The Upper Dolpa Trek is one of the most remote and adventurous treks in Nepal. This journey takes you deep into the hidden valleys of Dolpa, passing through dramatic mountain passes, untouched Tibetan-influenced villages, serene turquoise lakes like Phoksundo, and ancient Buddhist monasteries like Shey Gompa. The region is part of the SheyPhoksundo National Park and is rich in both cultural and natural heritage. You will cross several high passes above 5000m, offering panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges.
Season | Best Time | Why It’s Good (or Not) |
---|---|---|
🌸 Spring | Late April to May | Melting snow opens high passes Clear skies and stable weather Blooming wildflowers |
🌞 Summer | June to mid-July | Dolpo is in a rain shadow, so it’s mostly dry Lush landscapes and active herding life Fewer crowds |
🍁 Autumn | Mid-September to October | Most stable and clear weather Great mountain views Cultural festivals in villages |
❄️ Winter | Early December (limited) | Harsh cold, heavy snow at high passes Many villages empty Trekking not recommended |
Considered one of the most challenging and remote treks in Nepal.
Includes high passes above Nangdra La Pass (5,360Mt/17,585Ft), Sela La (5,095Mt/16,716Ft), Jyanta La Pass (5,220Mt/17,126Ft),
Requires:
5–7 hours of trekking daily
Good physical fitness and mental resilience
Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,000m recommended)
Pre-departure endurance and cardio training
Itinerary includes ample acclimatization days and is supported by a professional trekking team.
The trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, increasing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness/light-headedness
Fatigue or weakness
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Vomiting (in serious cases)
Inform your guide immediately
Rest and hydrate (3–4 liters of water per day)
Take Diamox (under guidance)
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and smoking
Consume ginger tea or garlic soup
Kathmandu : 2–3 star hotels (twin-sharing rooms)
On Trek: Lodges/guesthouses and tented camps.
In Cities: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own (ample local dining options).
Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hot tea/coffee with each meal
Meals are nutritious, fresh, and hygienic
Alcoholic drinks are not included
Airport pickup/drop via private vehicle
Public transport :
Kathmandu → Dunai → Kathmandu.
Due to the remote and high-altitude nature of the trek:
Comprehensive travel insurance is required.
Should cover:
High-altitude trekking
Medical treatment and hospitalization
Emergency helicopter evacuation
Essential especially during winter or in case of sudden altitude-related illnesses.
This trek is both challenging and deeply rewarding—perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.
Immediate shift from bustling cities to the peaceful, secluded Dolpo region
Daily 5–7 hours of trekking
Rocky paths, narrow ridges, prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls
Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture
Views of Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan giants
Thulo Bheri River
Phoksundo Lake – turquoise, tranquil, and mesmerizing
Possible sightings of blue sheep, snow leopards, and grey langurs
Warm hospitality of Magar, Gurung, and other ethnic communities
Meals prepared with fresh local ingredients
A blend of cultural taste and nourishment
Be ready for unpredictable weather and awe-inspiring moments
Embrace the surprises – they make this trek an adventure of a lifetime.
• Description: Arrive in the capital city of Nepal, a vibrant mix of culture, tradition, and bustling energy. You’ll be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time to relax or explore the nearby Thamel area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Accommodation: Hotel (1,350Mt/4,429Ft)
• Meals: Dinner
• Description: In the morning, visit some of Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa or the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), which offer insight into Buddhist spirituality. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to finalize your gear, check trekking permits, and receive a pre-trek briefing to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
• Accommodation: Hotel (1,350Mt/4,429Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Description: Begin an adventurous overland journey from Kathmandu to Dunai, traveling through the dramatic landscapes of western Nepal. This long but scenic drive traverses hills, rivers, and remote villages, gradually rising from the plains to the mountainous terrain of Dolpa. Dunai, located on the banks of the Bheri River, is the district headquarters and gateway to Upper Dolpa, where traditional life and untouched Himalayan beauty greet you at every corner.
• Accommodation: Lodge (2,140Mt/7,021Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Begin your trek along the Suligad River, passing through lush pine forests and crossing several suspension bridges. Encounter scattered Magar villages along the way and enjoy the soothing sounds of cascading streams. The path is moderately challenging but packed with rewarding views of steep hills and clear waters.
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent (2,838Mt/9,311Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to unique biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The trail follows a gentle gradient through cedar and pine forests and deep valleys. Expect to see birds and other wildlife along the way, as you venture into one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the Himalayas.
• Accommodation: Tent (3,110Mt/10,203Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Today’s journey features a steep climb with increasingly breathtaking views as you approach the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. Arrive at Ringmo Village, a culturally rich Bon settlement with stone houses and yak herders. Visit the Bon monastery to witness the spiritual practices distinct from Tibetan Buddhism.
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Tent (3,640Mt/11,942Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Take a rest day to acclimatize at the edge of the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. Explore the lakeside trails, visit the Bon monastery, or simply relax and take in the reflections of snow-capped peaks on the lake’s surface. This day is essential to prepare your body for higher elevations in the days ahead.
• Accommodation: Tent / Teahouse (3,640Mt/11,942Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Follow a rugged, narrow trail along cliffs above the river, passing several waterfalls. The scenery becomes increasingly remote and wild, with forests giving way to scrublands and rock formations. This stretch marks your entry into true wilderness, offering quiet solitude and stunning Himalayan backdrops.
• Accommodation: Tent (3,750Mt/12,303Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: The trail today climbs gradually through alpine landscapes and high-altitude valleys. Reach Nangdra La Base Camp nestled below towering peaks, where you’ll camp in open grasslands. The silence here is profound, broken only by wind or distant bird calls, preparing you for the challenging pass tomorrow.
• Accommodation: Tent (4,500Mt/14,764Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Cross one of the highest and most physically demanding passes on the trek. The ascent is steep and snowy, but the views from the top—of arid plateaus and snow peaks—are magnificent. Descend carefully into a sacred valley and arrive at Shey Gompa, a centuries-old monastery revered by pilgrims.
• Accommodation: Tent (4,343Mt/12,249Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Ascend gently toward Sela La Pass through barren terrain before descending into a narrow gorge. Reach Numgung Gompa, a secluded monastic outpost surrounded by cliffs. The Gompa provides rare insight into Tibetan Buddhism in Dolpo and offers panoramic views of uninhabited valleys.
• Accommodation: Tent (4,360Mt/14,305Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Walk along riverbanks bordered by barley fields and rocky hills. You’ll pass smaller settlements and yak pastures while tracing a gentle uphill path. Chagaon, a peaceful village nestled in a high valley, offers a quiet retreat after a day of scenic trekking across Dolpo’s dramatic landscapes.
• Accommodation: Tent (3,840Mt/12,598Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Begin your ascent toward Jyanta La Pass, gaining elevation through rocky, windswept terrain. Set up camp below the pass, surrounded by spectacular ridgelines and snow-capped peaks. This remote location is perfect for stargazing, and you may even spot blue sheep grazing nearby.
• Accommodation: Tent (4,700Mt/15,420Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Today is one of the most challenging days as you cross Jyanta La Pass, which offers jaw-dropping views of Dolpo’s isolated wilderness. The descent toward Murjung is steep but scenic, traversing scree slopes and remote trails. Murjung is a high-altitude camping spot set in a desolate but beautiful environment.
• Accommodation: Tent (4,965Mt/16,289Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Descend into the stunning Tarap Valley, where you’ll pass colorful prayer flags and chortens. Visit Tokyu Monastery, a centuries-old site reflecting the Tibetan architectural style. Dho Tarap is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world, inhabited by resilient mountain people.
• Accommodation: Lodge/Tent (3,944Mt/12,940Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Follow the Tarap Khola as it winds through deep gorges and narrow rock canyons. The trail is undulating and scenic, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. You’ll feel the altitude drop as the vegetation changes and the landscape softens.
• Accommodation: Tent (3,780Mt/12,402Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: Continue down into greener valleys where pine trees and grasslands return. The trail becomes easier and more hospitable, and you may encounter herders or villagers returning from high pastures. Camp at Laisicap near the river, with views of cascading hills and dense forests.
• Accommodation: Tent (2,775Mt/9,104Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Description: End your trekking adventure with a scenic drive or short walk back to Dunai, retracing your route along the Bheri River. Take the afternoon to explore Dunai’s small market, mingle with locals, or simply relax after the long days in the highlands.
• Accommodation: Lodge (2,140mMt/7,021Ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Description: Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas as you return to the bustling capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest after the long journey through the remote northwest.
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Description: A free day to unwind, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a traditional Nepali spa treatment. You can also explore cultural sites like Bhaktapur or Patan for more in-depth heritage experiences. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking crew or fellow adventurers.
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Description: After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of Dolpa’s dramatic landscapes, spiritual monasteries, and warm-hearted people. Your Upper Dolpa adventure ends here—but the experience will stay with you forever.
• Meals: Breakfast