kapan Kathmandu
The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich treks, taking you through the Trans-Himalayan desert region of western Nepal. Spanning approximately 25 days, the trek covers high-altitude passes, sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, and traditional Dolpo villages, offering a unique blend of nature, adventure, and Tibetan-Buddhist culture. The journey begins with a flight to Juphal, followed by trekking through Dunai, Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, Saldang, Chharka Bhot, and several high passes such as Kang-La (5,360 m) and Niwar Pass (5,130 m). The trek concludes in Jomsom, descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It features remote landscapes, pristine lakes, glacial rivers, and towering cliffs, making it an ideal trek for those seeking solitude, culture, and high-altitude adventure. The trek is moderate to strenuous, with multiple acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October).
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Arrive in Nepalgunj via flight from Kathmandu. This city is the gateway to Upper Dolpo. Overnight in Nepalgunj, rest, and prepare for the remote trek.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take an early morning flight to Juphal, the start of the trekking route. Begin the trek towards Dunai, approximately 3 hours on foot. Dunai is the district headquarters of Dolpo and provides a first glimpse of high-altitude landscapes. Overnight stay in Dunai.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek through valleys and forested paths, gradually ascending. The trail offers views of small villages, local farms, and high Himalayan peaks. Overnight in Chhekpa.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A day of steady ascent through rocky trails and open valleys. The trail becomes drier and more rugged. Overnight at Jharana Hotel camp or lodge.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, the largest lake in Dolpo and a sacred site for Buddhists. Enjoy the turquoise waters, cliffs, and traditional villages surrounding the lake. Overnight near Phoksundo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rest and acclimatize to high altitude. Optional short hikes around the lake or nearby villages. This is essential to prevent altitude sickness on upcoming high passes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek along rugged trails and river valleys. Experience the remote beauty of Dolpo, with traditional Tibetan-influenced villages and unique rock formations. Overnight at River Bed Camp.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend gradually toward Nando-La High Camp. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and barren, typical of the Trans-Himalayan region. Prepare for higher altitude passes in the next days.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A challenging day crossing Kang-La Pass (5,360 m). Witness panoramic snow-capped peaks and dramatic valleys. Arrive at Shey Gompa (4,400 m), an ancient monastery perched on a ridge. Overnight at Shey Gompa.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a rest day near Shey Gompa. Optional excursion to Crystal Mountain, a sacred site. Enjoy photography, monastery exploration, and acclimatization.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross the Shey-La Pass (5,000 m), descending into Numagung (4,200 m). The trail offers dramatic cliffs, prayer flags, and traditional villages. Overnight at Numagung.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Shorter trek to Saldang, an important cultural and trading village. Explore ancient monasteries and local houses, reflecting Tibetan heritage.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek across high-altitude valleys, seeing glacial streams and nomadic settlements. Komas Gaon is a traditional village with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Continue trekking through rocky terrain and barren hills, with occasional views of grazing yaks. Overnight at Mendo, a small settlement on the route.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Moderate trekking day through valleys and passes. Tenje (or Tenkyu) is a remote village offering typical Dolpo culture and high-altitude landscapes. Overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend steadily to Rakpa, one of the higher villages along the trek. The terrain is rugged and barren, giving a sense of true Himalayan isolation. Overnight at Rakpa.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek to Chharka Bhot, a remote settlement in the Dolpo region. Enjoy views of glacial streams, alpine landscapes, and high passes. Overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Acclimatize and rest. Optional short walks around the village. High-altitude preparation is important for the next series of passes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend gradually to Norbulung Khola, crossing small streams and high desert valleys. The area is remote and sparsely populated, typical of Upper Dolpo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross high ridges to the base of Sangta-La Pass. Witness dramatic high-altitude terrain and small settlements along the route. Overnight at the base camp.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Climb Niwar Pass (5,130 m), one of the highest points on the trek. Descend to Sangda Phedi (4,260 m). The views of the Dolpo Himalayas and valleys are breathtaking. Overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Descend through rocky and barren terrain, passing traditional Dolpo villages and yak grazing fields. Overnight at Lower Sangda.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend via Bima Lojun La Pass (4,460 m). Descend to Phalyak (3,175 m). Experience a dramatic change from high-altitude desert to lower valleys. Overnight in Phalyak.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Final trekking day descending to Jomsom, a town in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Celebrate completing the trek with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Overnight in Jomsom.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel or international departure. Trek concludes.
The trek is in western Nepal, in the Dolpo region of the Himalayas, passing through remote valleys, high passes, and traditional Tibetan‑influenced villages.
This itinerary covers 25 days, including flights, trekking days, acclimatization, and the journey from Upper Dolpo to Jomsom.
This trek is moderate to strenuous due to long walking hours and high altitudes. Good physical fitness and previous trekking experience help.
Yes. A Restricted Area Permit is required for Upper Dolpo, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
This trek was an extraordinary blend of nature and culture. Phoksundo Lake was breathtaking so clear and blue. Seeing nomadic life in the high villages like Rakpa and Chharka Bhot was eye‑opening. Long days of hiking, but always worth it. Make sure you take time to rest on acclimatization days they really helped.