Highlights of Upper Dolpo trekking
- Stunning landscapes of the Upper Himalayas
- Rich, untouched Buddhist culture and traditions
- Setting of the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya and inspiration for the book The Himalayan Leopard
- Tranquil Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake
- Cross high mountain passes like Mara La (5,115 m) and Nagdala La (5,353 m) amid pristine peaks and diverse wildlife
- Embrace Nepal’s wilderness and experience life in its raw, rugged simplicity
A Walk Through the Unseen: Upper Dolpo, West Nepal’s Hidden Gem
Dolpo, a vast and rarely explored region in western Nepal, captivates with its frozen desert landscapes, vivid blue skies, and mysterious, unnamed mountains.
Trekking through Dolpo feels worlds apart from the popular trails of Annapurna and Everest, offering a truly unique and secluded adventure for those who seek Nepal’s untouched wilderness.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging, immersive journey, taking around 25 to 30 days to complete. Beginning and ending in Juphal, a small town in Nepal’s remote Dolpo region, this trek is for those seeking adventure in a land untouched by modern influences.
Hidden away, Upper Dolpo is a pristine, rugged landscape, deeply tied to the Tibetan plateau. Even if trekking isn’t your sole focus, the region has something to offer: it’s a place of immense peace, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Each morning, as part of the experience, trekkers can embrace the tranquillity with a guided yoga session. Practising yoga at dawn, surrounded by towering mountains and crisp Himalayan air, enhances mental clarity and physical readiness, preparing you for the day ahead.
Upper Dolpo is far removed from any tourism infrastructure, preserving its ancient way of life and undisturbed landscapes. The trek passes Shey Gompa, the oldest monastery in the region, reflecting Tibetan Buddhism’s deep roots. Here, you’ll witness the harvest of Yarchagumba, a prized medicinal fungus.
The route itself is demanding, requiring stamina, acclimatisation, and previous trekking experience due to its long duration, high altitude, and challenging terrain. It involves steep ascents and descents, as well as crossing high passes that test physical endurance.
Highlights of the journey include exploring Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, cascading waterfalls, and ancient monasteries perched on hillsides. You’ll also pass through high mountain passes and remote villages like Dho Tarap, encountering local communities and experiencing Dolpo’s unspoiled culture. Wildlife like blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan marmots, and Himalayan Tahr roam the park, adding to the trek’s natural wonders.
The Upper Dolpo Trek offers an unparalleled adventure—made even richer by daily yoga practices that connect you to both the journey within and the stunning world around you.
