• Duration: 26 Days
  • Best Time: Aug - Nov / Mar - July
  • Max. Altitude: 5220 m

Dolpo Trek - Journey to the Vastness of the Mighty Virgin Himalaya

The Dolpo Trek is an unexplored, rugged, remote trekking route in Nepal. The beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and small villages makes this trek attractive. Lying on the far-western side of Nepal, only a few people have explored the beautiful landscapes of Upper Dolpa. The alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake of Phoksundo and the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park are the major highlights of this trek.

Shey Phoksunda and Caravan Trail

The Upper Dolpo trek starts with a flight to Nepalgunj. Then, we take a short but beautiful flight to Juphal again and start the trek. From Juphal, we start our trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake, 3612 meters. We continue to trek through the Shey Phoksundo National Park to Nangdala Pass. From here, we can enjoy the beautiful view of Mount Kanjirowa.

Peter Matthiessen's masterpiece book Snow Leopard is based on this Dolpa. Similarly, Eric Valli's Oscar-nominated movie CARAVAN (also known as HIMALAYA) was featured in this isolated Himalayan sanctuary of Dolpo.

Remote High Passes Journey in Western Nepal.

We cross the Sela pass, a few remote high passes in western Nepal. We get an outstanding view of the Mustang and the snow-capped mountains of Tibet. We then trek through the rugged Himalayan route to reach Saldang. We visit this beautiful settlement inhabited by the Tibetan people. Upper Dolpo trek crosses many mystical, stunning peaks and witnesses the spiritual charms of the remote monastery of Shey Gompa. This monastery was established in the eleventh century. Little has changed here since then. Finally, we climb the Jyanta pass via Tokyu village. From the pass, we can enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Dhaulagiri.

Trekking through one of Nepal's remotest and least trodden trekking routes, we reach Juphal. On the way to Juphal, we walk through Dho, Tarap, Gyyamger, and Dunai. These are some of the most beautiful villages in Dolpo. We then fly back to Nepalgunj and then back to Kathmandu to end.

Upper Dolpa Trek - Permit, Best Time, Fitness

This Upper Dolpo trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. There are few hotels and lodges on this trekking route. We will reach a height of up to 5350 m at Nangdala Pass. The trail is remote, and you pass by rugged terrain. Therefore, trekkers must be physically and mentally prepared for this 26-day Dolpa trek.

This Upper Dolpa region lies in the rain shadow area of Nepal. Thus, early monsoon times of May, June, and July are the best time for trekking. We need a special trekking permit for the restricted region of Dolpo Valley.

Safety on Trekking

At Mountain Monarch Adventure, we provide the reliable services. Safety is a top priority, so you can feel at ease with our well-trained guides. Oxygen cylinder with medical kit on a trek to Upper Dolpo. We provide three meals daily, porters, and guides during the trek.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Explore the remote and unexplored western part of Nepal.
  • Explore one of Nepal’s most beautiful lakes, Phoksundo Lake.
  • Cross Nangdala Pass, Sela Pass, and Jyanta Pass.
  • Wildlife sanctum for musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, grey wolf.
  • Oxygen Cylinder and medical box
  • Teahouse and tented camping
  • Trek special permit and all logistics

Itinerary

Our staff will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. You can fresh and rest for a while before dinner. 

  • Enjoy the delicious welcome dinner and enjoy the cultural program.
  • Discuss the details of the trek with the guides and staff.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

After the early breakfast in Kathmandu, we drive to the airport and board a plane to Nepalgunj. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the markets and observing the business hub. You can also visit the Indo-Nepal border. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

  • Enjoy the scenic flight over the mountains.
  • Try local food in Nepalgunj.
  • Observe the daily lifestyle of people in the Terai region of Nepal
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude500 m

After a short and scenic flight from Nepalgunj, we reach Juphal. Juphal is the starting point of our trek. After landing in Juphal, our walk starts. We meet the trekking staff and the crew in Juphal. After we meet everyone, we start our trek to Dunai. Dunai is one of the most important villages in this region. We trek along the Bheri River to reach Dunai. 

  •  Meet the trekking crew.
  • Trek through the rhododendron forests as you trek toward Dunai.
  • Enjoy the remote and rugged land.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude2000 m

After breakfast in Dunai, we start our hike to Shey Phoksundo Lake. This lake is one of the highlights of our Dolpo trek. On the first day, we trek through the riverbed of the Bheri River. We then trek through small remote settlements, beautiful meadows, and terraced wheat fields. The trail leads us through several settlements like Hanke, and Parela, among others. From Hanke, we enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park. We camp at Ankhe.

On the fifth day, we leave Ankhe and start trekking to Renje. On the way to Renje, we walk through the riverbed through narrow trails. The trails get a little tricky as you pass by several ups and downs. Finally, we cross the suspension bridge to the riverbed and then towards the rocky hills. We get a beautiful view of the hills around us. We camp at Renje.

After breakfast at Renje, we prepare to trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake. Today’s walk is probably one of the most important days. As we trek, we get a beautiful view of the Phoksundo Lake from the way. The trail then leads us to the dense forests and Phoksundo Khola. Finally, we trek through beautiful villages like Ringmo, where we can see beautiful Mani walls.

  • Trek on the riverbed of the magnificent Bheri River.
  • Trek through charming villages like Ringmo and Renje, where you can observe the traditional Bon Po culture.
  • Discover the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and its premise. 
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude3610 m

We enjoy the beautiful sunrise and a beautiful view of the Shey Phoksundo Lake. We trek through the far western part of the lake, which gradually leads us to the riverbank. Then, we walk down through the rocky trails towards more remote areas to reach the bank of the river.

The next day, we start our trek through the valley and head north. As we gain altitude, the hills around become barren, and the snow-capped mountains start coming into view. Next, we cross a small stream and then climb a steep hill. After reaching the top of the hill, we get a beautiful view of mountains like Kanjirowa and the Nangdala Pass. Finally, we camp at Nangdala Pass High Camp.

We will trek through the highest point of the trek, Nangdala, passing at 5350 meters. After breakfast in Phoksundo Bhanjyang, we prepare to walk to Shey Gompa. On the way to Shey Gompa, we climb a steep hill and then trek to Nangdala Pass (5350m). We can see beautiful views of mountains like Kanjirowa Himal and other Tibetan peaks. We also get a picture of Mustang from the pass. After enjoying the idea for some time, we trek to Shey Gompa.

  • Trek through the remote and barren lands towards the 800-year-old Shey Gompa.
  • Trek through one of the highest passes of western Nepal, Nangdala Pass, at 5350 meters.
  • You get a magnificent view of Kanjirowa Himal from the pass.
  • Observe the local Tibetan culture.
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude3415 m

After breakfast in Shey Gompa, we prepare to trek to Namgung. First, you trek through the barren and rocky lands with very little vegetation. In the trek's first part, we ascend steeply toward the Sela Pass. After two hours of trekking, the pass provides a beautiful panoramic view of Kanjirowa Himal and Mustang. After resting for a while, we descend to Namgung. Camp at Namgung.

On the next day, we hike around Namgung. There is a famous Gompa known as Namgung Gompa, located on the cliff's edge. We explore the area, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, interact with the locals, and spend the night at the camp.

  • Trek through Sela pass at the height of 5094 meters.
  • Enjoy the beautiful view of Kanjirowa and other Tibetan peaks.
  • Observe the ancient Namgung Gompa.
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude3610 m

After breakfast in Namgung, we leave for Saldang. We first make a steep hike to the top of the hill, where we can see the beautiful view of Saldang village. Then, you will start descending towards Saldang. After trekking for about 2 hours, you will arrive at your destination. In the evening, we can try the local food and local wine. We camp at Saldang.

We explored the village the next day and hiked to the nearby hills and mountains. We trek to one of the most important Gompas of this region, Yangre Gompa. This gompa is one of the most visited gompas in this region. We return to Saldang.

  • Trek through the barren lands of western Nepal.
  • Observe the culture of the people living in Saldang.
  • Try local food and the traditional dresses of the people.
  • Visit Yangre Gompa, one of the most famous monasteries in the Dolpo region.
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsB, L, D
  • Altitude3619 m

After breakfast, we prepare for our trek and leave Saldang towards Sibu on the first day. The trail takes us through the small settlements with terraced fields that grow wheat, buckwheat, and potato. We can also observe the Tibetan-influenced culture and local houses. We also trek through several monasteries and temples to arrive at Sibu.

The next day, we prepare to trek to the base camp of Jyanta Pass. This pass is the final pass of this trek. We hit the road early in the morning. We climb steeply for about two hours through the rugged rocky hills and then trek through the dunes to reach Dachun Khola. From here, we walk through pasture land, where we can see yaks and sheep. Finally, we camp at Jyanta Pass Base Camp.

On the 17th day, we had an early breakfast and prepared to trek through the Jyanta Pass. We make a steep ascend for about three hours to reach the pass. We get a spectacular view of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and other snow-capped mountains from the pass. We rest for a while at the pass, take photographs, and descend to Tokyu village.

  • Trek through beautiful villages with terraced fields.
  • Observe the beautiful yak pastures and rocky hills.
  • Trek to Jyanta Pass at the stunning height of 5220 meters. This is also the final pass in this trek.  
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsB, L, D

From Tokyu, we prepare to descend to Juphal. The trek to Juphal from Tokyu involves six days of trekking. On the first day, we trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap. The walk includes a trail that takes through the bank of Thakchiu Khola. The trek to Dho Tarap is short but beautiful. Dho Tarap is one of the biggest villages in this area.

The next day, we trek from Dho Tarap to Shim Ora. The trek is a straightforward descent along the Tarap Khola. After descending for a while, we cross the river by a suspension bridge and continue trekking. We then cross many other small streams before reaching Shim Ora. Finally, we camp at Shim Ora.

As we descend rapidly, the vegetation starts changing, and sub-tropical forests appear. We start the trek through the gorge of Tarap Khola. We trek through some beautiful roads and easy trails after many days. The trail then takes us down to Khanigaon through different beautiful villages like Toltol, Nawarpani, Chhyugar, Laina Odar, and Chhedhul Gompa. We camp at Khanigaon.

From Khanigaon, we descend to Tarakot. The trek is relatively shorter, and the trails are also accessible. Descending from Khanigaon, we cross a suspension bridge over the Tarap Khola and continue trekking. After a few hours of trekking, we reach the bank of the Thuli Bheri and walk along the river to Tarakot. We camp at Tarakot.

As we continue descending, we gradually come towards the more populated and developed regions. The vegetation becomes pleasant, and the trek becomes more accessible. We trek through the dense forest along the Thuli Bheri River. We come across many small settlements with beautiful houses and different ethnic groups. The trek is short. After trekking for about 5 hours, we reach Dunai and spend a night.

From Juphal, we will catch our flight to Nepalgunj and then finally to Kathmandu. The trek from Dunai to Juphal is fascinating as we trek alongside the bank of the Bheri River through the beautiful forests. We walked through the western lands of Nepal for one last time. A trek of about 6 hours brings us to Juphal.

  • Trek alongside the gorgeous Thuli Bheri River.
  • Observe the gradual change in the vegetation as you trek down. 
  • AccommodationCamping / Tea house
  • MealsB, L, D

After breakfast in Juphal, we rush to the airport and fly to Nepalgunj. The flight is very short but full of beautiful scenes. The 25-minute flight provides a beautiful view of different mountains. After you land in Nepalgunj, our staff will transfer you to the hotel. You will have lunch and spend the rest of the day strolling around the city. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

The next day, after breakfast, we again head to the airport in Nepalgunj and catch a flight to Kathmandu. The flight is one hour long. After you land in Kathmandu, our staff will transfer you to the hotel. In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of the trek. We also have a farewell dinner with the team.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

On the final day of your exhilarating journey to the Upper Dolpo Trek in the Himalayas. We are ready to drop you at the international airport. We bid farewell, hoping to see you again. 

  • MealsBreakfast

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek Itinerary:

Planning for the Dolpo adventure, here are the details of the Dolpo Trek itinerary. So join us for a safe and great curated experience of remote and restricted trekking to the Himalayas.

What's Included
  • Airport transfer on both domestic and international flights.
  • Welcome group Dinner and Culture tour in Kathmandu
  • Standard hotel on twin share as on the itinerary
  • Tea House and tented camping while on Dolpo trek
  • Full board meals on the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Reliable and medical trek guide with a support crew
  • Responsible Travel 1 Trekker: 1 Porter with proper insurance
  • Proper safety: Oxygen Cylinder and First Aid medical kit
  • Warm Trek gear for the use: a sleeping bag and warm jacket
  • All required camping gear, including member and staff tents
  • Complementary trek gear: trek duffle bag, Tshirt
  • Special upper Dolpo trek permit fees
  • Tims and National Park entrance fees
What's Excluded
  • Nepal visa fees and your travel insurance of any kind
  • International Airfare and Airport Tax
  • Main meals in Kathmandu
  • Tips to the trek crew
  • Personal expenses like battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, etc.
Book with flexibility
All-Inclusive CostUS$4250

This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private.

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Customer Reviews
  • J
    John Waldman 5.0United StatesOctober 28, 2022logo
    Lower and Upper Dolpo trek and Nar Phu /circuit

    I completed my seventh trip to Nepal, all with the experts at Mountain Monarch Adventures, this summer (2022). The Dolpo portion of the trek required tents and cooking staff. Upper Dolpo does not yet have the infrastructure to support staying in lodges past Phoksundo Lake. Despite the difficult logistics and unorthodox itinerary MMA provided a near-flawless experience with competent staff who always had my best interests first and foremost. They were responsive to my needs, flexible when necessary, but always positive and supportive. MMA is simply the best. If you are looking for a basic trek or a complex adventure, they will meet your every expectation. Five stars is not high enough for their rating.

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