Remote Upper Dolpo Trek – 24 Day Himalayan Expedition in Shey Phoksundo National Park

  • Duration 24
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at kathmandu
  • Meals Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
  • Accommodation Hotel/Tea Houses/Lodges
  • Max. Altitude 5,360
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Type Trekking
  • Group Size 2–12
  • Best Season April-May and Sepember- November
Highlights
  • Explore the remote and untouched Upper Dolpo region, one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally rich areas.
  • Visit the ancient 800-year-old Shey Gompa (Crystal Monastery), famous from the book The Snow Leopard.
  • Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to rare wildlife like snow leopards, musk deer, and blue sheep.
  • Experience breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Kanjiroba mountain ranges.
  • Marvel at the turquoise waters of stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most beautiful lake.
  • Cross high mountain passes including Kang La Pass (5,360m) and Saldang La Pass (5,010m).
  • Discover traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and the unique Bon religion in remote villages.
  • Enjoy warm hospitality from the local people, with welcoming smiles and a chance to learn about their way of life.
  • Walk through rugged landscapes of high-altitude deserts, green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
  • Experience an authentic off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure away from crowds.

Remote Upper Dolpo Trek – 24 Day Himalayan Expedition in Shey Phoksundo National Park Overview

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and geologically striking regions, entirely protected within the boundaries of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This demanding, restricted-area trek leads adventurers through a stark, high-altitude rain shadow landscape of deep gorges, windswept passes exceeding 5,000 meters, and barren, vibrant-hued valleys that closely resemble the Tibetan plateau. Along the route, the jewel of the park is the mesmerizingly deep, turquoise-blue Phoksundo Lake, which stands in vivid contrast to the surrounding jagged peaks. Because the region was closed to outsiders for decades, it acts as a living museum of ancient Tibetan culture; hikers traverse ancient trade routes to visit centuries-old monasteries like Shey Gompa and encounter local communities practicing pre-Buddhist Bon-Po traditions, making it an ultimate frontier for those seeking raw wilderness and untouched heritage.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and invited to take part in a traditional Nepali welcoming ceremony. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu to settle in comfortably.

Later in the evening, enjoy a detailed briefing about your upcoming Upper Dolpo trek — including what to expect, accommodation details, and important tips to prepare you for the journey ahead. After the briefing, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple for a spiritual experience. Feel the powerful vibrations of ancient mantras along the holy banks of the Bagmati River, where cremation ceremonies take place. This profound ritual teaches the true essence of life and inspires inner motivation to live fully. After receiving blessings, you will return to your hotel to rest. Since the trek ahead is long and challenging, we recommend avoiding late-night outings in Thamel on your first day.

  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • NA
  • 15 km

Today is your cultural introduction to Nepal’s rich heritage. Visit  Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to the living goddess of Kathmandu, “Kumari”, here visit Kumari house, Kaal bharav statue, Kastamandap, Ganesh temple, Kathmandu Durbar museum, Hanuman Dhoka, Krishna mandir and finally Telaju Temple. Then head to Boudhanath Stupa, a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist centre and also Nepal’s biggest stupa, filled with monasteries. Next, explore Swayambhunath, popularly called the Monkey Temple, offering panoramic city views. In the afternoon, take a short flight to Nepalgunj, gateway to western Nepal.
 Duration: 4-5 hours sightseeing + 50 min flight

  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 4-5 hours sightseeing + 50 min flight
  • 35

Catch an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, the starting point of your trek. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic jeep ride to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo. Take time to explore the local market, interact with locals, and prepare your gear for the trekking days ahead.
Distance: Flight ~1 hour, drive ~30 minutes | Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Tea Standard Hotel/Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • 3-4 hours
  • NA

Leaving Dunai, we cross a suspension bridge over the Thulo Bheri River and head uphill through oak and pine forests. The trail follows the Suli Gad River, offering mesmerizing sounds of rushing water and birdsong.
We pass Rahalgaon, a Thakuri village, and continue through dense pine groves and small clearings. Gradually, the terrain becomes more rugged and remote. After crossing a few wooden bridges, we reach Chhepka, a tiny riverside village nestled in lush greenery. It’s a peaceful stop with just a handful of tea houses.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 12 km

Today’s trail gently ascends through mixed pine and rhododendron forests. The path remains close to the river, occasionally opening up to offer glimpses of surrounding cliffs and cascading waterfalls. We pass several traditional wooden shelters used by yak herders.
Along the way, look out for langurs swinging through trees and blue sheep grazing at a distance. After a steady walk with gradual climbs, we reach the quiet village of Rechi, where we’ll camp or stay in a basic teahouse.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 12 km

The trail continues through the lush forests and follows the Phoksundo Khola (river) upstream. As we approach Ringmo Village, the sound of cascading water grows louder—this is the majestic Phoksundo Waterfall, Nepal’s highest waterfall (over 160m).
A final steep climb brings us to the ridge from where we catch our first breathtaking view of Phoksundo Lake—a surreal turquoise gem nestled beneath snowy peaks. Shortly after, we arrive in Ringmo, a traditional Bon village with chortens and mani walls. The cultural and natural beauty here is astounding. You’ll spend the night near the lake, with time to unwind and take it all in.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4-5 hours
  • 10 km

Today is all about slowing down and soaking in the spiritual and natural magic of Phoksundo Lake. Visit the centuries-old Tshowa Gompa (Bon Monastery), dramatically perched on a ridge overlooking the lake, and learn about the unique Bon religion—Tibet’s ancient spiritual path. Take a short walk around Ringmo village, where traditional mud-brick homes and yak caravans offer a glimpse into high Himalayan life. You can also take a peaceful hike along the lake’s shores for postcard views of snow-dusted peaks reflecting in the water. This rest day helps your body acclimatize before heading into more remote and higher terrain.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • NA
  • NA

Leaving the comfort of Phoksundo behind, you now follow a narrow cliffside trail carved above the lake—arguably one of the most dramatic segments of the trek. This exposed path demands focus but rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the deep blue lake below and towering cliffs above. The trail eventually leaves the lake and heads north along the Phoksundo Khola. You pass yak pastures and seasonal herder shelters before arriving at Thulodhunga, a quiet riverside campsite surrounded by rocky outcrops and pine groves.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 12 km

Today’s journey leads you deeper into Upper Dolpo’s untouched interior. You gradually ascend through wild, glacial valleys, passing under rock walls painted with mineral deposits in shades of red, ochre, and black. The trail follows the river, crossing it multiple times on temporary wooden bridges. As you approach Phoksundo Bhanjyang, the alpine vegetation thins, replaced by scree and tundra. Camp is set on wide yak pastures below the base of Kang-La Pass—your biggest challenge yet. This remote setting offers complete solitude under a blanket of stars.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 11 km

An early start today is crucial as you climb steep switchbacks toward Kang-La Pass. The climb is demanding, especially with the altitude, but every step reveals increasingly dramatic views. At the top—5,360 meters—you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Crystal Mountains, the barren expanses of Dolpo, and distant peaks in Tibet. After soaking in the sights, descend a steep rocky trail into the mystical valley of Shey. Colorful chortens and prayer flags welcome you to Shey Gompa, one of Dolpo’s holiest sites, nestled in a remote basin at the foot of the sacred Crystal Mountain.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 15 km

Today is a spiritual and cultural highlight. Shey Gompa, known as the Crystal Monastery, is an 11th-century structure associated with the Bon and Tibetan Buddhist faiths. You’ll join the monks for a short ceremony, explore the monastery, and hear local legends of Padmasambhava and the founding of the gompa. If you’re feeling active, take a short hike around Crystal Mountain, considered sacred by locals. Pilgrims often circumambulate the mountain in a ritual known as the kora. The serenity of this valley, steeped in centuries of spiritual devotion, leaves a lasting impression.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • NA
  • NA

Leaving the sacred grounds of Shey, the trail climbs through a narrow gorge and ascends steadily toward Saldang La Pass, the second high pass of your trek. The landscape becomes more arid and stark, marked by wind-swept ridges and high-altitude grasslands. Reaching the top of the pass, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Dolpo plateau—endless ochre hills stretching toward Tibet.

The descent takes you into the secluded Namgung Valley. You’ll spot Namgung Gompa, perched dramatically on a cliffside, built using stone and wood in true Tibetan style. The monastery is home to a few monks and displays ancient murals and religious artifacts that reflect centuries of spiritual life in this isolated region. Tonight, you’ll camp nearby, surrounded by dry hills and timeless silence.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 15 km

dramatic views of the valley below. The landscape is distinctly Tibetan—rugged, dry, and layered in shades of red and gold.

After a few hours, the village of Saldang appears below—a surprisingly large and prosperous settlement considering its isolation. Located on a strategic trade route to Tibet, Saldang is known for its barley fields, prayer walls, and whitewashed homes with brightly painted windows. Explore the village, meet local families, and witness the region’s deep-rooted Bon traditions. You might even see traders and herders arriving with goods from the border.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4-5 hours
  • 10 km

Today’s walk follows the Nang Chu River, cutting through some of Dolpo’s most captivating desert-like terrain. You’ll pass several small settlements, where life is sustained through farming, livestock, and trade with Tibetan communities.

The silence of the trail is occasionally broken by the gentle jingling of yak bells or the distant chants from household prayer rooms. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Rakyo, a lesser-known but beautiful campsite tucked along the river.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 12 km

Climbing back into rugged alpine terrain, the trail gains elevation steadily today. The scenery shifts to a wilder, wind-swept world of rocks, sparse grasses, and cold streams. You’ll follow a trail once used by salt traders, hugging narrow ridgelines and remote canyons.

Tonight’s High Camp is set below the next major pass you’ll cross. The area is remote and untouched—a perfect place to experience the raw wilderness of Upper Dolpo. The sky here feels impossibly big, and stars seem to burn brighter than anywhere else.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hours
  • 10 km

From High Camp, begin an early and slow ascent to your final high pass. As you climb, take time to appreciate the quiet strength of the mountains around you—jagged peaks carved by wind and snow for millennia.

After crossing the pass, descend into the Tarap Valley, a stunning region of green meadows, chortens, and scattered villages. You’ll eventually reach Tokyu Gaon, one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. The village is home to centuries-old gompas, friendly locals, and surprisingly lush farmland fed by glacial streams.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 15 km

Today is an easy and short trek compared to previous days, allowing your body to rest and your mind to soak in the rich cultural beauty of the Tarap Valley. The trail gently descends past barley fields, mani walls, and traditional stone homes to reach Dho Tarap, one of Dolpo’s cultural gems.

Dho is a fascinating village where Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions coexist. You’ll have time to visit local homes, schools, and monasteries and engage with villagers who still wear traditional attire and speak the unique Dolpo dialect. It’s a place where the old ways of life remain preserved—a highlight for anyone interested in culture, people, and history.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 2 hours
  • 6 km

Leaving Dho Tarap, the trail descends through a breathtaking gorge carved by the Tarap Khola. Today’s walk feels like a journey through time—past yak herders’ huts, crumbling chortens, and occasional blue sheep grazing on sparse alpine vegetation.

As you descend deeper into the valley, the landscape transitions from arid plateaus to greener terrain, with bushes and birch trees appearing along the riverside. The path can be narrow and technical in places, cut into cliffs above the river.Tonight’s camp at Nawarpani, nestled beside the confluence of rivers and cliffs, offers the calming sound of rushing water and a well-earned rest under the stars.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge/ Tent
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 15 km

Today’s trail leads you through one of the most dramatic sections of the Lower Dolpo. The gorge becomes narrower and steeper, and the river thunders below you. At times, the trail is carved directly into the rock wall—an exhilarating walk for adventurous souls.

Passing occasional suspension bridges and simple stone shelters, you’ll reach Laina Odar, a serene resting spot built into a forested nook of the gorge. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your journey so far. Tonight, fall asleep to the sound of pine leaves rustling in the wind and water echoing below.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge/Tent
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5–6 hours
  • 14 km

Today, the scenery shifts again—ushering you into lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. You’ll pass Lalberi Village, where locals may greet you with curiosity and smiles, and the trail begins to feel more “connected” to the world again.

Eventually, you arrive in Tarakot, a historic village once used as a fortress during the Malla period. Its crumbling walls and colorful houses give a glimpse of Dolpo’s medieval past. Visit Sandul Gompa, dramatically perched at the confluence of the Barbung and Tarap rivers.This is your last camp in the inner Dolpo—tomorrow you reconnect with the road and civilization.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5–6 hours
  • 16 km

Your final trekking day starts early, tracing the Thulo Bheri River downstream. You’ll walk past farms, stone bridges, and peaceful villages that mark the transition from the high Himalayas to mid-hill life.

Arriving at Dunai, where your trek began over two weeks ago, you can take a break, celebrate with your trekking crew, and enjoy a fresh meal. From Dunai, a short jeep ride brings you back to Jhupal, where you’ll spend your last night in the Dolpo region. The comforts of a bed, electricity, and conversation with fellow trekkers will feel well-earned.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5–6 hours
  • 15 km

After breakfast, take the morning flight to Nepalgunj, and then a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. As you return to the bustling capital, the sounds and sights of the city may feel surreal after so many days in the wilderness.

Our team will transfer you to your hotel, where you can shower, relax, and enjoy the comforts of modern life again. In the evening, consider treating yourself to a celebratory dinner and sharing stories with fellow travelers.

  • Tea Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 40 mins to Nepalgunj + 50 mins to Kathmandu
  • NA