Overview
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures. This restricted-area trek takes you through remote villages, ancient monasteries, hidden valleys, and high mountain passes while exploring the mystical landscapes made famous by the book and film The Himalayan Caravan (Himalaya). The journey offers breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri range, Crystal Mountain, and untouched Tibetan culture.
Highlights
- Explore the hidden kingdom of Upper Dolpo
- Visit the sacred Shey Gompa Monastery
- Cross Kang La Pass (5,360 m)
- Discover Crystal Mountain
- Experience authentic Tibetan and Bon culture
- Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Visit the stunning Phoksundo Lake
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you'll receive a short trek briefing and have time to prepare for the adventure.
Take a short flight to Nepalgunj in the southern plains, the gateway for onward flights into the remote far-west of Nepal.
Trek to Dunai Fly into Juphal, the small mountain airstrip that marks the start of the walk, then trek along the Thuli Bheri river to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.
Follow the Phoksundo river upstream through pine forest and narrow river valleys, reaching the small settlement of Chhepka.
Continue climbing through forest along the river valley, with the landscape opening up gradually as you approach the lake.
Arrive at Ringmo village beside Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, known for its striking turquoise water.
Spend a full day resting and exploring around the lake, with time to visit the small Bon monastery above Ringmo village.
Leave Phoksundo Lake behind and climb into the highlands of Upper Dolpo, trekking toward the base of Kang La Pass.
Cross Kang La Pass at 5,360 metres, the first of the trek's major high passes, with wide views over the surrounding peaks.
Descend from the pass to Shey Gompa, an old monastery beneath Crystal Mountain considered sacred by both Buddhists and Bon followers.
Spend the day exploring Shey Gompa and the area around Crystal Mountain, with time to rest before continuing deeper into Upper Dolpo.
Continue north through dry, open highland terrain, passing small settlements on the way to Namgung.
Trek to Saldang, the largest village in Upper Dolpo, set among terraced barley fields in a wide valley.
Continue through the highlands, following old trade trails toward the base of Numa La Pass.
Cross Numa La Pass, one of the trek's high points, with sweeping views across the Dolpo highlands.
Cross the second high pass of the day and begin the descent into the Tarap Valley, heading toward the village of Dho Tarap.
Spend the day in Dho Tarap, exploring the village and its strong Bon traditions, with herds of yaks and sheep grazing the surrounding hills.
Descend out of the Tarap Valley through forest and farmland, reaching the village of Tarakot.
Continue back along the Thuli Bheri river valley to Dunai and on to Juphal, closing the loop of the trek.
Fly back via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, with the evening free to relax or explore Thamel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Airport pickup & drop-off
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal flights
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
- TIMS Card (if applicable)
- Tea house/camping accommodation
- Three meals daily
- Camping equipment (where required)
- Guide & porter insurance
- First aid kit
- Government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag & personal gear rental
- Alcoholic beverages
- Wi-Fi, charging & hot showers
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and porter
- Emergency evacuation
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
This trek is graded challenging and is considered one of the harder treks in Nepal. The combination of a long duration, full camping logistics, several passes above 5,000 metres, and a genuinely remote setting makes it more demanding than well-known routes like Everest Base Camp.
The highest point is Kang La Pass at 5,360 metres. Numa La and Baga La, crossed later in the trek, also sit close to this altitude.
Yes, with several nights spent above 4,000 metres and passes over 5,000 metres, altitude sickness is a real risk. Because the region is so remote, help can be hard to reach in an emergency, so a slow pace, good hydration, and built-in rest days are essential.
The main trekking season runs from mid-May to early October. Because Upper Dolpo sits in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, it stays relatively dry even during the summer monsoon, unlike most of Nepal.
Yes, Trekkers need a special Upper Dolpo restricted area permit as well as the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee, both arranged through a registered trekking agency.