Trexmount Ventures
Trexmount

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Adventure Awaits

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Nepal
0 Reviews
Large Image
Best Price $2,601.00
Duration 26 Days
Location Nepal
Best Season Mar - May & Sep - Nov
Difficulty Level Challenging
Max Altitude 5,375 meters
Activity Trekking
Transportation Trexmount and Public Vehicle

Overview

Trekking in the far-western region of Nepal is one of the most exciting journeys in the whole of Nepal. Annually, both native and foreign tourists are fond of trekking in the Upper Dolpo Trek. A lot of people have their opinion on the Upper Dolpo Trek as a place that is rich both traditionally and culturally.  The unique landscape of the place is the main reason for its increasing popularity.

Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally enriching treks. Similarly, the Dolpo Trekking provides an authentic experience of local society’s secluded communities and long-held cultural customs. Examine the Trans-Himalayan landscape and travel to Shey Phoksundo, Nepal’s most important lake. The Upper Dolpo trip is brimming with adventure and adrenaline rush. Tibetan culture and having a salt trading course on the path transports you back in time. The visitors are astounded by the incredible social experience and Himalayan happiness.

Upper Dolpo Trekking is a relatively unknown and unexplored trekking circuit in Nepal. Visitors can appreciate an amazing scene that is rare for people all over the world. The trek begins with a breathtaking fifty-minute flight to Nepalgunj. We fly to Jhuphal (2,320m/7,611ft) in the mid-hill mountain region for another short flight. Similarly, the trip takes you past old settlements, verdant, rich woodlands, terraced farmlands, highland fauna, and Mother Nature’s features. The Shey Phoksundo Lake, located within the National Park, is as peaceful as Heaven. If you’re lucky, you might come across a variety of wild animals. Furthermore, there are Himalayan Thar, monkeys, pumas, leopards, and other wild animals that one can observe.

We continue our ascent from this beautiful lake. Moreover, the journey follows the trail to Shey Gompa Monastery. Similarly, Shey Gompa is situated in a remote area of the Himalayas, close to the Tibetan border in the southwest. With the fascinating and trendy estimates of Monks, you can offer your supplications and heal your spirit. Explore this intriguing location beneath the imposing Crystal Mountains. The Upper Dolpo Trek would be incomplete without a visit to the stunning Saldang-La Pass (5,200m/17,060ft). Saldang village, one of the major communities in the area, will be our destination. Most importantly, Thinley, the main character in the film Caravan, was born in Saldang and later changed his name to Himalaya. A French producer shot this video in the late 1990s. We continue our trek to Yangze Gompa and Sibu (4,560m/14,961ft) through beautiful villages. The trekking track will go to Jeng-La (5,090m/16,699ft), which is the trip’s final pass.

We return through the picturesque settlements of Tokyo Goan, Do, and Tarakot. Tarakot is a fascinating settlement with a historic dzong (fort) and a history as a trading stop on the Nepal-Tibet caravan route. Similarly, the walk will end in Dunai, where guests can join sacred religious networks. You will complete the Juphal flight and return to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Trexmount Ventures‘ crew will guide you magnificently through Upper Dolpo Trekking in a great manner.

Trekking in Nepal’s far-western Upper Dolpo region transports you to one of the Himalaya’s most remote regions. Expeditions into Dolpo might be difficult due to the lack of tourism infrastructure, so, you need a guide with you. The rewards, though, are well worth the effort: Tibetan Buddhist culture, some of the country’s oldest monasteries, the stunning Lake Phoksundo, uncommon fauna, and a true sense of being in the wilderness. Therefore, the Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most exciting journeys in Nepal.

Package options

Select Package Type

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Standard Package Price

US $2601
US $2890

per traveller

Standard Package Included

  • Airport pick up, and drop transfer by car, van, or bus, depending on group size
  • Private Ground transportation as per the itinerary
  • All round flight from Kathmandu-Nepalganj- Kathmandu and Nepalganj –Juphel-Nepalganj
  • All accommodations (Twin Share)
  • Standard Three Course Meal
  • All Permits
  • An experienced guide and the required number of porters (one porter between two pax)
  • Warm sleeping bag, warm down jacket, and walking stick, if necessary.
  • Trek bag.
  • All Government Taxes
  • Certificate of Trip Completion

Standard Package Excluded

  • Extra Meal
  • Single Supplement for single-use rooms
  • Tips to staff or any donations
  • Temple and monastery entry fee, & entry fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu & Nepalganj
  • Your travel insurance, medical, and emergency evacuation (Just in case)
  • All types of drinks (such as Hot & cold drinks, Mineral water, and alcoholic drinks)
  • All personal expenses that are not mentioned in the price inclusion

Trip Itinerary

Our representative will meet you at the airport for transfer to the Hotel. After some refreshment in the hotel, Our Tour leader will conduct a pre-departure meeting in the Hotel or at our office. The meeting will cover trip-related information & the collection of your Documents (passport copy, 2 passport-size photos, Travel insurance copy).

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meal

N/A

Time

N/A

Distance

N/A

Breakfast, free day for trek preparation. You can do your own activities OR, you can do a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley, visiting fascinating world heritage and cultural sites. There are a few places that are worth visiting, such as Hindus holy Pashupatinath temple, the Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square ( One is in Kathmandu, in Patan, and also in Bhaktapur), the Museum,  monasteries, old historical Palaces, and Gardens. Note:  this tour is optional, so you can visit the place of your interest & pay locally. 

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meal

Breakfast

Time

N/A

Distance

N/A

In the afternoon, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for a 45-minute scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a transit place for another flight to the Dolpo region. Nepalgunj is warm with sub-tropical temperatures. It is located close to the UP border of India. There are beautiful views with panoramic vistas of chain snow-capped peaks during the flight. Overnight in the Hotel. 

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~45 minutes

Distance

N/A

Early morning transfer back to Nepalgunj airport for another flight to Jhuphal in Dolpo. We have an excellent view of the mid-hills, dotte villages, and farm fields during this 25-minute flight.  We will start hiking after meeting your porters for the trek. Dunai is the district headquarters of Dolpo, where you will spend the first trekking day.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start with crossing a suspension bridge with a gentle climb to the other side of the Thulo Bheri River valley. We will follow the river valley and cool forest to reach Ankhe for the overnight.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We begin with short gentle ups and downs into the forest to reach the river side from where we climb to a ridge above the river and descend to cross a small bridge near Ryajik village and gentle climb before reaching at Sulighat village in Sumdu. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start through the Phokshumdo valley in a confluence of Pungmo Kholas (streams). Cross the west side of Phokshumdo Khola to follow Pungmo Khola on the west bank. Ascending to reach Ringmo village, which is an interesting traditional Tibetan-like village with chorten and Mani (prayer) walls. We walk a little further to reach the beautiful turquoise colored Phokshindo Lake. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

From this beautiful spot, our journey continues to reach other highlights of this trip. Our route contours a rocky shelf over a riverbank towards the western end of Phoksundo Lake. Arrive at a summer grazing field, opening into the vast flood plain of Phokshundo Khola, and stop here for the night by the riverside.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

From this isolated area, a morning walk begins on a gradual path towards a glacial valley, which leads north of Phokshundo Khola. Arrive at another confluence where another small stream joins. Walk over a long ridge through a grazing area. After a good ascent to reach a ridge top, which offers fabulous scenery of another wide valley and the Kang-La pass on the trail to Shey Gompa.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~7 hours

Distance

N/A

We start to reach our main destination, Shey Gompa and the Crystal Monastery, today. We will be starting with a steep uphill climb over slate stone to reach the top of Kang-la pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of this adventure. Enjoy a super vista of valleys and snow-capped peaks as far as the Mt. Dhaulagiri range.

After a great moment, we descend to the riverbank, then on to the wet marsh and meadows. See herds of yaks, sheep, goats, and nomads’ shelters. Slowly reach a red chorten (Buddhist monument), a relief sign. This long, hard trek comes to magnificent Shangri-La at Shey Gompa beneath the Crystal Mountain.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start to reach our main destination, Shey Gompa and the Crystal Monastery, today. We will be starting with a steep uphill climb over slate stone to reach the top of Kang-la pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of this adventure. Enjoy a super vista of valleys and snow-capped peaks as far as the Mt. Dhaulagiri range.

After a great moment, we descend to the riverbank, then on to the wet marsh and meadows. See herds of yaks, sheep, goats, and nomads’ shelters. Slowly reach a red chorten (Buddhist monument), a relief sign. This long, hard trek comes to the magnificent Shangri-La at Shey Gompa beneath the Crystal Mountain. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

Another rest day to marvel at the beauty of this mysterious and fascinating place, visit Shey Monastery, Shey meaning crystal in Tibetan, and the native language. This monastery is also known as Crystal Monastery. It was described in the Peter Matthiessen novel The Snow Leopard. Crystal Mountain is located east of Shey Gompa, one of the strangest and most mystical Crystal Mountains, with contorted cliffs laced with quartz, embedded with a wide variety of marine fossils. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

N/A

Distance

N/A

Leaving certainly this strangest and supernatural spot, we will be heading towards farms and villages in the lower Dolpo area, with Saldang and Namuna villages. Follow the path lined with juniper trees and descending into a canyon. The trail winds up to the Saldang-la pass, providing awesome views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We will be walking towards a pastureland of yaks and sheep. Take a gradual walk to reach Namduna Gaon, which is a nice village with an old monastery of the Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Namduna Gaon is a farm village that harvests only one crop a year, mainly barley. As other villages in the area grow buckwheat, mustard, potatoes, and radish. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start on a steep rocky slope and a dusty barren. After a few hours’ climb, reach Saldang, another impressive village that is located above a plateau, which is one of the largest villages of the inner Dolpo area. In Saldang, there are five villages, a prosperous village spread over a large area. Saldang is the prime village of the Dolpo area. It is known not only for its agricultural products, but also for being a major location for trade and a caravan route to Tibet. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

This great journey leads on to the least visited area by other trekkers. Follow the Nang chu River most of its way on this windswept scenic trail. We hike up and down passes to reach Tiling and Lurigaon, a smaller settlement. Walking a little further will get you into the Yangze village with an old Bon-Po Monastery. Bon–Po or Pa is a pre-Buddhist 6th-century religion that originated before Buddhism reached Tibet around the 6th Century.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

Our route retraces the path towards Saldang village. This route is more straightforward and shorter to Sibu and beyond. Re-cross the path to reach Saldang village. The path follows the river into terraced fields with rows of stupas, chortens, and a monastery. We hike through Namdo village, which is another large, flourishing village with more than 60 houses. Here, visit an old, impressive Namdo monastery. Descend towards the riverside, a shepherd’s temporary settlement at Sibu grazing land.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~7 hours

Distance

N/A

Our return journey leads through many grazing pastures after visiting cultural villages. The morning walk follows Nam Khong Khola (stream) for an hour. Encounter a yak caravan laden with Nepali goods for trade on the way to Tibet border on this old Trans Himalayan Trade route. Follow the same river for some time, and turns east to the confluence of two smaller rivers. We will hike uphill towards Jen–la Pehdi. 

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start quite early in the morning to cross the last high pass of this adventure. After a gentle climb, reach the top of Jeng-la marked by prayer flags and stone monuments. Enjoy magnificent views of the distant Dhaulagiri mountain range and towards the west, Kagmara, Kanjiboraba Himal. We will start descending to reach Tokyu Gaon. Tokyu Gaon is a pretty village with a monastery, which is one of the oldest in this area. Have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating village and its monastery. The people of this area belong to both Bon-Po and Chaiba sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana), living together in friendly harmony. (

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~6 hours

Distance

N/A

We start descending towards a wide green valley of Tarap Chu. Pass temporary shelters of Yak herders. After a nice break with great views, walk to Dho Tarap for overnight. Explore this nice village populated mostly by people of Tibetans and the Magar tribes.  

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

Today we are going to walk one of the longest treks of this trip. As the country changes, reach the lower Dolpo area.  Enjoy a moderate walk on a gradual path with a few hills and down. Enter a wide valley that narrows into a gorge. Take in the vegetation of juniper, wild rose, and blueberry bushes, which is typical in this dry arid landscape, being that it is in the inner high Himalaya of the arctic temperate zone.  You may encounter some wildlife, including herds of blue sheep, before reaching the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, which flows from the Tarap River to the east and originates from the glaciers of the North West Dhaulagiri Himalaya range. After a pleasant trek, come to a wonderful grassy field of summer pasture called Kamekharka

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~7 hours

Distance

N/A

After a few days of camping in the complete wilderness in nice grazing fields, today’s walk leads back to a small village of Khairgaon.  Walking beside the Tarap River and entering a deep gorge. Mount above a path built on sheer stony slopes. The walk into a narrow gorge provides some challenge. We will cross over a flood damaged to reach Kharigaon.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

The walk today leads to another most interesting and exciting village at Tarakot. Continue heading to the lower side of the Dolpo area through Lalberi village and then into the tree lines of willow, poplars, and junipers. We will follow the river downstream to Tarakot village, which is a picturesque village with neat terraced cultivated fields and an old fortress. Tarakot is a village of old interesting history, as this place, even before the Gorkha king and the Shah dynasty, who has an ancient capital during the Malla period and had forts known as Dzong.

Upon reaching Tarakot village, visit its famous, old Sandul Gompa, standing between the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu.  After an interesting tour of this village, overnight near a monastery on the shelf of a grassy plateau.

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~5 hours

Distance

N/A

Our outstanding adventure is coming back to the impressive village of Dunai. Walk a short distance to a motor road before driving in a jeep to Jhuphal, and for the flight back to Kathmandu

Accommodation

Tea Houses

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time

~1 hours

Distance

N/A

We will transfer to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, with time to relax in this warm area, in the afternoon catch another flight back to Kathmandu and then transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meal

Breakfast

Time

~4 hours

Distance

N/A

This day is reserved in case of flight delay at Jhuphal due to unfavorable weather conditions. On this extra day, you are free to do your own activities. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kathmandu

Meal

Breakfast

Time

N/A

Distance

N/A

Breakfast in the Hotel, Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure towards your next destination. Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

N/A

Meal

Breakfast

Time

N/A

Distance

N/A

Route Map

trip route map for Upper Dolpo Trekking

Fixed Departure

Frequently Asked Questions

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and restricted Himalayan adventures. Located in far western Nepal near the Tibetan plateau, the trek is famous for its untouched landscapes, ancient Bon and Buddhist culture, turquoise lakes, and high mountain passes. It is considered one of the wildest and most isolated trekking experiences in Nepal.

The best time for the Upper Dolpo Trek is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when weather is stable and skies are clear. These seasons offer safer high-pass crossings and better visibility of mountains. Dolpo also lies in a rain-shadow area, so some trekking is possible in monsoon, but winter is extremely harsh with heavy snow.

Upper Dolpo Trek is considered very challenging and suitable only for experienced trekkers. It involves long walking days, remote camping, and high-altitude terrain above 4,000–5,000 meters. The trails are rugged, and rescue access is extremely limited, making physical fitness, mental strength, and preparation essential for completing the journey safely.

Most Upper Dolpo Trek itineraries take around 20 to 28 days depending on the route and acclimatization schedule. The journey includes long trekking sections through isolated valleys, high passes, and sacred sites like Shey Gompa and Phoksundo Lake. Because of its remoteness, the trek is a full expedition-style adventure rather than a short hike.

The highest points on the Upper Dolpo Trek are high mountain passes often above 5,000 meters, such as Kang La Pass and other crossings that can exceed 5,300 meters. At this altitude, trekkers face thin air and cold conditions, making acclimatization and slow ascent very important.

Major highlights include Shey Phoksundo Lake, ancient monasteries like Shey Gompa, remote Tibetan-style villages, yak caravans, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. The turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs is one of Nepal’s most iconic natural wonders, adding spiritual and scenic depth to the trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek is not suitable for beginners. It is a highly demanding expedition requiring strong trekking experience, endurance, and comfort with camping in remote areas. Limited facilities, long walking days, and high-altitude exposure make it suitable only for well-prepared and experienced trekkers seeking extreme adventure.

Trekkers need special restricted area permits for Upper Dolpo, along with national park permits depending on the route. The region is strictly controlled by the Nepal government, and independent trekking is not allowed. Trekkers must travel with a licensed guide through an authorized trekking agency.

The trek offers deep exposure to ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, including Bon and Buddhist traditions, stone villages, monasteries, prayer walls, and yak caravans. Local communities still follow centuries-old lifestyles, giving trekkers a rare glimpse into a preserved Himalayan culture that feels untouched by modern development.

Upper Dolpo Trek is famous for its extreme remoteness, raw wilderness, sacred landscapes, and preserved Tibetan culture. Unlike popular trekking routes, it offers silence, isolation, and untouched beauty. The combination of high passes, turquoise lakes, ancient monasteries, and dramatic scenery makes it one of Nepal’s most legendary and adventurous trekking experiences.

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