Upper Dolpo Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.

Take a short flight from Kathmandu southwest to Nepalgunj in the Terai region, preparing for your remote flight into western Nepal the next morning.

Board a dramatic mountain flight to Juphal airstrip, then begin trekking alongside the Thulo Bheri River down to the administrative hub of Dunai.

Trek along the scenic Barbung Khola river valley, passing terraced fields and historic fortified village settlements to reach Tarakot.

Follow the rugged trails along the Tarap Chu River through narrow gorges and suspension bridges to arrive at Laina Odar.

Ascend through wild pine forests and steep canyon walls, crossing local footbridges to reach the remote wilderness camp of Nawarpani.

Ascend into the expansive Tarap Valley past chortens and mani walls to reach Dho Tarap, a fascinating traditional Tibetan village.

Spend a mandatory rest day in Dho Tarap to adjust to the high altitude, exploring local monasteries and interacting with villagers.

Climb steadily through high alpine pastures and barren mountain terrain up toward the base of the Numa La pass.

Conquer the challenging ascent to Numa La Pass (5,190 m) for sweeping views of Dhaulagiri, then descend into Pelung Tang valley.

Climb over Baga La Pass (5,070 m) with panoramic views of the Kanjiroba massif, descending to Djejong Khola.

Descend through pine forests to reach Ringmo village and the breathtaking deep-turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.

Rest at Phoksundo Lake, explore the unique Bon monastery, and walk along the iconic cliffside trails.

Leave the main trail and head north into the remote Pungmo valley along peaceful river banks and traditional stone hamlets.

Trek deeper into the rugged trans-Himalayan wilderness of Upper Dolpo past high alpine scrub and cascading streams.

Cross the high Shey La pass and descend into the mystical sanctuary of Shey Gompa (Crystal Monastery), surrounded by eroded multicolored cliffs.

Spend a full rest day exploring the ancient Shey monastery and hiking around the sacred Crystal Mountain.

Trek across high barren ridges and desert-like plateaus, descending to the remote cliffside monastery village of Namgung.

Traverse high arid hillsides down to Saldang, the largest and most prosperous village in Upper Dolpo, famous for its Tibetan trade culture.

Trek north along the Nagon Khola river valley to reach Yangze Gompa, home to one of the oldest Bon-po monasteries in Dolpo.

Trace your path back south through winding arid gorges and rural paths to arrive at the small settlement of Sibu.

Ascend gradually alongside the Nam Khong Khola river up to the base camp beneath the upcoming Jeng La pass.

Conquer the steep early-morning climb over Jeng La Pass (5,110 m) for stunning vistas of the Dhaulagiri range, then descend into the Tarap valley.

Make a long, steady descent along the Tarap Chu River gorge back down to the regional valley hub of Dunai.

Complete your final morning walk up to Juphal airstrip, catch your return mountain flight to Nepalgunj, and connect back to Kathmandu.