Dolpo Trekking Permit

  • Jul 9, 2019
  • Marvel Adventure
  • 3306

Dolpo is an unexplored region lying between the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri ranges in Nepal. Lying on the northern part of Mid Western Nepal, the region was opened to trekkers only after 1989. Dolpo has its own culture, tradition, and lifestyles that are highly influenced by Tibetan culture. While exploring the region you can come across nomads with caravans of Yak and sheep.

Dolpo Trek is divided into Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo treks. The major highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek are exploring the Phoksundo Lake, walking through some of the Tibetan settlements. You will be crossing two high passes in the Lower Dolpo Trek. Whereas, in the Upper Dolpo Trek, you will have to cross three high passes. The major attraction of Upper Dolpo Trek is the highest waterfall in Nepal, Phoksundo waterfall and visiting the Shey Gompa.

Table of Contents

Dolpo Trekking Permit

dolpo trek permit

There are some restricted regions in Nepal which are controlled by the Government of Nepal. Trekking to such places is not free and requires some trekking permits. As Dolpo is a restricted region so you will need a trekking Permit in order to trek both Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo.

You will have to get a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit for Dolpo trekking. Along with this, there are different permits that you will need such as Upper Dolpo Permit, Lower Dolpo Permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park permit.

You will be needing special trekking permits for Dolpo trek is because trekking to the restricted region is not similar to those of other destinations. Individual treks are not allowed and you will have to hire a guide when trekking.

If you plan on trekking to the Lower Dolpo, you will only need the Lower Dolpo permit. However, for Upper Dolpo Trek, you will need both Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo trekking permits.

Cost of Dolpo Trekking Permit

The cost of Dolpo trekking permit varies according to the different types of permits you will need for trekking to a particular area. Such permit costs are quite costly and are strictly enforced. Let’s discuss some of them.

Upper Dolpo Trek Permit

The Upper Dolpo Trek permit is required if you are trekking to the Upper Dolpo region. The cost of Upper Dolpo trek permit is USD 500 and if you are willing to stay an extra day in the Upper Dolpo region, you will have to pay UDS 50 for each additional day.

The permit should be collected before your trek from the Department of immigration Nepal.

Lower Dolpo Trek Permit

Lower Dolpo Trek Permit would be necessary for both Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo Treks. The cost of Lower Dolpo Trekking permit is USD 10 per week. You can collect your trekking permit from the Department of Immigration before starting your trek to the Lower Dolpa.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

The Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit is required for both Upper and Lower Dolpo Treks. You can collect the permit at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

The cost of Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit is USD 30 plus 13% VAT for foreigners and the cost for SAAC nations is Rs. 1000 plus 13% VAT. Whereas the cost of the permit for crew members is Rs.25

Where to Collect Dolpo Trekking Permit?

Both the Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo trekking permit can be collected from the Department of Immigration that lies in Kalikasthan, Dillibazaar. The department issues trekking permits for not only Dolpo but many other restricted trekking regions.

The permit is to be collected before you start your trekking. This permit is highly enforced by the government and you cannot trek to Dolpo if you do not have gotten your trekking permits.

Process of Getting Dolpo Trekking Permit

In order to get your Dolpo Trekking Permit, it would be best to contact your trekking company. You will just need to give your detail information regarding your trip to the agency who will then apply for your permit at the Department of Immigration.

Your operator will send the application form along with the necessary documents. Some of the documents you will need for getting Dolpo Trekking permit are as follows:

  • Application form
  • Lists of trekkers
  • Passport copy of each trekker
  • Detail itinerary of the trip
  • Trekkers agreement with the tour operator
  • Tour operator license and PAN number.

Receiving Dolpo Trek Permit

After applying for the trekking permits with all the relevant documents, you can receive your trekking permit from 2-3 days after your submission. Immigration Department Office opens every Sunday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

After collecting the card, you will find some list of rules and regulations on the other side of the cards that are to be followed by the trekkers. You will be keeping the card with you throughout the trek and show them to authorities whenever required. The card should be returned back to the Immigration Department after the completion of your trip.

dolpo trek permit

Conclusion

Walking through an isolated region is a unique and thrilling experience to have just like the Dolpo Trek. But it also means that you will need some special permits and a guide when trekking. If you are planning on trekking to the Upper Dolpo or Lower Dolpo, you will need such trekking permits such as Lower Dolpo Trekking Permit, Upper Dolpo Trekking Permit, and Shey Phuksundo Trekking Permit. You will have to pay some cost in order to get the trekking permits.

So, if you wish to trek to Dolpo, you can contact us at Marvel Adventure where we can arrange your trekking permits as well. Our company has well-experienced guides who will assist you in your journey to off beaten rural isolated region.

Call us if you have any questions or if you want to know more about your trip itinerary.

Send an Enquiry - Dolpo Trekking Permit