Upper Dolpo Trek Cost: A Comprehensive Cost Breakdown
Trekking in the Dolpo region is more expensive than in most of Nepal’s trekking regions, including Everest and Annapurna. This is primarily attributable to two factors. First, there are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Juphal, so you’ll need to take two flights to get there. Second, because you will be staying in camp for several nights, you will need to hire porters and a cook. The Lower Dolpo Trek usually costs between $2,600 and $3,100. Similarly, the Upper Dolpo Trek might cost between $3,600 and $4,200 on average.
Yet, given the remoteness and difficulty of the Dolpo region, the trekking cost is reasonable. The major cost categories are talked about below. We’ve mostly concentrated on the cost of the Upper Dolpo Trek. But you can easily understand the expense categories for the Lower Dolpo Trek as well.
Cost Categories for the Dolpo Trek
International Flight Cost
This greatly depends on your home country and the time of the year. Please keep in mind that this expense is not taken into account when estimating the trek costs above.
Visa Cost
For an on-arrival visa, the fee structure is as follows:
15 Days: $30
30 Days: $50
90 Days: $125
As your trek in Dolpo can be 2-4 weeks long, it is advised to get a 30 or 90-day visa according to your itinerary.
Travel Insurance Cost
The Upper Dolpo Trek is among the most challenging treks in Nepal. Lower Dolpo Trek is comparatively easier than Upper Dolpo Trek. However, you still need to get travel insurance because the landscape of Nepal is difficult and rough. The treks labeled “easy” have appeared to be challenging to many trekkers. You can get a 30-day insurance package for $150 to $250 on average. Make sure your package covers the highest altitude of your trek. Also, get it from your home country, as there is no such package available in Nepal.
Accommodation Cost During Your Kathmandu Stay
According to the level of the hotel, a room can cost $10–250 per night.
Transportation Cost
Juphal is the starting point for both the Upper and Lower Dolpo Treks. As there is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Juphal, you need to take two flights to reach there. First, you fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal the next day. These flights will cost you around $210 and $165, respectively, for one way. Alternatively, you can take a night bus to Jajarkot and then a bus or jeep ride to Juphal or Dunai. However, the bus ride is not suggested, as you have to ride for 29–37 hours. This can be extremely tiring and uncomfortable on those bumpy roads.
Accommodation Cost During Your Nepalgunj Stay
A twin-sharing room with breakfast will cost you roughly $40 per night.
Permit Cost
As Dolpo is a restricted area, you must apply for the permits through a local trekking agency. A licensed guide or porter is also required for the trek.
For the Lower Dolpo Trek, you will require the following two permits:
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: It costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, NPR 100 for Nepalis, and NPR 25 for tourist porters.
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: It costs $10 per person per week for both SAARC and foreign nationals.
For the Upper Dolpo Trek, you will require the two permits listed above plus one more.
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: It costs $500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per day per person after that.
Hence, you need to budget around $50 for Lower Dolpo Trek permits in total. Similarly, it’s $550 to $600 for all Upper Dolpo Trek permits combined.
Accommodation and Food Costs
One twin-sharing bed will cost between $6 and $9 a night. A meal will cost between $8 and $10. So budget $35–45 for lodging, meals, and beverages.
Nevertheless, there are no lodging options in the Upper Dolpo areas. As a result, the Upper Dolpo Trek requires well-organized camping. Depending on the trail conditions and route chosen, all supplies need to be carried by mules or porters. Hence, with a minimum of two trekkers in the group, camping will cost roughly $110 per day per person.
Guide and Porter Costs
To trek in Upper Dolpo, you must hire a guide and have at least two trekkers in your group.
A guide will cost you between $40 and $50 per day during the Upper Dolpo Trek. Similarly, a porter will cost you $30–35 a day. This is higher than in other trekking regions of Nepal due to the high cost of food and insurance.
Other Expenses
In addition to the costs indicated above, here are some additional costs to consider.
- Food and beverage costs in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
- About $15 for a SIM card and an Internet package
- Tipping the guide and porter (not mandatory, though)
- Snacks during the trek
- Renting or purchasing necessary trekking equipment
- Cost of shopping, souvenirs, or any personal expenses
