How difficult is Upper Dolpo?

Challenging due to remoteness and three high passes around 5,000–5,300 m. Strong trekking fitness and comfort with long days are required.

Is this a camping trek?

Yes. We run a full-service camp with a cook and dining tent, using village lodges selectively where standards are good.

Which permits do I need?

Upper Dolpo RAP and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry; Lower Dolpo RAP may be added depending on your exact route. We arrange all permits.

What’s the highest point?

Typically Kang La (~5,300 m). Other key passes are Shey La (~5,000 m) and Jeng La (~5,110 m).

When is the best time to go?

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) for stable weather and clearer views.

Can I shorten the trek?

Yes—variants run 22–24 days by trimming side valleys or compressing transfer days. Ask us to customize pace and logistics.

Upper Dolpo Trek (26 Days) | Shey Phoksundo, Shey Gompa & High Passes

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a rare journey into Nepal’s wild west: a high, wind-sculpted plateau of ochre canyons, cliff caves and whitewashed hamlets where Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions thrive. Our 26-day format mirrors the most trusted circuits in the region: fly Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal, trek via Ringmo/Shey Phoksundo Lake to the sacred Shey Gompa beneath Crystal Mountain, then traverse remote villages—Namgung, Saldang, Yangze, Sibu—before crossing Jeng La to the Tarap valley and exiting through Tarakot to Juphal.

This is a camping-supported expedition with selective use of local lodges. Expect three proud passes around 5,000–5,300 m—Kang La (Ngadra La), Shey La, and Jeng La—big skies, and days that feel timeless. Because Upper Dolpo is restricted, a licensed guide and special permits are required; our office handles everything, including Shey Phoksundo National Park entry. Best seasons are Mar–May and Sep–Nov when the air is clearest and river levels are steady.

Accomodation
Hotels in cities; tents on trek; simple lodges where available
Arrival City
Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring / Autumn
Free Cancellation
Yes
Maximum Altitude
5,300m
Meals
Breakfasts in cities; three meals/day on trek (camp kitchen)
Destinations
Dolpo Region
Activities
Trekking
Trip Type
Featured Tours

Highlights

Sapphire Shey Phoksundo Lake (Ringmo) and the cliffside Tshowa (Bon) Gompa.
Sacred Shey Gompa below Crystal Mountain with a full exploration day.
Remote hamlets of Namgung, Saldang, Yangze and the broad Tarap valley.
Three high passes: Kang La, Shey La, Jeng La—wide panoramas and true wilderness.
Full camping logistics: kitchen crew, dining tent, and porter/mule support.

Day 01 :

Arrive in Kathmandu

Airport pickup, expedition briefing, and kit check.

Day 02 :

Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Afternoon flight; overnight in the lowland transit city.

Day 03 :

Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal; trek to Dunai (2,140 m)

Meet the trek crew; easy riverside walk to the district HQ.Meet the trek crew; easy riverside walk to the district HQ.

Day 04 :

Dunai to Chhepka (2,670 m)

Enter Shey Phoksundo NP via Suligad; forested canyons and bridges.

Day 05 :

Chhepka to Jharana (waterfall camp, ~3,150 m)

Gradual climb to the viewpoint of Nepal’s highest waterfall on the Phoksundo outflow.

Day 06 :

Jharana to Ringmo/Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m)

Arrive lakeside; turquoise water and cedar woods.

Day 07 :

Acclimatization at Phoksundo

Lakeshore circuit and visit to Tshowa (Bon) Gompa; rest and hydrate.

Day 08 :

Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola (≈3,500 m)

Contoured lakeside path and narrow cliff section to the north valley.

Day 09 :

Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (Kang La base, ~4,100 m)

Wild glacial basins and braided streams; early night.

Day 10 :

Cross Kang La (~5,300 m) to Shey Gompa (~4,350 m)

Pre-dawn start; broad views, then descend to the red-walled monastery.

Day 11 :

Shey Gompa exploration/acclimatization

Walk to Tsakang Hermitage or the Crystal Mountain kora (partial), return to camp.

Day 12 :

Shey Gompa to Namgung (via Shey La, ~5,000 m)

Cross the second pass; descend to a cliff-perched monastery hamlet.

Day 13 :

Namgung to Saldang (3,620 m)

Traverse high terraces to the Dolpo heartland village.

Day 14 :

Saldang cultural day

Visit satellite hamlets (Karang/Marang) and village gompas; easy pace.

Day 15 :

Saldang to Yangze Gompa (~3,960 m)

Side valley detour to a remote monastery cluster; quiet camp.

Day 16 :

Yangze to Sibu (~3,950 m)

Return to the main valley; yak pastures and long mani walls.

Day 17 :

Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (~4,400 m)

Short, steady approach to the third pass base.

Day 18 :

Cross Jeng La (~5,110 m) to Tokyu/Dho Tarap (≈4,040 m)

High crossing with views to Dhaulagiri; descend into wide fields and gompas.

Day 19 :

Dho Tarap cultural day

Visit Ribo Bhumpa and nearby monasteries; optional stroll to Shipchok.

Day 20 :

Dho Tarap to Nawarpani/Serkam (≈3,500 m)

Enter the dramatic gorge of the Tarap Khola; riverside camp.

Day 21 :

Nawarpani to Tarakot (≈2,537 m)

Long but steady descent; blue pine and farm terraces return.

Day 22 :

Tarakot to Dunai

Pleasant trail along the Thuli Bheri; hot showers and village bakery.

Day 23 :

Dunai to Juphal (2,475 m)

Final climb to the airstrip town; celebration dinner with the crew.

Day 24 :

Fly Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu

Weather-aware morning flights; hotel rest on arrival.

Day 25 :

Contingency buffer (weather/logistics)

Held for flight delays or a bonus cultural day in Kathmandu.

Day 26 :

Depart Kathmandu

Airport transfer for onward flights.

Highlights

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