Nepal Tibet Trekking Touching soul of the Himalayas
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Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek brings you to one of the country’s most isolated and underdeveloped locations, sharing borders with Tibet to the northeast, Jumla and Mugu districts of Karnali to the west, Myagdi, Jajarkot, and Rukum to the south, and Mustang to the east. Dolpa is Nepal’s largest high-altitude district, located in the Karnali zone of the Midwestern development region. The location is also known as Dolpo, the Tibetan word widely used for the upper areas, while the residents call their house Dhol-wa. Dolpo Trek is renowned for its amazing natural scenery, rich cultural legacy, old monasteries, unique fauna, and medieval villages.
The primary features of the Dolpo Trek include:
Dho-Tarap Valley consists of two historic settlements, Dho and Tarap, which together constitute the magnificent Dho-Tarap Valley at an elevation of 4,080 m. The valley is known for its traditionally built buildings and monasteries, which have stunning wood carvings created by skilled local artists. During your tour, you will observe that almost every structure, from homes to temples, displays the region’s rich architectural tradition and craftsmanship.
Shey Phoksundo Lake (146 m) is one of Nepal’s deepest lakes and a beautiful gem of Dolpa. The lake, located at 3,620 meters in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, is well-known for its blue waters that shimmer like stars in the sunlight. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, it has been dubbed one of the world’s “Natural Hidden Wonders.” The lake is regarded as sacred by the local populations of Ringmo Valley, Buddhists, and Bön-po practitioners, and it is entirely protected; bathing in its waters is strongly discouraged.
Phoksundo Waterfall is one of Nepal’s tallest waterfalls, named after the lake from which it flows. Suligad, as it is known locally, plunges an amazing 167 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by glaciers and pine forests, producing a stunning scene. Visiting Phoksundo Lake and the waterfall is so captivating that many hikers feel forced to stay longer in this tranquil location.
Dolpo is known for its Bön culture, with about 5.05% of the population practicing the ancient Bön faith. During the walk, you will come across practitioners of this spiritual school, which predates Buddhism and originates in Tibet. Bön practitioners migrated to the Nepali Himalayas centuries ago and now practice in the isolated highlands of Mustang and Dolpa. The town of Ringmo, located immediately above Phoksundo Lake, provides tourists with a rare opportunity to experience these ancient spiritual traditions firsthand.
Shey Gompa is one of Dolpo’s 1,000-year-old Buddhist monasteries, dating from the 12th century. It is the primary monastery of the Kagyupa sect, one of Buddhism’s four major
schools, and is highly spiritually significant. Drutop Shinge Yeshe is claimed to have reached enlightenment after meditating in a nearby cave. Shey Gompa is regarded as the “younger brother of Mount Kailash.” Every year, on the full moon day in July or August, before the barley harvest, people gather to perform a kora (circumambulation) around Crystal Mountain, following which the head priest scrapes rock dust from the sacred top and consumes it with water as part of the rite.
Kanjiroba is a magnificent mountain in Dolpo, rising 6,883 meters above sea level. Its distinctive and distinct peak allows hikers and climbers to enjoy the extreme wilderness and high-altitude alpine beauty of this inaccessible location.
Shey Phoksundo National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including unique creatures such as blue sheep and wild yak. With some luck, you might even spot the elusive snow leopard.
Dolpo is also well-known for its medicinal herbs, with Yarsagumba and Panchaule being the most sought-after. Yarsagumba, often known as the “Himalayan Gold,” is an important source of revenue for local populations. The harvest season for these herbs is between June and July.
The Dolpo region has inspired celebrated works of art and literature, including Peter Matthiessen’s best-selling book “The Snow Leopard” and Eric Valli’s Oscar-nominated film Caravan (Himalaya), which both highlight the spectacular scenery and distinct culture of this remote Himalayan sanctuary.
How to reach the entry point?
The Dolpo region has been open to hikers since 1989, but they must first obtain trekking permission from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
To reach the entry point, take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then spend the night in a hotel in Nepalgunj. The following morning, an early flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal Airport (about 35 minutes) will take you to the doorstep of Juphal village, where your Dolpo trek journey will begin.
Best time to travel
The best time to hike Dolpo is between March and October, when the weather is often clear and suitable for high-altitude trekking. The region can also be visited during the monsoon season (June to August), as Dolpo is located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, providing generally dry and steady conditions even when other parts of Nepal receive severe rainfall.
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02:Sightseeing
Day 03:Dolpo permit Arrangement
Day 04:Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 05:Flight Nepalgunj to Jumla
Day 06:Jumla to Ghuthichaur
Day 07:Ghuthicahur to Chaurikharka
Day 08:Chaurikharka to Kaigaun 2610m
Day 09:Kaigaun to Toijum 2920m
Day 10:Toijum to Kagmara Phedhi 2900m
Day 11:Kagmaraphedi to Cross Kagmara-La 5115m and Kagmara Base Camp 4800m
Day 12:Kagmara Base Camp to Pungmo village 4336m
Day 13:Pungmo village to Ringmo village (Phoksondotal) 3600m
Day 14:Rest in Phoksundo Tal
Day 15:Ringmo village (Phoksundo tal) to Phoksundo Khola/Salle Khola 3756m
Day 16:Phoksundo Khola to Kang La Phedi 4120m
Day 17:Kang La Phedi to Shey Gompa 4160m
Day 18:Rest in Shey Gompa
Day 19:Rest in Shey Gompa
Day 20:Shey Gompa to Namgung 4430m
Day 21:Namgung to Saldang 3770m
Day 22:Saldang to Namdo Khola 3960m
Day 23:Namdo Khola to Kyung La.-Tokyu 4209m
Day 24:Tokyu to Dho Tarap 3944m
Day 25:Dho Tarap to Sisaul 3800m
Day 26:Sisaul to Nawarpani 3475m
Day 27:Nawarpani to Laina Odar 3370m
Day 28:Laina Odar to Tarakot 2800m
Day 29:Tarakot to Juphal 2445m
Day 30:Jufal to Nepalgunj
Day 31:Nepalgunj o Kathmandu
Day 32:Free and shopping day in Kathmandu
Day 33:International Departure
Entering Shey Phoksundo National Park, which covers much of the Dolpa region.
All necessary trekking permits will be handled and arranged by your trekking service provider, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Step into the authentic world of Himalayan adventure with our fully supported camping treks, designed to give you the classic mountain experience in comfort and safety.
Our expert team, including experienced guides, skilled cooks, helpful kitchen staff, Sherpas, and porters, takes care of every detail, so you can simply enjoy the journey and the breathtaking surroundings.
Each campsite is thoughtfully set up with high-quality two-person tents, a spacious dining tent, a well-equipped kitchen tent, and a private toilet tent for convenience.
We provide warm down sleeping bags, insulated mattresses, water bottles, and torchlights, ensuring restful nights even under the starry Himalayan sky.
This is trekking at its purest, close to nature, far from the crowds, and full of unforgettable moments.
Taste the freshness of the mountains with wholesome, freshly prepared meals served three times a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cooked by our experienced trekking chefs.
Our menu blends local Nepali flavors with international dishes, providing the right balance of nutrition and taste for high-altitude trekking.
At every stop, you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and warm smiles from morning tea and coffee to hot milk, chocolate, or fresh juice.
In the cool mountain air, these warm beverages and hearty meals become more than food. They’re a source of energy, comfort, and a true reflection of Nepali hospitality in the Himalayas.
Essential Gear for the Upper Dolpa Trek
When preparing for the Upper Dolpa Trek, having the right gear is crucial for comfort, warmth, and safety in the Himalayas. Here’s a complete combined list of must-have items:
Clothing:
Pack warm, layered clothing suitable for changing mountain weather. Include thermal underwear (4 pairs): Choose breathable, moisture-wicking underwear made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics to maintain comfort and hygiene throughout the trek. Trekking Shirts (4): Pack a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts made from lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon. These materials keep you comfortable and dry during long hikes. (Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.), a fleece jacket, a down jacket, gloves, socks (5 pairs), trekking boots, a sleeper, hiking pants, and a waterproof jacket and pants to stay protected from cold and wind.
Headwear:
Keep your head and face protected with a warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or buff to shield against sun, wind, and dust.
Trekking Poles:
Use adjustable trekking poles to reduce knee strain and provide stability while walking on steep or uneven terrain.
Camera, trekking bag (70 ltrs, and day bag 10 ltrs) and headlight
First Aid Kit:
Always pack a basic first aid kit, including altitude sickness medication, bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic cream to handle minor injuries or altitude-related symptoms.
Passport
Travel insurance (including high-altitude rescue)
Some cash
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