Join Nature Lovers Treks and Tours on the legendary Upper Dolpo Trek, into the high-altitude regions of Western Nepal. Immortalized by Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard” and Eric Valli’s feature film “Caravan”, this trek offers serene trails into the restricted areas across the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Throughout this 24-day adventure, you will navigate deep valleys, high passes, arid landscapes, and follow the trails once frequented by ancient traders and yak caravans across communities that reflect deep Tibetan cultural influences.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours offers a fully supported camping trek into this off-the-beaten-path destination, as tourism infrastructure is typically minimal on this remote Himalayan trek. Your adventure begins with a flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a connection to the Juphal trailhead. From here, you will traverse the diverse landscape, comprising lush subtropical regions, before entering the barren highlands offering uninterrupted views of the Himalayas. Your journey continues across the challenging Kang La Pass (5,360 meters) and Shey Gompa, the spiritual heartland of Dolpo.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a long and strenuous journey. Throughout the trek, you will find the majestic Dhaulagiri massif accompanying you as you pass through traditional Tibetan-Buddhist-inspired communities. In Saldang and Dho Tarap, you can also witness the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion.
Considering the long duration and challenges, we recommend this Nepal Upper Dolpo Trek only to trekkers with good physical fitness and mental strength. Connect with nature and experience the Himalayan lifestyle, untouched by modernity.
Experience the best 24-day Upper Dolpo Trek with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours. 2026/2027 slots are limited. Book yours now!
Why Go on the Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a long-duration journey into the remote and isolated Himalayan regions of Western Nepal. Suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a high-altitude escape, this trek introduces you to raw adventure on some of the most serene trails.
Here are the top reasons to join this incredible, life-changing experience in the Nepali Himalayas:
The Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa: The visit to the spiritual center of Shey Gompa is the apex destination of the Nepal Upper Dolpo Trek. To reach this 11th-century monastery, one must trek along the base of the holy Crystal Mountain. Here, you can experience profound spirituality and peace underneath the shadows of the sacred Himalayas.
Trek to Phoksundo Lake: Our 24-day Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary includes a profound and rewarding journey to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. This visual high-altitude masterpiece offers a crystal-clear view of the lake, whose shades change with the sun's rays. You can collect unforgettable memories as you camp by this mesmerizing lake, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs.
Witness Ancient Bon Culture: Upper Dolpo is one of the only remaining regions that practice the ancient Bon-Po religion. This culture, which predates Tibetan Buddhism, offers unique and interesting practices that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Bon Culture practices are prominent in high-altitude villages like Dho Tarap, which is also one of the highest human settlements on earth. Here, you can interact with the locals, observe their ancient traditions, and witness a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Traverse the High Himalayan Passes: The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you across two major passes, the Kang-La Pass (5,360 meters) and the Jeng-La Pass (5,090 meters). Though strenuous, conquering these passes offers a profound sense of accomplishment and mesmerizing views of the Himalayan landscape, including the Dhaulagiri range, the Kanjirowa Himal, and the vast, arid Tibetan Plateau.
A Typical Day During the Upper Dolpo Trek
The Upper Dolpo Trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure into the remote regions of the Himalayas. On this camping-style expedition, you will find a different experience than the typical teahouse treks. Each day, you wake up at around 6:00 AM. You will enjoy a hot cup of tea in your tent, followed by a hot breakfast. While you enjoy your breakfast, embracing the cold mountain breeze and majestic landscapes, our team of porters dismantles the camp.
Your trek typically begins at around 7:30 AM. Each day, you are required to traverse varying terrains, from deep gorges to high plateaus. The trails are narrow and rocky, with yak caravans often sharing the trails.
Lunch is served at a scenic site en route to your overnight destination at around noon. This is your opportunity to rest and reenergize for the rest of the day’s trek. The afternoon trek is typically shorter. Depending on your destination, you may be required to cross a pass or descend into a valley.
After a day’s trek, you will reach your overnight campsite by late afternoon. By the time you reach your destination, you will have your tents already set. After spending some time unwinding, you can explore the surrounding villages or monasteries before heading back to your campsite for a warm dinner in the dining tent. After dinner, you will head to your designated tent for a much-deserved rest under a canopy of stars.
Cost of Upper Dolpo Trek 2026/2027: Permits, Camping, Guides, and Transport
The Nepal Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-value expedition requiring heavy logistics. Furthermore, you will traverse into the restricted areas that remain isolated and untouched by modernization. To ensure a safe and memorable journey, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides a comprehensive full-board camping package. The cost of the Upper Dolpo Trek reflects the sheer logistical complexities and duration.
Our comprehensive Upper Dolpo Trek package comprises domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal), all necessary permits, including the Restricted Area Permit, expert trekking guides, a full kitchen crew, porters, all camping equipment, and all required logistical arrangements.
Explore the isolated Upper Dolpo region of Nepal on this comprehensive 24-day trek. Call us now to get a free quote.
Upper Dolpo Trekking Highlights
- Exploring the "Hidden Land" of Dolpo, a restricted area preserving ancient Tibetan culture
- Camping beside the mesmerizing, deep-blue Phoksundo Lake
- Crossing the challenging Kang-La Pass (5,360m) and Jeng-La Pass (5,090m)
- Visiting the mystical Shey Gompa and the holy Crystal Mountain
- Exploring Dho Tarap, a medieval trading post and one of the highest settlements on Earth
- Walking through the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the elusive Snow Leopard
- Experiencing the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion and visiting ancient monasteries
- Scenic flights to and from the remote airstrip of Juphal
Upper Dolpo Trek Customization 2026/2027
Nature Lover Treks and Tours’ Upper Dolpo Trek is a comprehensive package that covers all complicated logistics. During this fully supported camping trek, we provide all camping gear, food supply, expert guide, transportation, and other necessary logistics. However, we understand some trekkers may have specific goals. To cater to such needs, we offer a customizable Upper Dolpo Trek.
With our tailor-made Upper Dolpo Trek, you can extend your trek to Lower Dolpo, include extra days for photography or spiritual experiences in the ancient monasteries, or arrange a helicopter return from specific points.
Discuss your preferences with our travel experts. Together, we will create a fully tailored Nepal Upper Dolpo Trek. Call us now!
