Dolpo : Everything You Need to Know For the Trek
Trekking in the Dolpo region will take you to one of the remotest and most isolated places in Nepal. The beauty and uniqueness of this region will surely captivate you. Also, the climate and weather in Dolpo are quite different from most of Nepal.
What is the weather in Dolpo region?
The weather in the Dolpo region is unique and harsh. This is due to the high elevation and position of the Dhaulagiri massif. The majority of the Dolpo region sits in the rain shadow area of the Dhaulagiri range, resulting in very little rainfall in those areas of Dolpo. Though the yearly precipitation (less than 500 mm) is higher than in the Manang and Mustang districts, Dolpo is still much drier than the rest of Nepal. The area is referred to as a high-altitude desert. The climate and weather in this region are among the harshest in Nepal, with minimal rainfall, low temperatures, and severe snowfall.
Weather During Various Seasons
Spring (March-May)
During the spring, Dolpo, like the rest of Nepal, has beautiful weather. With an average temperature range of -10°C to 13°C and excellent visibility, this is an excellent time to go trekking in the Dolpo area. All three months of spring are suitable for the Lower Dolpo Trek. The Upper Dolpo Trek region, on the other hand, could still receive snowfall in the early spring. From mid-April on, the weather will be ideal in the Upper Dolpo region as well.
Summer Monsoon (June–August)
Because Dolpo lies in a rain shadow area, monsoons have little impact on the region. With an average temperature range of -4°C to 17°C, the weather in the Dolpo region is suitable for trekking. The weather is also perfect for the Upper Dolpo Trek. However, flight delays may occur due to monsoons in Nepal’s lower regions.
Autumn (September–November)
This is Nepal’s best trekking season. The autumn weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear visibility. The weather is also very stable, with only a slight chance of snowfall. The average temperature in the lower elevations ranges from 14°C to 20°C. On the other hand, temperatures fluctuate in the Upper Dolpo region. In higher altitudes, the temperature is around -3°C in September and can get around -11°C in November. Snowfall is also possible in the upper region in November. This is unlikely to happen in September and October. Hence, among the spring months, September and October have the best weather for the Upper Dolpo Trek.
Winter (December–February)
During the winter, the weather in the Dolpo region is severe. On average, the temperature ranges from -10°C to 5°C. It can get below -10°C at higher elevations. The nights are even colder. Heavy snowfalls are common in locations above 2,500 meters. This causes trails on high passes to become inaccessible. Winter storms can occasionally cause snowfall in places below 2,500 meters. Furthermore, temperatures above 3,000 meters are below freezing for much of the winter.
