Upper/Inner Dolpa Treks

The upper/inner Dolpo trek is one of the most adventurous and famous treks in Nepal. It is located in the Karnali region (the western part of Nepal, south of the border of Tibet) and is one of the restricted areas where we must have government permission to go. Nameste Holidays will help you go to this hidden region, guaranteeing your entry permission, which is well-known for its tranquil and natural beauty.

Dolpo is a high-altitude Tibetan plateau and a culturally Tibetan region in the upper part of the Dolpo District of western Nepal. This is one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po region is still practiced. We offer you a range of choices Inner Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek ,Lower Dolpo Trek with Shey Phoksundo Lake, Dolpa Adventure Trek and several other options. The mishmash of perfect trans-Himalayan society and Buddhist shrines with natural attractiveness makes the trek the most tremendous one that you will never forget.

Upper/Inner Dolpo is one of the most remote, mystical regions of Nepal and provides an unforgettable trek. This area of ancient Buddhist traditions interwoven with shamanistic influences invites trekkers into a world where time seems to have stopped.

Trekking over rugged landscapes, high-altitude passes, and isolated villages, Inner Dolpo is the most exclusive and untouched destination in Nepal.Since only a few foreigners are allowed every year, this trek is not an adventure but a rare opportunity to experience an ancient culture in its pure form.

Upper/Inner Dolpo trekking is not an easy journey because it contains three high passes like Kang La (5350m), Shey La (5000m), and Jeng La (5110m); it needs physical stamina and mental willpower. On the other hand, breathtaking views, spiritual heart of Shey Gompa, and contact with unspoiled culture of Dolpo justify each footstep spent here.

The trek also cuts across Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to breathtaking wildlife that includes snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep, while taking in panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes like Phoksundo Lake.

 It’s a place where Tibetan Buddhism thrives and where ancient Bon monasteries still stand, preserving a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Upper Dolpo Trek, which covers remote areas and high-altitude landscapes, presents an opportunity to experience not only Nepal’s raw natural beauty but also its deep cultural heritage. Starting from Juphal, trekkers make their way through isolated villages, lush forests, and over high mountain passes to reach Shey Gompa, nestled at the foot of Crystal Mountain. 

Along the way, trekkers come across multicultural Tibetan culture, in which one would be able to visit ancient monasteries as well as take part in rituals followed for generations. From the pure environment of Phoksundo Lake to the limited Bon-Po monasteries left in the world, every part of this trek is a chance to associate with a long past that lies untouched by modernity.

Some of the key places you will be visiting during the Upper Dolpo Trek are described briefly below.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital city and starting point of your trekking tour, pulsates with cultural experiences, historical temples, and lively markets, especially in the Thamel area, where trekkers can get whatever they need to prepare for an adventure.

Nepalgunj

A small city in the Terai region, Nepalgunj is a gateway to the far western regions of Nepal. After your flight from Kathmandu, you’ll spend a night here before continuing your journey to Dolpo.

Juphal

Located in the Dolpo region, Juphal is a small settlement and the starting point for the trek. From here, you’ll begin your trek into the remote and rugged landscape of Inner Dolpo.

Dunai

The administrative center of the Dolpo region, Dunai is a beautiful village where you will overnight camp. It lies at the confluence of the Bheri and Suli Gad rivers and is the first big stop on this trek.

Sangta

A small village that falls on the route, Sangta is a place offering beautiful surroundings and is a popular stopover for trekkers en route to Ranje and further ahead.

Ranje

The trekkers stop at another far-flung village to take rest stops. It has a higher landscape and therefore gives good views around the surroundings.

Phoksundo Lake

Deepest in Nepal and one of the most fascinating features in its pocket, Phoksundo Lake maintains turquoise blue color. Lying with a rim of surrounding snow-capped peaks, the lake is held as a place of sacred regard by locals and also is a much-memorable highlight in your trek.

Forest Camp

The route then enters the interior part of the restricted area, from where you will trek to Forest Camp. You'll be surrounded by thick forests of rhododendoms and pines. Landscapes here begin to wear a barren and rugged look.

Kang-La Base Camp

Base camp for the difficult Kang-La Pass, it offers fantastic mountain scenery views around and prepares for a tough ascent to the pass at 5160m.

Shey Gompa

It lies at the foot of the sacred Crystal Mountain and is considered the spiritual heart of Inner Dolpo. This ancient monastery attracts many pilgrims who make a 'kora' or circuit of Crystal Mountain. The gompa offers insights into Tibetan Buddhist practices.

Namgung Gompa

Another vital monastery, Namgung Gompa lies in the remote village of Namgung. This monastery is important in the context of Dolpo's Buddhist traditions and is said to be really serene.

Saldang Village

One of the largest villages in Dolpo, Saldang is a culturally rich traditional Tibetan village famous for its agricultural terraces and ancient monasteries.

Yanger Gompa

The oldest monastery in Dolpo, Yanger Gompa is one of the historic sites where trekkers get to learn about the Bonpo tradition, which had existed in the region before Buddhism. The ancient rituals of the gompa are still practiced to date.

Mushi-La Pass

An important pass of 5030m, this offers spectacular views of the peaks and valleys all around. A challenging point on the trek, rewarding trekkers with a sense of accomplishment.

Tinje Gaon

The traditional village marking the end of the restricted area; Tinje Gaon offers insights into the ways of the Dolpo people, who live isolated in villages typical of Tibetan ethos.

Raapka

A small village in the Dolpo region, Raapka offers beautiful landscapes and serves as a rest stop on the way to Norbulung.

Norbulung

This is a remote settlement that offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a peaceful stop before heading to Sangda Phedi.

Sangda-La Pass

Sangda-La Pass lies at 5460m, the highest point during the trek, and dominates the view in a panorama along with the majestic Dhaulagiri, among other peaks.

Sangda Village

Sangda is an ancient traditional village of Tibetans with houses of stone, simple, and of agricultural terracing nestled between rugged hills, which boasts tranquility.

Phalayak Village

A village in a picturesque setting with terracing and wholesome natural beauty, Phalayak is a resting village en-route to the more concentrated parts of this region.

Jomsom

At the foot of the mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri lies Jomsom, one of the foremost points for trekkers. Beautiful scenery combined with the culture of the Tibetans makes it an important stopover before returning to Kathmandu.

These places are different in their entities and offer a lifetime opportunity to the trekkers for experiencing Dolpo's breathtaking beauty and richness in culture. From sacred lakes, high passes, and ancient monasteries to villages influenced by Tibetans, Upper Dolpo is a journey through nature's marvels into the deep spiritual traditions of Nepal.

For those who seek an adventure that combines physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spectacular landscapes, the Inner Dolpo Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers memories and experiences that will last forever. With limited spots available each year, this exclusive trek is your chance to explore one of the most remote and magical regions of Nepal.