TheUpper Dolpo Trek stands as one of Nepal’s most extraordinary and challenging adventures, taking you deep into one of the world’s last pristine wilderness areas. This remarkable 25-day journey ventures into the remote trans-Himalayan region where ancient Tibetan culture thrives virtually unchanged, and where the landscape resembles the mythical Shangri-La more than anywhere else on Earth.
This is not just a trek—it’s a pilgrimage through time and space. You’ll traverse three major high-altitude passes, with the highest reaching 16,900 feet , witness Nepal’s deepest and most sacred lake, and walk in the footsteps of ancient salt traders along routes that have connected Tibet with the lower valleys for centuries. The Upper Dolpo region remained forbidden to outsiders until recent decades, preserving a unique ecosystem and culture that offers modern trekkers a glimpse into a world that time forgot.
Highlights
A Mountain Kick representative will receive you as you land into Kathmandu and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel on your own. This ancient city has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites for its cultural, aesthetic, religious and historical importance.
We take a one hour flight to Nepalgunj in southern plains of Nepal. Nepalgunj is the biggest city in the region and shares its southern border with India . It is hot and humid in Nepalgunj but you can visit around town in the evening. This flight marks the beginning of our journey toward one of Nepal’s most remote regions.
Time: 1 hour flight
This day serves as a buffer for potential flight delays or cancellations, which are common in mountain flying conditions. If flights operate on schedule, you can explore Nepalgunj’s markets and experience the blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures in this border town. The day can also be used for final trek preparations and equipment checks before heading into the remote Dolpo region.
Difficulty: Rest Day
We will reach Juphal in 35 minutes. This small airport is the main entrance to the Dolpo region from the rest of Nepal . From here, we begin our trek downhill through grasslands till Kala Gaura. Then we follow a river upstream to Dunai. It takes three hours in total . This marks the official beginning of our Dolpo adventure.
Distance: 35-minute flight + 3 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate
We have to hike for about six hours this day. We begin by following the Thulo Bheri River and make several stops along its banks . We cross the river back and forth to see all the points of interests till we arrive at Ankhe. The trail provides beautiful riverside views and introduces us to the remote mountain landscape that characterizes this region.
Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We continue upstream and walk through forests. The trail is rocky and has its ups and downs (both literally and figuratively). The journey is tough and it takes at least seven hours to reach Renje . Today’s trek involves significant elevation gain as we climb higher into the mountain terrain, preparing us for the challenges ahead.
Time: 7+ hours | Difficulty: Challenging
We continue along the river trail and walk past forests to the Phoksundo Lake. We have to walk for six and a half hours to get here. The lake spread over 1.91 square miles is beautiful to say the least . As you might have seen in pictures, the landscape is surreal and that is why the Tibetan and Buddhist people consider this place sacred. At the maximum depth of 476 feet, it is the deepest lake in Nepal.
Time: 6.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We trek down from the lake and follow the Phoksundo Khola River. After six hours of walking through pine forests, we will reach our camping site . The descent provides a different perspective of the sacred lake area and allows us to experience the pristine forest environments that characterize this protected region.
Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We walk past the river valley and make our way towards the forests. The landscape is beautiful and you will feel like walking in a pine forest country club, only a tad bit denser and wilder . We will reach our camp site after seven hours of trekking. Today marks a significant altitude gain as we prepare for the high passes ahead.
Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
We have to walk for around seven hours this day therefore we start early and head towards the Kang La pass. From this high you get the perfect view of the Himalayas above and the valleys below . We walk down from here to our camp site at Shey Gompa. This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek, crossing the highest pass of our journey.
Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging
This is a day for acclimatization and exploration. You can visit the Shey monastery and mingle with the locals . Your body will be very exhausted after all these days of walking so rest well because our journey is not over yet . This ancient monastery offers insights into the spiritual life of this remote region.
Difficulty: Rest Day
We tread a rocky trail among forests till we reach the top of the Saldang La pass. It is downhill from here till we reach the village of Namduna Gaun . We will reach the village seven hours after leaving from Shey Gompa . Today involves crossing another major high pass with spectacular mountain views.
Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging
It is a relatively easy day of trekking. We climb up for a while after which it is all downhill. We will walk along mountain ridges and reach Saldang in four hours . Saldang is one of the largest settlements in the region and offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Dolpo people.
Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We will follow the Nam Khong Khola River for six hours till we reach the village of Sibu. We will pass through villages and monasteries along the way to keep the journey interesting . The trail provides opportunities to interact with local communities and observe traditional mountain life.
Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We continue to follow the Nam Khong Khola along a trail used by Tibetan yak traders for ages. In about six hours, we will reach the Jeng La Phedi which will be our home for the night . Walking on these ancient trading routes connects us to centuries of mountain commerce and culture.
Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We climb up the Jeng La to cross the Jeng La pass. Mount Dhaulagiri and adjacent Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from the top so it provides photo opportunities for the shutterbugs . From the top, we descend about 2,000 feet to the village of Tokyu Gaun. It takes us about five hours in total.
Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
We descend along the trail on the bank of the Chu River. In about four and a half hours of walking through a green valley, we reach our destination of Dho Tarap . This beautiful valley offers a welcome change of scenery with its lush vegetation and flowing waters.
Time: 4.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We trek along the Tarap Khola River towards the hills and then walk along hillsides till we reach a suspension bridge. Serkam lies on the other side . The entire journey takes a little less than seven hours of trekking . The trail follows the river valley with beautiful mountain scenery throughout the day.
Time: Nearly 7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We follow the Tarap Khola River downhill today. The trail is very steep and we will lose more than 3,500 feet in altitude in about seven hours of walking. We will reach Khani Gaun in the evening . Today’s significant descent brings us back to lower elevations as we begin our return journey.
Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
We again follow the river downstream and pass through forests and gorges. In about four hours, we will reach our camp site at Tarakot village . This ancient fortress town provides insights into the historical trading routes of the region.
Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We walk back to Dunai, the place where we were at 17 days ago. We pass several forests and follow the Thulo Bheri River downstream for about five hours till we reach Dunai . Completing this circuit marks a significant achievement in our Dolpo adventure.
Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
It is the same road we took when we had arrived. The first part of the three-hour trek is downhill and then comes an uphill trek. We will reach Juphal in three hours . This final trekking day brings us back to where our mountain adventure began.
Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
A 35-minute flight takes us to Nepalgunj. We will fly back to Kathmandu on the same day . After three weeks in the remote mountains, returning to the bustling capital provides a stark contrast to the peaceful wilderness we’ve experienced.
Time: 35 minutes + connecting flight | Difficulty: Easy
We will drop you to Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be gone with recollections of your Himalayan journey to keep you busy throughout the flight . This marks the end of an incredible adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and spectacular regions.
Time: Airport transfer
In Kathmandu
Three-star hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis (breakfast included)
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This day serves as a buffer for potential flight delays or cancellations, which are common in mountain flying conditions . If flights operate on schedule, you can explore Nepalgunj’s markets and experience the blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures in this border town . The day can also be used for final trek preparations and equipment checks before heading into the remote Dolpo region .
During the Trek
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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
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