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Step into one of the last untouched corners of the Himalayas with the Upper Dolpo Trekking Adventure. This 30-day journey takes you deep into a hidden world of ancient monasteries, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and dramatic high passes above 5,000 meters. From sacred valleys to windswept plateaus, this trek is not just a journey through mountains—it is a journey through time, culture, and raw Himalayan wilderness.
The Upper Dolpo region lies between the Dhaulagiri range and the Tibetan Plateau, forming one of Nepal’s most remote trekking destinations. The trail passes through deep gorges, high deserts, yak pastures, and ancient trade routes once used by salt traders between Nepal and Tibet.
Starting from Juphal, the journey gradually ascends through lush forests and river valleys before reaching the turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake. From here, the landscape transforms into barren high-altitude terrain leading to sacred monasteries like Shey Gompa.
The trek continues across multiple high passes including Nagdalo La, Sela La, Mola La, Niwas La, and Jungben La, offering panoramic Himalayan views of peaks like Kanjirowa Himal and Dhaulagiri massif. Finally, the route descends into the Kali Gandaki Valley and ends at Jomsom, marking the completion of one of Nepal’s most demanding trekking adventures.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll have a trek briefing and final preparations.
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided city tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In the evening, we’ll have a pre-trip briefing with the trekking crew.
A short scenic flight takes you to Nepalgunj, a town near the Indian border. The change in climate and topography is striking. In the evening, you will meet with trekking staff and receive safety and trek orientation.
Morning flight to Juphal, the only airstrip in Dolpo. From here, trek downhill to Thuli Bheri River, passing terraced fields and small settlements. Cross a suspension bridge and ascend through cedar forests to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo. Overnight at tented camp in Dunai.
Cross Sulighat Bridge at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Follow the Suli Gad River, enjoying views of Dhaulagiri Range, and continue through pine, cypress, and bamboo forests to reach Chhepka village. Overnight at tented camp in Chhepka.
Follow the Phoksundo Khola upstream along narrow trails high in the gorge. Walk through bamboo groves and forests before reaching Amchi Hospital, a traditional Tibetan medical center. Overnight at tented camp in Amchi Hospital.
A short trek through birch forests leads to Ringmo village, a traditional Tibetan-style settlement near Shey Phoksundo Lake. Explore the lake shores and admire the turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and forest. Overnight at tented camp in Ringmo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Time: 3-4 hours. Accommodation: Tented camp
Full day to explore Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake. Visit Ringmo village and enjoy views of Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m). This day also aids in acclimatization. Overnight at tented camp in Ringmo.
Follow the trail along Phoksundo Khola riverbed with views of Kanjirowa Himal. Camp at Chabluk Phu, a grazing area. Overnight at tented camp in Chabluk Phu.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Time: 5-6 hours. Accommodation: Tented camp
Gradual climb through juniper forests, crossing bridges before reaching Snowfields Camp (Nagdalo La Base Camp), made famous by Peter Matthiessen in The Snow Leopard. Overnight at tented camp.
Climb steeply to Nagdalo La Pass (5,350m) with stunning views of Phoksundo Lake and Upper Dolpo. Descend into Shey Gompa, an ancient monastery beneath Crystal Mountain. Overnight at tented camp in Shey Gompa.
Rest and explore Shey village and Tsakang Gompa (800 years old, perched dramatically on a cliff). Learn about Bon Po culture and visit the sacred Crystal Mountain. Overnight at tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Time: N/A Accommodation: Tented camp
Cross Sela La Pass (5,095m) with views extending towards the Tibetan Plateau. Descend into the meadows of Namgung and visit its monastery. Overnight at tented camp.
A short trek leads to Saldang village, one of Dolpo’s wealthiest settlements, strategically located on ancient trade routes to Tibet. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek through Mani walls, chortens, and barren hills to Khomagaon. The arid landscape offers a true feel of the Trans-Himalayan terrain. Overnight at tented camp.
Cross Shimen La Pass (4,375m) and descend to Shimen village by the Panjyan Khola River. Visit Shimen Gompa. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek past Pu Gompa and continue along Panjyan Khola to Tinje, a culturally rich village with wide fields and fort ruins. Overnight at tented camp.
Explore Tinje’s monasteries, fortress ruins, and traditional lifestyle. Learn about Tenzing Norbu Lama, a renowned Dolpo artist born here. Overnight at tented camp.
Follow Kehein Khola river crossing bridges until reaching Rapka, a remote grazing settlement. Overnight at tented camp.
Cross Mola La Pass (5,030m) and descend to Chharka Bhot, a large village with Buddhist and Bönpo monasteries. Overnight at tented camp.
Rest day for acclimatization and exploration of Buddhist & Bonpo monasteries. Overnight at tented camp.
Gradual ascent through pastures and meadows to Norbulung campsite, with views of the Dhaulagiri massif. Overnight at tented camp.
Ascend to Molum Sumdo, a yak pasture at the base of Niwas La Pass (5,120m). Views of Dhaulagiri II and Tongu Himal. Overnight at tented camp.
A challenging day crossing two high passes before descending to Ghalden Ghuldun. Overnight at tented camp.
Descend steeply through gorges and rivers to reach Santa village, marking entry into the Annapurna region. Overnight at tented camp.
Climb to Bhima Lojun La (4,460m) with great views of Kali Gandaki Valley. Descend into Phalyak village, known for archery festivals. Overnight at tented camp.
Final day of trekking along Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom, where we celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Overnight at hotel in Jomsom.
Morning flight to Pokhara. Free day to relax and explore Lakeside. Overnight at 3/4-star hotel in Pokhara.
Reserved as a contingency day in case of flight delays. If flights go as planned, spend the morning exploring Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu. Overnight at 3/4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight. We recommend keeping an extra day in Kathmandu at the end to account for possible delays in Juphal or Jomsom flights.
Trip Cost – What’s Included & Excluded.
It is a very strenuous trek requiring high fitness and prior trekking experience.
The highest point is Jungben La at 5,550m (18,209 ft).
Yes, Upper Dolpo is a restricted region requiring special permits arranged by us.
Only limited connectivity in some villages; mostly no internet access.
Hotels in cities and fully supported camping during the trek.
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Yes, due to high elevation; proper acclimatization is included in itinerary.
Yes, a licensed guide is compulsory for Upper Dolpo.
Fresh cooked meals including Nepali, Tibetan, and basic continental food.
The trek ends at Jomsom after crossing the Himalayas.
