Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of the remote trekking in Nepal that lies in the base of far west Himalayas which preserve the stone-age culture. Opened in 1993 for Tourism activities with special trekking permit, it still holds gem of landmarks and the authentic culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Friendly People greet visitors to Dolpo with warm “Tashi Delek”. The monasteries of Dolpo including the ones of Tibetan Buddhists and Bon nestle on the spurs atop traditional villages. The landscapes, which are so wonderful, vary while trekking in different regions of Dolpo.

Main Features of of Upper Dolpo are:

• Beautiful landscape in the upper Himalayas
• Unique Buddhist culture and way of life of people
• One of the best location for shooting films
• Fascinating Shey Phoksundo Lake also known as “Deepest Lake in Nepal”
• Passing Shey La Pass (5,094m) and Kang La Pass (5,306m) brings you close enough to the pristine mountains, flora and fauna
• Experience the beautiful nature and rare village life of Western Nepal

How to Reach Dolpo

Dolpo trek begins at Juphal, an elevated airstrip in the remote west region. Before we begin the Upper Dolpo trek, visitors also get an opportunity to view the great cultural sites of Kathmandu. The Dolpo Trek with Nepal Footprint Holiday traverses through the sub-tropical forests of Shey Phoksundo National Park, ethnical villages of Lower Dolpo, and arrives at the major villages of entire Dolpo- Dho. The trading center of Dolpo, Dho is also in close proximity to Mustang. Crossing over the challenging high passes Chhoi La Pass the Upper Dolpo Trek winds through rugged trails of Dolpo to Shey via sacred Namgung Gompa and 5,094m Shey La Pass. Shey the famous village of Dolpo has equally famous Shey Monastery with the magnificent backdrop of Crystal Mountain.

The latter half of the Upper Dolpo Trek traverses through another 5,306m Kang La Pass, visits several traditional villages of Dolpo. And arrive in the most beautiful lake of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake. Savor the views of crystal clear Phoksundo Lake with the backdrop of lush vegetation and magnificent Mt. Kanjirowa. At Phoksundo Lake also witness the Bon culture at Ringmo Village which lies on a hill above the lake.

The restricted trekking region in Nepal, Upper Dolpo is an expensive and longest trekking adventure of Nepal compared to other trekking regions. However, the trek caters to a unique culture, landscape, and floral and fauna diversity as an open natural and cultural museum of Hidden Himalayas. The area where the Academy Award-nominated film “The Himalayas” was filmed.

Best Time to visit Upper Dolpo

The best time to trek Upper Dolpo is from the Spring (April – May) and the Autumn (October – November) when temperatures are cool with bright blue skies.

Permit to Trek Upper Dolpo

For Upper Dolpo, you are going to need two permits, while exiting to Upper Dolpo (from Lower Dolpo) and enterning to Lower Dolpo (from Upper Dolpo). And another permit for Shey – Phoksundo National Park.