Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, mystical, and culturally rich trekking adventures. Located in the far northwestern region, close to the Tibetan border, Upper Dolpo was closed to foreigners until 1989 and still requires a special permit to enter. This isolation has preserved a way of life untouched by modernity, where ancient Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions continue to flourish. Trekking through Upper Dolpo is not just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual passage into one of the last authentic Himalayan civilizations.

The trail winds through arid valleys, high-altitude plateaus, and across rugged mountain passes, including Kang La Pass (5,360m). Along the way, trekkers encounter centuries-old monasteries like Shey Gompa, traditional villages built of stone and mud, and herds of yaks roaming freely across open landscapes. One of the most breathtaking highlights of the trek is the sacred Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most stunning alpine lake, known for its shimmering turquoise waters and surrounding cliffs. The untouched natural beauty of this region leaves every trekker in awe.

Culturally, Upper Dolpo is unlike any other region in Nepal. The people of Dolpo follow a way of life rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion, with strong spiritual ties to nature and the mountains. Many villages are built around Gompas (monasteries), and you’ll witness prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and spiritual rituals performed in daily life. The remoteness of the region means that traditional customs and language have remained intact for centuries, offering trekkers a rare opportunity to witness life as it was in old Tibet.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is demanding, usually lasting 22–26 days, and suitable for experienced trekkers in good physical condition. The trek involves camping or basic teahouse accommodation, as infrastructure in the region is limited. The route typically begins with a flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj, followed by trekking through Dunai, Chhepka, Shey Gompa, and Saldang, among others. With multiple high passes over 5,000 meters, altitude acclimatization is essential. Despite the difficulty, the rewards are immense—stunning Himalayan views, raw wilderness, and a sense of profound isolation and peace.

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your trekking team, transfer to hotel, and attend a pre-trek briefing. Use the rest of the day to prepare or explore the city.

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
Take a short flight (1 hour) to Nepalgunj, a city near the Indian border. Relax in a hotel and prepare for your flight to the mountains the next day.

Day 3: Fly to Juphal (2,475m) and trek to Dunai (2,140m) – 3 hrs
Take an early flight to Juphal, then begin the trek by descending through villages and fields along the Bheri River. Reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo.

Day 4: Trek to Chhepka (2,670m) – 6 hrs
Follow the trail into Shey Phoksundo National Park. Walk through forested areas and small villages along the Suligad River to reach Chhepka village.

Day 5: Trek to Jharana Hotel (3,170m) – 5 hrs
A steady climb takes you closer to Phoksundo Lake. Enjoy a stunning view of the lake and waterfall (Jharana) before staying at a nearby teahouse.

Day 6: Trek to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) – 4 hrs
Reach the famous Phoksundo Lake, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water. Visit Ringmo village, a traditional Bon community on the lake’s edge.

Day 7: Rest and acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake
Explore the lake area and visit Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery. Take short hikes to acclimatize and enjoy views of the lake and cliffs.

Day 8: Trek to Sallaghari (3,735m) – 6 hrs
Leave the lake and enter a more remote area. Walk through pine forests and camp near riverbeds surrounded by steep canyon walls.

Day 9: Trek to Nangdala High Camp (4,700m) – 5 hrs
Ascend gradually toward high alpine terrain. Set up camp below the Nangdala Pass, preparing for a challenging climb the next day.

Day 10: Cross Nangdala Pass (5,350m) to Shey Gompa (4,126m) – 7 hrs
Today is one of the highlights. Cross the Nangdala Pass with sweeping mountain views and descend to Shey Gompa, one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries in Dolpo.

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa – Explore Crystal Mountain
Explore Shey Gompa and the nearby sacred Crystal Mountain, where pilgrims walk around the base for spiritual cleansing.

Day 12: Trek to Namgong (4,430m) – 6 hrs
Trek through barren, rocky landscapes. Visit Namgong Monastery, a remote and peaceful place, and spend the night in a local home or tent.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang (3,770m) – 4 hrs
Descend to the large village of Saldang, the cultural heart of Upper Dolpo. Explore traditional houses, chortens, and meet local families.

Day 14: Trek to Yangze Gompa (4,960m) – 5 hrs
Trek to the even more remote Yangze village. Visit its ancient Bon monastery and learn about the influence of the Bon religion in Dolpo.

Day 15: Trek back to Sibu (4,230m) – 6 hrs
Retrace your route through Saldang and continue toward Sibu, a remote settlement on the way to the next pass.

Day 16: Trek to Jeng La Phedi (4,900m) – 5 hrs
Climb gradually through wild highland terrain to reach the base camp of Jeng La Pass. Camp in a windswept area with dramatic views.

Day 17: Cross Jeng La Pass (5,090m) to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m) – 6 hrs
Early start to cross Jeng La Pass, followed by a steep descent into Tarap Valley, one of the highest inhabited valleys in the world. Stay in Tokyu, a beautiful village with a monastery.

Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040m) – 2 hrs
A short trek to Dho Tarap, one of the main cultural villages of Dolpo. Explore monasteries, traditional homes, and interact with the locals.

Day 19: Trek to Tarakot (2,540m) – 7 hrs
Descend along the Tarap Khola through narrow gorges and deep forests to reach the charming village of Tarakot, famous for its ancient fort.

Day 20: Trek to Dunai and drive to Juphal – 6 hrs
Trek back to Dunai, then drive or walk to Juphal, concluding the trek. Celebrate the successful journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and spiritual regions.