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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
Once you land at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), AHC airport representatives will welcome you and take you to your hotel, in a private car or a high-end tourist bus. Our representatives will brief you about the trek. After checking in, you can either explore this vibrant and exciting city on your own, or, take a cozy rest at your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Thamel
Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
1400 m
Today we will explore the Kathmandu valley city and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
1400 m
Fly to Nepalgunj
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
150 m
Today we fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, it’s about 35 minutes long flight. After landing in Juphal airport, we will meet our trekking crew and walk through the green terraced fields along the Bheri River and through the narrow canyon. After three hours of trekking, we will reach to village of Dunai, where we will spend the night.
Overnight at Lodge/Hotel in Dunai
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
2150 m
Trek to Ankhe (2,896m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
2896 m
Trek to Sulighat (3,180m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3180 m
Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,612m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3612 m
Exploration and Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3611 m
Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3507 m
Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (3,910m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3910 m
Trek to Shey Gompa (4,200m) via Kangla Pass (5,306m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp Tent
5306 m
Acclimatization at Shey Gompa
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4200 m
Trek to Namduna Gaun (4,800m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4800 m
Trek to Saldang (3,620m) via Saldang La Pass (5,200m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camp Tent
5200 m
Trek to Yangze Gompa (4,960m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4960 m
Trek to Sibu (4,560m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4560 m
Trek to Jeng La Phedi (4,900m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4900 m
Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4,209m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4209 m
Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4040 m
Acclimatization Day at Dho Trarap
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
4040 m
Trek to Tarap Khola (3,800m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3800 m
Trek to Khani Gaun (3,150m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
3150 m
Trek to Tarakot (2,535m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
2535 m
Trek to Dunai (2,150m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
2150 m
Trek to Juphal (2,400m)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
2400 m
Fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
1400 m
Rest Day in Kathmandu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
1400 m
Departure Day
Breakfast
1400 m
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026-03-01 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 2026-03-09 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 2026-03-14 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 2026-03-18 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 2026-03-23 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 2026-03-30 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now |
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026-04-03 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 2026-04-10 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 2026-04-15 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 2026-04-21 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 2026-04-25 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 2026-04-30 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now |
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026-05-02 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 2026-05-10 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 2026-05-16 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 2026-05-21 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 2026-05-25 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 2026-05-31 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now |
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026-06-01 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 2026-06-09 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 2026-06-15 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 2026-06-23 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 2026-06-27 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 2026-06-30 | 28 Days | Available | Book Now |
Upper Dolpo Trekking is a remote and restricted Himalayan trek in western Nepal, known for untouched landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and dramatic high-altitude terrain. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks organizes Upper Dolpo Trekking as a true wilderness and cultural expedition.
Upper Dolpo is located in Dolpa district of western Nepal, bordering Tibet. The region lies within Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of the largest national parks in Nepal.
Upper Dolpo Trekking is considered a challenging trek due to its long duration, high passes, remote trails, and limited facilities. It is best suited for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness.
The highest point of Upper Dolpo Trekking is Kang La Pass at around 5,360 meters. The trek also stays above 4,000 meters for many days, making acclimatization essential.
Upper Dolpo Trek usually takes 20 to 25 days, depending on the route, acclimatization days, and weather conditions. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks can customize the itinerary as nee
The best seasons for Upper Dolpo Trekking are late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October). These months offer clearer skies and more stable weather in western Nepal.
Upper Dolpo is a restricted area to preserve its fragile ecosystem and ancient Tibetan culture. Special permits and a licensed trekking agency like Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks are required to enter.
Upper Dolpo Trekking requires a Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, and a registered trekking guide. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks manages all permit procedures.
Yes, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for Upper Dolpo Trekking. A professional guide ensures navigation, safety, cultural understanding, and emergency support in this remote region.
Accommodation in Upper Dolpo is mostly camping-based, with limited basic lodges in a few villages. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks provides full camping logistics, staff, and equipment.
Meals are prepared by a trekking cook during camping days. The diet includes rice, lentils, vegetables, pasta, soups, and local foods to maintain energy at high altitude.
Yes, altitude sickness is a serious concern due to prolonged high elevation. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks follows gradual ascent plans and includes acclimatization days to reduce risks.
A high level of physical fitness is required. Trekkers should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day for multiple weeks over rugged terrain.
Upper Dolpo Trekking is not recommended for beginners. Prior high-altitude trekking experience in Nepal is strongly advised before attempting this trek.
Upper Dolpo Trek is unique for its isolation, preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, turquoise lakes, and dramatic Himalayan desert landscapes rarely seen elsewhere in Nepal.
Trekkers experience Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, centuries-old monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional stone villages with minimal modern influence.
The trek usually begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks arranges all domestic flights and logistics.
Yes, Upper Dolpo Trekking is safe when organized by an experienced agency. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks prioritizes safety planning, trained staff, and emergency preparedness.
The trek offers views of Dhaulagiri massif, Kanjirowa Himal, barren highlands, deep gorges, glaciers, and the famous Phoksundo Lake.
Mobile network and internet access are extremely limited or unavailable in Upper Dolpo. Trekkers should be prepared for complete digital disconnection.
Essential items include strong trekking boots, warm layers, down jacket, sleeping bag, personal medication, and sun protection. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks provides a detailed packing list.
Yes, Upper Dolpo Trek can be combined with Lower Dolpo Trek for a longer and more immersive Dolpo experience, depending on time and permits.
The cost of Upper Dolpo Trekking is higher than most Nepal treks due to restricted permits, long duration, flights, and camping logistics. Prices vary by group size and services.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory for Upper Dolpo Trekking.
Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks offers experienced guides, full camping support, permit expertise, and deep regional knowledge, ensuring a safe, authentic, and well-organized Upper Dolpo Trekking experience.
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2026.
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Sofia Novak
Czech Republic
A Truly Memorable Trek Experience
29th June, 2025
The trek was absolutely fantastic. My guide was incredible, full of knowledge and always ready to share helpful insights along the way. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours made the entire experience seamless. They responded promptly to all my questions and offered thoughtful suggestions for everything. Every arrangement was handled with care and attention, making me feel well looked after throughout the journey. Basu Lamsal is a friendly and caring organizer, always ensuring that everything runs smoothly. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore Nepal with comfort and confidence.
Daniel Foster
United States
A Smooth and Confident Trek from Start to Finish
4th January, 2026
This was our second time trekking with Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours, and once again they delivered an excellent experience. The hospitality was warm, the service felt very personal, and everything was well organized from day one. Our guide was truly professional and gave us full confidence throughout the journey. He adjusted the plan carefully based on our ability and the weather, which made the whole trek smooth and enjoyable.
Basu Lamsal was friendly, experienced, and genuinely caring, always checking that we were comfortable and happy. Thanks to the professional guides and thoughtful planning, the trip was successful and stress free. I would happily trek with them again.
Sophie Laurent
France
A Rewarding Journey into Upper Dolpo
17th January, 2026
Upper Dolpo Trek was tough but absolutely worth every step. Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours handled everything with great hospitality and very personal care. The guides were professional, patient, and always supportive, and the porter team worked incredibly hard with a smile. Basu Lamsal was friendly, experienced, and well organized, making sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout the trek. This felt like traveling with people who truly care, not just a company. Highly recommended for serious trekkers looking for a real Himalayan experience.
Marco Bianchi
Italy
A Quiet and Beautiful Journey Through Upper Dolpo
29th January, 2026
Upper Dolpo Trek turned out to be one of the best trekking experiences of my life. The landscapes were incredibly diverse, and the snow-capped peaks were simply stunning. What I loved most was how peaceful the trail felt with very few trekkers around, which made the journey even more special.
Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours took great care of everything from start to finish. Their hospitality was warm, the service felt very personal, and the guides were truly professional. Our guide was knowledgeable, attentive, and always made sure we were comfortable and safe.
Basu Lamsal deserves special mention for his friendly and caring nature. He is clearly very experienced and well organized, and it showed in every detail of the trek. I felt supported throughout the journey and could fully enjoy the beauty of Upper Dolpo without worry.
Emma Richardson
United Kingdom
A Remarkable Journey into Upper Dolpo
31st December, 2025
I completed the Upper Dolpo Trek with Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The landscapes were stunning, and every day felt special. From the moment I arrived, the hospitality was warm and genuine, including a smooth airport pickup that made everything stress-free.
The guides were professional, caring, and very attentive, always making sure I was comfortable and enjoying the trek. The service felt very personalized, not rushed or generic. A special thanks to Basu Lamsal, who is incredibly friendly, experienced, and well-organized. His care and attention to detail really showed throughout the journey.
I would happily recommend this company to anyone looking for a well-managed and authentic trekking experience in Nepal.
Lukas Meie
Switzerland
A Remarkable Upper Dolpo Journey
18th December, 2025
Choosing Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours for my Upper Dolpo Trek was one of the best travel decisions I have made. The team was extremely professional, warm, and genuinely caring from start to finish. The hospitality was excellent and everything felt well organized and personalized to our needs. Our guide was truly the hero of the trek, knowledgeable, supportive, and always encouraging. Special thanks to Basu Lamsal for his friendly nature, long experience, and thoughtful management that made the whole journey smooth and memorable. I felt safe, welcomed, and well looked after every single day.
Olivia Carter
New Zealand
A Warm and Well Organized Journey in Nepal
8th December, 2025
Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours made my trip to Nepal smooth and truly enjoyable. The team was very helpful and always responsive, and all paperwork and insurance were well organized from the start. I was provided with proper equipment and felt well taken care of throughout the journey. The guide was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable, which helped me learn a lot about Nepalese culture and traditions. Basu Lamsal was caring, experienced, and always made sure everything ran perfectly. I really appreciated the great hospitality and personalized service, and I would gladly recommend this company to other travelers.
Thomas Müller
Germany
A Remote Himalayan Experience I Will Never Forget
27th November, 2025
Traveling to Dolpa was truly special and felt like stepping into another world. The landscapes were stunning, from quiet lakes and wide pasturelands to high passes and peaceful villages. I loved the raw remoteness, the warm local people, and the unique atmosphere of the rain shadow area. Everything was well managed, from the office staff to the trail experience.
Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours provided excellent hospitality with very personalized service. The guides were professional and supportive throughout the trek. Basu Lamsal was friendly, highly experienced, well organized, and genuinely caring, which made the journey even more comfortable and safe.
I highly recommend Upper Dolpa for those who enjoy camping treks at least once in their lifetime. If camping feels challenging, Lower Dolpa is also a wonderful alternative. This was an unforgettable adventure and I would gladly recommend it to any true trek lover.
Isabella Rossi
Italy
A Soulful Journey Through Upper Dolpa
14th November, 2025
My Upper Dolpa trek was truly memorable and I am deeply thankful to Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours for making it such a special experience. From start to finish the hospitality was warm and genuine and the service felt very personalized. Our guide Muste Tamang was professional kind and always supportive which made the camping trek smooth and enjoyable.
A special thanks to Basu Lamsal whose friendly nature experience and caring approach were clearly reflected in the well organized trip. The entire team took great care of us and handled everything with confidence and heart. I could not have asked for a better trekking company for such a remote and beautiful adventure.
Lukas Meier
Switzerland
A Soulful Journey Through Upper Dolpa
5th November, 2025
My Upper Dolpa trek was truly memorable and I am deeply thankful to Adventure Himalaya Circuit Treks & Tours for making it such a special experience. From start to finish the hospitality was warm and genuine and the service felt very personalized. Our guide Muste Tamang was professional kind and always supportive which made the camping trek smooth and enjoyable.
A special thanks to Basu Lamsal whose friendly nature experience and caring approach were clearly reflected in the well organized trip. The entire team took great care of us and handled everything with confidence and heart. I could not have asked for a better trekking company for such a remote and beautiful adventure.