Upper Dolpo Trek - 24 Days

Lying near Tibet, Upper Dolpo is genuinely a Tibet outside Tibet. An unmatched trekking experience in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park with Bon cultural experience.

Upper Dolpo Trek with Access Nepal begins at Juphal. We fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As the trek begins the initial part of it winds along the trail beside the Thuli Bheri River and lush tropical forest. Gradually as we gain elevation, the vegetation turns into low alpine woodland as we trek closer to the stunningly beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

The first major highlight of Upper Dolpo Trek, Phoksundo Lake is truly a magical destination. Crystal clear water mass occupying the huge area and ringed by firs and pine trees with the backdrop of Mt. Kanjiroba to the north and Ringmo village (Bon Village) to the east, Phoksundo Lake caters to the enchanting view and tremendously peaceful sensation. The floral and faunal biodiversity of Phoksundo National Park can be observed around Phoksundo Lake.

Beyond Phoksundo Lake we enter the restricted region of Dolpo. The forested regions around the trekking trail start to fade away and we chase the trail on arid valleys towards Shey. Now the real adventure begins. Crossing over the passes of 5000m+ we enter from one significant place of Dolpo to another. Crossing the Kang La Pass 5300m we get into Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is one of the biggest monasteries of Dolpo.

Similarly conquering Shey La Pass 5000m we arrive at Namgung, which also holds another sacred monastery of the region, Namrung Gompa. The last pass of the Upper Dolpo Trek, Jeng La 5100m comes in before we get into Dho Tarap- the ancient trading town of the region. During this part of the Upper Dolpo Trek, the sighting of a yak caravan as shown in Eric Valli’s dream project Himalayan Caravan is one of the picturesque views.

Fully organized trek with expert guides and porters, Upper Dolpo Trek with Access Nepal allows an opportunity for a thorough exploration of Nepal’s preserved and restricted region Dolpo. We have tailored this holiday in such a way that trekkers get to see as many treasures Dolpo holds during the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek Trip Highlights

• Pristine landscape: The Upper Dolpo is famed for its beautiful and unspoiled vistas. Rough, arid terrain, steep canyons, lofty mountain passes, and wide alpine meadows mark the untouched landscapes of the region.
• Phoksundo Lake: The magnificent turquoise-colored lake is a major highlight of the region. Snow-capped mountains encircle the lake adding to its pristineness.
• Remnants of Tibetan Buddhism: Plenty of ancient monasteries, Chortens (Buddhist shrines), and prayer flags can be found in Upper Dolpo, which are symbolic of a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture. The Dolpo people’s rich cultural legacy can be experienced here which they have retained for centuries.
• Cultural Villages and a Traditional Lifestyle: Ringmo, Dho-Tarap, and Saldang are some traditional villages where you may observe the locals’ distinctive way of life and experience authentic local hospitality. Stonehouses, little streets, and terraced fields define the settlements.
• Shey-Phoksundo National Park: With an area of 3,555 sq km, it is the largest national park in Nepal located in the trans-Himalayan Dolpo region of Nepal. In addition to treasures of natural beauty, the protected area also preserves the trans-Himalayan bio-diversity, flora, and fauna.
• High Mountain Passes: The trek involves crossing several high mountain passes, such as Kang La or Nangdo La Pass (5,110m), Se La Bhanjyang (5,094m) and Saldang La Pass (5,200m). These passes offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.