Upper Dolpo Trek

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Activities: Trekking & Sightseeing Fitness Level: Strenuous
Max Elevation: 5,190m/17,028ft at Numa La Pass Transportation: Private vehicle/Flight
Best Month: March-May & September-November Group Size: 2+
Arrival on: Kathmandu Departure from: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek
Price: USD:4775
https://nepalvisiontreks.com

Trip Introduction

Trip Introduction:
Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude culturally Tibetan region in the western Himalaya of Nepal. The inhabitants of Dolpo region are mainly Tibetans, therefore, the region is rich in ethnic Tibetan culture and arts. The Upper Dolpo trekking initiates at the north-west region behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. The abundance of Himalayan wildlife, including, Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and rare Snow Leopard, makes it an Eco-trek destination as well.

Chosen as the prime location for the 1999 Oscar Nominated film Himalaya, it is one of the remotest and least exposed areas of northern Nepal. It offers rare opportunities to explore many unseen parts of the region. Referred as "The Forbidden Kingdom" in its own term, it happened to be closed for foreigners. It is now only possible to enter Dolpo through an expensive and restricted area permit.

Upper Dolpo has been mentioned by David Snelgrove in his book titled "Himalayan Pilgrimage," more recently by Peter Matthiessen in "The Snow Leopard" and in "Stones of Silence" by George Schaller.

Upper Dolpo trekking begins from Juphal (2,285m/7496ft). The trail passes though numerous gigantic mountain ranges, over the Numa La pass (5,190m/17,028ft), till you reach Phoksundo lake at Ringmo village inside the Phoksundo National Park. After a day rest, one can continue on the trail crossing different passes to Jumla -where the trek concedes.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo), trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft)
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,850m/9,348ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 06: Trek to Khani Gaon (2,543m/8,341ft), 3-4 hrs walks
Day 07: Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m/11,316ft), 4-5 hrs walks
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka (3800m/12,464ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 09: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft), 5-6 hrs walks
Day 10: Rest Day at Dho Tarap for acclimatization
Day 11: Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4200m/13776ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 12: Trek below Numala pass (4665m/15301ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 13: Cross Numala (5,190m/17,023ft), and camp at Phedi , 6-7 hrs walk
Day 14: Trek and cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 15: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft), 6-7 hrs walk
Day 16: Rest Day at Ringmo & for a hike to Phoksundo Lake (3730m/12234ft)
Day 17: Trek to Pungmo village (3170m/10397ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 18: Trek below Kagmara La, 5-6 hrs walk
Day 19: Cross the Kagmara-la (5,115m/16777ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 20: Trek to Hurikot village(3600m/11808ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 21: Trek to Chaurikot(3060m/10036ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 22: Trek to Chorte Gompa (3200m/10496ft), 5-6hrs walk
Day 23: Trek to Gothi Chaur (2,700m/8856ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 24: Trek to Jumla (2,370m/7773ft), 6-7 hrs walk
Day 25: Fly from Jumla to Kathmandu with brief stop at Nepalgunj
Day 26: Leisure at Kathmandu
Day 27: Departure from Kathmandu

Day to Day Itinerary

#@#Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
#@#Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Our representative will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport to welcome you and assists you to transfer into your hotel in Kathmandu. After taking some time to get refreshed, you'll meet again in the evening. Then, we'll transfer for a welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
 
#@#Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
#@#After breakfast, the day will start with our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley that includes visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world's biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, the monkey temple Swoyambhunath Stupa and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with its surrounding temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess). In the evening, we'll have a pre-trip discussion and a short introduction with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.
 
#@#Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
#@#As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj, we will transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgung. At Nepalgunj, we will have few spare time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here, it might get quite hot and tropical in character.
 
#@#Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) (2,320m/7,610ft), trek to Dunai, a 2-3 hrs walk
#@#After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, we will transfer to the airport in the early morning for the 45-minute flight to Juphal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staff will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days. At Juphal, a short 2-3 hrs walk from the airstrip will lead us to our overnight camp at Dunai village. Our first-day adventure will then begin with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, leading us through the terraced fields to the Bheri River. We will then reach the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital in the administrated headquarters of the Dolpo region. Here, we will also have ample time for leisurely walks around the village.
 
#@#Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,850m/9,348ft), 5-6 hrs walk
#@#Our trek will lead us through many small streams on this day. We will follow the Bheri and Barbung river in a tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meters above the river. After a good walk, we will reach Tarakot, where colorful terraced fields greet us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. Tarakot was the capital before the Gorkha dynasty. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east of Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu (river). The village stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River at one time supervised the collection of tolls for the trading caravans. We will have the overnight camp made by the river about 150 m below the village, near the police post.  We can also climb a steep ridge for an hour to the village on a spur, where there are chorten in a Gompa on the edge of a grassy plateau, with a solitary tree. We will settle camp overnight.
 
#@#Day 06: Trek to Khani Gaon (2,543m/8,341ft), 3-4 hrs walks
#@#Our route from Tarakot will follow the Tarap chu river upstream. We will be crossing the same river twice. The path will lead through the farm terraces and rural villages of Sahartera. The path will wind gradually towards a small settlement of Kola after 3-4 hrs of good morning walk. From this place, we will descend with a few ups to reach our overnight camp at Khani gaon with another 2 hours of trek. We will have the overnight camp near the village's backyard.
 
#@#Day 07: Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m/11,316ft), 4-5 hrs walks
#@#The trek continues walking up the gorge of the Tarap River, at times alongside it, at others rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. On the way we are likely to encounter people from Dolpo herding their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pasture for the winter. En-route there is many possible campsites by the river. The walk is quite exciting, as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. In some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed by the monsoon flood, and we may opt to cross the cold torrent on foot and overnight at camp by the river near before Kamattarka village.
 
#@#Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka (3800m/12,464ft), 4-5 hrs walk
#@#Today, as our continuing our journey we start our walk pleasantly and with most scenic landscapes and will reach at Yak Kharka. We will have lunch at the middle of the way. Camp will set up as before and we overnight at tented camp at Yak Kharka.
 
#@#Day 09: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft), 5-6 hrs walks
#@#Our morning walks begins with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himlayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. At Dho, thirty -four houses are divided into three groups and built in a randomly way. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together.
 
#@#Day 10: Rest Day at Dho Tarap for acclimatization
#@#Well-deserved rest day free from the hassle of packing today and chance to make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners for ages. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk.
 
#@#Day 11: Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4200m/13776ft), 5-6 hrs walk
#@#After a wonderful time here at Dho Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending twenty kilo meters along the river Tarap Chu, having ten villages with cultivated fields of barley, buck wheat, wheat and potato. After 3-4 hrs of good walk in this perfect tranquillity coming to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After a break here our walk continues farther up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la and overnight camp on the pasture field.
 
#@#Day 12: Trek below Numala pass (4665m/15301ft), 4-5 hrs walk
#@#Today, we start our trek after breakfast with scenic view but gaining high altitudes and feel short breathing. We will have short day but feel little hard during the walk. Even a great day at the high altitude and we'll reach at the camp for overnight.
 
#@#Day 13: Cross Numala (5,190m/17,023ft), and camp at Phedi , 6-7 hrs walk
This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. Today we cross the highest pass during this trek where you may feel difficult but can be seen a great view takes 6-7 hrs and after top at Numala we will descends another bottom part known as Phedi and overnight.
 
#@#Day 14: Trek and cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp, 5-6 hrs walk
#@#Our journey continues with after crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow capped peaks. after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to Palungtang or farther for the overnight camp just before Baga-la or Basi-la pass, depending upon the duration of walk and fitness of the people, if everybody is all right and on time, our trek might leads over the Baga-la to camp on the other side of this pass making it easier for the next day.
 
#@#Day 15: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft), 6-7 hrs walk
#@#Morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a great moment here our walk leads to a descend for 2 hours through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo.
 
#@#Day 16: Rest day at Ringmo & for a hike to Phoksundo Lake (3730m/12234ft)
#@#The nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and with a great views overnight at camp.
 
#@#Day 17: Trek to Pungmo village (3170m/10397ft), 4-5 hrs walk
#@#Your day start after a night at this wonderful campsite besides the clear waters of the lake we retrace out steps back down to Sumlo from where we will follow the trail north west up the Pungmo Nala to the small B'on village of Pungmo . Camp is there up near the village after a half-day's walk. Having lunch ample of time to explore the village and the enthusiastic can visit the Bon monastery about two hrs walk up the hillside across the river from here.
 
#@#Day 18: Trek below Kagmara -La, 5-6 hrs walk
#@#Walking from Pungmo the trail leads up the valley along the left bank to cross it about two hours from here to the right hand bank. Views of the Kangchunne and Kanjeilarwa peaks are very nice along today' walk. The valley is well forested with Juniper and birch and wild animals like the musk deer inhabit this area. Further up the valley blue sheep might be seen on the mountain slopes. The trail climbs steadily turning westward once above tree line and keeping high above the river. Camp is made on same level ground below the Kangmara pass.
 
#@#Day 19: Cross the Kagmara-la (5,115m/16777ft), 4-5 hrs walk
#@#An early start climbing steadily uphill to the pass at an altitude of 16100 ft; from here the summits of Kagwara I towards the south is visible nearby and many other peaks of the range also are visible. Views west towards the Sisne and Patrasi Himal and northwards to Kanjiroba are striking. The trail descends steeply towards the west and a long downfall walk will bring us to a small campsite below the peak of Kagmara Valley. The river we have been following this afternoon is called Garpung River.
 
#@#Day 20: Trek to Hurikot village(3600m/11808ft), 5-6 hrs walk
#@#Our trek following the Garpung Khola high above it along the right bank the trail turns north above the confluence with the Jagdulla Khola to descend down to the Army Check Post. After crossing the Jadulla khola to the right bank here the trail follows well forested valley to the village of Huyrikot where camp is set up for the night.
 
#@#Day 21: Trek to Chaurikot (3060m/10036ft), 5-6 hrs walk
#@#Today crossing the stream coming off the Jagdull Lekh the trail goes up along the ridge to the northwest to climb Barbarey Lekh Pass at an altitude of about 3810m/12,500ft. This is a longish gradual climb and the pass itself is along ridgeline quite unlike most passes. Views north towards the Kanjiroba Himal are very fine from here. Descending into a dense forest of pine, spruce, fir and oak camp is made in a forest cleaning beside of the river flowing down the valley.
 
#@#Day 22: Trek to Chorte Gompa (3200m/10496ft), 5-6hrs walk
#@#Today our trek leading from camp below Barbarey Lekh follow the trail down stream through oak and pine forest to the village of Chorte another small settlement of newly established village. We set camp on fine meadows past the village.
 
#@#Day 23: Trek to Gothi Chaur (2,700m/8856ft), 4-5 hrs walk
#@#We following the Tila stream the trail runs below the villages of Munigaun and the Kurigaun to climb up a side stream coming down from the left just short of Guthigaun climbing steadily the sheep farm at Guthichaur. This is our camping place for today.
 
#@#Day 24: Trek to Jumla (2,370m/7773ft), 6-7 hrs walk
#@#Our last day of trekking begins by slowly and gradually dropping down a really lovely valley from high alpine pastures, through magnificient forests and eventually into a fertile well farmed valley. It has pretty little villages such as Padmara and the track is not too steep and following the same river all the way down to Jumla. This makes a nice circuit and avoids having a repeat part of the outward trek. On reaching Jumla rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the busy market town.
 
#@#Day 25: Fly from Jumla to Kathmandu with brief stop at Nepalgunj
#@#Early morning 30 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If it's in the afternoon we will have time, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj. We then connect with flight back to Kathmandu and received and transfer to your hotel.
 
#@#Day 26: Leisure at Kathmandu
#@#It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Jumla. This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening company will meet you for the farewell dinner.
 
#@#Day 27: Departure from Kathmandu
#@#Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
 
Note: The above itinerary should be taken only as a guideline; it could change due to weather, availability of campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions. In case of trek Itinerary alteration or if it needs to be re-routed to other area your Group Leader or Guide decision will be the final.
 
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!

Trip Includes

Trip Cost Includes:

✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu by flight
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Entry fee, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag,  and trekking map (sleeping bag  to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes

Trip Excludes

Trip Cost Excludes:

❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner apart from the trek except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
 

Equipments

Clothing & Packing Information
Correct Clothing & Equipment’s are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.

We are advised to consider the following equipment’s as essentials while packing for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip.  We can find variety of these gears to buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally is much cheaper and must be tried on carefully and checked carefully for quality, but on the whole it is OK. We can find very high quality branded gears too in some famous stores in Kathmandu; mostly top notch imported gear, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Marmot, Black Diamond climbing gear plus head torches and others, and prices are reasonable.

The hotel stores free of cost whatever you don't take trekking, and of course they have a laundry service. You might want to plan with a clean set of clothes for your return from the trek.

Who carries what?
You carry a daypack with your camera, a jacket, water and day snacks. The porters will carry everything else, so pack this in a duffel/kitbag rather than backpack. Since, luggage has weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds or 15 kg.

Important documents 
• Passport (must be valid for 6 months after trip), 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Photocopy of the information pages of your passport and Insurance
• Insurance – this MUST include helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical coverage. Money – US$200 to US$300 personal spending for trek and for Kathmandu depending on souvenir hunting (but don’t change money at the airport as you will get a better rate of exchange in the Thamel District of Kathmandu).
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines.

Packing List 
»Running shoes»: 1 pair for casual comfortable support shoes wears on lighter walking days.
»Hiking boots»: 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots. Sole should be flexible but still provide enough support for your feet. Boots should be very water repellent.
»Wool socks»: 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks and 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
» Gaiters»:Only for winter, optional, “low” ankle high
»T-Shirts» Polypropylene shirts (2 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves), Light and expedition weight thermal tops
»Jacket» Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, Down vest and/or jacket and Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
»Trekking pants» Non-cotton underwear briefs, 1 pair of Hiking shorts, 1 pair of Hiking trousers, 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal), 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers and 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
»Head wears» Bandana or head scarf, useful for dusty conditions also, Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic), Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs, Sunglasses with UV protection
»Hand wears» 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves, 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves, 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
»Sleeping Bag»: High quality with hood to at least - 10 Degree Celsius or 14 degrees F (Company provide you sleeping bag for this trek)
»Rucksack and Travel Bags» 1 medium rucksack (60-80 liters/3500-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon), 1 large duffel bag (Company provide you duffle bag for this trek), A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding, Small padlocks for duffel bags, large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
»Trekking Poles»: Optional
»Water treatment tablets»: Iodine or Chloride Dioxide tablets. A small bottle or multi pack is sufficient. Taste neutralizer tablets remove iodine taste. Chloride Dioxide formulas will not discolor water
»Water Bottles» 2 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle No water bag or bladder systems; they freeze or are hard to fill.
»Pee Bottle» (Optional) but very useful
»Pee funnel for Women» (Optional) Lightweight urinary director (For minimal undressing for discreet use)
»Sunscreen» SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes and make sure that the sunscreen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
»Hand/foot warmers»: (Optional) recommended if you easily get cold hands and feet 1-3 pairs.
»Lip screen»: SPF 30 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months
»MP3 player» (Optional) Flash memory only players since hard drive players do not work at high altitude (above 13,000ft). Chargers can be used at several lodges along the way.
»Towel» Bring towel for trekking. »Toiletry bag» Include toilet paper, soap, towel, and toothpaste & brush, Wet wipes 1-2 per day and hand sanitizer: Hand moisturizer.
»Extra luggage» Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Kathmandu and collected at the end of your trek.

First aid 
»Personal first aid Kit (small and simple)» Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape and Band-Aids.
»Drugs/medications/prescriptions» Trekker should bring Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream; excellent topical antibiotic for scrapes and cuts.
Cirprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for traveler’s diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium for diarrhea.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg tablets for stomach sensitivity.

This above list is only a guideline for you. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands.

Physical Condition and requirement

Useful info

Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:

  1. Multiple entries 15 days US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
  2. Multiple entries 30 days US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
  3. Multiple entries 90 days US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Travel Insurance: 
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Vision’s Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And that’s where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.

Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.

Trip Meal Plan 
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.

When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.

Trip Accommodation 
During this trip, we will spend four nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.

There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.

Best time to visit Nepal 
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.

The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too. 

Leader(s) & Staff 
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  • Trekking Guide Training
  • Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
  • English Language
  • Conservation and Biodiversity
  • Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, and Mountaineering (For expedition leaders)

Altitude Information
What is Altitude? 
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.

Acclimatization 
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness

  • Headache (typically throbbing, often worse for bending over or lying down), Additionally one or more of the following symptoms might be seen:
  • Tiredness, weakness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite, nausea (or vomiting)
  • Insomnia, disturbed sleep
  • Dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, heavy legs

Treatment 
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.

  • Rest (avoid even the slightest exertion if this is possible) at the same (or lower) altitude until the symptoms clear (up to 4 days)
  • Drink enough to keep your urine pale and plentiful
  • Use ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache
  • Consider Diamox™ (125 to 250 mg 12-hourly) for 3 days, or for the rest of the time at altitude if symptoms return
  • Consider Stemeti™l (or other anti-vomiting medication) for persistent nausea/vomiting
  • If AMS symptoms are severe, give oxygen (1 to 2 L/min) OR use a pressure bag until symptoms clear
  • Check the victim regularly for signs of HAPE and HACE, especially during the night
  • Descend far enough to clear symptoms (at least 500m/1640ft) if symptoms of AMS do not improve or get worse

What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness? 
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a client’s life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.

Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.

Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didn’t panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.  

Vaccination: 
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.

Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.

COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.

Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.

  • Be prepared for major emergencies. Nepal experiences natural calamities like Earthquakes, Landslides, floods, and several others. Carrying an emergency kit with necessary first aid supplies and bottled water will be a great help. 
  • Take care while you photograph as it's illegal to photograph army barracks, checkpoints, many temples, and many other areas. 
  • Don't use any illegal drugs. The government of Nepal might take this as a severe charge and also might ask for a sum of penalties for drug offenses.
  • Check with your intended tour provider despite Nepal issuing trekking and mountaineering permits. 
  • Exchange foreign currencies for NPR which will be available at banks or any exchange bureaus. Those can be found in major centers. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards but it's better to carry some fleece cash. Make sure you carry enough cash to cover your needs because not all areas have ATMs. 
  • Use the registered taxis. Some taxi drivers may take ask for higher amounts by fooling novice travelers, so make sure you consider checking for prices. 

FAQ

#@#How do I get to Upper Dolpo Trek?
#@#You have to get to Nepalgunj, on the plains, and then to Juphal in the Dolpo district. You can also fly as most people fly to Nepalgunj from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

#@#How do you get to Dolpo from Pokhara?
#@#You can take the bus to  Pokhara, take the drive to Hallan Chowk Bus Stop, and you'll get the bus to Jomsom. Then you can take travel to Dolpo. 

#@#How long is the Upper Dolpo Trek?
#@#The Upper Dolpo Trek, a mythical land with a nomadic route allows you to explore nature, culture & the high Himalayas which takes you around 24 days.

#@#Is the Upper Dolpo trek difficult?
#@#Upper Dolpo trek is adventurous trekking in the remote landscape of western Nepal. It is a moderately difficult trek due to its difficult path and trails that must be traveled slowly and is slippery.


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