Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is one of those rare journeys that still feels untouched and far removed from the usual trekking routes of Nepal. Tucked away in the remote far-western Himalayas, this region offers a raw and peaceful beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. The landscapes shift constantly as you walk, from green valleys and forested hills filled with pine, fir, and Himalayan spruce to dry, rugged terrain that almost feels like a high-altitude desert. Towering above it all are snow-covered peaks like Kanjibroba, Kagmara, and even distant views of the Dhaulagiri range, creating a backdrop that stays with you long after the trek ends.

This hidden corner of Nepal gained attention through the classic book The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, who explored Dolpo in the late 1970s. The region’s beauty was also captured in the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya in 1998. But beyond the stories and films, being there in person is something entirely different. Walking beside the deep turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake or reaching the peaceful Shey Gompa, often called the Crystal Monastery, feels almost surreal. These places carry a quiet, spiritual energy that makes the journey even more meaningful.

Upper Dolpo is also home to Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. This vast area is rich in wildlife and plant life, including rare medicinal herbs and endangered species like the snow leopard and blue sheep. It’s not just the scenery that makes this trek special, but also the sense of stepping into a place where nature still feels wild and untouched.

Equally fascinating is the culture of the local people. The villages you pass through are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, where Bon practices, which existed before Buddhism, still live alongside Buddhist beliefs. Life here moves at its own pace, and spending time in these communities gives you a glimpse into a way of living that has remained unchanged for generations.

The journey usually begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another short flight to Jhupal. From there, the trek starts, gradually leading you through villages and farmland and into the heart of Dolpo. You’ll pass through Dunai, the district headquarters, before making your way toward the stunning Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village.

After spending some time exploring the lake and the surrounding village, the trail climbs higher, crossing Kang La Pass to reach Shey Gompa. The monastery sits in a peaceful, isolated setting near a unique crystal mountain, and inside, you’ll find ancient scriptures, paintings, and statues that reflect both Bon and Buddhist traditions.

The return journey takes you across several high passes with wide views of the Himalayas. You’ll pass through villages like Saldang and Tokyu, where you can explore local life a little more closely. The trail then leads into the long Dho Tarap valley, once part of an old salt trade route connecting Dolpo with Tibet.

As the trek comes to an end, you descend toward the historic village of Tarakot and eventually back to Jhupal. From there, a flight takes you back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, bringing your journey through Upper Dolpo to a close. It’s not just a trek but an experience that stays with you, both for its natural beauty and its deep cultural richness.