Upper Dolpo Trek-25 Days

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, adventurous, and culturally rich journeys, often referred to as the “land beyond the Himalayas.” This extraordinary trek is a rare opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, mysterious monasteries, and encounter some of the world’s highest-altitude communities, while immersing yourself in ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. The trek begins from Kathmandu with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, and onwards to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. From here, the trek takes you deep into the Shey Phoksundo National Park. One of the early highlights of the trek is breathtaking Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m/11,811 ft), a turquoise jewel surrounded by steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Beyond the lake, the trek enters wilder terrain, following the Phoksundo Khola through narrow gorges.

Along the trail, you’ll cross towering mountain passes such as Kang La (5,306 m/17,408 ft), Saldang La (4,785 m/15,698 ft), and Jeng La Pass (5,100 m/16,733 ft), all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and high-altitude deserts.  The region is not only rich in natural beauty but also culturally vibrant, with monasteries like Shey Gompa offering glimpses into the spiritual lives of the Bon and Buddhist communities. Shey Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery, built in the 11th century, is a central sacred site to Tibetan Buddhism in Dolpo which offers an unforgettable spiritual experience. From Shey, the Upper Dolpo trek descends to villages such as Namduna Gaon and Saldang, where centuries-old traditions of barley farming, yak herding, weaving, and seasonal trading still thrive.

Continuing further, the trail climbs over high Jeng La before reaching Tokyu and Dho Tarap. Due to its historical isolation, Upper Dolpo retains a raw and untouched charm.The people here still practice ancient traditions and live in villages perched at altitudes over 4,300 meters. You’ll also encounter yak caravans, and possibly even catch sight of the elusive snow leopard or blue sheep, which roam these highlands.The return journey passes through charming settlements like Serkam, Khani Gaon, and Tarakot, before circling back to Dunai and then Juphal.Whether you are captivated by the dramatic beauty of Phoksundo Lake or the mystique of Shey Gompa, the Upper Dolpo Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into one of the Himalayas’ last true wildernesses.