Introduction

Upper Dolpo trekking really fascinates all travelers from the moment you step into Wild West of Nepal within one of the most remote and isolated corners of Himalaya.

Due to its far distance from main city and towns where very few trekkers and adventurer seldom take interest to travel around Nepal Far West where more than three weeks time requires getting the best of Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Upper Dolpo falls as largest National Park of Nepal covers an area of 3,555 sq.kms that extends towards Far North West to Jumla further north stretches as far to Mugu area enriched with exotic flora and fauna includes lush forest of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch.

Trans – Himalaya area of Northern Dolpo covered with near-desert type vegetation of mainly dwarf juniper and caragna shrubs as walk takes you higher remote and isolated areas of Upper Dolpo around Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery.

Starts with sweeping scenic flight from Kathmandu where views covers from Langtang-Ganesh-Manaslu to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains to land at low warm city airport of Nepalgunj, from here taking another short flight to reach at Jhupal within Dolpo.

From Jhupal walk takes you to its large town of Dunai a headquarter and administrative hub of Dolpo district, enjoying views and observing the cultures of Western Nepalese as route leads to many farm villages populated by Hindu tribes Thakuri-Malla, where main Nepalese language known as ‘Khas’, originated from around Western Nepal.

After walking down and ups and within river bed and then reaching beautiful Phoksumdo Lake with extra days to enjoy the scenic views of peaks and amazing landscapes, and visiting Ringmo the first Tibetan style village.

Enjoying great scenery where adventure carries on heading further north to cross over the highest pass of the journey at Kang-la above 5,350 m high catching excellent views of Dolpo beautiful landscapes with snow capped peaks.

Walk proceeds to entering Shey Gompa, known as Crystal Monastery where the Crystal Mountain located at close distance from the monastery, here with enough time to marvel magnificent scenery and tour of the monastery enriched with ancient treasures of great religious importance.

From Shey Gompa return journey takes you around nice fascinating villages of Namgun and Saldang villages crossing few high passes within arid and windswept country of great beautiful scenery to enjoy on walks.

Walk leads to visit Buddhist and Bon sect monasteries on route to large village of Tokyu, where you can enjoy impressive culture and custom of Upper and Inner Dolpo people similar to South West Tibetan heritage life.

Return journey continues heading towards long and beautiful valley of Dho-Tarap to reach at historical village in Tarakot, a fort like village at one time stood as an important place guarding the village against invaders during old Malla regime.

After Tarakot where adventure slowly comes to an end on reaching at Dunai town and then with final overnight stop in Jhupal, where morning flight brings you to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj after a most amazing adventure and experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Season for Upper Dolpo Trekking:

April and May with September till October within spring and autumn / fall times, includes summer and monsoon wet season of June to mid September.

Upper Dolpo located within rain-shadow region that makes the country dry and arid as well worth visiting from April till October months.

Best months and high times around April and May when days are longer with much sunlight hours clear morning till late afternoon, chances of light shower and snow on high hills above 2,800 m high.

Spring seasons, hills are alive with bright colors from wild-flowers in full bloom time with clear blue sky.

Another peak times to visit from mid September to October months when days are clear for mountain views and pleasant walks, much shorter sun-light hours due to autumn / fall season.

Freezing cold temperature in the morning and night times above 2,000 meters higher can expect snow higher areas on route trekking.