Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo: The Last Hidden Kingdom of The Himalayas – Overview

Upper Dolpo lies in the middle of nowhere and is one of the most remote places on the planet. Take a look on the map and you will see it is shielded by the Dhaulagiri massif. Upper Dolpo is for people who want more than to simply take a casual hike. It is for people who want to take a journey and a step back in time. Without modern civilization and the noise that it brings, an unmatched serenity can be experienced in the remote and unexplored area of Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo is a high altitude desert that shares the rugged and stunning plateau landscape of Tibet. Walking along the trails of one of the most remote places on the planet, the air is fresh and untouched. The atmosphere of the region is dictated by the flow of nature and not the chaos of modern civilization.

The spiritual heart of the trek is Shey Gompa (4,343m). Here you will find an ancient monastery over 800 years old sitting at the base of the sacred Crystal Mountain. This area inspired the movie Himalaya which received an Oscar nomination. The mud-brick villages you walk through possess an unchanged way of living that has lasted for centuries, from the seasonal search for Yarchagumba to the ancient salt trading done by yak caravan.

Trek Challenges and Physical Requirements

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a high-altitude, challenging trek suitable for experienced and well-prepared trekkers. Trekkers must be comfortable walking long days at elevations above 4,000m and crossing several high mountain passes. While technical climbing skills are not required, the remote nature, long distances, and rugged terrain make this trek physically demanding. Proper acclimatization and prior trekking experience are strongly recommended.

Unique Features and Key Highlights of the Upper Dolpo Trek

• • Travel through one of the most remote and untouched regions of Nepal
• • Experience traditional life in mud-brick villages and yak caravan routes
• • Visit Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery at the base of Crystal Mountain
• • Trek across multiple high-altitude passes including Kang-la (5,306m), Nagdala La (5,353m), Sela La (5,095m), and Jyanta La (5,220m)
• • Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal with stunning turquoise waters
• • Possibility to spot snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, wild asses, yaks, and pheasants
• • Immerse in spiritual and serene landscapes, including prayer flags fluttering at 5,000m

Additional Information and Route Details

The journey begins at the small airstrip in Juphal and travels through forests, small villages, and alpine terrain before reaching Shey Phoksundo Lake. After the lake, the trek moves into the more wild and open northern regions, navigating rugged and barren high-altitude passes that link Lower Dolpo to the Upper wilderness.

This trek offers a rare chance to experience a truly hidden paradise, where few people venture. From the serenity of the plateau to the spiritual energy of Shey Gompa, Upper Dolpo provides an unforgettable journey that combines nature, culture, and adventure.