Dolpo Region · Nepal

Upper Dolpo Trek

Challenging ★ 4.9 (28 reviews)
Duration 23 Days
Max Altitude 5,360m
Best Season August-September
Route Grade Challenging

Embark on an extraordinary 22-day expedition through the raw, untamed wilderness of the Upper Dolpo Traverse Trek. This legendary route takes you deep into the heart of Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of Nepal's most remote, isolated, and culturally pristine regions. Known for its stark, arid landscapes, dramatic high-altitude desert plateaus, and ancient Bon Buddhist traditions, Dolpo offers an experience vastly different from the more crowded trails of the Annapurna and Everest regions. As you traverse ancient salt-trade routes, you will cross multiple high-altitude mountain passes soaring above 5,000 meters, including the formidable Kang La, Sela, Mola, and Niwar passes. Each step reveals awe-inspiring vistas of sheer rock cliffs, deep river gorges, alpine meadows, and vast open skies that stretch out to the horizon. One of the crown jewels of the trek is the stunning Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and the picturesque, traditional village of Ringmo resting peacefully on its shores. Further along the trail, you will visit the sacred Shey Gompa, the famous 'Crystal Monastery,' nestled beneath the dramatic shadows of Crystal Mountain. Here, time seems to have stood still, and the authentic Tibetan way of life remains vibrantly intact across isolated settlements like Saldang, Tinje, and Chharka Bhot. Because of its remote setting, rugged terrain, and challenging ascents, this trek requires exceptional physical fitness, strong mental resilience, and a sense of true adventure, relying on fully supported camping in the wilderness. Guided by experienced professionals, you will navigate remote paths that few travelers ever witness, culminating in a descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom before flying out via Pokhara. If you are seeking a profound mountain journey that combines untouched natural splendor with rare cultural immersion, the Upper Dolpo Trek stands as the ultimate Himalayan masterpiece.

TREK & ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
  1. Explore the mystical Upper Dolpo, one of Nepal’s most remote and untouched regions
  2. Cross several high-altitude passes soaring above 5,000m with breathtaking Himalayan vistas
  3. Visit the sacred Shey Gompa Monastery nestled beneath the famous Crystal Mountain
  4. Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist and ancient Bon culture in isolated trading villages
  5. Witness the stunning, turquoise beauty of Phoksundo Lake and the cascading Phoksundo Waterfall
  6. Traverse barren high-altitude deserts, deep gorges, alpine meadows, and historic salt-trade routes
23 Days Itinerary · Click any day card to view detailed terrain & route notes
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu — 1,350m / 4,429ft | Hotel transfer
<p>Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Attend a comprehensive trek briefing and gear check in the afternoon, leaving the evening free to rest and prepare.</p>
Day 2 Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj — 150m / 492ft | Flight: approx. 1 hr
<p>Take a morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the warm western Terai region. Spend the afternoon exploring this vibrant border town influenced by both Nepali and Indian cultures while finalizing preparations for the mountain flight.</p>
Day 3 Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal and Trek to Dunai — 2,350m (Juphal) & 2,140m (Dunai) | Flight: 35 mins, Trek: 3 hrs
<p>Board an early morning mountain flight to Juphal, the literal gateway to Dolpo. Begin your trek with a downhill path through terraced fields and small settlements, following the winding Bheri River valley to reach the district headquarters of Dunai.</p>
Day 4 Dunai to Chepka — 2,670m / 8,759ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Walk alongside the roaring Phoksundo River valley, passing through Sulighat and entering the protected borders of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail winds through lush forests of cedar and bamboo before arriving at the small settlement of Chepka.</p>
Day 5 Chepka to Jharna Hotel — 3,110m / 10,203ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Trek deeper into the wilderness through forested paths featuring occasional steep climbs and dramatic rocky cliffs. Enjoy scenic glimpses of rushing waterfalls before arriving at Jharna Hotel, situated close to the spectacular 167-meter-high Phoksundo waterfall.</p>
Day 6 Jharna to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake — 3,641m / 11,945ft | 5 hrs trek
<p>Ascend towards Ringmo Village, a fascinating traditional Bon settlement perched on the pristine shores of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. Spend the afternoon exploring the lakesides, ancient monasteries, and unique local architecture.</p>
Day 7 Ringmo to Sallaghari (Forest Camp) — 3,730m / 12,237ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Leave Ringmo behind and begin the rugged journey towards Upper Dolpo. The trail weaves through fragrant birch and pine woodlands, culminating in a wilderness camping experience at Sallaghari surrounded by alpine trees.</p>
Day 8 Sallaghari to High Camp — 4,500m / 14,763ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Tackle a gradual yet steady climb through elevated high meadows and increasingly rocky terrain. Reach High Camp, your remote base situated right before the major pass crossing into Upper Dolpo, offering magnificent mountain panoramas.</p>
Day 9 High Camp to Shey Gompa via Kang La Pass — 5,360m (Pass) & 4,343m (Shey Gompa) | 6-7 hrs trek
<p>Conquer the challenging Kang La (Nagdalo) Pass at 5,360 meters, marking one of the highest points of the entire trek. Soak in the sweeping views before descending into the sacred valley of Shey Gompa, home to the legendary 'Crystal Monastery'.</p>
Day 10 Shey Gompa to Namgung via Sela Pass — 5,095m (Pass) & 4,360m (Namgung) | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Cross the high Sela Pass, which treats you to expansive, sweeping Himalayan vistas across remote ridges. Continue the descent to the cliffside sanctuary of Namgung Monastery, where you will set camp for the night.</p>
Day 11 Namgung to Saldang — 4,100m / 13,451ft | 3-4 hrs trek
<p>Enjoy a shorter, scenic day of walking along mountain ridges with magnificent views opening up ahead. Arrive at Saldang, the largest and most culturally vibrant village in Upper Dolpo, serving as a historic hub of trade.</p>
Day 12 Saldang to Koma Gaon — 4,200m / 13,779ft | 3-4 hrs trek
<p>Follow high-altitude ridge trails that showcase dramatic, barren landscapes and sweeping valley views. Arrive at Koma Gaon, a picturesque and traditional Dolpo village steeped in ancient traditions.</p>
Day 13 Koma Gaon to Shimen Gaon — 3,885m / 12,746ft | 4-5 hrs trek
<p>Descend into the wide expanse of the Shimen Valley. Trek past terraced barley fields and rows of ancient chortens before arriving at Shimen Gaon for your overnight camp.</p>
Day 14 Shimen Gaon to Tinje — 4,110m / 13,484ft | 4-5 hrs trek
<p>Walk along historic salt-trade routes utilized for centuries by Himalayan traders. Explore the culturally rich and historically significant village of Tinje, interacting with friendly locals.</p>
Day 15 Tinje to Remote Campsite — 4,210m / 13,812ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Trek through vast, untouched wilderness under expansive open skies and dramatic mountain horizons. Pitch camp at a remote high-altitude meadow situated around 4,210 meters.</p>
Day 16 Campsite to Rapka via Mola Pass — 5,030m (Pass) & 4,535m (Rapka) | 6-7 hrs trek
<p>Climb steadily to cross the Mola Pass at 5,030 meters, granting stunning perspectives of Dolpo's rugged, multi-hued barren landscapes. Descend afterward to camp at the high pasture settlement of Rapka.</p>
Day 17 Rapka to Chharka Bhot — 4,000m / 13,123ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Navigate descending valley trails and cross seasonal riverbeds through remote terrain. Reach Chharka Bhot, a large, traditional Tibetan-style village characterized by stone-built houses and fortress-like walls.</p>
Day 18 Chharka Bhot to Molumsumda — 4,860m / 15,944ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Embark on a gradual ascent deeper into extreme, high-altitude alpine terrain. Set up your camp at Molumsumda, surrounded by pristine wilderness and absolute isolation.</p>
Day 19 Molumsumda to Ghalden Ghuldum via Niwar and Tuchela Passes — 5,185m (Pass) & 4,247m (Ghalden Ghuldum) | 8-9 hrs trek
<p>Face a physically demanding yet deeply rewarding day involving consecutive crossings over the Niwar Pass and Tuchela Pass. Conclude the long, epic journey with a descent to camp at Ghalden Ghuldum.</p>
Day 20 Ghalden Ghuldum to Sangda — 3,777m / 12,391ft | 5-6 hrs trek
<p>Descend steadily along winding trails carved into arid canyon cliffs. Reach the remote settlement of Sangda, featuring clustered stone houses clinging to the hillside.</p>
Day 21 Sangda to Jomsom — 2,720m / 8,923ft | 6-7 hrs trek
<p>Tackle a long, sustained descent leading down into the expansive Kali Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Jomsom, the bustling administrative hub of the Mustang region, to celebrate the completion of your trek.</p>
Day 22 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu — 1,350m / 4,429ft | Flight & Transfer
<p>Catch an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, relishing aerial views over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. Connect seamlessly with your onward flight or transfer from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.</p>
Day 23 Departure
<p>Final goodbye. Drop at Trivuwan International Airport.</p>
Private airport transfers in Kathmandu (pick up and drop off)
Required domestic flights (Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal and Jomsom - Pokhara)
Standard meals during the trek including breakfast, lunch/pack lunch, and dinner with tea or coffee
All necessary trekking permits and national park fees
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Experienced English-speaking mountain guide and porters
Insurance and equipment for guide and porters
Basic first-aid medical supplies
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$3,800
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Earliest start date: September 24, 2026 (at least 2 days from today)
⚠️ Bookings must be made at least 2 days in advance. Please select Sep 24, 2026 or later.
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