Dolpo is the mystical land of rich biodiversity and pristine wilderness. Whether you’re planning to witness the rarest flora and fauna or experience the best of Himalayan culture, Dolpa (the local name for Dolpo) is exactly where you need to be!
From exploring remote trails, high mountain passes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries to experiencing life away from proper roads, electricity, and other modern amenities, Altitude Himalaya warmly welcomes you to Dolpo!
Whether you choose to trek in Lower or Upper Dolpo, our job at Altitude Himalaya is to ensure you experience everything this mysterious land has to offer. You’ll witness unique local traditions, connect with the locals, visit the serene Phoksundo Lake, and explore the forested regions of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
You’ll also have the opportunity to spot magnificent wild animals like the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Musk Deer, Wild Yak, and more. In fact, Dolpo is even ideal for birdwatching, with a good chance to spot the rare Impeyan Pheasant, Crimson Horned Pheasant, and Cheer Pheasant.
There’s more to the Dolpo region than words can capture. For that, you must visit Nepal right away. And let us take care of the rest of your trip!
Major Facts About Dolpo Region
Location |
Dolpa District, Karnali Province |
Bio-climatic zones |
Alpine, Subalpine, and Trans Himalayan |
Area |
7,889 sq. km. |
Elevation |
1,525m to 7,625m |
Population |
45,000 approx. |
Major mountains |
Kanjirowa South, Shikalpo Khang |
Major religion |
Bon (Tibetean Buddhism) |
What to Expect in Dolpo
Dolpa is the largest district in Nepal by area and comprises a plethora of scenic landscapes. Depending on the remoteness, rugged terrains, accessibility, and difficulty level, Dolpa is often categorized into Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo.
Most parts of these regions fall under Shey Phoksundo National Park, which happens to be the largest national park in the country. It’s home to the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, and Tripura Sundari Temple.
Altitude Himalaya offers not just the complete circuit treks of the Upper and Lower Dolpos but can even help you combine the two, offering an in-depth cultural and spiritual experience in the Tibetan-Tethys zone.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Before jumping right into our packages, let’s learn the essential facts about the roof of Far West Nepal:
Established in (year) |
1984 AD |
Area |
3,555 sq. km. |
Location |
Dolpa and Mugu districts, Karnali Province |
Bio-climatic Zones |
Upper Temperate, Sub-alpine, and Trans-himalayan |
No. of mammals |
33 |
No. of birds |
260 |
No. of butterflies |
28 |
No. of reptiles |
6 |
No. of medicinal plants |
500+ |
Municipalties / Rural Municipalities |
2 / 4 |
Population |
12,256 |
Major Caste |
Lama, Baiji, Gurung, Magar, Budha, Thakuri, Brahaman, Kshetri |
Major Rivers |
Langu and Thuli Bheri |
Major Mountains |
Kanjirowa South, Shikalpo Khang |
Elevation |
1,525m to 6,883m |
Lower Dolpo
The highlight of the Lower Dolpo region is the scenic Phoksundo Lake, which isn’t just popular among international trekkers but also among locals. If you’re visiting during the appropriate season, expect to find quite a crowd here.
Trekking in this region is comparatively budget-friendly, and even 10–12 days will suffice for your adventure needs. You’ll get to explore destinations like Chhepka, Chunuwar, Ringmo, Bagala Fedi, Gyambo, Modo Gumba, Dho Trap, Tangum, Lashikyap, Dubai, and Juphal.
There are multiple itineraries you can choose from. And know that we at Altitude Himalaya are all ready to customize anything you’d like!
Upper Dolpo
Beyond just Phoksundo Lake, Numa La Pass, and Baga La Pass, the upper restricted area of Dolpo offers even more remoteness. The trail doesn’t just introduce you to a new culture but also allows you to meet Himalayan tribes and learn about their lifestyles in depth.
The major highlights of Upper Dolpo are Bhijer and Tinje villages. The remoteness, along with the highest-altitude regions, is what makes this area truly unique in the entire country.
The landscapes here are so breathtaking that everyone must visit this destination and experience it at least once in their lifetime. You’ll get to see yak caravans, immerse yourself in remote festivals, and most importantly, challenge your stamina.
Top Treks to Do in Dolpo
As we’ve been emphasizing from the very beginning, Altitude Himalaya prioritizes the customization of your experience. But don’t worry if you’ve never heard of Dolpo and would like to learn more about it.
We have a dedicated blog to help you explore the Dolpo region in-depth. While you can certainly go through it, how about planning your trip instantly and learning even more directly from professional guides and by interacting with the locals themselves?
Since you’ve landed here on our website, we assure you that you won’t be disappointed. And to make it even easier for you, here are the top treks that our previous guests have opted for:
- Phoksundo Lake: Get close to the deepest and second-largest lake in Nepal. Don’t forget to hike up to the viewpoints that offer surreal views of the surrounding environment.
- Lower Dolpo Circuit: Along with the serene Phoksundo Lake, trek across even more challenging sections with high mountain passes, and explore Bon culture and traditions
- Upper Dolpo Circuit: This is best suited for those looking to experience remote regions and untouched corners. Make sure to visit Shey Gompa, Saldang, and the high-altitude passes — all completely on foot.
- Popular Customized Treks: Combination of Upper and Lower Dolpo, Extended Upper Dolpo, Upper Dolpo to Mustang, Dolpo to Rara Lake, Dolpo via Jumla, etc.
Permits and Entry Costs
Trekking permits for your Dolpo depend on the trek you’re opting for. For example, you don’t need Upper Dolpo entries and permits if you’re only planning for Lower Dolpo. However, for both regions, you’ll need to obtain the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit.
We understand that permits can be confusing, but with Altitude Himalaya, you don’t have to stress about this at all. The following should still give you a better understanding:
Permits |
Permit Zone |
Nepali Citizens |
SAARC National |
International Trekkers |
Shey-Phoksundo National Park Permit |
Both Upper and Lower Dolpo |
NPR 100 |
NPR 1500 |
NPR 3000 |
TIMS Card |
Both Upper and Lower Dolpo |
- |
Group: NPR 300 |
Group: NPR 1000 |
Individual: NPR 600 |
Individual: NPR 2000 |
|||
Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Both Upper and Lower Dolpo |
- |
First 10 days: USD 500 per person |
|
Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Both Upper and Lower Dolpo |
- |
||
Beyond 10 days: USD 50 per person/day |
||||
Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Upper Dolpo |
- |
||
Thuli Bheri municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Lower Dolpo |
- |
For 1 week: USD 20 per person |
|
Tripurasundari municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Lower Dolpo |
- |
||
Jagdulla Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Lower Dolpo |
- |
||
Beyond 1 week: USD 5 per person/day |
||||
Mudkechula Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Lower Dolpo |
- |
||
Kaike Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Lower Dolpo |
- |
||
Note: Children below 10 years get free entry in all the regions of Dolpo.
People and Culture in the Dolpo Region
The people in the Dolpo region identify themselves as Dolpa-pa. They rely on yak caravans to transport goods from Lower to Upper Dolpo. You might have caught glimpses of this in the Oscar-nominated movie Caravan and in other films as well.
The main castes here are Lama, Baiji, Gurung, Magar, and Budha. Most of these people follow Tibetan Buddhism’s Bon doctrine. By connecting with Altitude Himalaya, you get the opportunity to socialize with them and build a strong connection out in the Trans-Himalayas.
Most Dolpa-pa live in villages situated between 3,960 and 4,270 meters, with very limited access to health, education, and other facilities. Visiting Dolpo truly reminds us of how fortunate we are to live a comfortable and luxurious life.
Traditional clothing includes short cloaks for men and long dresses made of colorfully striped woven cloth for women. You can even try on these traditional dresses, as they are often available for rent at the cottages where you’ll be staying.
Regarding accommodation, keep in mind that facilities become more limited as you travel farther. While you’ll likely have the chance to stay among the locals, the accommodation itself adds to the challenge of the trek. You’ll need to adjust based on their local lifestyle.
But if you’re someone who loves to learn new cultures and fully immerse yourself, we truly believe you’ll enjoy the experience far more than be bothered by the difficulties. It’s the best kind of adventure for those seeking to go beyond their comfort zone.
Best Time to Visit Dolpo
The beauty of Dolpo is best experienced during the months of March, April, and May (spring season), and also in September, October, and November (autumn season).
Both of these periods offer ideal temperatures, clear skies, and pleasant weather for proper exploration. Don’t forget to enjoy the mesmerizing starry skies during the late evenings.
Very recently, in 2024, Altitude Himalaya and our associate company, Dolpa Trekking, attended the 12-year Shey Festival, also known as the Dragon Festival, celebrated at Shey Gompa. What’s fascinating is that this festival is held only once every 12 years, during the Year of the Dragon.
We now have to wait until 2036 to witness the next celebration of this unique event, which typically falls in early autumn or late monsoon. And guess what? The bookings are open at Altitude Himalaya from now on!
Whether you’re planning to visit Dolpo during the on or off-season, it’s best to consult us before hitting the Book button. We’ll provide accurate weather updates and help you determine if it’s the ideal time to visit Dolpo based on your travel plans.
Now that you’ve learned everything about the Upper and Lower Dolpo regions and why to choose Altitude Himalaya as your trekking partner, you can proceed to scroll through the different packages we offer. Carefully check the descriptions to find which trek suits your preferences. And even if you wish to customize your treks, know that we’re just a call or text away!