, Upper Dolpo’s fauna brings endless splendid encounters with rare bird species, blue sheep and yaks. Endangered species, including the snow leopard and red panda are indigenous to Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo’s people are followers of different Buddhists schools (Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya) and the Bön religion. Some communal blessings involve the use of medicinal herbs. Sky burials are performed in some communities. They mainly depend on agriculture, animal husbandry and trade for their livelihood. Yak caravans mobilise stock to neighboring regions to this day.

There is a popular misconception that Dolpo is purely of Tibetan culture, as Buddhism is practiced and Tibetan widely spoken across the region. The Dolpo people are one of 59 listed indigenous peoples under the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities. There are centuries of connection between Dolpo and Tibet, and in recent history, the 1959 uprising in Lhasa resulted in some Tibetans fleeing to Dolpo. Dolpo was once also a protectorate of the kingdom of Lo (present-day Mustang) and now belongs to Tichurong. During the trek, you will visit places of great historical importance, such as the Shey Gompa which houses an ancient Tibetan scroll describing the myth of Crystal Mountain.

Highlights:

  • Visit the red-painted Shey Gompa, Nepal’s largest monastery, and the hermitage of Tsakang founded during the 17th century
  • Explore the mystical Crystal Mountain, streaked with quartz veins.
  • Traverse the world’s deepest lake of high altitude Phoksundo Lake.
  • A vibrant turquoise blue body of water, this lake is a protected area as it is a habitat for many waterfowl species.
  • Catch breathtaking views of an enormous waterfall formed by Phoksundo Lake’s headwaters.
  • Pass beneath a glacier descending from the upper slopes of Kanjeralwa.
  • Visit the Magar & Bhatia villages in Dho Tarap valley, some of the world’s highest settlements at 4100m
  • Spend a whole day in Ringmo, a traditional village where locals make a range of handicrafts.
  • The Pal Sentan Thason Chholing Gompa, from the Bön tradition, is a short walk from Ringmo.
  • Go from canyon to waterfall in a day between Ghyamgar and Laisicap

Itinerary

01

Day 01

Scenic flight to Nepalgunj(200m/656ft. ), 50min

After having our breakfast in the hotel at Kathmandu we moved towards Tribhuvan International Airport early in the morning. It takes 50 min to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj 200m. Enjoying the view of Himalayan ranges while being on the flight, we reach Nepalgunj(gateway to Simikot). The weather is comparatively warmer than Ktm. Due to the nearness to India, necessities are quite cheap, esp. vegetables. Many Nepali go shopping in Rupaidiha, a little market town beyond the border. The biggest temple of Nepalgunj(Bageshwori Temple) one of the famous and most religious temples in Nepal. It dedicates to goddess Bageshwori- a Durga. Travelers can visit the temple and do arati, a mini zoo with a playground and a few animals. Visitors can also have a bicycle trip to the Rapti river and can experience the elephant safari at Bardia National Park few distances from the main market of Nepalgunj but if you are interested to participate these activities, you require extra additional days. We will have a look of more than three hundred and fifty species of birds, along with other wild animals like deer, wild boars, wild elephants, crocodiles, dolphins, blue bulls, etc. After the visit back to the hotel where our accommodation is arranged.
Overnight at hotel

02

Day 02

Scenic flight to Juphal (2475m/8120ft. ) & trek to Dunai(2140m/7545ft.), flight 40min+3hr walk

We take a scenic flight to Juphal with views of the great wrinkle of green ridges peppered with small, terraced villages and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It takes 40 min to reach Juphal, the main airport of the Dolpa region. After arriving at Juphal, we will start our first trek to Dunai. Walking through terraced fields and descending steeply we will see a small group of buildings near Thulo Bheri Khola with the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Following the Bheri River, we will continue walking Dunai headquarter of the Dolpo region as well as the main trading center.
Overnight at teahouse

03

Day 03

Trek to Chhepka (2720m/8923ft.), 5-6hr walk

We descend through the centre of the town to the suspension bridge across the Suli Khola & take the trail up which has little shade & seems to endlessly go up & down. Switching the trail across the river several time reach to Ragtang (2421m). Our trail leads to another suspension bridge to cross the river & pass Shyanta (winter settlement of Ringmo Village) & final cross to Ankhe Khola and an hour of ascend walk bring us to Chhepka (2720m).
Overnight at teahouse

04

Day 04

Trek to Jharina Hotel (2960m/9711ft.), 6-7hr walk

We start our trek through the walnut grove about 10 minutes and cross the Suli Khola to follow the river bank until we reach to the dense forest. After an hour, we cross a tributary and climb up to switchback trail for roughly (380m). The trail then leads to an enjoyable flat grassy plateau, later it drops down to the river, follow the river bank route which lead to the bridge near the Tapriza Sec. School. From here we cross to the west bank of the Phuksondo Khola and short trek bring us to Jharina.
Overnight at teahouse

05

Day 05

Climb Phoksundo lake & continue to Ringmo (3640m/11942ft.), 4-5hr walk

From here we climb along the west bank of the Phoksundo Khola, pass the wooden bridge below the trail, and continue climbing through cedar and pine forest on a trail that swings northwards. Passing another long climb, we reach to the winter settlement called Polam (3400m). Continue climbing switchbacks to a ridgeline with excellent views of the turquoise & cobalt blue Phoksundo Lake, and an enormous waterfall formed by the headwaters of the Phoksundo Khola (3800m). We descended through birch forest to the clear-running headwaters & climb an easy gradient towards Ringmo.
Overnight at teahouse

06

Day 06

Acclimatization day in Ringmo

We have relaxing day to adjust our body with the altitude and we also have short hiking around the village peripheral. We visit the Nepal’s deepest and2nd largest Lake (Phoksundo Tal) which lies to the Northern side of the village. About 1.5km away, on the south-eastern edge of the lake, is the Bon tradition Pal Sentan Thason Chholing Gompa which is extremely similar to Tibetan Buddhism. Bon is the old Tibetan religion which follow the animism but most of the ritual practices are similar to Tibetan Buddhism.We discover the Bon rituals & the interior layout of the Monastery out there.
Overnight at teahouse

07

Day 07

Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp(3750m/12303ft.), 5-6hr walk

Trek commence with aside the Lake and gradually steep up with precipitous trail. We have a wonderful sight of the lake and the village. After an hour, trail descend to the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola at the northern end of the lake (3630m. We cross the river and enter patchy pine forest which is soon replaced by silver birch as the valley narrows. We pass through a few copses of silver birch and further short walk bring us to Phoksundo.
Overnight at teahouse

 

08

Day 08

Trek to Pass Camp (4810m/15780ft.), 5-6hr walk

Trek begin with ascend that lead up to the gorge where there are many animal tracks and the sound of the river reverberating from the cliffs. The gradient eases after 1 ½ hours as the gorge widens. Climb the switchback trail to the east of the waterfall and after about 100m the gradient ease. We continue to upper reaches of the river valley and scree slope rises. the most popular is at the base of the long curving trail.
Overnight at teahouse

 

09

Day 09

Trek to Shy Gompa (4343m/14248ft.), 5-6hr walk

Our trail lead to the pass which is over loose slate scree up an unrelenting gradient for 2 ½ hours. From the top of the Nangdalo La (5350m) we see a broad valley descending to the north carve by a substantial stream. We follow an easy gradient down the valley, crossing the stream where the valley is popular with yak and sheep herders. Further short work brings us to red painted walls of Shey Gompa (4343m).
Overnight at teahouse

10

Day 10

Acclimatization day in Shy Gompa

It is worth spending a day at Shey to explore both the Kagyupa sect Gompa and the hermitage at Tsakang. We visit many legends surrounding the founder of Shey Gompa and Tsakang. Tsan-zin Ra Pa, who lived in the early seventeenth century, making this one of the most sacred valleys in Dolpo. Locals insist that the killing of any animal is prohibited in or around Shey Gompa, and this perhaps explains why it is relatively common to spot blue sheep and snow leopard in the valley. Perched on the cliffs of Crystal Mountain, about an hour north from Shey, is the hermitage of Tsakang.
Overnight at teahouse

11

Day 11

Descend down to Namgung (4360m/14304ft.), 6-7hr walk

Trek to heading east into the arid Sephu Khola Valley, following a trail along the north bank. Continuing the trek, the trail forks where a tributary flow down from the north and climb on lose ground to the Sela La (5095m).Further wonderful trek brings us to Namgung.
Overnight at teahouse

12

Day 12

Trek to Saldang (3770m/12368ft.), 4-5hr walk

From here, we follow the trail which climb over the ridge on the far side of the valley, through the ridge that forms the northern bank of the Namga Khola and descend to the Nagon Khola. We continue north, to the commercial land administrative centre of Upper Dolpo, Saldang (3770m). A horse racing festival in July to honour the Black Goat King, who once ruled central Dolpo, begins from the newly decorated Gompa in the village, to the north interesting gompas in the Karang valley, Luri (Sunger Gompa) and Nisalgaon (Yangze Gompa.
Overnight at teahouse

13

Day 13

Trek to Chagaon (3840m/12598ft.), 4-5hr walk

Initial trek begin with gently sloping hills on its south-eastern (left) bank across which runs an easy undulating trail. An easy trail of short trek that lead to Chagaon (3840m), where we see Gompa beside the river. There is another hermitage Gompa, popular with local and Tibetan lama.
Overnight at teahouse

14

Day 14

Trek to Pass Camp (4700m/15419ft.), 6-7hr walk

Following the trail which past besides the last village of Chasip, continue along the main trail as it slowly climbs beside the river. After an hour, we cross the river to the west bank, and a couple of stone houses at Rakyo Kharka. From here, our trail remains on the west bank of river and reach to cross the Nagon Khola to the east bank and turn into the Dachung Khola valley. A further trek brings us to another major river junction with rivers from the southeast and southwest. We cross the Dachung Khola, into a steep-walled valley and reach at Pass Camp(4700m).
Overnight at teahouse

15

Day 15

Trek to Tokyu (4209m/13809ft.), 5-6hr walk

Trek begin with a steady gradient climbs about 500m from the campsite to the top of the Jyanta La (5220m). Then descend into a huge shallow alpine valley, which is boggy at the bottom, beside the Jyanta Khola. The gradient remains gentle on the west bank of the river until we reach a loose wall of terminal moraine. Once down the moraine, the gradient eases again and we cross the river to the eastern bank. We pass a series of Mani walls and chorten on either side of the valley as it widens. A final descend brings us to Tokyu (4209m) via Dho Tarap valley.
Overnight at teahouse

 

16

Day 16

Trek to Ghyamgar (3755m/12319ft.), 6-7hr walk

We trek down from the large, fertile Thakchu Khola valley which is home to Magar and Bhotia villages and almost merge together. This is one of the highest permanent settlements on the planet at an average of 4100m, and a popular place for Tibetan nomads to graze their yak herds. From Dho Tarap, continue to descend the now narrowing Tarap Khola valley. Continuing our trek cross the Tarap Khola to the west bank beyond the campsite and descend a rough rocky trail through scrubby patches of forest. The trail descends rapidly to the Sisal Khola, then swings back into the Tarap Khola and descends rapidly to a bridge in a narrow gorge, climb of about 200m over a small peninsula in the valley Ghyamgar (3755m).
Overnight at teahouse

 

17

Day 17

Trek to Laisicap village (2775m/9104ft.), 7-8hr walk

As we start our trek, the valley becomes a sheer sided canyon with the river in a white rage beneath a bridge to the west bank. The gradient eases to a more gradual descent on an undulating trail which later meet to another major tributary junction with the Nawapani Khola. We soon cross back to the east bank for a short section before returning to the west bank at Chhyugar (3440m). After that, we descend more rapidly to a steep switchback section that drops to a pretty lace-waterfall at Laina Odar (3440m). We then soon descend rapidly again and suddenly the Tarap Khola valley merge with the Thulo Bheri Khola valley and finally we cross the river reach to Laisicap village (2775m).
Overnight at teahouse

18

Day 18

Trek to Juphal (2475m/8120ft.), 7-8hr walk

After days of descending treacherous trails, it is a relief to be walking on a broad thoroughfare beside the Thulo Bheri Khola. After an hour, beyond Laisicap is a fine kani at the entrance to Tarakot (2540m), a popular winter settlement for people from Dho Tarap. Beyond Tarakot, we cross to the north, exposed bank of the Thulo Bheri Khola and resume a typical up and down profile all the way to Dunai (2140m). Finally we retrace our stepsfrom the first day of trekking to the airstrip at Juphal (2475m).
Overnight at teahouse

19

Day 19

Scenic flight to Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

After having breakfast in the morning, we will take the flight back to Nepalgunj and fly again to Kathmandu on the very same day. Our representative shall take you to your hotel after your arrival in Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the by relaxing or shopping for gifts and souvenirs.
Overnight at hotel

 

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Note: We are flexible to customize the trip itinerary, dates as per your time frame, service standard etc.

Location

 

 

See Our Other Offers

We offer 3 packages: Basic, comfort & Full Board. Our Basic takes care of your trek, comfort include trek with your stay in Kathmandu along with all airport transfers personally while Full Board include entire meals in the mountains during the trek. Three can be flexibly adjusted to your requirements. 

Basic Offer

  • Trek with an English speaking govt licensed trekking guide
  • 1 porter (betn two clients) to carry your luggage during the trek (max 24 kg; i.e. 12kg pP)
  • Accommodation during the trek in carefully selected teahouses as per the itinerary
  • Flight from KTM-Nepalgunj-Juphal & return
  • Duffel bag and trekking map
  • Trekkers Information Management System [TIMS] registration card
  • Necessary paper works, all government, and local taxes
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu by the host family at Typical Nepali Cultural Restaurant
  • First aid medical kit, oxymeters to check pulse, heart rate & oxygen saturation carried by guide

Comfort Offer

As Basic and

  • 2N in 3* and 1N in 4* hotel in KTM on B/B plan as per the itinerary [upgrade possible]
  • Airport pick up & drop off personally

Full Board Offer

Price: Have a kindly make an enquiry for the Full Board tour cost. Because the cost depends on the meals chosen by you.

As Comfort and

  • Full board meals in the mountains during the trek

Group Discount:

There is a further discount for larger groups. Please contacts us for details at mytrek2nepal@gmail.com


Trek Duration:

The Trek duration can be shorten or extend depending on time and fitness.

Excluded Services

  • International Airfare to and from your country
  • Nepal visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days, two passport photographs required). For the further more information, have visit Nepal Immigration Department official website. 
  • Insurance - Following stated things must be submit while you do trips through (IHSA)
  • You must submit copy of your insurance certificate included standard policies that covers trekking activities up to 5000m
  • Your Insuarnce policy must cover accidents, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation including helicopter rescue upto 5000m and it is excluded in the trip price
  • At the time of you do Insurance you should read the policy carefully whether your requirements are included or not
  • IHSA also recommends your insurance policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects
  • Any alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and boiled water as well as snacks, deserts etc. during the trek
  • Tipping is a culture in Nepal and is expected by your staff (guides, porters, drivers)
  • Hot shower, wifi, battery charges (available at extra cost in lodges, sometimes free)
  • Unforeseen expenses not under our control such as flight cancellations or delays, weather-related issues, illness during the trek, rescue costs, etc
  • Any other costs not specifically included. Please feel free to ask if in doubt

Equipment Lists

Equipment for trip

Have a kindly bring following stated equipment for the camping/tented trek. The equipment you can buy in Kathmandu with different quality in good price.


Luggage:

01 large duffel bag: The Luggage is for to carry all your personal gear on the trekking. Should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles.

1 rucksack or day pack: The bag is for to accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you need to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment.


Head and Face Gear:

1. Sunhat

2. A Bandana

3. Sunglasses

4. Warm hat

5. Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor

6. Lip balm with a high SPF factor

7. An emergency light


Hands:

1. Lightweight gloves

 

Inner Clothing:

1. T-shirts

2. Thermal underwear- Top and bottom. Synthetic is best

3. Underwear

4. 2 shorts

5. 2 Trousers- (comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm


Outer Clothing:

1. down Jacket

2. Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket)

3. Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho)

4. Waterproof pants

5. Baggy pants

6. 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick)

7. 1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket


Footwear:

1. Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended)

2. Spare laces

3. 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.

4. 2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks

5. One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp


Drinking Equipment:

1. Water Bottle

Purification equipment-Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended.


Sleeping and Carrying Equipment:

1. 30-40 liter daypack

2. Water Proof Bag-A water proof bag to cover the rucksack

3. Sleeping Bag- Please brings a bag that can resist temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius


Personal Medical Kit:

1. Bandage for sprains

2. Plasters/Band-aids

3. Iodine or water filters

4. Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters

5. Antiseptic ointment for cuts

6. Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)

7. Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller

8. Oral rehydration salts

9. Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)

10. Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)

11. Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)

12. Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)

13. Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)


Extras/Luxuries:

1. Binoculars

2. Reading book

3. Trail Map/Guide book

4. Journal & Pens

5. Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble


Toiletries:

1. 1 medium sized quick drying towel

2. Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)

3. Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)

4. Deodorant

5. Nail clippers

6. Face and body moisturize

7. Feminine hygiene products

8. Small mirror

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Information

Permits:

Upper Dolpo is a special zone and part of the Trans-Himalayan

Ecosystem. Trekkers must be issued a special permit through a registered trekking agency. All trekkers are required to trek through Upper Dolpo as part of an organised trek.

 

 

Festivals/Religious Events:

Winter: Losar or Chhongo (Tibetan New Year- falls in Falgun, during February/March)
Summer: Shey Gompa (celebrating 12 year cycle in the Buddhist calendar, next festival in August 2024); Saldang’s horse racing festival (in honour of the Black Goat King, July)
Autumn: Annual Buddhist pilgrimage (September)

 

 

Films and books on the region:

The Bon Landscape of Dolpo, written by Marietta Kind in 2012
Dolpo Tulku - Return to the Himalayas, a documentary by Martin Hoffman and Daniela Hartmann in 2010
Caravan/Himalaya, a film directed by Eric Valli and Michel Debats in 1999
The Snow Leopard, written by Peter Matthiessen in 1973
Himalayan Pilgrimage: a study of Tibetan religion by a traveller through Western Nepal, written by David Snell grove in 1961

 

Additional Options:

+Additional porter:

We plan with one porter per 2 clients. If you require additional support, you can book an additional porter for the trip to lighten your load. A porter carries your bag pack for you and no more (20kg max. They don't often speak any English. They carry two backpacks that they will strap together. But you are strictly prohibited not take advantage of the porter. They are usually very proud people and will attempt to carry things that are just too heavy. Which is not good. You can leave your unnecessary stuff in Kathmandu your hotel or our office you will not need on the trek.

Have a take a small personal daypack with you. Your daypack should contain everything you need during the day but keep it as light as possible. Examples: water, some warm clothing, your camera, sunscreen, etc. Note that luggage you hand the porters might not be available to you during the day as they sometimes set their own pace.


Hotel upgrade in ktm:[€60 for 5* hotel Per night]

If you feel like a little luxury before and after your trek, you can upgrade your hotel in Kathmandu to 5* category.

Nepal Visas

You need a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15-day visa and £35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entries. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports, there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.


Flexible Timing

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla significantly reduces the journey time compared to the trek via Jiri (which we also offer). The flight is the shortest and most popular way of gaining access to the region but the mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and sometimes even during the best part of the season, flights are delayed or postponed for one or more days. We can also arrange for a Heli charter from Kathmandu to Lukla instead but this adds significant extra cost. We highly recommend that you take potential delays into account and allow for a week extra day in Kathmandu.


Money and Gratuity

Money and Gratuity; It is best to bring a mixture of cash and traveler’s checks in a major currency [some currencies are not convertible to NPR]. USD, GBP, CAD, EUR, and AUD are generally fine. Ensure you have also small denominations. As a guideline for baseline spending money we suggest USD 8 - 10 per meal in Kathmandu / Pokhara and USD 30 – 35 per day whilst trekking in the Annapurna region (if you drink or smoke or plan some major shopping this could be higher). You should exchange enough money into Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek BEFORE leaving Kathmandu. There are no exchange facilities in the villages along the trail but plenty of money changers in KTM.

Gratuity is, Since the 1960s when trekking in Nepal was developed, there has been a tradition for groups and independent visitors to gratude their crews at the end of a trek but gratuity are not included in the trip price. If you are happy with the performance of the trekking staff, we suggest the following as a minimum: USD 7 per day of the wages or around one day’s wage for each week on a trek. As a rule, and through tradition, the head cook should get a little more than the porters and ‘Sherpa’ and kitchen crews. The Sardar and Leader/Guide should get a little more again.


Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.

All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.

If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.

While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.


Weather

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

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Duration

19 days

Season

Mar-May & Sept-Nov

Region

Dolpa

Grade

Medium to hard

Altitude

200m - 5360m

Walking

5hr

Accommodation

Teahouse

Trip Type

Private & Group Join

Transportation

Private Vehicle & flight

Certificate of Excellence

Based of services & review

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Tsering

Mr. Tsering D. Sherpa

(National Mountain Leader)
Mountaineering, Treks & Tours

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