Upper Dolpo Trek Map

The Upper Dolpo Trek map visually represents the excursion, marking the trekking route from the starting point to the final destination. The trek map has all the necessary and accurate information, making it crucial for trekking in Upper Dolpo. The route map is the latest and has been updated with zoom-in and zoom-out features. The map is easily understandable and features Legend and Itinerary Highlight attributes.

Legend of Upper Dolpo Trek Map

The trek map of Upper Dolpo included various signs, markers, and colors to make it easily identifiable for specific features. However, it might create difficulty while interpreting a map. Thus, the Legend of the Map plays a vital role in explaining each sign, marker, and color used in the Upper Dolpo Trek map. The features that the Legend contains include:

Level of difficulty in Dolpo

The map includes difficulty levels to provide information regarding the challenges trekkers might face during the trek. Knowing the level of difficulty, trekkers can prepare themselves accordingly. The Upper Dolpo trek is adventurous, reaching the highest elevation of 5110m. Also, the trek includes four different high passes above 5000m. Thus, altitude-related issues are the primary concern during the trek. Likewise, isolated trails and unpredictable weather conditions add to the challenge of Upper Dolpo.

Main trekking route

To help trekkers stay on an accurate path, the trek map of Upper Dolpo has a main trekking route. The bright orange line indicates the main trekking trail on the map. The trekking trail to Upper Dolpo commences from Jhupal and passes through Dunai, Shyanta, Jhrana Hotel, Phoksundo Lake, Sallaghari, and Lar Tsa before reaching Nangdalo La pass. Then the trail moves towards Shey Gumba, Bhijer via Sela la Pass, Saldang, Nisal Goan, Shimengoan, Tinje village, and Yak Kharka before getting to the final Pass, Chhoila pass. From there, the trail continues to descend via Dho Tarap, Serkam, Tarakot, and Jhupal.

Secondary  Trekking Trail

The dotted line with an orange color signifies the secondary trail in the route map of Upper Dolpo. The secondary trail is not a part of the trek of Upper Dolpo but lies within the same region. Also, the secondary trail showcases the alternative path to connect one place to another. The secondary trail of the Upper Dolpo gets to Yangtsher Gumba, and reaching to Chhoila pass through another path.

Driving route

Before starting the trek to Upper Dolpo, trekkers must get to Jhupal. To get to Jhupal, travelers have two options: by road or by airplane. The thick white line with an orange dot showcases the driving route in an Upper Dolpo Trek map. The route passes from Napaljung to Jhupal from Kathmandu, 294km away.

Mountain

One prominent landmark of Upper Dolpa is the Mountain peaks. Throughout the adventurous trek, the snow-capped peaks accompany and motivate trekkers to reach their destination. Mountain peaks, including Kang Chhune (6443m), Wedge Peak (6139m), and Kangmra (5961m), are magnificent on the trekking excursion to Upper Dolpo.

Phoksundo Lake in Dolpa trekking Map

The highlight of the trek to Upper Dolpo is one of the highest-altitude lakes, Phoksundo Lake. At an elevation of 3,611 m/11,849 ft, the lake is well known for its ocean blue color. The area surrounding Phoksundo Lake is astonishing, with majestic cliffs, lush greenery, and mountain peaks.

Phoksundo Lake, situated in the Dolpa district of Nepal, is a captivating alpine lake renowned for its turquoise waters nestled amidst the Himalayas. It holds cultural significance for the local Dolpa people and is surrounded by Buddhist monasteries. Featured in the movie “Caravan,” it boasts stunning landscapes and attracts adventurers seeking solace in its serene ambiance. Still, would you like to know more about the Upper Dolpa to read in the book? 

Suspension Bridge on Upper Dolpa

The suspension bridge is easily identifiable through the Legend of the Map. The prominent feature lets hikers get from one point to another. Trekkers must pass through numerous suspension bridges on their journey to Upper Dolpo. However, not all suspension bridges are the same; some are wooden, and some are steel. The suspension bridge above the villages of Dunai, Jharana Hotel, and Phoksundo Lake is noticeable.

Glacier

The glaciers are another highlight of the trek to Upper Dolpo, enhancing the trekkers’ overall experience. The appealing ice formations of Kangmara, Wedge Peak, and Kang Chunne motivate trekkers.

Monastery Along the trail to Upper Dolpo

The Upper Dolpo is the home of Buddhist and Bon people. The monasteries along the trail showcase the respect and importance of Buddhist and Bon people for their religion. The Upper Dolpo has several significant monasteries made by the area’s inhabitants. Shey Gumba, Samling Gompa, and Yangtsher Gumba are the prominent monasteries of the Upper Dolpo area.
Trekkers get to experience the tranquility of Shey Gumba, and Sampling Gompa but not Yangtsher Gumba, as it is on the secondary trail. Samling Gompa is in Bhijer village; it is one of the oldest and famous monasteries in the Dolpo region. Likewise, Shey Gompa is a spiritual hub in the Dolpo region with a deep-rooted connection with Buddhism.

CheckPoint in Dolpa trek

Every trekking destination has numerous checkpoints for various purposes, and so does Upper Dolpo. The checkpoints monitor the movement of the trekkers to keep track and help in case of emergencies. Also, from every checkpost, trekkers must check in their permits. The checkposts of Jhupal, Dubai, Shyanta, Jharana Hotel, Tinje Village, Dho Tarap, and Tarakot are major.

Airports

Three different airports connect Kathmandu to Upper Dolpa. To start the trek to Upper Dolpo, one must get to Jhupal; the most common and fastest option is the airway. However, a direct flight from Kathmandu to Jhupal is unavailable, so hikers must go through Kathmandu airport to Nepaljung airport and then to Jhupal. These are three different airports that connect Kathmandu to Jhupal.

High Pass

One of the most thrilling and adventurous parts of the Upper Dolpo trek is Passthe. The red rectangular flag marks the Pass on the Upper Dolpo Trek map. Bagala Bhanjyang (5214m) and Numala Bhanjyang (5238m) are two prominent passes trekkers navigate on the journey to Upper Dolpo.

The best trekking season for Upper Dolpa

The map shows the best trekking season to help trekkers decide which month to undertake the Upper Dolpo trek. The months from March to June are favorable for trekking in Upper Dolpo. This time of the year is pre-monsoon, with clear weather and mild temperatures. Likewise, the months from August to December are monsoon season and are ideal for trekking. The month of the year comes with pleasant weather, creating favorable trekking conditions.

Itinerary Highlight at the Upper Dolpa

The “Itinerary Highlight” of the Upper Dolpo route map showcases the day-to-day schedule of the Upper Dolpo Trek. The trek is 22 days long, and the itinerary highlights brief details each day. The itinerary highlights the following:

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival (1400m)
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepaljung to Juphal and trek to Shyanta (2520m)
Day 3: Trek to Jharana Hotel (3110mtrs)
Day 4: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3733m)
Day 5: Explore Day at Phoksundo Lake
Day 6: Trek to Salla Ghari (3640m)
Day 7: Trek to Lar Tsa (4120m)
Day 8: Trek to Shey Gompa (4160m) via Nangdalo-La pass (5110m)
Day 9: Rest day at Shey Gompa, the crystal monastery
Day 10: Trek to Bhijer (3850m)
Day 11: Trek to Saldang (3776m)
Day 12: Trek to Nisal Gaon (4500m)
Day 13: Trek to Shimengaon (3850m) via Khoma Gaon (4060m)
Day 14: Trek to Tinje village (4110m)
Day 15: Trek to Yak kharka (4868m)
Day 16: Trek to Dho Tarap (Crossing Chhoila pass-5051m)
Day 17: Trek to Serkam (3623m)
Day 18: Trek to Tarakot (2280m)
Day 19: Trek to Juphal (2140m)
Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 21: Shopping Day
Day 22: Final Departure