Dolpo Region Treks
Dolpo Region Treks: Discover Nepal’s Most Exclusive and Remote Himalayan Adventure in Western Nepal.
Our Dolpo Region Treks are some of the most amazing trekking trips in Nepal. They are for people who want to see real wilderness, learn about the culture, and see the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas. The Dolpo Region is in the remote Trans-Himalayan zone of western Nepal. It’s a wonderful place to go trekking because it’s far away from busy trails and modern life. These off-the-beaten-path trek routes will be suitable for your holiday.
Travel through immaculate scenery, historic monasteries, and charming, time-untouched towns. Enjoy seeing the tranquility of the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake. The Dolpo people are always ready to welcome you.
The Dolpo Region offers a wonderful, off-the-beaten-path experience for nature, culture, and adventure lovers. Join us on this wonderful adventure and experience the charm of Dolpo, Nepal.
Why Should You Book a Trek in the Dolpo Region?
Dolpo is one of the least crowded and least-visited trekking areas in Nepal, which makes it perfect for serious trekkers and adventure travelers. Our Dolpo trekking packages are carefully put together and include: Only you can get into certain areas:
- Real Tibetan Buddhist and Bon Po culture
- Amazing high passes, alpine lakes, and empty plateaus
- Expert local guides and all the help you need with logistics
- Few tourists and clean trails
- Dolpo goes above and beyond what you would expect from a premium, once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan trekking experience.
Our Most Popular Dolpo Trekking Packages:
1. Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek: Adventure high passes and snow leopard territory.
The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and exciting long treks in Nepal. This adventure trek route is best for wildlife and beautiful views of the Himalayas. This well-known circuit links remote valleys, old villages, and high alpine landscapes deep in Dolpo. It goes over the well-known Baga La Pass (5,370 m) and Numa La Pass (5,290 m), passing through the beautiful Dho Tarap village
The Lower Dolpo Circuit is one of the best places in Nepal to see snow leopards while trekking. It goes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, and other animals that live at high altitudes. It is a bigger chance to see snow leopards during the lower Dolpo circuit trek than the other trekking routes in Nepal.
Best for: people who love nature, serious hikers, and adventure trekkers
Trip Type: Camping and teahouse. A combination of both.
Highlights: Bon Po culture and monasteries, Dho Tapap village, Numala Pass, Bagala Pass, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and the home of the snow leopard.
2. Upper Dolpo Trek: The Most Remote Himalayan Adventure
One of the hardest and most rewarding trekking routes in Nepal is the Upper Dolpo Trek. This trek takes you deep into a remote world of ancient monasteries, stone villages, and untouched landscapes by crossing dramatic passes that are higher than 5,200 meters.
Great for: photography, experienced trekkers, and best for adventure lovers
Highlights: trekking in restricted areas, high Himalayan passes, and Bon monasteries
Trip type: camping trek with full support
3. Dolpo Kagmara La Pass Trek – 24 Days
The Jumla to Dolpo Kagmara La Pass trek is an adventurous high-pass hike in western Nepal. It gives a wonderful opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Nepal’s Karnali; it is a less crowded area and best suited for trekking for adventure and nature lovers. It is a full camping trek.
5. Upper Dolpo Jomsom Trek—25 Days.
The Upper Dolpo Jomsom Trek is a challenging, high-pass trek in the Dolpo region of Nepal. You can start or end your Upper Dolpo trek at Jomsom, Mustang. These trekking routes provide access to visit beautiful places, challenging high passes, ancient and historical monasteries like Shey Gompa, and the pristine beauty of Phoksundo Lake. It is also a fully camped and restricted area trek, so you need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
6. Phoksundo Lake Trek: An Adventure to Shey Phoksundo Lake
The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a wonderful mix of adventure and ease of access. This path goes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, which has the most beautiful turquoise alpine lake in Nepal. It also has dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife.
Best for: who want to see beautiful places that aren’t too high up, like Shey Phoksundo Lake, national park scenery, and cultural villages, old and historical monasteries.
Highlights: Include trekking through Phoksundo Valley, visiting the waterfall, exploring the blue freshwater Phoksundo Lake, touring the monastery, hiking to the Phoksundo Lake viewpoint, experiencing a remote village, and observing the local people’s lifestyle.
Trip Type: Fully teahouse trek in the Dolpo region.
Best Time for Dolpo Region Treks 2026
The best times to trek in the Dolpo region in 2026 are in the spring (April to June) and fall (August to November). But what makes 2026 special for travelers is that the “Monsoon Rain-Shadow Trek” is becoming more and more popular.
- Autumn Peak (August–October 2026): The fall season is the best time to see things. When the monsoon dust settles, the air in Upper Dolpo becomes clear, giving you obvious views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake. October 2026 is the safest time to cross the high passes, like Numa La (5,318 m).
- Spring Awakening (April to May 2026): Great for people who love nature. When the snow melts in the lower valleys, you’ll see wildflowers blooming and the rare sight of Himalayan blue sheep. It’s also the best time to take pictures of animals in Shey Phoksundo National Park.
The Dolpo Region is Nepal’s “rain shadow” area.
The “Rain-Shadow” Advantage (July–August 2026): The Upper Dolpo region stays mostly dry because it is behind the Dhaulagiri range, even though the rest of Nepal gets a lot of rain during the monsoon season. In the middle of 2026, you can go trekking and see the region’s lush alpine meadows and the fascinating Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus) harvest, which is a cultural event that only happens at this time of year.
A cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else
Dolpo places a lot of value on Tibetan traditions. As you walk along the trail, you’ll see old monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and villages where life has stayed the same for hundreds of years. The Dolpo trek is one of the most meaningful trips in Nepal because you get to experience the culture.
Who Should Go on a Trek in the Dolpo Region?
Our Dolpo trekking tours are ideal for people who want to go trekking in a remote, private area. Prefer routes that aren’t too busy and aren’t for business. Are okay with basic amenities and camping. Find both adventure and real culture
Now you can book your Dolpo trek with confidence.
We have customizable trekking packages in the Dolpo Region, experienced guides, and full handling of permits. We also offer personalized service from the time you arrive until the time you leave. No matter which part of Dolpo you choose, we promise a safe, well-planned, and unforgettable trip to the Himalayas.
Contact us today for
- Please provide detailed plans for your trek to the Dolpo region.
- Find out the cost of the trip, as well as the inclusions and exclusions.
- The best dates for the trip, along with the RAP permits and the flight schedule to Juphal Dolpa, are provided.
- Departures for people or groups
Final thoughts:
Trekking in the Dolpo Region offers one of the most authentic and unexplored Himalayan experiences in Nepal. The Dolpo Region isn’t crowded with many travelers, and it has raw landscapes, old cultures, and a sense of adventure that is not matched by any other trekking routes in Nepal. For wilderness trekking and additional benefits, Himalaya Darshan Treks highly recommends the Dolpo region.
Trekking in either Upper or Lower Dolpo is challenging, immersive, and very rewarding. Dolpo is still the best and most memorable place in Nepal for people who want to see real wilderness, learn about the culture, and go on an expedition-style trek.
In the table of contents, you can find more information about the Dolpo region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolpo Region Treks
1. How much do Dolpo trek permits cost for foreign travelers?
Dolpo is a restricted area, and permit costs vary between the lower and upper regions:
- Upper Dolpo Permit: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day thereafter.
- Lower Dolpo Permit: USD 20 per person per week.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Fee: Approximately USD 30 (NPR 3,000).
Note: You cannot apply for these permits individually; you must be processed through a registered trekking agency, and a licensed guide is mandatory. So no worries; Himalaya Darshan Treks is always pleased and ready to manage and organize your Dolpo region treks.
2. How difficult is the Upper Dolpo Trek compared to Everest Base Camp?
The Upper Dolpo Trek is significantly more challenging and remote than the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. While EBC boasts a well-established “teahouse” infrastructure, the Upper Dolpo Trek is a lesser-known adventure that frequently necessitates camping. You will frequently trek above 4,000 meters and cross several high passes exceeding 5,000 meters. It requires a high level of physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
3. Would it be possible for me to go trekking alone in the Dolpo area?
Normally, you need 2 people to obtain a restricted area permit (RAP), so you can’t go trekking alone in the Dolpo region. The Nepalese government needs at least two trekkers in a group and a licensed trekking guide to protect the delicate Bon-Po culture and keep people safe in this remote wilderness. To obtain the permits, you need to go into the restricted areas. You will need to either join a group or find a trekking partner through an agency.
4. What are the best parts of the Lower Dolpo Circuit?
The beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is known for its deep turquoise color and lack of aquatic life, is the best part of the Lower Dolpo Circuit. Some other things to see are
Dho Tarap is one of the highest places where people live in the world.
Bon-Po Culture: A rare chance to see spiritual practices from before Tibetan Buddhism.
Wildlife: You might see rare animals like the snow leopard and blue sheep in Shey Phoksundo National Park.
High Passes: The Numala Pass (5318 m) and Bagala Pass (5220 m) both have outstanding views of the western Himalaya, including Mt. Dhaulagiri.