Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek

Name: Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek
Brand: Highland Expeditions
SKU: HL22461
Price: 4999 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (10 reviews)

Exhilarating and awe-inspiring journey into the wilderness

Group Size

Min 2 Max 12

Duration

28 Days

Grade

Challenging

Geared towards adventurous travelers, these trips require a good level of fitness and may include longer trekking days (6–8 hours), higher altitudes (above 5000m), and more rugged terrain. Some prior trekking experience is recommended. These trips might also involve the use of crampons for high-altitude passes.

Max. Altitude

5,500m/18,040ft

Activity

Trekking in Nepal

Meals Included

In Kathmandu, breakfast is included at the hotel, and during the trek, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided

Accomodation

Hotel / Tent

Stay in a hotel while in the city, with the rest of the trip involving a fully camping experience.

Best Season

Apr-Oct

All inclusive cost

From USD 4,999

Durations
28 Days

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Trip Overview

Highlights

A coveted gem hidden away from the bustling world
Trek from Lower Dolpo to Jomsom via Upper Dolpo
Shey Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa & several villages
Cross multiple high passes and conclude at Jomsom

Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring expedition, venturing into the untouched wilderness of Nepal.

Nestled between the Tibetan plateau to the north, Dolpo has nurtured a long-standing connection with its neighboring land, fostering a harmonious blend of Tibetan Buddhist culture and the ancient Bon religion predating the modern practices of Tibetan Buddhism. The isolated area was opened to trekkers in 1989, but few people have witnessed the timeless way of life there and the culture retains much of its mystique.

A coveted gem hidden away from the bustling world, Upper Dolpo captivates with its awe-inspiring contrasts and mesmerizing splendor. Few have trodden upon this sacred land, as gaining access requires special permits, rendering it a realm preserved in mystique. This is an exciting trek full of adventure through one of the most remote areas of Nepal. Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is like nowhere else on the planet and is a special area of rugged contrasts and astonishing beauty.

Our trip from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is a 28-day trip following a clockwise direction starting from Jhupal and ending at Jomsom. We begin our trek with a flight to Nepalgunj and catch another flight to Jhupal the following morning. Jhupal serves as a starting point for the trek and our trek will officially commence from here.

From Jhupal we make our way north and trek via Lower Dolpo in the initial days passing Dunai, deep-blue Phoksundo Lake, waterfalls, high mountain passes and finally on to Shey Gompa and the regal villages of Dolpo. Shey Phoksundo upwards is Upper Dolpo Region. We follow an ancient trade route over a high pass to the famous Shey Monastery next to Crystal Mountain. En route, we are bestowed with majestic vistas of revered peaks such as Kanjiroba, Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri as we conquer remote mountain passes offering breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.

This trek includes the crossing of several passes with the highest pass being Jugben La at 5,550m/18,040ft. We enjoy more Himalayan landscapes with mountain views as we head east crossing passes and finally descend to the airport at Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang District. From there we take a scheduled flight back to Pokhara and stay overnight at Pokhara. The next morning we take a 7 hrs drive back to Kathmandu.

Our Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is a very special trip that allows you to unlock your adventurous spirit and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Upper Dolpo. Unlike other trekking regions in Nepal, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will surely take you back in time. This transformative journey promises to unveil the secrets of an untouched land, where nature’s magnificence intertwines with the enigmatic tapestry of ancient cultures. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime, as you step foot into a world that remains untouched by time

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

150m/495ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

2,480m/8,135ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

2,600m/8,530ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,170m/10,400ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,650m/11,980ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,650m/11,980ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,660m/12,005ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,120m/13,515ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,400m/14,435ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,200m/13,780ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,970m/13,025ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,120m/13,515ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,200m/13,780ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,180m/13,715ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,700m/15,420ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,300m/14,110ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,750m/15,580ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

4,750m/15,580ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,780m/12,401ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Camping

Max Elevation:

3,170m/10,400ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Max Elevation:

2,700m/8,860ft

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

822m/2700ft

Meals:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Meals:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Meals:

Breakfast

Availability

Our trips are available on both group departure and private trip.

If you’re looking to join a group, click the Group Departures tab for details on dates, availability, and pricing. All our group departures are guaranteed to run once signed up.

If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, please fill out the contact form in the Private Trip tab. We’ll organize a personalized trip for you on your preferred dates, accommodating any special requests you may have.

Have a big group? We’re here to assist! Contact us to discuss availability and group pricing options.

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

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Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
Twin-sharing accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights
Freshly prepared meals (B, L, D) with boiled water, tea, coffee etc.
Twin sharing tent for accommodation during the trek. (High-quality 3-men tent)
Experienced local trek leader with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio
Full support camping crew with mules for porterage
All camping logistical arrangements for your comfort
All ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
All required permits for the trek
Internal airfare (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal-Jomsom-Pokhara)
International and domestic airport transfers as per flight time
Comprehensive first aid kit with high-altitude medicine
Supplementary oxygen system and Thuraya satellite phone for emergency purposes
Waterproof Duffel bag and use of the sleeping bag and down Jacket
Staff wages, equipment, insurance and allowances

International airfare, Nepal Visa and travel insurance
Meals at Kathmandu
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
Personal expenses
Gratuities for staff
Personal trekking gears

Difficulty

Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is a challenging trek reaching up to a maximum elevation of 5500m at Jugben La pass and a maximum overnight elevation of 4750m at Norbulung. This four-week trek includes crossing multiple high passes above 5000m and is a fully camping-based trek. Physically challenging due to the higher elevation, involves daily trekking of approximately 6–8 hours.

Unlike other famous trekking regions of Nepal, Dolpo is still considered off the beaten so a basic sense of adventure is required on this trek. Previous experience of trekking is not required but you need to be fit and comfortable walking 6-7 hrs every day carrying your day pack.

Prerequisites

No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and be adaptable to high altitude conditions.

Previous experience is essential but we have allowed proper rest and acclimatization days in our itinerary so anyone with a good level of stamina and determination can do the trek. We recommend you train yourself at least 3 months ahead of the trip date to prepare yourself for the trek. The more fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trekking experience will be.

Meals

All meals are included during the trekking period.

We will provide three meals a day (B,L,D) during the trek. Since this is a full camping trek, our kitchen crew will serve freshly prepared meals during the trek. We consider hearty and delicious meals as a key component to the overall success of our trip. You can and are encouraged to bring along comfort food which you enjoy eating – chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc.

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide. For a gluten-free diet, we highly recommend you bring extra foods, especially for breakfast as your options for breakfast will be limited.

In Kathmandu, only breakfast will be provided to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat for lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel: 6 Nights & Camping: 21 Nights

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Guest House:
In Kathmandu, we stay at Kathmandu Guest House, a well-known hotel where many famous celebrities like the Beatles, Ricky Martin, Jeremy Irons, and others have stayed. Centrally located in Thamel, the hotel also boasts a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on a twin-sharing basis. If you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay a single supplement price as stated in the trip costing. If in case a single by default, we will arrange a single tent for you at no additional cost.

Regardless of whether you’re coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, come and unwind at the hotel’s beautiful garden, request some fine Italian espresso or a chilled Beer, and escape in the memorable surroundings of Kathmandu’s most adored guesthouse.

Pokhara: 3-star hotel

In Pokhara, your accommodation will be at a 3-star hotel located in the lakeside area. Your accommodation will be on a twin-sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay a single supplement price as stated in the trip costing. If in case single by default, we will arrange a single room for you at no additional cost.

Trekking: Camping
Your accommodation during the trekking period will be fully tented camping. A tent will be provided for every 2 travellers with a foam mattress. If in case a single by default, we will arrange a single tent for you at no additional cost. There will also be a kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs and more for your comfort.

Guides

We possess a deep passion for alpine adventure & the outdoors, and with the small professional group we have on board, we’ve notched up experience that spans almost 3 decades on some of the most isolated trails and highest peaks.

We take great pride in calling ourselves a ‘high-altitude adventure specialist’ and all this is due to our diverse and qualified team of guides. Most of our guides were born in the Himalayan regions of Nepal & have relatives living in other parts of the regions where they were born in. We know that locally born staffs are a vital cog in that wheel of sometimes dangerous adventure where anything can happen.

Group Size

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, the minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people.

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

More information: Travel Insurance

Drinking Water

We provide boiled water for drinking purposes on all our treks and climbs. During mealtime, you can ask the boys to fill the hot water for you. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.

Safety Measures

Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Our Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek itinerary is devised keeping every aspect in mind, allowing proper acclimatization, rest days, and walking hours. On all our high-altitude treks including the Dolpo trek, we send a supplementary oxygen system, satellite phone and a comprehensive medical kit be it a group of 2 or 12 for an emergency purpose. Besides, we also have a high staff-to-client ratio on all our treks.

Typical day

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided the night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.

Tea will be served at your tent as a wake-up call. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After 3-4 hours of walk, we stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Baggage

You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The rest of your stuff will be carried by the porter. We provide 1 porter to every 2 participants and we also provide a duffel bag to put your trekking gear.

Equipment List

The gears listed below are required for this trek. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below and kindly ensure you check and try every piece of equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.

Head:
– Warm Hat and Bandana/Scarf
– Baseball cap
– Thermal Balaclava
– Sunglasses with UV protection
– Headlight with spare batteries

Upper Body:
– Long-sleeved shirts
– T-Shirts
– Baselayers
– Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
– Waterproof GoreTex Jacket
– Down Jacket with hood (800m fill)
– Primaloft or light down jacket

Lower Body:
– Thermal
– Inner-wears / Baselayers
– Undergarments
– Waterproof Gore-Tex pant
– Trekking Trousers/Pants
– Down or Primaloft pant

Feet:
– Warm socks (4 pair thin socks and 4 pair thick socks)
– Trekking Boots (Preferably full to protect/support your ankle)
– Camp Shoes
– Gaiters
– Down shoes (Optional)
– Flipflop

Hands
– Liner Gloves
– Primaloft Mitten
– Down Mitten

Others:
– Sleeping bag
– Backpack 40-50 litres
– A pair of trekking poles
– Water bottle one (1) litre X 2
– Multi-tool knife
– Inflatable sleeping mattress (For additional comfort)
– Laundry bag to keep dirty clothes
– Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
– Padlock
– Sewing kit
– Duct tape
– Reading materials notebooks and pens
– Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
– Camera with charger or spare batteries

Documents:
– Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
– 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
– Travel Insurance (Please refer to the general information page for more detail about it)
– Flight tickets
– Credit cards in case of emergencies
– Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.

(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)

Toiletries and hygiene
– Quick-drying towel
– Small face towel
– Toothbrush &Toothpaste
– Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
– Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
– Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
– Hygiene products
– Basic first aid kit

Climbing equipment (For Dhampus Peak)
– Climbing helmet
– Harness
– Mountaineering boots (Lightweight and comfortable size)
– Ascender/Jumar (Large handle)
– Descender
– Carabiners (4 screw gate and 4 snap gate)
– Prussik cord X 2
– Slings X 2
– Ice Axe
– Steel crampons