Best Dolpo Treks in Nepal - A Guide to Remote Himalayan Adventures

The Dolpo region in Nepal is a hidden gem, offering some of the most remote and challenging treks in the Himalayas. This guide will help you discover the best Dolpo treks, from the serene beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake to the rugged Upper Dolpo and Mustang routes. Whether you're an experienced trekker or planning your first adventure, Dolpo offers something unique.

Top 10 Dolpo Treks

1. Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Duration: 12 days
Max. altitude: 4800
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: June through October
Accommodation: Hotel and Homestay

The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek is one of Dolpo's most scenic and serene treks. It takes you to the deepest lake in Nepal, surrounded by the pristine landscapes of the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail passes through lush forests and traditional Tibetan villages and offers stunning views of the turquoise lake.
During your trek, you may have the opportunity to experience local festivals in Shey Phoksundo that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Dolpo region.

Best Features:

- Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal
- Turquoise Waters
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Churen Himal Hills
- Bonpo Monasteries
- Tibetan culture

2. Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration: 27 days
Max. altitude: 5,350m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: April to June and September to November
Accommodation: Camping and Lodge

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a journey into one of the most remote regions in Nepal. This trek is known for its rugged landscapes, high passes, and ancient monasteries. The trail takes you through traditional Tibetan villages where time seems to have stood still. This is an adventure for those seeking solitude and a deep cultural experience.
It's considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. To learn more about the challenges involved, check out our post on the difficulty of the Upper Dolpo Trek.

Best Features

- Remote and isolated traditional Tibetan villages
- Ancient Monasteries
- Stunning view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas
- Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer
- Shey Gompa
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Village of Ringmo

3. Lower Dolpo Circuit

Duration: 17 days
Max. altitude: 5190m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: May through November
Accommodation: Camping Lodge

The Lower Dolpo Circuit offers a slightly less challenging route than Upper Dolpo but still provides an authentic trekking experience. This trek combines beautiful landscapes with rich cultural encounters, passing through the Tarap Valley, home to the Bon religion and ancient Buddhist traditions.

Best Features:

- Dho Tarap Valley, one of the highest settlements on Earth
- Traditional Bon Culture
- Two Stunning passes Bagala and Numala
- Turquoise Phoksundo Lake
- Bon Religion and Bon Monastery
- Breathtaking views of Kanjirowa, Norbukang and Kangteikatong Mountains.

4. Mugu Dolpo Reconnaissance Trek

Duration: 27 days
Max. altitude: 5700
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: June through October
Accommodation: Camping and Lodge

The Mugu Dolpo Reconnaissance Trek is a lesser-known route that takes you through uncharted territories. It is perfect for those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas. The trek offers stunning views of the Kanjiroba mountain range and an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Dolpo region.

Best Features:

- Remote Trekking
- Uncharted Trails
- Views of Kanjiroba Mountain
- Traditional Tibetan Culture
- Stunning Phoksumdo Lake
- Views from the Nyingma Gyanzen La of the little-known Kanjiroba Himal
- Three of the most isolated villages in Nepal are Bhijer, Pho, and Mugu

5. Beni Dolpo Trek via Dhorpatan

Duration: 26 days
Max. altitude: 5300m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: June through November
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges

The Beni Dolpo Trek via Dhorpatan is a challenging trek that takes you through the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and into the heart of Dolpo. This trek is ideal for adventure seekers looking to explore remote areas and experience the wild beauty of the Himalayas.

Best Features

- Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
- Diverse Wildlife
- Diverse Landscapes
- Traditional Villages
- Remote wilderness
- Phoksundo Lake
- Shey Phoksundo National Park

6. Rara Lake to Dolpo Dhorpatan

Duration: 35 Days
Max. altitude: 5200m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: June through October
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges

This trek combines the beauty of Rara Lake with the landscapes of Dolpo, offering a diverse experience. You'll trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, experiencing the region's natural and cultural richness.

Best Features:

- Pristine Rara Lake
- Diverse Ecosystems
- Remote Villages
- High-altitude Passes 

7. Dolpo and Mustang Trek Nepal

Duration: 30 days
Max. altitude: 5500m
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time: June through October
Accommodation: Camping, teahouses

The Dolpo and Mustang Trek combine two of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich regions. This trek uniquely blends Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. It's a challenging trek that rewards adventurers with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.

Best Features:

- Combination of Dolpo's rugged remoteness with Mustang's arid beauty
- Tibetan Culture
- Ancient, historic Bon and Buddhist monasteries
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Experience exhilarating high passes, such as Khang La and Saldang La
- Stunning valleys like Dho, Tarakot, and Saldang, as well as desert and terrain

8. Inner Dolpo Trek

Duration: 27 days
Max. altitude: 5250m
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Best Time: March-May/ Sep- Nov
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges

The Inner Dolpo Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Dolpo region. It takes you through remote valleys and high passes and offers a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Best Features:

- Remote Trekking
- Traditional Tibetan Culture
- Sacred Shey Gompa
- High Passes 

9. Dolpo Three Passes Trek

Altitude: 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) at Kang La Pass
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trekking Duration: 28-32 days
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges

The Dolpo Three Passes Trek is the ultimate adventure for those seeking a high-altitude challenge. This trek takes you over three principal passes in the Dolpo region, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and a deep dive into the region's culture and natural beauty.

Best Features:

- Dho Tarap Valley
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Region of the Highest Density of Snow Leopard
- Bon Monastery and Bon practices
- Three major High Passes
- Remote Villages
- Pristine Landscapes
- Rich Tibetan Culture

10. Inner Dolpo to Mustang Trek

Altitude:5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass (if including Mustang section)
Inner Dolpo High Points: 5,115 meters (16,781 feet) at Shey La Pass
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trekking Duration: 28-32 days
Accommodation:
- Inner Dolpo: Camping and basic lodges are in some remote villages.
- Mustang: Teahouses, lodges in key settlements like Jomsom and Lo Manthang, with basic facilities.

The Inner Dolpo to Mustang Trek is a long and strenuous trek that combines two of Nepal's most remote regions. This trek offers a unique opportunity to explore Dolpo and Mustang's cultural and natural diversity, from the high-altitude deserts to the lush valleys and ancient monasteries.

Best Features:

- Inner Dolpo: Remote and isolated landscapes, traditional Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries like Shey Gompa, stunning high-altitude scenery, and unique wildlife.
- Mustang: Arid landscapes, dramatic canyons, ancient Tibetan culture, colourful monasteries, and traditional villages with a rich history.

Comparing Dolpo Treks

Differences Between Upper and Lower Dolpo Treks

The Upper Dolpo Trek is more remote, challenging, and culturally rich, offering a more immersive experience of traditional Tibetan life. It involves higher altitudes and longer trekking days. In contrast, the Lower Dolpo Circuit is slightly less strenuous, making it more accessible while providing stunning landscapes and cultural encounters.

Comparing Dolpo and Mustang Treks

While both Dolpo and Mustang offer remote trekking experiences, Mustang is more accessible and has a more established trekking infrastructure. Mustang's landscape is more arid and desert-like, while Dolpo provides a mix of alpine forests, high passes, and deep valleys. The Dolpo and Mustang Trek combines the best of both worlds, offering a diverse and challenging trekking experience.

Choosing the Best Dolpo Trek for You

Choosing the proper trek in the Dolpo region depends on your experience, fitness level, and what you're looking for in a trek. If you're an experienced trekker looking for a challenging and remote adventure, the Upper Dolpo Trek or the Dolpo Three Passes Trek might be ideal. For those seeking a cultural experience with slightly less difficulty, the Lower Dolpo Circuit or Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek would be perfect.

To Sum Up

Dolpo is one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich regions, offering a unique trekking experience combining natural beauty and profound cultural encounters. Whether you're seeking a challenging adventure in the Upper Dolpo or a more accessible trek around Shey Phoksundo Lake, Dolpo has something for every type of trekker. With proper planning and preparation, a trek in Dolpo will be an unforgettable experience, taking you into one of the last untouched regions of the Himalayas.

FAQs

What are the best treks in Dolpo?

The best treks in Dolpo include the Upper Dolpo Trek, Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, and the Dolpo and Mustang Trek. Each offers a unique experience of the region's rugged landscapes and rich culture.

How difficult are the treks in Dolpo?

Treks in the Dolpo region range from moderate to extremely challenging. The Upper Dolpo Trek and Dolpo Three Passes Trek are among the most difficult, requiring high fitness levels and experience. Lower Dolpo Circuit and Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek are more accessible but challenging. Altitude sickness can be a significant concern.

What is the best time to trek in Dolpo?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to trek in Dolpo. These seasons offer stable weather and clear skies, perfect for hiking and enjoying the stunning landscapes.

What can I expect to see on a Dolpo trek?

On a Dolpo trek, you can expect to see pristine alpine forests, high-altitude lakes like Shey Phoksundo, remote Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The region is also rich in wildlife, including snow leopards and blue sheep.

Recommended Read:
Wildlife Tour and Trek

Is it possible to combine Dolpo with other treks?

It is possible to combine Dolpo with other treks, such as the Mustang region. The Dolpo and Mustang Trek is a popular combination that offers a diverse trekking experience, from the arid landscapes of Mustang to the lush valleys of Dolpo.

What is the cost of a Dolpo trek?

The cost of a Dolpo trek varies depending on the duration, trek type, and level of service. It can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, including permits, guides, accommodation, and food.

Are Dolpo treks suitable for beginners?

Dolpo treks are generally not recommended for beginners due to their remote locations and challenging terrains. However, beginners can consider the Lower Dolpo Circuit or Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek with proper preparation and good fitness.