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Upper Dolpo Trekking Adventure With 5 High Himalayan Passes
Upper Dolpo, nestled between the Dhaulagiri Mountain range and the Tibetan Plateau in Nepal’s mid-west, is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks in the country. This extraordinary 30-day adventure traverses five high mountain passes, leading you into one of the most remote and isolated regions of Nepal. The trek connects the mystical deserts of Upper Dolpo with the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley in Mustang, offering both natural and cultural wonders along the way.
Your journey begins with arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After a short stay in the capital, you take a scenic flight via Nepalgunj to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo and the starting point of your trek. From here, the trail winds through lush forests, deep gorges, and traditional villages before reaching the turquoise-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake (145m deep – Nepal’s deepest lake) near the picturesque village of Ringmo.
The adventure continues with the crossing of Nagdalo La (Kang La, 5,350m), leading to the sacred Shey Gompa, one of Dolpo’s oldest and most revered monasteries. As you journey deeper into Dolpo, you cross a series of passes that reward you with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa, Crystal Mountain, and other towering Himalayan peaks.
Culturally, Upper Dolpo is a living museum. Often described as the last reserve of pure Tibetan culture, Dolpo is home to the Drokpa people, who still practice the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. Along the way, you will pass through remote Tibetan villages including Ringmo, Saldang, Khomagaon, Shimen, Tinje, Chharka Bhot, and Santa, where you can witness authentic Tibetan traditions, customs, and lifestyle unchanged for centuries.
The trek culminates by crossing Jungben La (5,550m) before descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley, ending at Jomsom in Mustang. Unlike many other trekking routes in Nepal, the Upper Dolpo trail is raw, uncharted, and challenging—perfect for trekkers seeking an unprecedented adventure off the beaten path.
At Ghumnajaau Team, we take pride in offering the highest level of service to ensure a memorable journey. From comfortable logistics, restricted area permits, quality accommodation, and transportation to the guidance of our experienced local team, we ensure that your Dolpo adventure is safe, culturally immersive, and truly unforgettable.
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.
All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don't match with your travel plan. We are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help Customize Your Own Trip in your dream destination.
| Departure Date | Availability | Price | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start Date | End Date | |||
| Oct 31, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | Available | $5225 | |
