Dolpo Region
Upper Dolpo Trek

Dolpo Region has opened for trekking in 1989. The Dolpo region is hard to match for it’s pristine beauty and rugged charm. Where one can still have opportunity to meet the nomadic people and their life style almost untouched and unexplored. The Himalayas offer an endless variety of landscapes, cultures and great people. This unbounded diversity makes it a destination you can visit over and over again. It even becomes more interesting and fascinating with all those beauty and attractive nature every time you return. Lying in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas. The landscape resembles that of the Tibetan Plateau instead of the lush, green, monsoon watered hills.

Dolpo’s extraordinary natural beauty was exquisitely captured in the Oscar nominated film“Caravan”. Trekking in this Himalayan region is an unforgettable Adventure. Confined by the Dhaulagiri range in the south and east, Mt. Sisne and Kanjiroba in the west and the Tibetan plataeu towards the north. Lake Phoksundo’s shimmering turquoise waters never fails to fascinate visitors, making it one of the major attractions of Dolpo.

Settlements here are generally at amazing altitudes of 3,660 m to 4,070 m and the people are devout Buddhists who have been trading with Tibet for centuries. There are 130 gompas (Buddhist monasteries) in Dolpo which speaks volumes for their religious fervor.

Prime Highlights of Dolpo Region.

  • It traces the sixth stage trails of the GHT Trek
  • You get an insight into the life and culture of the followers of Bon Buddhism.
  • You will follow the footprints of the ancient trans-Himalayan traders.
  • You will be freely exploring the region in a dry weather without worrying about the rain as the region lies in the rain shadow area of Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Challenges crossing high passes including Jungben La Pass 5550m
  • You will have an amazing time inside your tented camp on this trek around the Shey Phoksundo lake, Crystal mountain, and the crisp views of Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • You can catch a view of diverse flora and fauna in the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Flora and Fauna of Dolpo Region.

The pristine woodlands and vegetation in Dolpo region is a domain of diverse exotic birds and animals that conserves around 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals. During the trek, you might encounter with animals like the flock of blue sheep, musk deer, wild yak, wild goat, marmot, and several other animals’ species. Furthermore, birds like Babbler Bhyakur Golden Eagles, Partridges, great numbers of Himalayan griffon vultures and myriad species of birds along with butterflies can be seen in this region. Needless to say, Dolpo region is also the habitat of endangered snow leopard.

The abundance of medicinal plant Yarchagumba (coerdiopsis sinensis), a type of wild mushroom found this region. If you visit the place in spring, you will have an opportunity to witness the people collecting Yarchagumba in the meadows.

Dolpo Trekking Seasons.

The preferred seasons to complete the Dolpa Trekking is April to November. However, please check with a local tour operator if lodges are open in April and if passes are open in November as this will depend on prevailing weather conditions. This is a recommended trek to do in monsoon season as the Upper Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow. However keep in mind that travel to and from the trailhead can be interrupted by bad weather in the lowlands so give yourself an extra day or two on both ends of your trip to accommodate flight cancellations and road blockage.

Dolpa Trekking Restrictions.

Dolpo is one of the Restricted Areas of Nepal and trekkers require a Trekking Permit from the Department of Immigration in addition to the TIMS card to trek in this region. Trekkers must be extremely fit to endure the long and strenuous stretches en route. A minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a Nepali guide or Porter is required for a permit to trek Dolpo region. So, make sure you have a Trekking Partner or a trekking agency for the trek.

Dolpa Trekking Permit.

A minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a Nepali guide or Porter is required for Dolpo trekking permit. So, make sure you have a Trekking Partner or a trekking agency for the trek.

  • For the first ten days US$500 per person and US$50 per person for each additional day.
  • Shey-Phoksudno National Park Entry Permit Fee for foreigners Rs. 3000 + 13% VAT, which is Rs. 3390, about US$34.
  • For SAARC Nationals Rs.1000 per person

Dolpo Trek Difficulty.

Due to its remote location, Dolpa is still an “off the beaten track destination”. Tourists are few and far between, especially in the summer months. The Dolpa Trek is a quite strenuous trekking with some steep climbs. The trail ascends to two high passes, Numa La (5318 m) and Baga La (5190 m). These crossings involve long climbs and long descents. That being said, the scenery on the way , the views from the passes and the encounters you will have with the Dolpa people will make it all worth it.

Dolpa Region Culture.

The Dolpo area comprises two regions: The Upper Dolpo and the Lower Dolpo. The Upper Dolpo encompasses an area which is isolated and arid, profoundly Tibetan-Buddhist. While the Lower Dolpo is a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu villages, dense jungles and soaring mountains and large cascades.

Adventurous camping trek to the remote trans Himalayan region of Nepal.

Available Dolpo Trekking Packages

Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek located Far North West of Nepal on least explored and hardly visited by westerners or foreign travelers

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo trek is a remote and strenuous non touristy trekking in the far western region of Nepal into the

Limi Valley Trek

Join our beautiful 22 days Limi valley trek yet highly demanding trek to Humla region to the north western corner

Final Words from the Company

Dolpo trek is for those who want to experience the rawness of nature. You pass through isolated regions which need special permits. Your journey through highlands crossing countless rivers and streams, alpine forests, grasslands and a few high passes is sure to be a memorable one. You will explore the area that only a very few westerners have explored.

You will be friends with nomads, learn about Bonpa and their unique culture. You will have a lifelong memory of exploring around turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake and passing through some of the highest settlements in the world.

If you want to trek in Dolpo, you can contact us for a comfortable and well-prepared trek to Dolpo. We look after your entire trek from getting you permits to taking care of your food, accommodation, and transportation.

About Author

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Kulendra Baral
Challenge yourself mentally, physically and spiritually on a Nepal tours. Choose from our adventurous to leisure tours and treks in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan with premier services. Experience the best of nature, culture & Himalayas. Experience Nepal on our award winning, fully inclusive, escorted Nepal Tours. Travelling in a group or privately, see the iconic sights with our expert guides.