The Upper Dolpa Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and fascinating trekking adventures — a journey through the hidden valleys of western Nepal where time seems to have stood still. Enclosed by towering peaks and cut off from modern development, Upper Dolpa offers an unforgettable blend of rugged mountain scenery, ancient Tibetan culture, and pure wilderness.
This trek is not only about walking through trails but stepping back into an ancient world of monasteries, high passes, and mystical landscapes. For true adventurers seeking isolation, spirituality, and raw Himalayan beauty, Upper Dolpa Trek is a life-changing experience.
The Hidden Gem of Western Nepal
Located in the Dolpa District of western Nepal, Upper Dolpa lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in the country. It is a land of barren hills, deep valleys, and turquoise lakes — a place that feels more like Tibet than modern Nepal.
Because of its location near the Tibetan border, the region’s people follow the Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Villages here are dotted with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and stupas, offering a spiritual atmosphere unlike any other trek in Nepal.
Upper Dolpa is often described as Nepal’s last forbidden kingdom, as it was closed to foreigners until the 1980s and still requires a special restricted area permit to visit. This exclusivity keeps the region pristine and unspoiled, far from the commercialization seen on other popular routes like Everest or Annapurna.
Highlights of the Upper Dolpa Trek
- Phoksundo Lake – The Jewel of Dolpa
The trek begins with a visit to Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural wonders. The lake’s turquoise waters sit beneath sheer cliffs and snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking view that leaves trekkers spellbound. The surrounding area, including Ringmo Village, is rich in Tibetan culture and traditions. - Shey Gompa – The Spiritual Heart of Dolpa
The 800-year-old Shey Gompa Monastery is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. It sits beneath the towering Crystal Mountain, which pilgrims circumambulate for spiritual merit. This area, often called the “Spiritual Heart of Dolpa,” was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s classic book The Snow Leopard, which recounts his journey through this mystical land. - High Himalayan Passes
The trek crosses several challenging mountain passes such as Kang La (5,360 m), Saldang La (5,200 m), and Jeng La (5,110 m). Each offers panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri massif, Tibetan plateau, and the vast, barren beauty of Dolpa. - Ancient Tibetan Villages
The remote villages of Saldang, Dho Tarap, and Namgung provide a glimpse into traditional lifestyles that have remained unchanged for centuries. Trekkers can interact with locals, visit monasteries, and learn about the Bon religion — one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions.
Trek Itinerary Overview
The Upper Dolpa Trek usually takes 21 to 25 days, depending on the route and pace. Below is a standard outline:
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 2: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpa) and trek to Dunai
Day 3–4: Trek from Dunai to Chhepka and then to Ringmo
Day 5: Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village
Day 6–8: Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La Pass
Day 9–12: Explore Shey, Namgung, and Saldang Villages
Day 13–16: Trek through Dho Tarap and Tokyu Gaon
Day 17–20: Descend to Tarakot and Dunai
Day 21: Return flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
This itinerary can vary depending on your chosen route, weather, and acclimatization needs.
A Cultural and Spiritual Journey
What sets the Upper Dolpa Trek apart is not just its raw beauty but its deep spiritual and cultural significance. The people of Dolpa follow ancient Tibetan Buddhist and Bon faiths, which predate Buddhism itself.
Villages like Saldang and Dho Tarap are adorned with chortens (stupas), mani walls, and prayer flags, reflecting the locals’ devotion. You might witness traditional dances, yak caravans, and even unique festivals that celebrate their harmony with nature and the divine.
Unlike modern Nepalese settlements, Dolpa’s architecture and way of life are still deeply tied to the Tibetan plateau. Most people here depend on barley farming, yak herding, and trade with Tibet, maintaining a sustainable and peaceful lifestyle.
Challenges of the Upper Dolpa Trek
The Upper Dolpa Trek is among the most challenging treks in Nepal due to its remoteness, altitude, and long duration. The trails often rise above 5,000 meters, where the air is thin, and weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Trekkers should be prepared for:
- High altitude sickness risks
- Limited food and accommodation facilities
- Cold nights and strong winds
- Long walking days (6–8 hours daily)
However, for those who seek true adventure and isolation, these challenges are what make the experience so rewarding. Every step brings awe-inspiring scenery and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Permits Required
As Upper Dolpa is a restricted region, special permits are required:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP):
USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per additional day. - Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit:
NPR 3,000 per person. - Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
You must trek with a registered Nepali trekking agency and a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not allowed in Upper Dolpa.
Best Time to Trek Upper Dolpa
The best seasons for trekking in Upper Dolpa are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
- Spring: The high passes are snow-free, and wildflowers bloom across the valleys.
- Autumn: Offers crystal-clear skies, stable weather, and stunning mountain visibility.
- Summer (Monsoon): Surprisingly, this is also a trekking season since Dolpa lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri Range, receiving very little rainfall.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Extremely cold with snow-blocked passes — not recommended.
Accommodation and Food
Unlike the commercial trekking regions, Upper Dolpa has basic teahouses and homestays, especially in villages like Ringmo, Saldang, and Dho Tarap. Most lodges are built and maintained by locals, offering simple rooms with shared facilities.
Meals are basic but filling — dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, tsampa (roasted barley flour), potatoes, and butter tea. Since this is a remote region, trekkers should bring snacks, water purification tablets, and energy bars.
Camping treks are also common, as some sections lack lodges. Trekking agencies usually provide tents, cooks, and porters for these parts.
Fitness and Preparation
The Upper Dolpa Trek is graded as strenuous, requiring good physical fitness, mental endurance, and trekking experience at high altitudes. Regular cardio exercise, long hikes, and strength training are recommended before the trek.
Trekkers should also carry warm clothing, sleeping bags, first-aid kits, and altitude medication. Hiring a guide and porter ensures safety, cultural insights, and smoother logistics in this remote area.
Why Choose the Upper Dolpa Trek
- Unspoiled Wilderness: Far from modern influence, Dolpa remains raw and authentic.
- Spiritual Experience: Visit ancient monasteries and sacred mountains.
- Cultural Immersion: Live among Tibetan-speaking communities.
- Adventure: Cross high passes and explore the untamed side of the Himalayas.
- Inspiration: Follow in the footsteps of explorers like Peter Matthiessen and George Schaller, who immortalized Dolpa’s beauty in The Snow Leopard.
Conclusion
The Upper Dolpa Trek is not just a trek — it’s an expedition into one of the most isolated corners of the Himalayas. It combines breathtaking landscapes, deep spirituality, and a timeless culture that few outsiders ever witness.
Every step in Dolpa tells a story — of ancient monasteries whispering prayers in the wind, of turquoise lakes reflecting sacred peaks, and of resilient people who live in harmony with nature’s harshness.
For those who seek something beyond comfort and crowds — a trek that challenges both body and spirit — the Upper Dolpa Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Nepal’s mystical hidden kingdom.
