Upper Dolpo, a remarkable section of the Great Himalaya Trail, is celebrated for its mystical allure, rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture, vast landscapes, and rare wildlife. Nestled between towering peaks like Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba, and bordering the Tibetan plateau, it is considered one of the “hidden valleys” created by Guru Rinpoche for Buddhist followers centuries ago. Accessible via Tibet, Upper Dolpo has retained its unique, untouched character, remaining largely free from modern influences.
The trek to Upper Dolpo spans approximately 28 days, reaching altitudes between 4,530 m and 5,115 m. Known as one of Nepal’s most challenging treks, it takes adventurers across high valleys and expansive arid plateau landscapes, offering an immersive spiritual experience.
Because access is restricted, the region draws travelers seeking pristine, off-the-beaten-path destinations. It provides a rare glimpse into the isolated world of ancient Himalayan Tibetan civilization, with authentic villages, breathtaking scenery, and serene landscapes. The extraordinary beauty of Upper Dolpo has inspired authors such as David Snelgrove, Peter Matthiessen, and George Schaller, who have chronicled its charm in their works.
Trip Info
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Hotel/ Tea houses
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Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May)
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5663m.
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5/6 Hours
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Jeep/ Car/ Tourist Bus
Overview
Nepal is globally renowned for hosting 8 of the world’s 10 highest peaks, being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, and for its warm, hospitable people and rich cultural heritage. Yet, many are surprised to discover that Nepal also boasts striking arid landscapes. Some of these remarkable areas are part of the country’s Trans-Himalayan region, offering unique scenery far different from the lush valleys most people associate with Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Our Wild + Unique Trekking Route Through Upper Dolpo to Mustang.
- The Crystal Mountain Kora (Sister Peak of Mount Kailash).
- A Trek Through ‘Old Tibet’, in the Tibetan Border Region.
- Vignettes from Eric Valli’s movie ‘Himalaya.
- Turquoise Phoksumdo Lake + the Devil’s Trail.
- Bon Thasung Tsholing Gompa (Monastery).
- Shey Gompa + Tsakhang Gompa (Monasteries).
- Tralung Gompa | Artist Tenzin Norbu’s Monastery in Thinkyu.
- Traditional Tibetan Villages | Saldang, Khoma, Thinkyu + Tsharka.
- Hidden Sangtha Village | Mustang.
- Beautiful + Traditional Panzang Valley.
- Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.
- High Himalayan Passes en Route to Lower Mustang.
- Harvest Season in Upper Dolpo.
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your journey, or explore the local area at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Start your day with an optional morning tour to Kathmandu’s ancient marketplaces, experiencing the vibrant local culture. Visit world-renowned heritage sites and temples, learning about Nepal’s rich history and traditions. Return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the day preparing for your trek, arranging permits, and checking equipment. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.
Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475 m), the gateway to Upper Dolpo. From Juphal, begin your trek to Shyanta (2,520 m), a scenic journey through remote villages and forested trails. Enjoy your first taste of Upper Dolpo’s pristine landscapes. Overnight stay in a local lodge at Shyanta.
Today, trek from Shyanta to Amchi Hospital (3,110 m). The trail gradually ascends through remote villages, rolling hills, and rugged landscapes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take breaks to enjoy the serene environment and interact with local villagers. Overnight stay at a lodge near Amchi Hospital.
Trek from Amchi Hospital to the stunning Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m), one of Nepal’s most beautiful and sacred lakes. The trail passes through traditional villages, terraced fields, and rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Arrive at the lake in the afternoon and enjoy its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay at a lodge near Phoksundo Lake.
Take a full day to rest and acclimatize at Phoksundo Lake. Use this time to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the serene landscapes, visit nearby villages, or photograph the stunning turquoise lake and Himalayan scenery. Proper acclimatization today is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek ahead. Overnight stay at a lodge near Phoksundo Lake.
Today, trek from Phoksundo Lake to the North Camp (3,630 m). The trail gently ascends along scenic ridges, offering panoramic views of the lake below and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the remote, untouched beauty of Upper Dolpo. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp at North Camp.
Today’s trek takes you from North Camp to Lar Tsa Camp (4,200 m). The trail ascends steadily through high valleys, rocky terrain, and expansive landscapes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This is a longer trekking day, so take your time, stay hydrated, and enjoy the serene and remote beauty of Upper Dolpo. Overnight stay at Lar Tsa Camp.
Trek from Lar Tsa Camp to Snowfields Camp (4,650 m) today. The trail gradually ascends through alpine terrain, snow patches, and rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Take time to acclimatize to the higher altitude and enjoy the serene, remote environment. Overnight stay at Snowfields Camp.
Today, you will cross the challenging Kang La Pass at 5,380 m, offering panoramic views of the remote Trans-Himalayan landscape. After the crossing, descend to Shey Gompa (4,400 m), one of Upper Dolpo’s most important and ancient monasteries, perched high above the valley. The trek is long but rewarding, combining high-altitude adventure with cultural immersion. Overnight stay at a lodge near Shey Gompa.
Spend a full day exploring Shey Gompa and its surroundings. Visit the ancient monastery, interact with resident monks, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site. You can also take short walks in the nearby valleys, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and capture the serene landscapes of Upper Dolpo. Overnight stay at a lodge near Shey Gompa.
Today, trek from Shey Gompa, crossing the Saldang La Pass at 5,060 m. The trail offers stunning high-altitude vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the pass, descend to Namgung (4,430 m), a remote village that showcases traditional Dolpo culture and lifestyle. This day combines challenging trekking with cultural immersion. Overnight stay at a lodge in Namgung.
Trek from Namgung to Karang (4,050 m), passing through scenic valleys, rugged trails, and traditional Dolpo villages. The route offers beautiful views of distant peaks and a glimpse into the daily life of local communities. This moderate trekking day allows you to enjoy the serene landscapes and peaceful atmosphere of Upper Dolpo. Overnight stay at a lodge in Karang.
Today, trek from Karang to Mischagaon Village (4,200 m), passing through high valleys, rugged trails, and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the serene landscapes of Upper Dolpo. This trek offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Overnight stay at a lodge in Mischagaon Village.
Today’s trek takes you across the Muri La Pass at 5,030 m, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding high Himalayas and the arid Trans-Himalayan landscape. After the pass, descend to Chanpola Goth near Shimen Village (4,250 m), a remote settlement reflecting traditional Dolpo culture. This day combines high-altitude trekking with cultural encounters in isolated villages. Overnight stay at a lodge in Chanpola Goth.
Trek from Chanpola Goth to Tinje Village (4,180 m), passing through high valleys, traditional settlements, and open landscapes of Upper Dolpo. The trail offers panoramic views of distant peaks and insight into the local Tibetan-Buddhist way of life. Today is a long but rewarding day, showcasing both natural beauty and cultural richness. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tinje Village.
Today, trek from Tinje Village to Rapka (4,550 m). The trail ascends gradually through high valleys and rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of isolation that makes this region so unique. Overnight stay at a lodge in Rapka.
Today’s trek takes you across the Chharka La Pass at 5,015 m, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Trans-Himalayan landscape. After the pass, descend to the remote village of Chharka (4,300 m), where you can experience traditional Dolpo culture and lifestyle. This is a long but rewarding day, combining high-altitude trekking with cultural immersion. Overnight stay at a lodge in Chharka.
Spend a full day exploring Chharka Village and its surroundings. Walk through the traditional village, interact with local families, and learn about the Tibetan-Buddhist culture preserved here for centuries. Take in the serene landscapes, photograph the rugged valleys, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote Himalayan settlement. Overnight stay at a lodge in Chharka Village.
Today, trek from Chharka Village to Norbulung (4,750 m), then continue to Molum Sumna (4,860 m). The trail passes through high-altitude valleys, rocky terrain, and expansive landscapes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. This challenging day rewards trekkers with a sense of accomplishment and the serene beauty of Upper Dolpo’s remote wilderness. Overnight stay at a lodge near Molum Sumna.
Today, trek from Molum Sumna and cross the challenging Sangda La Pass at 5,515 m, one of the highest points on the Upper Dolpo trek. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Trans-Himalayan landscape and distant peaks. After the pass, descend to Sangda Phedi (5,100 m), a high-altitude camp surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp at Sangda Phedi.
Today, trek from Sangda Phedi and cross the Lower Sangda La Pass at 5,035 m. After summiting, descend through high valleys and rugged terrain to reach Sangda Village (3,800 m). The descent provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the arid Trans-Himalayan landscape. Overnight stay at a lodge in Sangda Village.
Today’s trek takes you from Sangda Village to Dhagarjun (3,280 m), descending through beautiful valleys, terraced fields, and remote settlements. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gives a deeper glimpse into the traditional Dolpo lifestyle. This is a long trekking day, so take your time and enjoy the serene landscapes. Overnight stay at a lodge in Dhagarjun.
Trek from Dhagarjun to Jomsom (2,670 m), descending through deep valleys and along the Kali Gandaki River. Enjoy panoramic views of towering mountains and the unique landscapes of the Mustang region. Arrive in Jomsom by late afternoon, a lively town with basic amenities, marking the end of your Upper Dolpo trekking adventure. Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Jomsom.
Take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, enjoying spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Pokhara, continue by flight or drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after the long journey. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the city or resting. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax, shop, or explore at your own pace. You can visit local markets, heritage sites, or simply unwind after the long Upper Dolpo trek. This day also provides a buffer for any travel delays or adjustments. Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Upper Dolpo trek, its stunning landscapes, ancient villages, and unique culture.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers,
- Internal flight Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Juphal/Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu.
- Restricted area permit, TIMS, conservation fee,
- Trekking guides, cook, porters & other supporting staffs,
- Tented accommodation during trek on full board.
- Staff insurance on the trek,
- Duffle bag.
- Four nights in Kathmandu Guest House & one night in Nepalgunj with breakfast.
- Safety equipment including high altitude chamber and satellite phone.
Cost Excludes
- International flight ticket.
- Personal expenses.
- Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee. (Approx. USD 40 Per Person)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Pokhara.
- Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport-size photos and 40 USD for a 30-day Nepal tourist visa; visa forms can be filled out online in advance)
- Travel health insurance. (highly recommended)
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver. (Recommended)
- Hot shower and mineral water during the trek
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the included section.
FAQs
The ideal trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and temperatures are suitable for high-altitude trekking. Winter is extremely cold, and the passes may be blocked by snow, while summer brings heavy monsoon rains.
Yes, Upper Dolpo is a restricted area, and trekkers require special permits issued by the Nepal government. These include the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System). Permits must be arranged in advance, often through a registered trekking agency.
The Upper Dolpo trek is considered one of Nepal’s toughest treks. It involves high-altitude passes over 5,000 m, long trekking days, and remote, rugged terrain. Good physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and proper acclimatization are essential for a safe and enjoyable journey.
