Dolpo – the next off-the-beaten-track trekking destination in Northwestern Nepal, is a magical and revered hidden land "beyul" region lying in the rain shadows of Mt. Dhaulari to the east, Tibetan plateau to the north Sisne Himal in the south, is home to Dolpo, Khas and Magar ethnic people. There are ancient age old Buddhist and bon monasteries stashed with treasures, yak caravans passing along the old salt trade routes to Tibet. Getting one village to another villages encountering with high passes electrifying the lungs.
Treks in the Dolpo region is a different life time experience, where you won’t find any trekking lodges, crowded passes, but you will be rewarded with scenery of this beautiful snow leopard country, along with warm welcome of friendly people. Ascending to sky towering passes and witnessing the mesmerizing glimpses snowcapped peaks in nearby and Tibetan plateau in far horizon, and descending down through knee jerking trail caters you real adventure taste of Himalaya. However, there are a few things to remember while getting in to Dolpo. Access in Dolpo region only possible with always by small twin-prop plane, is difficult, expensive and unreliable. Most of the Dolpo treks are demanding, long and high with no lodges and teahouse and it is must be undertaken with an organized expedition style camping trek. Dolpo region is restricted region and, getting in to Dolpo region accomplish Dolpo treks you must have Dolpo trekking permits which are quite expensive to obtain than other trekking destination of Nepal. But if you have the keen to do adventure treks in Nepal, with stamina, patience and finances, then Dolpo treks is the best one which will leave you a life time experience.
Dolpo Region trekking highlights
Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Lake is one of the major highlights during the treks in the Dolpo region. The lake is Nepal's most beautiful lake elevation at the 3600m from the sea level, with turquoise in colour within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park of Nepal. The lake is regarded as the sacred to Buddhist and Bon follower. On the other side of lake a Bon Tsova monastery is locating with nestling by Chortens.
Phoksundo Waterfall
A scenic water fallout from the Nepal's most beautiful lake 'Phoksundo' is highest waterfalls of Nepal. Phoksundo waterfall (167m) is lies on the tallest waterfall of Nepal. The water fall is located one the way to or way out to Phoksundo or Rigmo village. Many of Dolpo treks are passing through this beautiful white water fall.
Shey Gompa
An idea as much as a place, the mythical Shey Gompa and nearby Crystal Mountain became a part of Himalayan folklore for many westerners after Peter Matthiessen wrote so lyrically about it in his book, The Snow Leopard. The monastery and its treasures remain remote, hidden behind the furthest Himalayan peaks, like some shangri-la.
Do Tarap
Dho Tarap valley is a beautiful valley located at the 3944m from the sea level. Dho Tarap upholding century old Buddhist and Bon monasteries, blessed by Guru Rinpoche and inhabited by Dolpo Pa people is major high lights of treks in the Dolpo region. Having a day rest and exploring around the village and monasteries, capturing them in your lenses would be very worthwhile in during your Dolpo trekking trip. Dho Tarap also a famous trade junction of Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo.
Bon and Buddhism Culture
Dolpo is enriched by Bon and Buddhism religion. Although there is contradictory in their philosophy, practices and myth, follower of these two religion are harmoniously co-existing in Dolpo region. Buddhist monasteries such as; Dunai Central Monastery, Tika Gonpa, Chyadul gonpa, Ribo Bhumpa Gonpa, Jampa Gonpa, Dragmar Dewa Gonpa, along with Sipchhog Bon Gonpa, Tha sung Bon Chhova Gonpa, Samling Bon Monatery, Tashi Choyeling Monatery, Yangjer Gompa, Pu Gompa, Shey Gompa, Namgang Gompa, Komache Gompa, etc. are the major Bon and Buddhist monasteries encounter during your Dolpo treks.
Adventure experience
Some of the Dolpo trek itinerary provide the best adventure experience, perhaps no other region in Nepal offers such scope. Dolpo trek itineraries such as Upper Dolpo Upper Mustang trek, Dolpo Jomsom trek, Dolpo mugu treks undertaking a month long journey rolling in the deep of Upper Dolpo are un-doubtfully adventure reward.
Friendly people & Beautiful Villages
Beside the adventure experience warm and cordial welcome of friendly people in Dolpo region is a lifetime memory. "Namaste" & "Tashi Delek" words expressed from the upstairs or along the trail with innocent smiles really a stunning experience. Furthermore, beautiful hamlets hidden in the foothills of mountain, and people running after the goats, sheep, cows, yak & horses engage your eyes in the morning and evening during your trek.
High Passes above 5000m+
Last but not least, an avoidable high passes above 5000m+ are the immense adventure stuff during treks in the Dolpo region. A month long Dolpo treks itineraries includes more than three or four 5000m+ high passes.
The top Dolpo Region treks
1. Phoksundo Lake
This short and sweet trek follows the Suli Gaad River through pristine forest to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. The trek to the lake is a short one — five to six days on a straight there and back route. But there are plenty of opportunities to combine this trek with others. The two most popular are either over to the Do Tarap valley or, if you can afford the expensive restricted area permit, up to the legendary Shey Gompa.
1.Phoksundo Lake
- Grade: Easy-moderate
- Trek Duration: 3 days to the lakes. 5-6 days return.
- Max. Elevation: 3,730m
- Accommodation: Camping, basic homestays.
- Start/End Point: Dunai
2. Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek
Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is a classic Lower Dolpo Trek in Dolpo Region. Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is an exceptional trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal. This trek is suitable for those who do not have long days for trekking but would like to immerse in remote corner of Nepal(Himalayas). Lower Dolpo circuit trek grant you an real Himalayan experience. Tough it is two weeks journey in hidden land 'Dolpo" it has lots of things to experience during trek. In Lower Dolpo circuit trek, we gradually gain the altitude, witness the local people's lifestyle and culture, passe through gorges of (Thulibheri and Tarap Khola), sepecticual views of snowcapped peaks along the trail. Furthermore, we visit ancient Buddhist and Bon monasteries and beautiful hamlets.
The Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is circular route takes through Tarakot to Dho Tarap a beautiful valley which holds century old Bon and Buddhist monasteries, the way of Dolpo Pa people lifestyle and culture. Then the trail, lead towards the west of Dho Tarap and crossing two wild high passes the Bagala 5169m and Numala 5309m and descends to Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake. Furthermore, setting two camps, descending down along the Outlet River of Phosksundo Lake, Phoksundo waterfall, Phoksundo River and lush vegetation of Shey Phoksundo National park the trek ends to Juphal.
- Grade: Moderate
- Trek Duration: 12 and 14 days.
- Max. Elevation: 5,290m
- Accommodation: Very basic homestays, camping.
- Start/End Point: Juphal
3. Upper Dolpo Circuit Or Inner Dolpo Trek
Inner Dolpo trek(Upper Dolpo Trek) is an ideal trek in Dolpo region which cater a limitless lifetime trekking adventure experience. This trek is a bit challenging but it rewards plentiful opportunities to exploring mythical and legendary, cultural and natural treasures. Inner Dolpo trek stretches through lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo region of west Nepal with encountering high passes, hallow mountains, beautiful hamlets and secluded Buddhist and Bon monasteries.
The mysterious and beautiful ‘Hidden Land Dolpo’ situated in the west of Kali Gandaki and lap of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Kanjiruwa bordering with Tibetan plateau. Therefore, the people of Dolpo have strong cultural links with Tibet. ‘Dolpo’ the trans-Himalayan region is sparsely populated but culturally and naturally wonderland. The wide range of floral and faunal species found in Dolpo is paradise to explore for nature lovers. The spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo is Crystal Mountain. Dolpo is the land forgotten, with a mix of ancient Tibetan Buddhist religions and a hardy people who make their living through farming and through trade with both Tibet and Nepal.
Inner Dolpo trek starts after flying to Dolpo's only airstrip at Juphal, adventure begins with a trek north following Phoksundo River and to the lush green fields of Ringmo and the stunning blue Phoksumdo Lake. After a day rest & explore in this beautiful spot we continue across the Kang La(5360m) to Inner Dolpo(Upper Dolpo) and Shey Gompa. Then after we crosse the Shey La(5095m) to the Dolpo's largest village or major Dolpo settlement of Saldang.From Saldang we switch to east and crossing Jeng La to reach Dho Tarap. The last part of our trek, we descendt down and tread along the Tarap Khola and impressive Tarap Khola gorge to Lasicap, Tarakot and finally return to Juphal.
4. Inner Dolpo trek or Upper Dolpo trek
- Grade: Strenoius
- Trek Duration: From 22-25 days
- Max. Elevation: 5,160m for standard route. Other routes go higher.
- Accommodation: Camping and some very basic homestays
- Start/End Point: Juphal
5. Dolpo to Jomsom Mustang
Dolpo Jomsom Mustang trek is the epic three to four-week long Dolpo to Jomsom or Upper Mustang trek. Starting from the airstrip at Juphal head north to Phoksundo Lake (you can also go via Do Tarap), over the Sehu La (5,160m) to Shey Gompa and then east, up and over several massive 5,000m-plus passes, through desolate high-altitude desert. The only other people you’ll meet will be the occasional herder with his flocks, or a yak caravan and trader returning from Tibet. There are one or two tiny villages along the way. Almost completely cut off from the rest of the world, this is a fascinating insight into old Tibetan culture.
There’s no set route and any company offering this trek will largely create their own. Make sure they have guides who know the area. The route to Jomsom takes you into the shadow of mighty Dhaulagiri and is the slightly shorter walk (three weeks all in). It also doesn’t require quite as many restricted area permits, which makes it a little cheaper. The more rewarding route though would take you up along the border of Tibet to Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, and from there back down to Jomsom. Allow a month for this walk. You will need the Inner Dolpo and the Upper Mustang permits.
This trek is a true expedition and should not be attempted by inexperienced trekkers.
Dolpo to Jomsom Mustang
- Grade: Strenuous
- Trek Duration: 21-30 days
- Max. Elevation: 5,550m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Start/End Point: Juphal/Jomsom
5. Beni to Dolpo trek
Most Dolpo trekkers fly in to Juphal, but for a more rewarding arrival in the region, try the offbeat Beni to Dolpo trek. This starts in the green farmland and forests around the busy town of Beni, a short bus ride west of Pokhara. After crossing several passes draped in prayer flags, it finishes at the edge of outer Dolpo. Along the way, you will pass through Alpine meadows, rhododendron forests and villages of differing ethnicities and religious leanings.
Road construction is eating into this area and although the trek traditionally starts from Beni, it’s now possible to carry on up the snaking road to at least Darbang or even a little further. This would knock a day or two off the standard 12 days.
Beni to Dolpo trek
- Grade: Easy
- Trek Duration: 10-12 days
- Max. Elevation: 4,540m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Start/End Point: Beni, Babiyachour or Darbang/Tarakot or Dunai or Juphal
- From Tarakot-it can be extended Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek
6. Lower Dolpo Exploring Trek
Lower Dolpo exploring trek is off the beaten trek in to “The hidden Land of Dolpo" which winds through the one of the least frequented trails of Dolpo. Lower Dolpo exploring trek is complete exploration and discovering Lower Dolpo region of Nepal. In this trek is also in circulation of Lower Dolpo, we explore some of very authentic culture of Dolpo region and visit revered Buddhist monuments and step on the one of the highest human settlement.
"Lower Dolpo" region is one of the most beautiful region in Dolpo Nepal. Lower Dolpo is the home to Khas, Magar and Dolpo Pa people and blended culture of Hinduism, Shamanisn, Bon and Buddhist. Lower Dolpo retains the many ancient Bon and Buddhist monasteries along the trail.
Our Lower Dolpo Exploring trek begins from Juphal to Dho Tarap classic trail along the Thuli Bheri gorge and Tara gorge. From Dho Tarap we trek west-North to Chhyutang and Sagar Khola valley "a complete new trail", of round the Phoksundo lake and to Rigmo village. Beyond Phoksundo Lake we pass through Pugmo village, Kagamara Pass and return to Juphal.
Lower Dolpo Exploring trek
- Grade: Strenious
- Trek Duration: 23 days
- Max. Elevation: 5309m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Start/End Point: Juphal
7.Dolpo Mugu Trek
Dolpo Mugu trek is one of the most adventure treks in North West Nepal. This ultimate trekking starts from Dolpo to Mugu thorugh the Upper Dolpo and Upper Mugu. The route leads through the spectacular mountain scenery of Kanjiruwa massif and northern border peaks. This is an extremely adventure trip which stretches across the half dozens of 5000m+ passes. Besides the mountain glory and natural immersion, it also offers the cultural immersion. The culture of Mugum ethnic people, Dolpo ethnic people, the ancient monasteries and remote villages are another rewards of this trek.
This trek start our trekking in Juphal and run past the Phoksundo Lake for fabled Crystal Monastery Shey. In Bhijer we branch off from the main route and wander very lonely roads over high passes and threw deep gorges by Mugu. The few villages here are considered the most remote throughout. Our trekking brings us to the biggest lake of Nepal, the Rara Lake National Park of.The Upper Dolpo to Rara Traverse trek connects two of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in Nepal. Starting in the barren yet stunningly beautiful landscape of Dolpo, and ending in the equally beautiful Mugu district.
Dolpo Mugu Trek
- Grade: Challenging
- Trek Duration: 27 days
- Max. Elevation: 5563m
- Accommodation: Camping
- Start Point: Juphal
- End: Talcha
Dolpo Region trekking information
Dolpo trekking permits are the most required things for treks in the Dolpo region. These permits can be obtained only through the registered trekking agency. With the Dolpo trekking permit, there is not required of TIMS card while trekking in Dolpo region. If you are doing trekking in lower Dolpo region and there is need of Lower dolpo trekking permit. If you doing trekking in Upper Dolpo region then you need Upper Dolpo trekking permit. If are you trekking through both areas Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo then you need both lower Dolpo trek permit and Upper Dolpo trek permit. The Dolpo treks packages such as Phoksundo Lake, Lower Dolpo Circuit trek, Lower Dolpo exploring trek, and Beni Dolpo trek requires lower Dolpo trekking permit while Dolpo trek itineraries such as Dolpo Jomsom trek, Upper Dolpo Or Inner Dolpo trek, requires Upper Dolpo trekking permit and both Dolpo permit respectively.
The Dolpo to Jomsom trek also requires an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and the Upper Dolpo Upper Mustang trek needs an Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit (US $500 for 10 days and US $50 per day for additional days).
Dolpo region lies within the Himalayan rain shadow and all these treks are best tackled between May to October. After November it's very cold in the high passes. But in the trekking lower region of Dolpo could be also possible even be during winter.
