Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek in Nepal is considered to be one of the least explored and lesser-known trekking routes. The Dolpo region is a popular tourist destination known for its adventurous excursions. It is located in the far-western region of Nepal. During your journey, you will encounter multiple high trekking passes that are located at an altitude exceeding 5,000 meters above sea level. The entire trek takes place within the Dolpa district, also known as Dolpo, which is located within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The Dolpo region of Nepal is located far away from modern development, nestled within the wilderness dominated by mountain deserts. This remoteness adds to its rarity and preciousness.

In the remote and undiscovered upper Dolpo region, you have the opportunity to witness the simple lifestyle of the local people. This serves as a great example of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Dolpo is known for its distinctive trans-Himalayan topography, which includes breathtaking natural attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. Dolpo is one of the few places where you can see the true Bon-po religion which is considered the purest form of Tibetan Buddhism. The ancient tradition of adorning oneself with antique accessories and practicing sky burial, where the deceased are left for vultures to consume, continues to be observed by some people in Dolpo. The Upper Dolpo exists to connect people with raw nature and provide an unforgettable adventure in the highlands of Nepal. It allows individuals to experience the untamed wilderness, push their limits, and become immersed in the beauty of nature.

Because it's a restricted area, the paths leading to the Upper Dolpo circuit are undeveloped and relatively secluded. There are 12 stunning national parks in Nepal, with Shey Phoksundo being one of the largest and most mysterious. This region offers a multitude of sights and experiences, including captivating natural attractions and a local population deeply rooted in the centuries-old Bon-Po religion. If you want to see how people from other cultures live and see stunning natural landscapes up close, this tour is for you. Upper Dolpo is one of the few remaining regions in the world where people continue to lead simple and traditional lives. Seasonal farming is still practiced, with domesticated cattle being moved to higher ground during the summer.

The trails to the Upper Dolpo circuit are untouched and mostly isolated as it is considered a restricted area. The Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of the biggest national parks among 12 gorgeous national parks in Nepal. The eye-catching turquoise color of the Shey Phoksundo Lake attracts thousands of travel enthusiasts as it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. The trail is not as developed as other trekking trails meaning you don’t have many options for accommodation. During your trek, you will have the opportunity to spend your nights at local lodges and comfortable camping tents. Camping is a necessary part of the trekking experience. This trek is perfect if you want to experience the different cultures and raw natural beauty. Upper Dolpo is one of the few places where you will witness the old and rustic lifestyle of the locals. Farming, and moving the domesticated livestock to upland pastures in summer are still practiced.

The culture is remarkably preserved by the people here as centuries-old monasteries and Gompas still stand, and the cultural heritage retains a living pre-Buddhist religion that is active in the everyday life of the people, along with its religious monuments. Besides that, the main attraction of the Upper Dolpo circuit trek is Shey Phoksundo Lake. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal situated at an elevation of 3,589 meters above sea level.

Major attractions of the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

Upper Dolpo is in the far-western region of Nepal, certainly a mythical place straight out of story books. The untouched routes of Upper Dolpo take you into one of the most remote areas of the Himalayas. The ancient salt trading routes of far west Nepal and Tibet opened a new way to experience the Himalayan desert of Nepal. This almost magical place has several names given by its visitors according to their experience. Some like to call Dolpo a magical region of the frozen desert, some call it piercing blue skies and some call it the Shangri-La of unnamed peaks.

Nepal’s Himalayan desert is rich in geography, history, and culture. Both the landscapes and the culture are very breathtaking. Notwithstanding its otherworldly scenery, Dolpo is well-known for its catchy rhyming namesake festival and lake (Shey Festival and Shey Phoksundo, respectively). The Dolpo region is a popular destination for adventurous individuals from around the world who are seeking to experience the untouched beauty of nature and challenge themselves by conquering the high trekking passes in the area. Here are some of the highlights and must-sees along the Upper Dolpo Circuit that you won't want to miss.

Juphal Airport - Gateway to Dolpo

Juphal is a renowned village located in the Dolpo district of Nepal. It serves as a vital link between the rural Dolpo region and urban areas such as Kathmandu and other developed parts of Nepal. It is worth noting that Dolpo has only one domestic airport, which is located in this particular place. Juphal lies at an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level which is the average elevation in this region. It is also the trek starting as well as the ending point for the lower as well as the upper Dolpo circuit trek. There are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Juphal. To reach Juphal, one must first travel to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight, as Juphal is located in the far western region of Nepal. The flight experience in Nepal is truly remarkable, offering breathtaking views as you soar over the vast plains and ascend to the stunning alpine landscape. From your window, you will be captivated by the sight of countless majestic mountains stretching out before you.

Upper Dolpo - Inner Dolpo

Upper Dolpo, located in Nepal, is renowned for its extreme remoteness and isolation from the outside world. This region remains untouched by modern development and offers a unique experience for those seeking a truly off-the-grid adventure. Situated in the northwest side of Kathmandu people live here with the basic facilities available. Accessing this region is a challenge as it lies inside the restricted areas in Nepal to protect its raw nature and ancient traditions and culture. Located near the Tibetan border, the Upper Dolpo region offers a captivating journey where you can witness the cultural influence in various aspects such as architecture, religion, culture, and the way of life of the local people.

The landscape of Upper Dolpo differs significantly from the Lower Dolpo and other regions of Nepal. The landscape in this region is primarily characterized by dry and cold mountain deserts. There are selective vegetations present, and you can expect to encounter high trekking passes that are over 5000 meters in elevation. Furthermore, the area is dotted with an endless chain of snow-capped mountains. In addition, it is worth noting that the residents of the upper Dolpo region are known for their warm and welcoming nature, always ready to assist any traveler who happens to visit. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Upper Dolpo is well-known for outstanding views of the landscape, valleys, and terrain.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park lies in the mid-western part of Nepal in the Dolpa and Mugu districts. Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of 12 majestic national parks in Nepal. With an area of 3,555 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in Nepal. Established in 1984 the elevation starts from 2,130 meters. Similarly, the highest elevation of the Shey Phoksundo National Park is 6,885 meters above sea level. The topography of the area is diverse, featuring both striking alpine forests and arid cold deserts. The reason for this is because of its high elevation, which has an average altitude of 3,000m. The Shey Phoksundo National Park is divided into two parts: Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo. The lower Dolpo region is known for having a higher concentration of human settlements and better facilities compared to the upper region. Further, the lower Dolpo boasts a lush alpine forest environment with vibrant greenery. On the other hand, the upper Dolpo presents a contrasting landscape and environment. 

In addition, the Shey Phoksundo National Park is widely recognized as a magnificent sanctuary that supports a diverse range of flourishing flora and fauna. The climate and weather conditions in this area are ideal for supporting the growth of wild animals and valuable vegetation in abundance. The national park is home to several medicinal herbs such as Jatamasi, Yarsagumba Panchaunle, and Chimailo. These herbs have been widely used in local medication and even in medical science. Similarly, some of the rare species of animals can also be seen inside the national park. These animals include majestic Snow leopards, Blue sheep, Ghorals, Yaks, and Himalayan Black bears.

Shey Phoksundo Lake - Hidden jewel of Phoksundo

Shey Phoksundo Lake's striking turquoise hue is a major draw for tourists from across the globe. The lake is known for its unique Y-shape and mesmerizing color that varies with each season. The lake's colors are believed to change due to the impact of lightning strikes. The oligotrophic lake changes its color from green to sharp turquoise blue color according to seasons. This lake is not only a popular attraction, but it also holds significant religious value for the locals.

Shey Phoksundo is one of the most popular as well as beautiful lakes in Nepal. It is situated at an elevation of 3,589 meters above sea level. The maximum depth of Phoksundo Lake is 145 meters making it the deepest lake at such a high altitude around the globe. It is a freshwater lake and no aquatic life has been recorded in this lake. The icy cold water from the Himalayas is collected by Shey Phoksundo Lake. Similarly, the aquamarine blue color of the lake attracts many tourists. Meanwhile, if you observe them then you can notice that this lake changes its color according to the amount of ambiance of light.

High Trekking Passes of Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

The upper Dolpo circuit trek has some of the most difficult and high trekking passes in Nepal. The Upper Dolpo region is known for its stunning high passes that reach elevations above 5000m, offering a challenging and awe-inspiring experience for trekkers. During this trek, you will encounter several thrilling passes that you must cross to complete the journey. The highest pass of the upper Dolpo circuit trek is Neng la Pass situated at an elevation of 5,402 meters above sea level. Traversing the passes can be physically demanding, as you will need to walk uphill toward the summit. Crossing these difficult passes requires both technical skills and good physical health. To successfully cross these passes, it is important to begin early in the day. The wind tends to intensify significantly afternoon, making it extremely challenging and potentially dangerous to proceed through.

Nagdalo La Pass /Kang La Pass (5,320m/17,553 ft )

Nagdalo La Pass is located at an elevation of 5,350 meters/17,553 ft above sea level. Shey Gompa can be reached by crossing Kang la Pass, also known by its alternative name. It is the first pass that you will encounter during the trek. If you walk along the bank of the Tuk Kyaksa Khola, you will eventually reach High Camp. From there, you can continue to the Nagdalo la pass. During your past days, you must begin early because the wind at the pass becomes extremely strong after midday, making trekking extremely uncomfortable.  From the summit, one can behold breathtaking vistas of the mountain range and the picturesque villages nestled below.

Neng La Pass (5,368m/17,612 ft)

Upper Dolpo boasts numerous high trekking passes that exceed 5000m in elevation, making it one of the most challenging regions for trekking. Neng la Pass is a high pass that you will cross during your upper Dolpo circuit trek. It is situated at an elevation of 5,368 meters above sea level. Furthermore, it serves as the highest point along your upper Dolpo circuit trek. You will encounter this pass on the 11th day of your trek. This pass connects the villages of Bhijir and Saldang. From the summit, one can behold breathtaking vistas of the majestic mountain ranges and the charming Saldang village.

Jayanta La Pass (5,220m/17,126 ft)

Jayanta La Pass is the final pass that you will cross during your Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. It is located at an elevation of 5,220 meters above sea level. To cross this pass and reach Dho Tarap, it will be necessary for you to stay overnight at the high camp. Passes are typically open during specific seasons, which are generally from April to October or November. This is because it is extremely difficult to traverse the passes during heavy snowfall. On the other hand, during the remaining months of the year, crossing this pass can be quite challenging. When crossing the pass, it is important to stay hydrated and be cautious of your steps. Even a small mistake can have serious consequences.

Best Time for Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek

The best time for the Upper Dolpo visit is during September and October which is the ideal time for trekking and other adventurous activities. During these months of the year, there is a minimal chance of rainfall, which makes your walk easier and more enjoyable. The weather is perfect at this time of the year, with warm temperatures during the day and a bit chilly in the morning and evening. The weather is appealing, with a clear sky that offers endless opportunities to view the never-ending mountain chains and the surrounding landscapes. After October, the chances of snowfall increase significantly, making walking more challenging. Furthermore, the routes to high passes are closed due to the snow during this time. Due to this, trekking becomes extremely challenging during these months of the year.

If you are interested in going on a trek in the mountains and want to experience the lush greenery of the area, then May and June are considered to be the best time to visit. During these months of the year, one can witness the magnificent blooming of rhododendron flowers throughout the lower region of the forest. During these months of the year, one can witness breathtaking views of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. The alpine forest in the lower Dolpo region offers breathtaking views, with an abundance of wildflowers and native vegetation to be found.