Upper Dolpo Trek
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Upper Dolpo Trek – Explore Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Gem
Experience Pristine Wilderness, Ancient Tibetan Culture, and the Enchanting Phoksundo Lake through Upper Dolpo Trek.
The Upper Dolpo Trek offers an extraordinary and unforgettable journey deep into one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical landscapes. Tucked away in the far-western Himalayas and inaccessible to outsiders until as recently as 1989, Upper Dolpo has long been considered one of Nepal’s last remaining hidden gems. The region is famed for its stark natural beauty, untouched wilderness, authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the rare opportunity to glimpse elusive wildlife, including the legendary snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and various species of high-altitude birds.
Made internationally famous through Peter Matthiessen’s travel memoir The Snow Leopard and Eric Valli’s Oscar-nominated film Himalaya (Caravan), Dolpo still retains a raw, almost mythical atmosphere. The region remains largely untouched by modern development, preserving a way of life that reflects ancient traditions. As you trek through its rugged terrain, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time — here, time seems to stand still, and the spirit of the Himalayas is deeply alive.
At the heart of the journey lies the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, often referred to as the “Jewel of Dolpo” for its surreal blue color and tranquil setting. The trek takes you through ancient villages, high-altitude mountain passes, and remote sacred monasteries, where age-old spiritual practices are still a part of daily life. The landscapes are dramatic and diverse — from barren cliffs and alpine meadows to glacial valleys and windswept plateaus.
Why Trek with Navigate Outdoor?
At Navigate Outdoor, we offer the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek with a strong commitment to eco-conscious travel and a deep respect for local culture and environment. Our treks are guided by principles that ensure a minimal environmental footprint, following the internationally recognized Leave No Trace ethic. To reduce deforestation, we use kerosene instead of firewood for cooking and heating during the trek. Furthermore, all non-biodegradable waste is carried out responsibly, leaving the pristine Himalayan environment exactly as we found it — clean, preserved, and protected for future generations.
By choosing Navigate Outdoor, you’re not only embarking on one of the most spiritually and visually rewarding treks in Nepal, but also supporting a responsible and sustainable form of adventure tourism that honors the people, wildlife, and sacred landscapes of Dolpo.
Tour Amenities
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at the beautiful Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, our staff will greet you with a name board. After visa formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu Valley’s main city area. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll hold a brief introductory meeting to discuss your trek and logistics, followed by free time to relax and refresh.
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Basantapur Durbar Square. Each site visit will last about an hour. Meanwhile, our team will finalize trekking permits and paperwork. You’ll receive your expedition duffel bag at the hotel briefing. The area is convenient for last-minute shopping for snacks and trekking gear.
Morning at leisure for packing and final preparation. In the afternoon, fly 45 minutes to Nepalgunj, a gateway to western Nepal. Transfer to hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a local cultural experience with a rickshaw tour of Nepalgunj’s bustling market, sampling traditional teas and mingling with locals.
Early morning flight (~40 mins) to Juphal airstrip (2475m), a remote mountain airfield. Begin trek downhill through terraced fields and shallow gullies to the Thuli Bheri River (2080m). Cross several suspension bridges before arriving at Dunai (2140m), the district headquarters, for an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Cross the suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River and trek upstream along the Suli Khola valley. Register at the national park office at Sulighat. Ascend and descend across multiple suspension bridges, passing through the villages of Raktang and Ringmo. Reach Chhepka or nearby excellent campsite for overnight.
Follow the valley with multiple river crossings and trails varying between riverbanks and cliffs. Trek through forests of horse chestnut, larch, birch, and bamboo. Pass the confluence of rivers and reach Amchi Hospital, named after the traditional Tibetan medicine practiced here.
Ascend to a ridge (~3800m) offering views of Nepal’s highest waterfall cascading from Phoksundo Lake. Descend through birch forests to Ringmo village, with its chortens and mani walls. Walk to camp on the shore of the stunning turquoise alpine Phoksundo Lake.
Acclimatize with a day to explore Ringmo village and visit the Bonpo Buddhist monastery. Discover local traditions, including the unique Bonpo circumambulation of chortens.
Enter Upper Dolpo’s restricted area with special permits. Follow the “Devil’s Trail,” a narrow cliff path made famous in the film Himalaya. Enjoy views of Kanjiroba (6612m), Norbung Kang (6085m), and Jhyarko Dingla (5892m). Camp on the northern shore of the lake.
Cross pine and birch forests, pass the confluence at Chunemba, and ascend grassy ridges while spotting the medicinal Cordyceps (Yarchagomba). Enjoy spectacular views of Kanjiroba massif. This is one of the longest and most rewarding days on the trek.
Essential rest and acclimatization at the base of Kang La Pass (5380m). Guides will assess conditions for the pass crossing.
Early start to cross the Kang La pass. Descend through colorful gorges to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery revered as the “younger brother” of Mt. Kailash. Camp near the monastery nestled in a beautiful river valley.
Traverse high-altitude passes with panoramic views of Mustang and surrounding peaks. Descend to the village of Namgung, passing isolated yak herder settlements and mani walls.
Follow high-level trails above villages and farmland. Experience the traditional Tibetan-influenced culture, yak grazing pastures, and local farming lifestyle.
Explore a culturally rich valley, with wildlife sightings possible including blue sheep and musk deer. Visit Dolpo’s oldest monastery surrounded by mani walls and chortens.
Ascend Muri La Pass with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst spectacular alpine scenery.
Descend through the Panzang Valley with ancient mani walls and Tibetan fields. Visit traditional villages and two gompas before arriving at Tinje, a larger Upper Dolpo settlement.
Follow river valleys and pass small settlements en route to alpine campsites surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.
A challenging day crossing Mo La, with spectacular high-altitude views. Descend to Charka Bhot village for camping.
Explore local Buddhist and Bonpo monasteries and relax before the final trekking stages.
Traverse high yak pastures and river gorges, passing herder settlements en route to Yak Kharka.
Cross two high passes, Niwash La (5120m) and Jungden La (5550m), for incredible mountain vistas before camping near Sangda La.
Descend through steep, rocky trails with stunning views of the Kali Gandaki Valley and Himalayan peaks.
Traverse multiple ridges with panoramic views of Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges before descending to a picturesque valley campsite.
Descend along the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. Celebrate the trek’s completion with a farewell meal and gratitude to your trekking crew.
Fly early morning to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your epic Upper Dolpo trekking adventure.
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour visiting Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Basantapur Durbar Square. End your day with a farewell dinner in the lively Thamel district.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Thank you for choosing us to guide you through the stunning Upper Dolpo region!
