Dolpa
24 Days
Challenging
2-30 Persons
5360m.
Spring and Autumn
Trekking / Hiking
Hotel & Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private Vehicle and Flight
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
The Upper Dolpo Trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical regions, hidden deep within the far-western Himalayas. This 24-day trek offers a rare glimpse into the ancient Bon and Tibetan Buddhist cultures, rugged trans-Himalayan landscapes, and crystal-clear Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the world.
Lying north of the massive Dhaulagiri range (8,167 m), Upper Dolpo remains untouched by modern civilization. The trek leads you through Shey Phoksundo National Park, across challenging high passes like Kang-La (5,360 m) and Jeng-La (5,110 m), into villages that seem frozen in time. The locals’ traditional lifestyle, ancient monasteries, and yak caravans following centuries-old trade routes to Tibet make this trek a truly spiritual and adventurous experience.
Because Upper Dolpo is a restricted region, only a limited number of trekkers are allowed each year, preserving its authenticity. This makes the journey even more exclusive — an ideal choice for seasoned trekkers seeking a deep cultural and wilderness adventure beyond the beaten path.
Fly over the Terai plains to the bustling border town of Nepalgunj, located near India. Explore the colorful markets and experience the lively southern Nepali culture.
Overnight stay: Nepalgunj Hotel.
Take a scenic flight to Juphal (2,400 m), the gateway to Dolpo. Meet the trekking crew and start a gentle trek to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo District.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dunai.
Follow the Thulo Bheri River Valley through terraced fields and traditional villages before entering the forests of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Enjoy views of Kagmara Peak along the way.
Overnight stay: Camp at Ankhe.
Ascend and descend along narrow trails above the river gorge. The path offers thrilling views and diverse flora. Reach Ryajik village, close to Sulighat.
Overnight stay: Camp at Sulighat.
Trek through pine forests and witness Nepal’s highest waterfall (300m) before reaching Shey Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village. The turquoise lake surrounded by barren cliffs is mesmerizing.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Lake.
A day to rest and acclimatize. Visit Ringmo Village and its ancient Bon Monastery. Enjoy stunning lakeside views and capture the beauty of the Dolpo landscape.
Overnight stay: Camp by the lake.
Walk through a glacial valley surrounded by cliffs and juniper forests. Cross several small streams before reaching the Phoksundo Riverbank for camping.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Khola.
Trek through rocky terrain and narrow gorges to reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang, with panoramic views of the Kang-La Pass ahead.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
A challenging day as you climb steeply to the top of Kang-La Pass. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Dolpo Valley. Descend to the sacred Shey Gompa, the “Crystal Monastery.”
Overnight stay: Camp near Shey Gompa.
Explore the 11th-century Shey Gompa and nearby Tsakang Monastery, once a meditation retreat for lamas. Learn about the Chaiba community and the teachings of Guru Rinpoche.
Overnight stay: Camp at Shey.
A steep climb to Saldang La Pass offers panoramic views before descending to Namduna Gaun, home to the Namgung Monastery of the Karma-Pa sect.
Overnight stay: Camp at Namduna.
Climb along a ridge with expansive views before reaching Saldang, Dolpo’s largest village. This is a key trade hub linking Dolpo with Tibet.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Saldang.
Hike through barren yet beautiful landscapes to the secluded Yangze Gompa, a rarely visited monastery rich in ancient murals and relics.
Overnight stay: Camp at Yangze.
Retrace part of the trail back through Namdo village and follow the Nam Khong Khola to reach Sibu.
Overnight stay: Camp at Sibu.
Gradual ascent along the river before climbing steeply to the base of Jeng-La Pass.
Overnight stay: Camp at Jeng-La Phedi.
Early morning climb to the top of Jeng-La for incredible views of Dhaulagiri. Descend into Tarap Valley and camp near Tokyu Monastery.
Overnight stay: Camp at Tokyu Gaon.
A short, scenic trek to the culturally rich village of Dho Tarap, surrounded by barley fields and traditional stone houses.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dho Tarap.
A cultural immersion day — visit monasteries, meet locals, and learn about their Tibetan-influenced lifestyle.
Overnight stay: Dho Tarap.
Descend through a beautiful gorge to the confluence of Lang Khola and Tarap Chu rivers.
Overnight stay: Camp at Kamakharka.
Walk along narrow canyons where trails are carved into rock walls — an exciting and thrilling section of the trek.
Overnight stay: Camp at Khanigaon.
Descend through forests to the historical Tarakot Village, once a fortified town known as Dzong.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Tarakot.
Follow the Bheri River to complete your circuit back to Dunai. Celebrate the successful completion of your Upper Dolpo adventure.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dunai.
A short trek back to Juphal, marking the end of the trekking section.
Overnight stay: Juphal.
Take early morning flights back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the team.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu Hotel.
Interested in this trip? Start planning your adventure today!
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| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
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| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
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| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry, No, fixed departure dates available, please request for
| ||||
This is a challenging trek due to its remoteness, high altitude, and long duration. Good physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience are recommended.
The best seasons are spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October). Since Dolpo lies in a rain shadow, summer (July–August) is also suitable.
Yes. You’ll need a Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, and a TIMS Card, which your trekking agency will arrange.
Accommodation includes local lodges and tented camps in remote areas. Hotels are provided in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Absolutely. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation (minimum USD 100,000) is mandatory.
The highest point is Kang-La Pass (5,360 m).
