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Upper Dolpo Wilderness

Upper Dolpo Wilderness

Region

Dolpo

Trip Grade

Easy, Moderate, Soft

Accommodation

Tent

Durations

24 Days

Max. Altitude

5350

Meals Included

BLD

Group Size

9

Best Season

April, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Transportation

Flight

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Trip Overview

Dolpa is a remote and beautiful district located in the western region of Nepal. It is known for its pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural heritage. The region has gained popularity as a tourist destination in recent years due to its untouched natural beauty and the hospitality of its local people. One of the prominent attractions in Dolpa is Phoksundo Lake, a stunning turquoise-colored lake that is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. Its crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking sight. The lake is also featured in the movie “Caravan,” which has added to its popularity. Shey Gomba is another notable site in Dolpa. It is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The monastery holds religious and cultural significance and attracts both pilgrims and tourists. Its intricate artwork and serene atmosphere provide a glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage. I have also mentioned other monasteries like Rahap Gomba in Namdo, Margom Gonpa in Nyisal, and Sampling Gompa in Vijer. These monasteries contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Dolpa, showcasing the devotion and traditions of the local communities. The valleys in Dolpa are known for their scenic beauty, with lush greenery, rugged landscapes, and charming villages. The people of Dolpa are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and creating memorable experiences. Overall, Dolpa offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers seeking to explore a less crowded and more authentic side of Nepal. Its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and friendly locals make it a fascinating destination for adventure and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Traverse through high passes and witness the sacred Shey Gompas before coming across the ancient trading hub Dho- the perfect trek to see the whole of Dolpo, Upper Dolpo Trek” This is one of Nepal’s classic mountain treks.

The route is most demanding as we traverse heights in excess of 5350m and some of the most remote territory in Nepal. As we trek through the heart of Dolpo we are presented with a variety of both scenery and people. The trekking trails through upper Dolpo are peaceful, quiet and adventurous.

Crossing a series of high passes, the journey takes in Shey Gompa and the exotic villages set amidst the arid, remote highlands of Dolpo, making this a classic trek. Upper  Dolpo Trek is one of our best sellers treks that extends to the far-flung wilderness of western Nepal.

Undoubtedly, Upper Dolpo Trek caters to some of Dolpo’s most intriguing highlights. The highlights of Inner Dolpo Trek with Explore Dolpo include natural paradise like Phoksundo Lake, unique cultural encounters so often as we traverse through villages of different ethical tribes and religious devotees. Some of the oldest and most important monasteries like Shey Gompa are exciting trek highlights and the pain that every trekker would love to endure while crossing 5000m+ passes like Nangdala and Shey La lifetime experiences of Upper Dolpo Trek.”

This itinerary can be changed as per your interest and time frame.

Detailed Itinerary

As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Altitude:1350m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Hotel

From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park.
It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay will be at hotel or lodge that is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport. Our representative will pick you up in the airport and take you to the hotel.

Altitude:150m
Duration:55 minutes
Accommodation:Hotel

Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and takes you to the airport. Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal.
The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River.
We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2140m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some schools government and private, college, police check post and some government offices.
You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai too.

Altitude:2141m
Duration:3 to 4 hours
Accommodation:Camping

As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighat, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail.
We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta.
At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka.
Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.

Altitude:2720m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital.
The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch.
Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Amchi Hospital. Amchi refers to traditional doctors who heal infections and diseases using the herbal medicine found in Dolpo.
Amchi Hospital is the treatment center of the locals of Dolpo, where expert Amchis treat the patients. We will settle our camps by side of Amchi Hospital.

Altitude:3175m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village.
The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.

Altitude:3641m
Duration:4 to 5 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).
The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.
The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Altitude:3641m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Camping

Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake.
This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake.
This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels.
To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.

Altitude:3700m
Duration:5 to 6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Kangla/Nangdala Base Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.
Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp- our campsite for the night.

Altitude:4700m
Duration:5 to 6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Altitude:4343m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

In Shey, there are three monasteries and we will hike to Tsankhang gompa established around the 18th century by the 1st ShelriChoktul Rinpoche and Shelri Tenzin Raewa, Gomoche Monastery is the oldest monastery in Shey. It was establisged in 12th century by the sacred and famous holi masterof Drikyung Kagyu linage of buddhist name Dupthop Sange Yeshe. Then we back to camp and visit Shey Sumdho monastery the biggest monastery of Shey and stay overnight there.

Altitude:4343m
Duration:3 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today we will explore Shey Gompa. It is said to be about 800 years old monastery, with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind the Crystal Mountain. The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa.

Shey Festival, the summer festival observed by the people of Dolpo with huge enthusiasm is hosted at Shey Gompa. Peter Mattheissen wrote quite a lot about his stay in Shey in ‘The Snow Leopard’, and it was shown in Eric Valli’s movie ‘Caravan’ as Thinley’s son’s gompa. After the exploration of Shey Gompa as the trek begins, it follows the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost couple of hours.

The landscapes during this part of the trek are typical Dolpo landscapes- barren and enchanting. Then we begin to climb up towards the top of Shey La Pass, which is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey, rewards us with the magnificent views of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North and Kanjiroba, Kagmara and Riu Dhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the West. The final push downhill from the pass, which is almost 2 hours of hike brings us to Namgung. We spend our night at Namgung, a local nomadic herding settlement.

Altitude:4360m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We’ll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.

Altitude:3900m
Duration:4 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today we trek for four to five hours and reach the village of Namdo Rapa goun. Initially, the trail follows the Saldang and then Dhungdar and connecting village to village. We will explore thr Rhap Monastery which is one of the oldest monastery in Dolpa and we will also hike to Tsa Sangchen monastery which is in Rapa village.

Altitude:3840m
Duration:5 to 6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Today we trek seven to eight hours to reach Jyanta La high camp which is in 4700m height. As a trek from Chagoun begins we follow Rakyo village where there is only three or four houses. It is the last village of Namdo and then we follows the Namdo Khola river.

Altitude:4700m
Duration:6 to 7 hours
Accommodation:Camping

After breakfast, we start walking because it takes like seven hours from Jyantala High Camp to Dho Tarap. Exiting out to the elevated ridge of almost 5200m the Jyantala Pass. While crossing the Jyantala Pass, the trial descends down steeply to Tokyo Village a village which bears similarity to a Tibetan village. Overnight stay at Dho village of Tarap.

Altitude:3944m
Duration:7 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Trekking for almost a week exhausts everyone. So we are having a day rest at Dho Tarap. However, the day rest doesn’t refer to staying in tents and relaxing. We would hike around so that we acclimatize well before heading towards the down town.
There are plenty of places to see around Dho Tarap. In fact Dho Tarap is a highland settlement dotted with monasteries. So ask your guide or make suggestions to explore around Dho Tarap. Here we have few major sites that are worthwhile exploring around Dho Tarap. Ribo Bumpa Monastery One of most sacred monasteries of Dolpo. Kakar Labrang Monastery White valley temple dating back to 12th century, Kakar Gompa is the popular monastery of Dolpo that belongs to old sect of Nyingma- pa of Buddhism.Drakmar Dewa Monastery High above on a hill southwest of Dho, Drakmar Monastery nestles beautifully on the red cliffs. The vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. So make your decision wisely while choosing the monastery you prefer to explore from the pool of many.

Altitude:3944m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Camping

Today, the trek covers a long distance. As we start the trek, we hike along the flat trail beside Tarap Khola to Mirububane Khola Dovan- the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Then the trek slides down to the bridge over Klang Khloa at Langa Camp.
The trail continues to chase Tarap Khola with the picturesque views of arid landscapes. As the trek goes further the trail emerges and cross passes several villages like Sisaul, Gyamghar, Toltol and finally we come to Nawarpani for the night stop.

Altitude:3780m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

The trek today begins on the trail that runs beside Tarap Khola. Gradually, the view in the vicinity begin to change. The green forest start to emerge. For a while we slide up high above Tarap Khola to Lamchaur. Cross passing Lahini Odar, we descend down the hill to Chhedhul Gompa.
Once again, a short walk along the trail beside Tarap Khola we arrive at Laisicap for the camp.

Altitude:2775m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Now on we trek along the green woodlands high above Thuli Bheri River towards Tarakot. Just before arriving to Tarakot, we cross the bridge over the small stream.
The last day of the trek is not less interesting. We trek on the trail that stretches beside Thuli Bheri River to Dunai via Lawan and Byasgad. The trail has forested region on its west, Thuli Bheri River and cultivated terraced fields on its East. We have our lunch at Dunai. The trail goes by the side of Bheri river till Kalagawda and then the trail ascends towards Juphal. An hour drive from Dunai brings us to Juphal.

Altitude:2141m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Camping

From Juphal we fly to Nepalgunj by early morning flight. In Nepalgunj you will have to spend some time by looking around the airport settlement or can go to the hotel and have a rest. By afternoon flight you will be flying to Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and will take you to the hotel.

Altitude:2475m
Duration:4 to 5 hours
Accommodation:Camping

Our representative will drive you to the airport for your flight home.

Altitude:1350m
Duration:55 minutes
Accommodation:Hotel

Altitude:N/A
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:N/A

Cost Includes

  1. Crewmembers: Trekking guide, Cook, Kitchen Boys, and Mules driver, Staff Insurance
  2. Transportation: Mules
  3. Trekking equipment:  Mattress, Member tents, Kitchen tent, Dining and toilet tents, 
  4.  Permits: Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, National Park
  5.  Airfare: KTM- KEP- DOP, DOP- KEP – KTM
  6.  Food: Three times meals ( Breakfast, lunch and Dinner)type of different items
  7. DrinkTea, Coffee, and Tang juice with light snacks biscuits cookies
  8.  Star Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on BB basis: Nepalgunj 1 night and Kathmandu 2 nights

Cost Excludes

  1. Nepalese visa fee
  2. Excess baggage charge(s)  at the Domestic  Airport
  3. International flights
  4. Travel and rescue insurance
  5. Extra nights at Nepalgunj due to weather reasons
  6. Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early or late arrival and departure.
  7. Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, )
  8. Tipsfor guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Additional Info

Flights out and in might be affected by the region’s weather conditions. This may cause the flight to the destination to be cancelled.

In such a situation, there are alternative ways to complete the trek: either waiting for the next day or using the roadway to save time on the trek.

Internet access may be available in certain locations. However, lodges or hotel proprietors may request a service fee for its use, typically around NPR 200.

Alternatively, complimentary internet access might be available at the purchase of tea or coffee, such as a cup of coffee, which is generally expected in exchange for usage.

Charging facilities for batteries and power banks are available at various locations. However, access to these services typically incurs an additional fee.

We generally provided portable solar charging units for group use. Nevertheless, a personal power backup is recommended for added reliability and convenience.

Additionally, if the group requires dedicated charging infrastructure for filming or other projects that demand a continuous power supply, such arrangements can be made upon request.

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Cost and Dates

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15th August, 2025

7th September, 2025

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3rd September, 2025

26th September, 2025

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10th September, 2025

3rd October, 2025

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30th September, 2025

23rd October, 2025

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3rd October, 2025

26th October, 2025

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15th October, 2025

7th November, 2025

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26th October, 2025

18th November, 2025

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3rd November, 2025

26th November, 2025

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15th November, 2025

8th December, 2025

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Most Common FAQs

Dolpo is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, ancient Bon Buddhist monasteries, and its status as one of the last remaining places preserving traditional Tibetan culture. Located within the Tibetan Tethys region, it features a semi-arid climate that supports high-altitude agriculture. Northern Dolpo, in particular, is renowned for its dramatic scenery, remote hidden valleys, and spiritually rich heritage, offering visitors truly life-changing travel experiences.

It may raise a question in your mind: Dolpo or Dolpa? The answer is quite simple. In the Tibetan language, the original word "Tolbo" gradually evolved into Dolpo, and the people living in the Upper Dolpo region are known as Dolpo-pa. Over time, Dolpo was adapted into Dolpa, which is now the official district name. Today, both Dolpo and Dolpa are commonly used and widely recognised.

Dho Valley, also known as Dho Tarap Valley, is located in the Dolpo region of northwestern Nepal. Specifically, it lies within the Upper Dolpo area of Dolpa District, in Karnali Province
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