Dolpo Trek

Permits and Entry Requirements

Dolpo is a restricted trekking area, and that restriction is part of what keeps it so wonderfully unspoiled. You cannot simply walk in alone. All trekkers must obtain their permits through a government-registered Nepali trekking agency, and a minimum group size of two people is required. If you are a solo traveler, many agencies can arrange a partner for you, or you may pay the equivalent of two-person permit fees to trek under special arrangements.

There are two mandatory permits for the Lower Dolpo circuit:

• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit: USD 20 per person per week, with USD 5 added for each additional day beyond the first week. For an 18-day trek, budget roughly USD 75 per person for this permit.
• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit: USD 30 per person. This one-time fee covers the entire duration of your time in the park with no daily limit.

All permits are arranged through your trekking agency before departure from Kathmandu. You will need a copy of your passport, passport-size photographs, and your Nepal visa. The process typically takes a few hours and can be done the day before your flight to Nepalgunj. Your agency handles the paperwork at the immigration office and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu, so there is no need to do this yourself.

Important Note

Permits are non-transferable. They are issued in your name and must match your passport exactly. Always carry originals with you on the trek, as permit checks do happen at the entry points to the restricted zone.

Packing List and Gear Guide

Packing for Dolpo requires more thought than most Nepal treks. You are going into a remote restricted zone where there are no gear shops, no pharmacies, and no way to replace something you forgot once you are on the trail. The guiding principle is this: pack everything you need, nothing you do not, and make sure your boots fit perfectly before you leave home.

Clothing and Layering

• Moisture-wicking base layers, both upper and lower (2 sets minimum)
• Mid-layer fleece jacket for insulation at middle altitudes
• Heavyweight down jacket for evenings, high passes, and camps (essential, not optional)
• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
• Trekking trousers (2 pairs, one warm, one convertible for lower valley days)
• Thermal underwear for nights and high-altitude mornings
• A fleece or wool hat that covers your ears
• Buff or neck gaiter for wind and dust
• Light gloves and one pair of heavy expedition gloves for pass days
• 5–6 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks (Merino wool preferred)
• Camp shoes or sandals for evenings at tea houses

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots with solid ankle support should be well broken in before the trek. This is non-negotiable.
• Gaiters for snow crossing on the high passes
• Trekking poles with adjustable length are highly recommended for the steep descents

Safety and Health

• Altitude medication: consult your doctor about Diamox (acetazolamide) before departure
• Personal first aid kit: blister pads, bandages, antiseptic, ibuprofen, antihistamine
• Water purification tablets or a portable water filter (iodine or Steripen)
• High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) UV radiation is intense at altitude
• UV-protection sunglasses are essential, not optional
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent for the lower valley sections
• Prescribed medications in their original packaging

Electronics and Extras

• A headlamp with extra batteries is critical for pre-dawn pass starts
• Camera and extra memory cards
• Portable battery pack or solar charger as there is limited charging on the trail
• Cash in Nepali rupees carries enough for tips, personal purchases, and tea house extras
• Copies of your passport, permits, and travel insurance documents in a waterproof bag
• Sleeping bag rated to at least minus 10 degrees Celsius