Dolpo Trek

Trip Highlights of Dolpo Trek
- Explore the Shey Phoksundo Lake and National Park in our Dolpo trek.
- Get astounding views of diverse landscapes.
- Learn cultural importance and religious practices in Nepal.
- Cross-high passes like Cang Mara La Pass (5,115 m), Nagdala La Pass (5,353 m), and Tyonta Pass (5,220 m).
- Explore the beautiful flora and fauna of Nepal.
Overview of Dolpo Trek
Dolpo Trek is an outstanding trek in a remote region of western Nepal. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1990. A special permit is required for Trekking in the Dolpo region. Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in the mid-western, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. You will have a great opportunity to meet with the nomadic natives and their way of life. Almost being unaffected and unexplored during the summer Dolpo trek. It also allows for meeting the nomadic people and their lifestyles.
The warm welcome given by the Dolpo region is overwhelming. The fascinating insight into the Tibetan way of life makes this an extremely varied & special trek. The major attraction during the Dolpo trek is wildlife, an ancient Buddhist monastery, beautiful lakes, and a vast array of natural vegetation.
The trail of Dolpo Trekking begins from the flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla and the amazing hiking begins. Dolpo Trek is considered a very famous hidden valley. The trek where trekkers will be overwhelmed by the fascinating villages, a land of mystery, scenery, peace, etc. Shey Phoksundo National Park area is the inhabitant of various rare and endangered species. The wildlife such as snow leopards, blue sheep, ghoral, musk deer, wolf, and other wildlife and plants diversity.
Itinerary of Dolpo Trek
01
Greetings at Kathmandu Airport,Transfer to your hotel
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for Dolpo trek. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long flight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program.
You will have a meeting with your trekking guide and discuss the equipment needed for the Dolpo trekking and we will process the trekking permits. During this visit, we will help you check your equipment and facilitate the processing of other necessary items such as National Park Permits, special permits, etc. If you arrive at night we will have the same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.
02
A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley
The very next morning of your Dolpo trek, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient, and mostly enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square, reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture, are highlighted on our guided tour. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner, and perhaps take a stroll through the famous streets.
03
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight
Today we will take a 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj with a good view of the Himalayas to the north to start the Dolpo trek. Nepalgunj is a small town near the Indian border in the Terai region of Nepal. You can have a look around the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple dedicated to Kali.
04
Nepalgunj to Jumla by flight and trek to Gothichour
On the very morning, we take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. From Jumla, we cross the Tila Khola and Chaudabise Khola near their confluence and climb gently to a fertile valley of rice terraces.
The Dolpo trek trail continues through several villages before passing through a forest of maple and walnut to a meadow, which, in season, is covered. Beyond the field, the trail climbs to a rock cairn at Pattyata Lagna (2830m) and then descends into the magnificent alpine amphitheater. The trail descends past the project buildings at Gothichour to a stream at the bottom of the valley. Camping at night.
05
Gothichour to Naphukana
Walk downstream through forests to a series of mills at Kuri Sangta. Trek follows the northern side of Tila Khola through fields of corn and potato then climbs through the grounds of buckwheat, barley, and attractive meadows, passing Tibetans Mani walls on the way.
The Dolpo trek trail enters a forest of oaks, spruces, poplars, and maples. A short distance beyond Chotra (3010m) is the Tibetan settlement of Naphukana. The villagers here keep large herds of yaks and horses — a campsite near the village.
06
Naphukana- Mauria Lagna crossing to Balasa
The Dolpo trek trail becomes steeper as it climbs past the rocky fields of Rapati Chaur to forests of oaks and birch trees tangled with Spanish moss. After crossing a side stream, the trail crosses the Churta/Bapila/Tila Khola and starts a climb through birch, oak, and rhododendrons forests to Mauri Lagna ”Honey Pass”.
From the pass, there are the views of snowy peaks of Gutumba, Matatimba, and Bhalu Himal. The trail makes a few ups and downs and passes side valleys and fields of corns and potatoes. Beyond the ridge is Balasa, the best place for our camping.
07
Balasa to Hurikot
The Dolpo trek trail descends a stream and then climbs to the ridge in a forest of walnut trees. We pass villages inhabited by blacksmiths and tailors. The Dolpo trek trail contours past the corn and potato fields and apple orchards to Hurikot climb gradually through lots of thorn bushes to the campsite.
08
Hurikot to Kagmara Phedi
Pass Hurikot and its Bonpo Gompa to a sign proclaiming the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail stays high above the river to the confluence where the Jagdula Khola and Garpung Khola join to form the Bheri. The valley narrows and the river becomes a series of waterfalls as the Dolpo trek trail climbs to a moraine at 3900m. Make a high camp in boulders at Kagmara Phedi. Overnight stay camping.
09
Kagmara Phedi to Pungmo crossing Kagmara La
The panoramic views of the peaks are sensational throughout the way. Wildflowers are of the hardy alpine species, including blue poppies, buttercups, mint, gentians, and puffballs. Climb alongside the Kagmara Glacier to the Kagmara La. Then descend about 900m along a stream to a campsite on pastures in the Pungmo valley; a fortress-like village with an atmospheric Bonpo monastery and apple orchards. Camping at night.
10
Pungmo to Pungmo Gaon
The Dolpo trek trail now enters birch and juniper forests. Excellent view of Kanjirowa peak on the way and can see a Good settlement of Tibetan villages with Yak herders. Spend your night in Pungmo Gaon.
11
Pungmo Gaon to Phoksundo Lake
The Dolpo trek to Phoksundo Lake up the Suligaad is a short one but boasts a lot of varieties, with some lovely forested sections, dramatic Phoksundo Lake, and a tiny pocket of the unique Bonpo culture. The lake is within Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1981.
The lake and the trail are snowbound from mid-November to mid-May. Majestic views of the snowy peaks known as Kanjirolba and Kagmara and Batrasi Himal. Visit nearby villages and Ringbo Gompa.
12
Rest day
Today is rest and acclimatization day on our Dolpo trek. Admire the beauty of this place. Have a majestic view of the snowy peak known as Kanjiroba and Kagmara and Batrasi Himal.
13
Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta
From here on, we will trek downhills toward Shyanta. We will follow the Dolpo trek trail of Chepka and move along the rocky terrains. Exploring the medicinal plants in this area, we will reach the beautiful village of Shyanta.
14
Shyanta to Jhupal
Today, we march on a path lined with birch trees towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We have the most amazing views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below from atop a ridge. While hiking this trail, extreme caution is recommended. After arriving in Jhupal, we have the option of relaxing or spending the afternoon touring the bustling market town. Sleep in Jhupal tonight.
15
Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
We travel to Nepalgunj on the first available flight from Jhupal. After arriving in Nepalgunj, we take the next flight back to Kathmandu. When we get to Kathmandu, someone will take us to our accommodation. T
here is nothing to do but organize the images and exchange emails with traveling partners. We’ll have a farewell meal hosted by Above the Himalaya to commemorate the success of our Dolpo trek trip. Spend the night in Kathmandu.
16
Final departure
Your 16-day Dolpo trek trip successfully ends today. So, you’ll be returning home after a long, exhausting, and excellent trek. Today, we’ll drive you to the Tribhuwan International Airport according to your scheduled flight.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
- Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
- Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with expert tour guide and private vehicle
- Government license holder experienced, trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, accidental insurance, clothing, and medicine.
- Round Trip flight ticket for Kathmandu Nepalgunj Kathmandu.
- Flight Ticket from Nepalgunj to Jumla back to Nepalgunj from Jhupal.
- All meals during trekking three meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners, Tea and coffee).
- Twin sharing Lodges, Guesthouse accommodations during the trekking on local tea houses.
- Permit for Dolpo Trek.
- Trekker’s information management system (TIMS) card.
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Above the Himalaya duffel bag. ( If you need, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre-meeting at our office)
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
- Above the Himalaya Gifts (T-shirt for Gents & Pashmina shawl for Ladies, Trekking certificates)
- Welcome/Farewell Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
- All necessary paper works, office Service charges, and all Government Taxes
What's Excluded?
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee, you can get a Nepal visa upon arrival in the Airport.
- International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
- Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
- Personal trekking gears
- Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Essential Information - Dolpo Trek
Dolpo trek offers best wildlife viewing
Nepal Dolpo trek route goes through the ancient Tibetan salt caravan trail. The trail goes high passes like Numa La (5190m) & Baga La (5070m) and Kagmara –La (4800m) and other very distant area of the country. You will get to experience the high altitude tundra, rock, the microclimate of Lower Dolpo. You will experience the Phoksundo with the cold air of the glaciers of Kanjiroba.
The unbounded diversity of this area makes a destination to visit over and over again. Dolpo trek Himalayas offer an endless variety of landscapes, cultures and great people. Time has stood still here for centuries as inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live.The cultivate and trade the way they have done for hundreds of years. The people here are very pleasant by nature and are of Tibetan descents that follow the pre-Buddhist Bon religion.
In summer, the caravans of Yaks and sheep run through this valley . You are on a trade route through the Himalayas. The Dolpo trek region of Nepal has been shown in all its integrity and full mystical experience in the Oscar-nominated Film ‘Caravan‘. The best time for Dolpo trek here is the end of the monsoon season Sept to November. It even becomes more interesting and fascinating with every time you return.
Best Time for Dolpo trek
The best time for Dolpo trek is in the autumn season (September–December) and if we choose October and November are best. During this time the skies are clearer and almost no rain, so the visibility is high. Another best time is to visit in the Spring season(March-May). This is the flower blooming season also so enjoy the rhododendron flowers along the trail. During your Everest trekking at this time, you can enjoy the unobstructed views of the spectacular mountain ranges. Monsoon is not a good time to visit as the visibility is poor, and flights get cancel and delayed a lot at this time. Winter is ok for Dolpo trek in the lower part as the upper part is snowing and very cold and high passes are blocked from the snow.
What to pack for your Dolpo trek
The Dolpo trek is difficult to trek so you need to have the proper equipment to succeed this trip.
You will sleep in the tea house and basic homestay at Dolpo trek and eat there so you just need to carry your personal belongings which are enough from the cold. Below are some suggested items to take with you while your Dolpo trekking.
- Walking boots with waterproof and have ankle support
- Trainer or casual shoes you can use after a day trek.
- Hiking Shorts (3): Quick drying type, not cotton!
- Trekking Pants (3), preferably that zip on/off at the knees so you can use them as shorts also.
- Loose, casual trousers for trekking
- Thermal wear for colder areas
- Lightweight underwear – Capilene or other synthetic.
- Cotton pants or (loose jeans/khakis).
- T-Shirts: Cotton for lower altitude walking. the synthetic is good above 2500m.
- Thermal Underwear: Synthetic polypropylene
- Waterproof Jacket. Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket is recommended
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- Goretex or warm jacket for winter trekking bring the down jacket
- women sports bras, Synthetic
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters
- Daysack to carry valuables such as passport, cash, camera, travel documents personally
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store
- Plug adapter 2 round pin
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen, Pencils, and small notebooks
- Extra contacts or glasses
- Quick-drying towel (medium-sized)
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap/handwash
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizers
- Water purification tablets or iodine
- Refillable Water bottles
- Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
- Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Warm gloves
- Towel
- Sun lotion
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses protect from day sunlight
- Sleeping bag rated -20 degree Celcius you can also get a sleeping bag liner
- Some Extra pairs of T-shirts and also shorts.
- Trekking pole
- Camera
- Flashlight and battery
- First aid kit (with moleskin for blisters)
Reviews on Dolpo Trek
Based on 1 Review

Alex Morse
UK
Best Lower Dolpo trek
We had best time in the Dolpo trek. We have visited the lower Dolpo area nd Shey Pholsundo lake. We did basic tea house trek it is much more easier than Camping as We had 1 guide and 1 porter with us. Some places we sleep on the local house which was an amazing experience.
Thank you Above the Himalaya trekking for the best Dolpo trekking
Alex Morse





Excellent
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