The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich trekking adventures, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden world untouched by time. Tucked away in the far northwest of Nepal, this mystical region lies within Shey Phoksundo National Park, close to the Tibetan border. Known for its stark trans-Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan-influenced culture, the Upper Dolpo trek is a journey into a land that few travelers get to experience.

Explore the majestic charm of the Upper Dolpo region and enojy an adventure experience of a lifetime.

A Remote Himalayan Region

Upper Dolpo remains isolated due to its restricted access and challenging terrain. Trekkers require special permits and must be accompanied by a licensed guide. This exclusivity preserves the area’s cultural integrity and adds to its allure. The region gained international attention from Eric Valli’s film Himalaya (1999), which beautifully depicted the harsh but spiritual life of the Dolpo people.

Unlike more commercialized trekking routes such as the Annapurna or Everest regions, Upper Dolpo offers a raw, unfiltered experience of the Himalayas. The area lies in a rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, creating a dry, arid landscape that resembles the Tibetan Plateau.

Cultural Richness

Upper Dolpo is culturally Tibetan, and the people here practice Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. The trek offers a unique opportunity to observe their traditional way of life, centuries-old monasteries, and colorful festivals. Villages like Ringmo, Dho Tarap, and Saldang are fascinating cultural centers where time seems to have stood still. The architecture, prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens reflect deep religious devotion and cultural continuity.

The highlight of cultural exploration is Shey Gompa, a sacred 11th-century monastery located beneath the Crystal Mountain. Every 12 years, pilgrims gather here for the Shey Festival, circumambulating the mountain for spiritual merit. This spiritual aspect of the trek adds an extraordinary dimension to the journey.

Trekking Experience and Highlights

The Upper Dolpo trek is physically demanding and our trip is a total of 28 days. You must cross several high passes above 5,000 meters (16,400+ feet), including Kang La (5,360m), Saldang La (5,200m), and Jyanta La (5,220m). These high-altitude crossings provide spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges of the Himalayas, but also require acclimatization and good physical fitness.

The trail passes through dramatic landscapes ranging from lush forests in the lower elevations to barren cliffs, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys. One of the most striking features of the trek is Phoksundo Lake, a deep turquoise body of water surrounded by steep cliffs and pine forests. Near the lake lies Ringmo village and the centuries-old Tshowa Gompa, perched dramatically on a ridge above the lake.

Another highlight is Dho Tarap, one of the highest human settlements in the world at over 4,000 meters. The village is home to both Bon and Buddhist communities, offering a rare chance to witness the coexistence of two ancient spiritual traditions.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Upper Dolpo lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park. The area hosts a wide range of Himalayan wildlife, including blue sheep, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, musk deer, and various birds of prey. Because of the limited human impact, the region is considered a critical habitat for some of the most elusive species in the Himalayas.

The landscape transitions from lush conifer forests and alpine meadows to the barren beauty of the trans-Himalayan plateau. Trekkers are constantly rewarded with panoramic vistas, hidden valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ridgelines.

Where is Upper Dolpo?

Dolpo or Dolpa is one of the remote part of Nepal which lies in the Mid-western region of the country bordered by Dhaulagiri and Churen range at the East and South and Jumla at the West. Since the pristine beauty and the charm of the place holds onto many people, tourists often come return back to experience it all over again.

Since its opening in 1989,Upper Dolpo trekking has been popular with trekkers from all over the world. The locals and the cultural heritage that seems to stand still is something that makes this trek a really special one. And no to forget the view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Shey Phoksundo Lake, the landscapes, preserved ecosystem and occasional encounter with exotic wildlife species such as Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard etc. Still waiting for you to explore its hidden wonders, Upper Dolpo is calling you out!!

Best Time for Dolpo Trekking

The ideal seasons to trek in Upper Dolpo are spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October). These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. Unlike much of Nepal, Dolpo lies in a rain shadow, so trekking is also possible during the monsoon (June to August), although trail conditions may be more challenging.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Altitude Profile

Trip Highlights

• Visit to the Dho Tarap, the highest human settlement in the world.
• Extraordinary mountain views, meet locals, and visit monasteries.
• Observe the unique Bon Buddhist culture.
• Enjoy the mesmerizing views of Shey Phoksundo Lake.