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TripAdvisor · Travelers’ Choice 2026

Nepal · Dolpo Region

Upper Dolpo Trek

23 Days
Difficulty · 3 Strenous/5
Max 5490m
Group 2–14 pax
Duration
23 Days
22 nights
Max Altitude
5490m
Highest point
Difficulty
Strenous
3 Strenous out of 5
Group Size
2–14
people
Best Season
Feb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
Activity / Day
4-6 Hrs Walking

Trip Overview

 

Overview

Dolpo region is the most remote and least developed district in Nepal. Although a few anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, the entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Peter Matheson's book -  The Snow Leopard and Snell grove - Himalayan pilgrimage have contributed to the mystique and attraction of Dolpo.

Dolpo region situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range is the highest inhabited land of Dolpo. Geographically a southern extension of Tibet, it lies within the borders of the state of Nepal, since 1984 has been the country's largest national park and conservation, the park sustains an abundance of wild life including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and the legendary elusive Snow Leopard, as well as being home to a fascinating race of Tibetan speaking people. The hardy highlanders of Dolpo are traders, exchanging barley for Tibetan rock salt and they take their yaks onto the Tibetan plateau during the summer for grazing. 

Nepal's first English subtitled movie on Dolpo -The Caravan- or -The Himalaya- was a huge success and was nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign-language film category. Boundaries of the park include within 3,500 square kilometres of land, mostly above 4,000 meters. Before 1989, when the southern regions were opened to trekking groups, very few explorers had visited the area. Two notable visits were the first mountaineering expedition by Dr Herbert Tichy in 1953 based in Saigon and the other visit by John Tyson in the early sixties. Dolpo is one of the most beautiful treks in the remote areas of Nepal, very rarely visited by an outsider.

Journey to the Upper Dolpo Region

First on the plains and then in the district of Dolpo, we go to Nepalgúnj.

Most people fly from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Nepalgunj. We ride to Juphal from Nepalgunj. (The most organized tours of the region are flying from Kathmandu. (It is not possible to fly directly from Kathmandu to Juphal, although expensive charter flights are available from Pokhara.) Remember that the Juphal airport is just a small mountain airfield, which often may cause bad weather to disrupt flights. Nepalgunj can be reached by lane, but from Kathmandu or Pokhara it is a long journey. Roads in Western Nepal develop, but Juphal is still on the nearest road for several days.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

  • The Dolpo region's main attraction is the captivating Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Experience Nepal's extremly unusual cultural culture
  • Take the opportunity to see Snow Leopard in Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Read about the 800 years old, Shey Gompa at Crystal Mountain Base
  • Starting with the legendary Yarsagumba hunt. Look at the Hunt for Yarsa.
  • Nepal 's largest lake, Rara Lake
  • It is worth skiing at a peak like the Mt. Putha.
  • The Tibetian Culture ethnic society has preserved in its primeval stage.

Trip Grade: Strenuous

From an altitude of 4000m to 5550m is considered a strenuous trek or grade 3. Most of the trekking of Nepal is in grade 3. You need some previous trekking experiences and have decent physical fitness. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes, however, the pace of the trek will vary in compensation. If you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have strong determination, you will complete a moderate trek successfully. Exercising, particularly jogging and climbing stairs regularly for some weeks prior to your arrival is recommended to enhance your strength and fitness. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required. Climbing and descending are very usual experiences for these types of trekking and you may have to cross small glaciers as well.  This kind of trekking gives you an experience of a lifetime, has very beautiful walking surrounded by spectacular mountains. Above 4000m, there are many settlements in Nepal with a very different landscape. Yaks typically graze at this altitude.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

01
Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel

 

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, representative will be picked up from airport then you will be transferred to a hotel for check in. Overnight stay at Himalayan Suite hotel. (B)

Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Activity: Orientation Program

02
Day 2
Kathmandu Sight Seeing and Prepare for Trekking

 

After breakfast, our guide will take you to different attractions of Kathmandu Valley. Today, you will visit, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square. (B) Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel. (B)

Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Activity: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

03
Day 3
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj By flight/Land. Overnight at hotel

 

We transport to the southwest region of Nepal to Nepalgunj. It is a long flight of around an hour and we arrive late afternoon or midday there. The weather is very hot in the south of Nepal. We will spend the remainder of the evening exploring the area, including the Bageshwori temple, one of Nepalese 's largest Hindu temples.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: fly -1 Hour
Altitude: 150m

04
Day 4
Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) by flight and Trek to Dunai

 

From Nepalgunj  it is about 35 minute Flight to Juphal then we begin to trek towards Dunai which is around 3 and a half hours away.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 35 min flight and 3.5 hours trek
Altitude: 2090m

05
Day 5
Dunai to aankhe

 

At Thuli Bheriand Suli Ghad's intersection we walk on the North Road. We wander along the river bank and corsican fields of buckwheat and potatoes and enter Hanke Village. We walk over a new suspension bridge to the west after a road past the recently constructed hospital. We visit Parela, Rahatgaon, and Ankhe, eventually. Overnight at camp

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 4-5 Hours
Altitude: 2660m

06
Day 6
Aankhe to Ringmo

 

We walk along the west side of the Pungmo Khola across a bridge. We cross the cedar forests and enter the village of Palam. Instead we hike to the ridges of the Phoksundo Lake and 300 m high waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal, from which one can enjoy stunning views. When we rest for a look, we descend to the upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola through birch trees, then the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and manic walls.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 3600m

07
Day 7
Ringmo to Manda la

 

Manda la is a quite and nice place to have the campsite at. Manda la lies just a downward of Mt, Kanjirowa (6883M) so in the morning time we wake up with the clear view of Mt. Kanjirowa.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 4570m

08
Day 8
Acclimatization Day

 

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Rest Day
Altitude: 4570m

09
Day 9
Manda la to Kang la Pass 5240m to Shey Gomba 4280m

 

We begin by climbing on dusty way up to Kang La Pass (5350 m), which is also known as Nadra La. We get excellent views of the great valley, separated by the gushing water, from the peak of Kang-la Pass. After about 3 hours on foot you descend through the snow-covered steep pass to Shey Gompa, a small town only a few houses and Gompa also called the Dolpo Spiritual Centre. The Gompa is situated at the intersection of two rivers just under the crystal top.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 5240m at Kang la pass and 4280 at Shey Gompa

10
Day 10
Shey Gomba to Saldang Pass 5010m to Namgung 4380m. Overnight at camp

 

 

The day starts by taking a wonderful path through a dark and steep gulch in the center of the juniper. The path then continues to cross bare rocks and terrain before you reach the highest point of Saldang-la (5200 m). So we go down north, which is very long and tiresome. But, we will enjoy the sight of mixed yaks and sheep and yak-haired tents. We proceed to Namduna Gaun 4 800 m. We are on foot. As Shey's, the Karma-pa sec is the Namgung Gompa. The red-stone monastery is founded at the north side of a gorge on the backdrop of a cliff.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
Altitude: Saldang Pass 5010m to Namgung 4380m

11
Day 11
Namgung to Yangze Gumba

 

For much of the trek, we travel across Panzang River to the east and cross the river, and enter Yangze Gompa which has the old Bon-Po Monastery. We travel to the most explored area through hikers and trekkers.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 6-8 Hours
Altitude: 3890m

12
Day 12
Yangze Gumba to Musi gaun 4270m.

 

It's the quick way to trek down the Yangze Gompa to Musi Gaon and it'll just be a 4 hours camp for lunch and it isn't long. And we're taking break, because tomorrow we've got to cross the "Lang La cross" big peak. And the Musigaon is the Northmost village of the frontier with Tibet and we will travel about 1 hour to see Tibet and Nepal border.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 4-6 Hours
Altitude: 4270m

13
Day 13
Musigaun to Lang la Pass 5002m.- Sime Gaun 3950m

 

Shimen Gaun is the large village of Shimen Gaun from Musi Gaun Via Lang La (5,002 m) and Shimen Gaun, 7 hours walk away, and we camp at the local primary school.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 6-7 Hours
Altitude: 3950m

14
Day 14
Sime Gaun to Tinja 4150m

 

7/8 hours walk from Simen Gaun to Tinje. Shimengaun to Tinje is the flat surface down, through Pinyan Khola we walk and there is small vegetation along the way.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 4150m

15
Day 15
Tinja to Kheng 4550m

 

We have traveled for approx. 3 hours to reach our destination from Tinje ViA Nawal (4,550 m) to Kheng Khola, 7/8 hour walk from Nawal, and it is like a clear, windy desert.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 4550m

16
Day 16
Kheng to Chharka Pass 5036m to Chharka 4365m

 

Charka Bhote is a spot where you can find all the simple necessities, the major village and the population of this area is a little more civilized so that night at Charka Bhote is the memorable site for hiking to the Upper Dolpo, and the region's inhabitants are a little more civilized. (Kheng Khola Through Charka pass)

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: Chharka Pass 5036m to Chharka 4365m

17
Day 17
Chharka to Yak Kharka 4780m.

 

Yak Kharka is a large, green area, named Yak Kharka because it is named Yak Kharka, because people who came with their Yak for the business that they used to live.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 1780m                                                               

18
Day 18
Yak Kharka to Sangda Pass 5490m to Sangda Phedi 5110m

 

Thujeng La Pass is one of Hardest Pass because it's near Mt. Tashiang (6,383 m), Tongu peak (6,197 m), Hongdae peak (6,556 m) and many more mountains near planing the surfaces of this mountain, which make us feel so difficult while we are on Thujeng La Pass.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: Sangda Pass 5490m to Sangda Phedi 5110m

19
Day 19
Sangda Phedi to Sangda 3909m

 

Sangdak Gaun is the last Tibetan vegetation and the last day of our Dolpo circuit.

Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 3909m

20
Day 20
Sangda to Jomsom 2670m.

 

We climb the hill behind Sangda and spent most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m.We climb to a ridge at 3360m and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom at 2670m.

Accommodation: Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 2670m

21
Day 21
Jomsom to Pokhara By Flight

 

We take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and fly right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. If weather permits, we will take flight back to Kathmandu or drive back to Kathmandu same day if it is not cancelled. 

Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 40min Flight

22
Day 22
Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus

 

This is an extra day in the case the flight is cancelled the day prior. On this day, we will drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle and for those who would rather take the flight, can take plane to Kathmandu instead of  7-8 hours long bus ride.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 40min Flight// 6-8 hours drive

23
Day 23
Transfer to airport. Departure Farewell

 

Today is your final day in Nepal. Our representative will come to pick you up for your transfer to the Airport. 

Meal: Breakfast

What’s Included

Included
Airport pick up and drop
Accommodation in Kathmandu(Himalayan Suite Hotel) or similar category and Pokhara (Hotel Lake Star or similar category on twin sharing with breakfast
Fooding, lodging and other expenses of trekking crew
Fooding (3 meals a day ) and lodging for the clients in trek days
Necessary paper works for permit and national park fees
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
All necessary equipments during the trek
Thirty minute massage in Himalayan Suite Spa
Not Included
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Personal equipments and clothing
Airfare Kathmandu - Nepalgunj $158 , Nepaljung -Dunai $120 and Jomsom -Pokhara $120
Cold drinks and beverages
Special Permit fee $500 for first 10 days and $50 for additional day
City sightseeing monuments entry fee (NPR 250+400+1000)
Personal expenses and tips to the crew

Upcoming Departures

Departs Daily — Pick Any DateThis trip runs every day year-round. Choose your preferred start date below.

Available months in 2026

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Traveler Reviews20 verified

T
Taher★★★★★
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Really excellent day! Rajan was my tour guide and he was excellent. Explained every historical site and the background behind it and was very informative the whole day. He made sure I was ok always, gave good reccomendat…

D
Dave★★★★★
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We really enjoyed our tour of the 7 UNESCO sites today. Dipendra was very informative and told us all about the history and fascinating facts of the many temples we visited. This is a full day trip and I would recommend …

G
Greg★★★★★
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A great way to see all of the important sites in Kathmandu in just one day! The guide, Dipendra was great! Informative and funny!

G
Gloria★★★★★
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Dioendra our guide was terrific!!! Professional, punctual, very knowledgeable We visit 7 UNESCO sites and spend several hours knowing the fascinating and magical Nepalese culture…. Wonderful time !!! Highly recommended t…

E
Elizabeth W★★★★★
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Guide was awesome. Really made the trip more special. I understand so much more about the History and culture of Nepal than without a wonderful guide. There was no questions he could not answer. Was a once in a lifetime …

N
Natalie★★★★★
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We had an amazing day with Dipendra! We spent so much great quality time at each site. He provided deep explanation on the history of each monument, took us to some interesting authentic places and overall shared informa…

B
Barry★★★★★
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A fantastic day touring the 7 Unesco sights of Kathmandu! Our guide, Dipendra, was extremely knowledgeable and informative and we finished the tour with a great appreciation of Nepalese culture!

B
Bodhi★★★★★
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We had wonderful time with our guide, Dipendra exploring the 7 UNESCO sites! He was very flexible with how much time and areas we like to be at along with his knowledge of the sites. Thank you for Dipendra a great memory…

S
Sabine★★★★★
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Our guide Rajan knew absolutely everything. He was very empathetic, answered all our questions, and made this tour an unforgettable experience.

L
Lucie★★★★★
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It was perfect. The guide was very good and provided a lot of interesting information.

L
Lisa★★★★★
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WONDERFUL. Had limited time, so I went on the 4-site version of the tour. They picked me up exactly on time. Guide was terrific, his explanations were clear and fascinating, and there was nothing he couldn't answer. Prio…

B
Bronwyn★★★★★
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What an incredible, informative trip… really had the best time with our guide Dipendra! We were not rush and got to enjoy the best that Kathmandu had to offer : ) thank you for a special day!

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