Upper Dolpo Trekking - 26 Days

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trekking

• An ever exciting adventure on Nepal Far Wild West within scenic country of  Dolpo .
• In the land where elusive snow-leopard and herd of blue sheep dwells often seen on walks .
• Within Nepal largest national park of Shey and Phoksundo enriched with flora / fauna.
• Enjoy walk around impressive villages adorned with Buddhist and ancient Bon sect culture .
• Crossing high scenic passes to explore hidden  Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery .
• Adventure crossing several high passes facing tremendous mountain panorama.

Introduction: Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trekking, one of most fascinating adventure to experience once in your lifetime as the area of walks leads to Far North West Himalaya around wildest country where landscapes and culture closely resembles with Tibet.The northern terrain of Upper Dolpo which is an extension of high and vast Tibetan plateau where ancient Trans Himalaya Salt and Caravan trail still exists which you can witness on this fabulous Upper Dolpo Trekking .

Adventure that takes you to remote and isolated areas where you feel out of this world with its dramatic scenery of windswept terrain of high eroded hills and canyon and yet impressive and beautiful scenery to catch on this incredible walks around Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo Trekking due to its far distance from the capital Kathmandu where scenic flight involves both ways with interim stops at Nepalgunj city airport around Nepal Far South with warm sub-tropical temperatures, and then short flight to reach at Jhupal in Dolpo. Walk first takes you around beautiful emerald colored Phoksumdo Lake surrounded by lovely coniferous forest of blue pines, firs and spruce tree lines with time to explore around the lake and the village of Ringmo of great interest located next to the lake.

After enjoyable time at Phoksumdo Lake adventure takes to cross high Kang-la pass also known as Nangdo-la at above 5,350 m rewards you with gorgeous scenery of mountains and vast landscapes of Inner Dolpo. As walk progress reaching to our major destination at Shey-Gompa also called as Crystal Monastery where Crystal Mountain is close to Shey monastery, with time here to visit the old religious sites of the area enriched with ancient arts and crafts with idols of Buddha and Buddhist great Gurus with touch of Bon culture (a pre Buddhism and old sect religion before Buddhism was introduced in 6 th Centaury).

Upper Dolpo Trekking completes after walking past Saldang villages and crossing few passes to reach within inner Dolpo around large villages of Tokyu and Dho-Tarap as well with wonderful views of distant peaks on walks. Enjoying time with scenic walk where route leads on wide and long valley of Dho-Tarap River encountering Yaks grazing on vast green field coming across caravan loaded with goods on Trans Himalaya Trading trail route then reaching at Tarakot a village historical background of Malla kingdom times.

Slowly our adventure comes to an end reaching at Dunai headquarter town of Dolpo district and then completing our great walks at Jhupal, where scenic sweeping flight brings you back at Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, after an overwhelming adventure and great experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Major Attractions of Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trek is famous for its raw wilderness, ancient Tibetan culture, and untouched Himalayan landscapes. The trek takes you deep into one of Nepal’s most remote regions, offering experiences you won’t find on popular trails.

• Shey Phoksundo Lake – A stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and snow-capped peaks, often considered the most beautiful lake in Nepal.

• Phoksundo National Park – Nepal’s largest national park, rich in rare wildlife like blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and (very rarely) snow leopards.

• Shey Gompa & Crystal Mountain (Tsakang) – A sacred monastery and pilgrimage site where locals circle the mountain to collect crystals, reflecting centuries-old beliefs.

• Ancient Bon & Tibetan Buddhist Culture – Upper Dolpo preserves pre-Buddhist Bon religion and traditional Tibetan lifestyles, untouched by modern influence.

• Remote Trans-Himalayan Landscape – Dry high-altitude terrain, dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and vast open plateaus similar to the Tibetan plateau.

• High Mountain Passes – Challenging passes like Kang La and Sela La offer breathtaking panoramic views and a true sense of adventure.

• Traditional Villages & Yak Caravans – Experience authentic village life where people still trade using yak and mule caravans.

• Extreme Remoteness – Limited infrastructure, few trekkers, and no road access make Upper Dolpo one of Nepal’s last true wilderness treks.

Overall, Upper Dolpo Trekking is a perfect choice for trekkers seeking cultural depth, natural beauty, and pure adventure far from crowded trails.

Why choose the Upper Dolpo Trekking?

1. Remote and Untouched Wilderness

Upper Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most isolated and enigmatic regions, tucked away in the far northwest of the country. Unlike the well-trodden trails of Annapurna or Everest, trekking here offers a journey into landscapes that have remained almost unchanged for centuries. Towering cliffs, vast arid plateaus, and sparkling turquoise lakes create a dramatic backdrop that feels like another world.

The region is dotted with ancient villages where traditional lifestyles continue untouched by modernity. Stone houses, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and mani walls etched with sacred mantras give a glimpse into a culture deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. High mountain passes challenge your endurance but reward trekkers with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and hidden valleys that remain largely unexplored.

In Upper Dolpo, every step feels like a step back in time. The silence of the wilderness, broken only by the sound of distant yaks or flowing streams, provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature’s raw beauty.

2. Unique Culture and Traditions

Upper Dolpo is a cultural treasure trove, heavily influenced by Tibetan heritage. The region is home to remote villages where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive, offering trekkers a rare glimpse into a way of life largely untouched by modernity.

Ancient monasteries perched on cliffs or hidden in valleys are the heart of local spiritual life. These monasteries, with their colorful prayer flags, intricately painted murals, and sacred statues, provide not just breathtaking visuals but also insight into the deep-rooted Buddhist philosophy that guides the community.

Traditional Tibetan-style villages, made of stone and wood, are scattered across the valleys. Life here follows the rhythms of nature, with yak herding, barley farming, and local handicrafts forming the backbone of daily existence. Festivals, celebrated with music, dance, and ritual, are lively spectacles that bring the entire community together and give trekkers a front-row seat to age-old customs.

Interactions with the locals, often warm and welcoming despite the language barrier, allow you to experience firsthand a lifestyle that has remained remarkably consistent for centuries. From sharing butter tea with families to witnessing sacred rituals, Upper Dolpo’s cultural richness is as mesmerizing as its landscapes.

3. Incredible Scenic Diversity

Upper Dolpo is a visual feast for trekkers, offering landscapes that change dramatically at every turn. From deep, winding valleys to towering, rugged mountains, the region showcases the raw power and beauty of the Himalayas.

One of the highlights is Phoksundo Lake, a high-altitude turquoise gem surrounded by cliffs and pine forests. Its serene waters, considered sacred by locals, reflect the mountains and skies, creating a scene straight out of a dream.

The trek also takes you through desert-like Himalayan terrain, where arid plateaus, sparse vegetation, and striking rock formations give the impression of a remote, otherworldly land. Along the way, you’ll encounter glacial moraines and high passes, challenging yet rewarding features that offer sweeping panoramic views of peaks and valleys that few travelers ever see.

Unlike shorter treks where scenery is rushed past, this 26-day journey allows you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s incredible diversity. Each day brings new landscapes, from tranquil lakes and verdant forests to stark, windswept plateaus, ensuring that every moment is a unique and unforgettable experience.

4. Challenging High-Altitude Adventure

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is not for the faint-hearted—it’s a true test of endurance, stamina, and mental strength, making it ideal for adventure seekers. The trails take you across high mountain passes above 5,000 meters, offering both thrilling challenges and breathtaking rewards. Standing atop these passes, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see, gives an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.

The trek’s 26-day itinerary is carefully designed to allow gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness while giving trekkers the chance to enjoy the journey at a steady, comfortable pace. Along the way, you’ll navigate rocky paths, narrow ridges, and sometimes harsh weather conditions, all of which add to the adventure and make reaching each village or campsite a rewarding milestone.

This combination of physical challenge and awe-inspiring scenery makes Upper Dolpo a destination that pushes your limits while creating memories and stories that last a lifetime.

5. Photography and Wildlife Opportunities

Upper Dolpo is a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The region is home to rare and fascinating wildlife, including elusive snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), red pandas, and herds of yaks grazing across the high plateaus. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any wildlife lover.

Beyond wildlife, the landscapes themselves are a photographer’s dream. From the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake reflecting surrounding cliffs, to the serene Shey Monastery perched dramatically on a hilltop, every scene offers a perfect frame. Traditional villages, colorful prayer flags, and local festivals provide endless opportunities for cultural and lifestyle photography, capturing moments that feel timeless.

Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned photographer, Upper Dolpo’s combination of dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and rich cultural scenes ensures that your camera—and your memories—will be filled with unforgettable moments.

6. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience

Upper Dolpo offers a trekking experience far removed from the crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna. With very few tourists venturing this far, you have the rare opportunity to explore an untouched and authentic corner of Nepal.

The region’s isolation means you can experience local culture and traditions without the influence of modern tourism, allowing for genuine interactions with villagers and a deeper understanding of their way of life. Stone-built settlements, ancient monasteries, and traditional festivals feel remarkably unchanged, giving a sense of stepping back in time.

Perhaps the most striking aspect is the solitude and silence that envelop the valleys and high plateaus. Here, the only sounds are the wind sweeping across barren mountains, distant bells from monasteries, or the lowing of yaks—a peacefulness that is unmatched anywhere else in Nepal. For trekkers seeking reflection, adventure, and a sense of true remoteness, Upper Dolpo is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination.

How does The Upper Dolpo Trek start and end?

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a true Himalayan adventure, beginning with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a domestic flight to Juphal, the remote gateway to this hidden region of Nepal. From Juphal, the trek gradually ascends through pristine forests, wide valleys, and traditional villages that have preserved their ancient Tibetan culture for centuries.

Trekkers journey through some of the most untouched landscapes in the Himalayas, from the spiritual Shey Gompa Monastery to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, and across a series of high-altitude passes that reveal sweeping panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Along the route, travelers encounter traditional Tibetan-style settlements, interact with welcoming local communities, and explore hidden valleys that few outsiders ever see.

The trek challenges the body with its rugged high-altitude terrain, yet rewards the soul with the region’s serenity, cultural richness, and unparalleled natural beauty. Over the course of 26 days, adventurers immerse themselves fully in Upper Dolpo’s landscapes and traditions. The journey concludes back in Juphal, where trekkers return to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu, carrying unforgettable memories of one of Nepal’s most remote and mesmerizing Himalayan regions.

Outline Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest.

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj city and transfer to hotel.

Day 04: Fly to Jhupal then drive to Dunai 

Day 05: Trek to Chhepka

Day 06: Trek to Samdua village

Day 07: Trek to Phoksumdo Lake

Day 08: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo-Khola

Day 10: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang

Day 11: Cross Kang -La and trek to Shey Gompa

Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa around Crystal Monastery.

Day 13: Trek to Namgung via Sela (Gela) La 

Day 14: Trek to Saldang

Day 15: Trek to Chagaon

Day 16: Trek to Dachu Khola camp

Day 17: Trek and cross over Jyanta-La and walk to Phedi

Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng la 

Day 19: Trek to Dho Tarap

Day 20: Trek to Ghymagar

Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola via Chhyugar

Day 22: Trek to Tarakot

Day 23: Trek to Dunai then drive to Jhupal.

Day 24: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

Day 25: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.

Day 26: Final International departure from Nepal.

We can customize the Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary to suit your needs, whether you prefer a relaxed pace with extra time in villages, additional sightseeing stops, or more challenging trekking days. Every journey can be tailored to match your interests, fitness level, and schedule, ensuring a personalized Himalayan experience that’s both enjoyable and memorable.