Best time to do Dolpo Region Trekking

Fancy traveling in the isolated wilderness somewhere in the far-western region of Nepal? Dolpo Region Trekking is just the perfect travel plan for you.
Everyone has their own thoughts on traveling. While some prefer group adventures, others prefer isolation and they say traveling enables them to connect with nature.
Some even seek isolation to take a break from the hustle-and-bustle of city life.
In other words, Dolpo Trek can prove to be quite an adventure for you.
Why?
Well, for starters, the Dolpo region is a remote area with very fewer inhabitants. It certainly is one of the unexplored regions of Nepal that shouts “Wilderness and Adventure“.
Imagine looking around you and seeing the raw natural beauty of the Earth, except its Nepal. The snow-capped peaks, hidden valleys and clear blue sky calling out to your soul.
Yes, that’s Dolpo for you.
Excited yet?
I bet you want to know about the best time for trekking in the Dolpo region. We will get there, don’t worry!
First, let’s learn more about the far north-western part of Nepal, the Dolpo Region.

Upper Dolpo

One thing that Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo have in common is the folks!
The pioneer inhabitants of the region came from the Tibetan plateau more than a thousand years ago.
Hence, don’t be surprised if you see a heavy Tibetan influence in the region.
Upper Dolpo trek is one of the most remote treks in Nepal loved by adventurous trekkers. This trek takes around 21 days to complete if done the right way. You will be glancing at the pristine Phoksundo Lake on the 6th day of this trek.
The settlements remind you of fortresses and the lifestyle is quite unique. Above all, this region consists of some amazing monasteries as well.
Talking about the landscape, it is breathtaking and very remote. The closest area accessible to a plane is a few days travel from Upper Dolpo at Dunai.
With an average height ranging from above 4000m, the Upper Dolpo region can get pretty cold and windy.
Regardless, the locals have found a way to survive and sustain. They normally cultivate in the river banks.
Pretty heck of a fighting spirit! Wouldn’t you agree?

Lower Dolpo

Similar to Upper Dolpo, you are likely to find a huge influence of Tibetan lifestyle, landscapes, monasteries, and settlements.
The lower Dolpo trek leads you to one of the lesser trekked paths in Nepal. It is surrounded by the majestic Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast.
Lower Dolpo is home to the popular Shey Phoksundo National Park. The beautiful flora and fauna consisting of goral, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, etc. are the highlights of the National park.
If you are really lucky, not emphasizing it enough, really lucky, you may even see the rare snow leopard.
The Dolpo region trek at Lower Dolpo begins and ends at Juphal. With this trek, you will reach Phoksundo Lake on the 14th day after a night stay at the Ringmo village.

Best Time for Dolpo Region Trekking

Now, let’s get into the topic!
As most of the trekking in Nepal, the best season for the Dolpo trek would be Spring and Autumn.
However, the earliest of Spring and the latest of Autumn might not be favorable due to unpredictable snowfalls.
It is also important to point out that this region lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri range, it receives close to no rainfall even in monsoon.
You can now connect the dots on why this region is a high altitude desert.
However, with a little bit of luck with the weather, you can enjoy trekking in the Dolpo region at any time between March to November.

Spring Season (March to May)

Hands down, an excellent time for trekking in the Dolpo region. Although, trekking in Upper Dolpo is not recommended in the early spring due to snowfall. The heavy snowfall can potentially block the high passes.
Personal advice… Plan your Dolpo trek around mid-April or towards the start of May.
During this time, trekking gets easier for the non-experienced visitors with little to no experience of snow trekking.
The temperatures may vary from -10 deg C to 13 deg C.

Monsoon/Summer Season (June to August)

This season may be quite an example of the phrase ‘difficult journey often leads to a beautiful destination‘.
Why?
Because the weather is amazing for trekking in the rain shadow Dolpo region.
However, getting there is a real challenge due to the chances of flight cancellation owing to the weather conditions.
I suggest keeping 2-3 days flexible while planning for this trek in Monsoon/Summer season.
Temperatures may vary from -4 deg C to 17 deg C, the lowest being over the high passes.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Another ideal time for this trek, like any other trek in Nepal, is the autumn season.
But, it’s the Himalayas!
I mean, you might as well want to come prepared for unpredictable snow.
Given the ideal temperature, it is very unlikely.
Although, make sure to not leave too late (during November) because you might have to face snow blockades.
Temperatures may vary from -3 deg C to 14 deg C, and about -11 deg C over the high passes.

Winter Season (December to February)

Upper Dolpo Region Trekking in the winter?
Stay at Home!
IT SHOULDN’T BE ATTEMPTED.
The heavy snowfalls will block the high passes and may cause deaths by the cold.
Temperatures may fall as low as -14 deg C at high altitudes.

Get in touch with Himalayan Trekking for more information regarding trekking at the Upper and Lower Dolpo region.