Upper Dolpa – The Hidden Kingdom of the Himalayas

upperDolpa

A land of myths and mysteries, Upper Dolpa is one of Nepal’s most remote and pristine trekking regions. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist culture, and challenging trekking routes, this region offers an experience unlike any other.

History & Significance

shey-phoksundo

Crystal Mountain – A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

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Ancient Trade Routes – Dolpa’s Connection to Tibet

Ancient Trade Routes – Dolpa’s Connection to Tibet

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Shey Gompa – The Spiritual Heart of Upper Dolpa

Shey Gompa – The Spiritual Heart of Upper Dolpa

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Upper Dolpa has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Historically, it was an important trade route between Tibet and Nepal, where traders exchanged salt, wool, and barley. The region has been home to the Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpa), who follow a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Bonpo religion. The area was once part of the ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom, which heavily influenced Tibetan culture and religion. Many of the monasteries in Dolpa date back to the 11th century, making it a living museum of Himalayan history.
Upper Dolpa is a sacred land for Buddhists and Bonpo followers. Some key spiritual sites include: ✔️ Shey Gompa (Shey Monastery) – The heart of Dolpa’s spiritual life, founded in 11th century, located near Crystal Mountain, which is considered sacred by locals. ✔️ Crystal Mountain Pilgrimage – Pilgrims circumambulate the mountain to cleanse sins, similar to Mt. Kailash in Tibet. ✔️ Bonpo Influence – Dolpa is one of the last remaining places where the Bon religion, Tibet’s pre-Buddhist faith, is actively practiced. The isolation of Dolpa has helped preserve its ancient culture and traditions, making it one of the most authentic Tibetan cultural regions in Nepal.
Even today, Upper Dolpa remains one of the most remote and least explored regions of Nepal. Due to its harsh terrain, high altitude, and lack of modern infrastructure, only a few hundred trekkers visit each year. The region gained international recognition after Eric Valli’s 1999 film “Himalaya”, which showcased the challenges of the Dolpo-pa people. Despite its remoteness, Upper Dolpa continues to fascinate adventurers, scholars, and spiritual seekers, offering an unparalleled journey into the past.

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🏞️ Highlights of Upper Dolpa

📍 How to Reach Upper Dolpa?

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (50 min)
  • Fly from Nepalgunj to Jufal (45 min)
  • Trek from Jufal to Shey Phoksundo Lake and further into Upper Dolpa
  • Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Surkhet → Jajarkot → Dunai (Jeeps available)
  • Trek from Dunai to Upper Dolpa (Requires multiple days)
By Air

📍 Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (50 min flight)
📍 Nepalgunj → Juphal Airport (45 min flight)
🚶 Juphal → Dunai (~2 hrs trek)
🚶 Dunai → Shey Gompa (~7-9 days trek)
🚶 Shey Gompa → Upper Dolpa Region (~3-4 days trek)

By Road + Trek

📍 Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (12-14 hrs bus)
📍 Nepalgunj → Jajarkot → Tribeni (10-12 hrs bus)
🚶 Tribeni → Tripurakot - Dunai (~5 hr trek)
🚶 Dunai → Upper Dolpa Region (~10+ days trek)

By Bike + Trek

🏍️ Kathmandu → Surkhet (12-14 hrs bike)
🏍️ Surkhet → Jajarkot → Dunai (10-12 hrs, rough terrain)
🚶 Dunai → Upper Dolpa Region (~7-10 days trek)

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Upper Dolpa

✔️ Spring (April – June): Best weather, lush landscapes
✔️ Autumn (September – November): Clear skies, best visibility
❌ Monsoon (July – August): Heavy rain, landslides, difficult travel
❌ Winter (December – February): Extreme cold, heavy snowfall

Nearby Attractions

Phoksundo Lake

Phoksundo Lake

Stunning turquoise lake...
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Dho Tarap Village

Dho Tarap Village

Highest human settlement in Dolpa...
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🎟️ Permits, Entry Fees & Trekking Guide for Upper Dolpa

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Mandatory for Foreigners

🔹 Cost: USD $500 per person for the first 10 days
🔹 Each additional day: USD $50 per person per day
🔹 Where to get it? Department of Immigration, Kathmandu
🔹 Why is it required? Upper Dolpa is a restricted area, so foreign travelers must obtain a special permit.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Fee

🔹 For Foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT = 3,390 NPR (~USD $34)
🔹 For SAARC Nationals: 1,500 NPR
🔹 For Nepali Citizens: 100 NPR
🔹 Where to get it? Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu OR Park Entry Gate

Trek Difficulty & Altitude Challenges

🔹 Difficulty Level: Strenuous (High altitude, remote terrain, multiple passes over 5,000m)
🔹 Highest Altitude: Kang La Pass (5,151m)
🔹 Experience Required: Suitable for experienced trekkers due to tough climbs and isolation.
🔹 Weather Challenges: Best in Spring (April-June) & Autumn (Sept-Nov). Winter is extremely harsh.

✅ Upper Dolpa Circuit Trek (22–27 days) – Covers Shey Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, and remote Dolpo villages.
✅ Lower Dolpa Trek (15–18 days) – Easier trek, includes Dho Tarap village and Phoksundo Lake.
✅ Upper Dolpa to Mustang Trek (28+ days) – Advanced trek crossing into Mustang, rarely traveled.

Address

Shey Phoksundo National park 
Dolpa District, Nepal

Contact Personals

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