Dolpo Trek

warm Nepali welcome:

As you land at Tribhuvan international Airport, our Simrik Real Nepal Treks team will be right there to greet you with heartfelt hospitality. We`ll escort you through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to a top-class five-star hotel, where comfort and calm await. In the evening, we`ll gather for a warm welcome dinner-a perfect chance to meet your Guide, taste traditional Nepali flavors, and begin to feel the sprit of Himalayas.

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing | A Day of Heritage | Spiritual Wonders

Discover the cultural soul of Nepal with our immersive full-day Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour — an unforgettable journey through five of the city's most sacred and historic landmarks. Guided by our experienced local expert, this day tour offers deep insight into the spiritual and architectural wonders that make Kathmandu a living museum.

Boudhanath Stupa | The Spiritual Heart of Tibetan Buddhism

Start your morning at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Surrounded by vibrant prayer flags and spinning prayer wheels, the peaceful ambience and Tibetan chants create a powerful spiritual atmosphere. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a center for Buddhist learning and rituals — a must-visit for anyone seeking inner peace.

Pashupatinath Temple | Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage Site

Next, we visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located along the holy Bagmati River, this sacred complex is a place of worship, cremation rituals, and deep spiritual significance. Though only Hindus may enter the main temple, visitors can witness ancient traditions and unique temple architecture from the opposite riverbank.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square | The Timeless City of Art

Travel east to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, where cobblestone lanes lead you to the majestic Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Famous for its well-preserved temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings, highlights include the 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and Nyatapola Temple. This ancient royal square offers a glimpse into Nepal’s artistic and architectural brilliance.

Patan Durbar Square | A Living Museum of Newar Culture

We then head south to the elegant Patan Durbar Square, located near Patan Dhoka. This historic complex is a masterpiece of Newar craftsmanship, adorned with bronze statues, stone temples, and traditional courtyards. Don't miss the Krishna Mandir and the Patan Museum, where the richness of Kathmandu Valley’s heritage is beautifully displayed.

Swayambhunath Stupa | The Monkey Temple with a View

End your day atop the scenic hill of Swayambhunath, famously known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient stupa offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. The glimmering golden spire, the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the fluttering prayer flags make it a perfect spiritual finale to your cultural day tour.

KTM to Nepalgunj (570m) – Gateway to the Remote West

Your journey continues as you fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling city located in the lowland Terai region of western Nepal. The flight takes approximately one hour and offers sweeping aerial views of the hills, plains, and river networks below. As the aircraft descends, you will notice a dramatic change in climate and landscape—from the cool mountain air of the Kathmandu Valley to the warm subtropical atmosphere of Nepalgunj.

This dynamic frontier city has long served as a transit hub for adventurers heading toward Dolpo, Jumla, Humla, and Rara regions. While traditionally overlooked, Nepalgunj has been growing in both energy and appeal. Its vibrant bazaars, colorful cycle rickshaws, and authentic local eateries reflect the cultural blend of Nepalese, Indian, and Tharu influences.

In the past, Nepalgunj was functioning as a trade outpost, and it had developed organically around the Nepal-India border. Over the decades, it has become an essential access point for trekkers and pilgrims alike.

Upon landing, you are transferred to a comfortable hotel where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of your trek. While staying here, you might explore local temples, markets, or simply enjoy the lively street scenes that have shaped Nepalgunj’s unique identity.

By tomorrow, your trek will have begun, but for now, Nepalgunj welcomes you with warmth and authenticity—a place where the Himalayas start whispering from the distance.

After an early breakfast, you board a scenic 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a mountain airstrip perched above the Thuli Bheri River. As the aircraft glides over the Himalayan foothills, you will witness a breathtaking transition from the Terai’s subtropical plains to Dolpo’s remote alpine terrain. Upon landing in Juphal, your adventure continues on foot with a gentle trek toward Dunai, the administrative heart of Dolpa District, nestled at 2,140 meters. The trail follows the riverbank through terraced farmlands and scattered villages, where traditional stone houses reflect the region’s Tibetan-influenced heritage. Trekkers have long admired this route for its peaceful charm and authentic culture. By the time you reach Dunai, you will have entered a world that feels untouched by time—where yaks still graze on quiet hillsides and prayer flags flutter above monasteries. Your overnight stay here marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey into the hidden realms of Upper Dolpo.

Your trek continues today with a scenic journey from Dunai to Chhepka (2,838m)—a day that unfolds through changing terrain and deep cultural resonance. The trail follows the Suligad River, winding through a narrow gorge lined with pine, fir, and walnut trees. The Trail is passing through small hamlets and suspension bridges that have been connecting remote communities for decades. Historically, this route was used by yak herders and traders navigating between Dolpo and the lowlands. You will be walking beneath rugged cliffs where ancient geological layers have revealed Dolpo’s dramatic uplift from prehistoric times. The path, mostly packed earth and stone, has remained well-trodden yet pristine, offering glimpses of wildlife and vibrant medicinal flora. By the time you reach Chhepka, nestled beside the riverbank with its traditional wooden houses, you will have experienced a perfect fusion of nature, culture, and remote Himalayan beauty.

The trail from Chhepka to Rechi (2,940m) offers a serene yet steadily ascending trek through the heart of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The route has followed the turquoise Suligad River upstream, weaving through lush canopies of Himalayan spruce, maple, and rhododendron. The terrain remains mostly stable, with occasional rock formations shaped by glacial activity that have influenced the landscape over millennia. Historically, this path had served as a seasonal trade route between inner Dolpo and the lower valleys. You will be trekking alongside waterfalls, rustic wooden bridges, and narrow cliff-edge sections that demand both attention and admiration. The trail has been offering a blend of natural beauty and geological wonder, where metamorphic rock bands and fossil imprints have revealed the ancient history of the Tibetan plateau’s uplift. Trekkers have encountered wildlife like musk deer and Himalayan monals, and the region continues to preserve its ecological richness. By the time you arrive at Rechi, a peaceful riverside stop nestled beneath towering hills, you will have entered one of the most tranquil sections of the lower Dolpo trail—where silence speaks through every breeze, and every footstep echoes through deep forested valleys.

The trek from Rechi to Ringmo Village (3,733m) unfolds with breathtaking beauty and spiritual serenity as you ascend gradually toward one of Nepal’s most iconic alpine destinations—Shey Phoksundo Lake. This leg of the journey has long been cherished by trekkers for its changing topography. The trail follows the emerald flow of the Suligad River, gaining elevation through dense forests of birch and juniper, while steep cliffs loom overhead in dramatic silence. In past centuries, this path had served Tibetan traders and Dolpo’s salt caravans, a legacy still visible in the prayer flags and mani walls that line the route. You will be walking through one of the most ecologically diverse corridors of Shey-Phoksundo National Park, home to elusive species such as the Himalayan blue sheep and snow leopard. As you have been gaining elevation, the oxygen thins, and the landscape has shifted—from lush greenery to barren alpine slopes. By the time you reach Ringmo, a traditional Bonpo village perched above the lake’s cobalt shores, you will have stepped into a realm where time feels suspended. The turquoise water of Phoksundo shimmers below cliffs carved by glacial erosion, and ancient monasteries stand as sentinels of culture and faith. Your arrival in Ringmo marks both a physical milestone and a spiritual threshold into the mystique of Upper Dolpo.

A well-deserved rest day in Ringmo Village (3,733m) invites you to immerse yourself in the rare beauty and cultural soul of Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most enchanting alpine lake. While time seems to pause in this remote Bonpo village, the landscape continues unfolding in layers of geological and spiritual wonder. the Shey Phoksundo Lake was formed thousands of years ago by a massive landslide, which had dammed the valley, giving birth to this turquoise gem. Today, trekkers have been arriving from across the world to witness its surreal color, which shifts with the sunlight—glowing emerald, sapphire, and cobalt throughout the day. The glacial-fed water, ringed by limestone cliffs, remains untouched by aquatic life, lending an ethereal stillness that has often been described as sacred by both Bon and Buddhist pilgrims. A short hike takes you to a dramatic waterfall at the lake’s southern end—Nepal’s highest—where meltwater plunges nearly 200 meters into a hidden canyon. Throughout the day, you may visit the Tshowa Bon Monastery, believed to be over 900 years old, where chants and incense have long echoed through its stone halls. Meanwhile, the views across the lake toward the snow-capped peaks of Kanjiralwa Himal will have left a lasting impression in your memory. This rest day is not merely a pause in the journey—it becomes a moment of transformation, where natural grandeur and cultural depth converge, elevating the entire Dolpo experience.

Today’s trek from Ringmo Village to Shal Ghari (4,994m) presents one of the most demanding yet spiritually invigorating days on the Dolpo trail. As you depart the shimmering shores of Shey Phoksundo Lake, the path ascends sharply through dramatic rock faces sculpted by ancient tectonic movement. The trail has been weaving through arid cliffs, alpine meadows, and high scree slopes, offering trekkers a stark transition from subalpine forest to exposed trans-Himalayan wilderness. Historically, the route was used by Bonpo pilgrims journeying toward the revered Shey Gompa, located deeper in Inner Dolpo. Along the way, weathered prayer flags flutter in solitude, and ancient mani walls stand as reminders of spiritual devotion. You will have noticed how the air thins and the silence deepens, creating a contemplative rhythm with every step forward. The final stretch crosses narrow ridgelines and glacial moraines, where you may encounter blue sheep grazing near barren cliffs. Upon reaching Shal Ghari, a rugged yet ethereal high camp, the view will have opened to a surreal panorama of Dolpo’s jagged peaks, hidden valleys, and ice-fluted passes. The isolation amplifies the experience, making Shal Ghari not just a physical milestone but a profound spiritual threshold for high-mountain wanderers. This is where nature’s grandeur and ancient mysticism have long coexisted in extraordinary silence.

The descent from Shal Ghari to Nangdala Base Camp (3,756m) unfolds a dramatic transition from raw alpine wilderness to a hidden valley steeped in myth and geological intrigue. As the trek continues, trekkers move steadily downward through steep glacial scree, ridgelines, and sediment-carved ravines that have long been sculpted by the elemental power of Himalayan ice and wind. The route has revealed fault lines and uplifted marine fossils—whispers of an ancient ocean that once covered this vast plateau. Historically, pilgrims and traders had walked this very trail en route to Shey Gompa, infusing it with spiritual resonance that has endured through centuries. You will be noticing how the harsh, wind-lashed landscape of Shal Ghari gradually gives way to smoother, gentler terrain as you descend toward Nangdala BC. The view from midway has remained unmatched, offering panoramic glimpses of the Crystal Mountain range, whose sacred prominence draws both trekkers and devotees. Along the way, you may have seen Himalayan blue sheep balancing on rocky slopes, or perhaps the faint traces of snow leopard tracks imprinted into the dust—a reminder that this route belongs not only to humans but to untamed nature. As you approach Nangdala Base Camp, where grassy patches begin appearing among the moraine, the valley widens to welcome you into a place of meditative calm. By the end of the day, you will have crossed one of the most geologically rich and spiritually symbolic corridors in all of Dolpo. This section is not just a descent in elevation—it becomes a journey inward, toward the cultural and natural heart of Inner Dolpo.

The day’s trek from Nangdala Base Camp to Shey Gompa unfolds like a sacred passage into Dolpo’s spiritual soul. As dawn breaks, trekkers begin ascending toward the Nangdala Pass, which has long been revered as a gateway between outer and inner Dolpo. The trail, reveals a high-altitude corridor framed by ochre cliffs, ancient sedimentary layers, and fossil-strewn ridges once submerged beneath the Tethys Sea. As you climb steadily, the landscape transforms—from alpine tundra to barren moonscapes that have echoed with the chants of centuries-old pilgrims. The air grows thinner, but the views grow more profound. From the pass, you will witness an arresting panorama of Crystal Mountain (Ribo Drugta)—a spiritual peak around which pilgrims have been circumambulating during the Shey Festival for generations. The descent to Shey Gompa passes through hidden valleys and grazing pastures, where blue sheep graze peacefully and the elusive snow leopard may have passed silently in the night. Shey Gompa itself, nestled at the confluence of the Kangju Nala and Sephu Khola, stands as a 12th-century monastic marvel, its red-and-white façade contrasting beautifully with the desolate grandeur surrounding it. Here, the teachings of Padmasambhava and the Bon religion have merged, creating a unique cultural crossroads. As you arrive at the monastery, prayer flags flutter furiously in the mountain wind, and time seems to suspend. This day is not merely a physical crossing—it becomes a spiritual awakening, where geology, religion, and human endurance converge seamlessly. By sunset, you will have entered a realm few outsiders ever reach, and the memory of this sacred place will have etched itself into your soul.

The journey from Shey Gompa to Namgung represents a profound blend of Himalayan solitude, ancient spirituality, and breathtaking terrain. The trail rises steadily through the arid folds of Saldang La Pass (approx. 5,010m), a formidable high-altitude crossing that has challenged generations of yak caravans and pilgrims alike. As trekkers ascend gradually, the landscape becomes starker yet more majestic, carved by tectonic forces that have been shaping this region for millions of years. The route reveals dramatic contrasts—ochre cliffs, fossil-rich scree, and windswept ridgelines etched with glacial erosion. While the air thins, your connection to the land deepens. Snowcapped peaks hover in silence, and in the valleys below, herds of yaks continue to graze, as they have done for centuries. The most remarkable feature along this path is the panoramic view from Saldang La, offering unobstructed vistas of the trans-Himalayan desert plateau—a cinematic expanse that reminds travelers of how remote and sacred this journey truly is.

As the trail descends toward Namgung, an ancient village nestled into ochre-hued cliffs, the first glimpses of its red-roofed monastery begin to appear. Namgung Gompa, a 17th-century Bon monastery, has stood resiliently as a guardian of Dolpo’s pre-Buddhist spiritual legacy. Pilgrims and seekers have been arriving here long before tourism began, drawn by its mystical ambiance and the enduring chants that echo through its stone walls. Trekkers will find this destination both physically rewarding and spiritually profound. By the end of the day, you will have crossed one of Dolpo’s most powerful passes and stepped into a settlement where time, belief, and nature intertwine seamlessly. This leg of the trek does not only test stamina—it offers insight into the resilient soul of Upper Dolpo.

The trail from Namgung to Saldang unfolds as a culturally immersive and visually arresting journey through the hidden folds of Upper Dolpo. Beginning in the secluded Namgung Valley, trekkers are greeted by ancient stone dwellings and the shadow of Namgung Gompa, a centuries-old Bon monastery that has preserved pre-Buddhist rituals in their purest form. As you climb steadily over a dry mountain pass carved into the heart of the arid landscape, each step reveals sweeping views of Dolpo’s high-altitude desert. The path, etched into ochre-colored cliffs, has long served as a trade route for salt and barley between villages scattered across this wind-sculpted plateau.

This short yet significant day hike has been offering trekkers not just spectacular panoramas but a rare window into one of Nepal’s most untouched civilizations. The journey descends gradually into the vast, terraced fields of Saldang, the largest and most influential village in Inner Dolpo. Strategically perched above the Nagon Khola, Saldang has flourished for centuries as a key stop on the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route that connects Tibet with the southern valleys. The village is known for its vibrant festivals, intricate woolen garments, and whitewashed stupas that dot the landscape like spiritual beacons. Yaks and dzos graze contentedly across the terrain, adding timeless charm to this highland tableau.

One of the day’s most captivating highlights will be the transition in both scenery and settlement scale—Saldang has emerged not just as a geographic marvel, but as a cultural stronghold where Dolpo’s traditions are fiercely guarded and openly celebrated. Upon arrival, visitors can explore local homes, monasteries, and community life that have been shaped by isolation and resilience. This segment of the trek may be brief, but its rewards—cultural, emotional, and visual—will echo long after the footprints fade. The route from Namgung to Saldang represents a rare convergence of raw Himalayan beauty and anthropological wonder.

The trek from Saldang to Namgung presents a captivating blend of cultural depth and rugged high-altitude beauty. This trail ascends gently along arid ridges and barren hills, revealing panoramic views of wind-swept valleys and traditional mud-brick homes. As trekkers leave behind the trading hub of Saldang, they traverse through remote paths where yak caravans have long passed, and ancient salt trade routes have shaped the landscape. The approach to Namgung Gompa, a 400-year-old Bon monastery nestled beneath dramatic red cliffs, remains the spiritual highlight of the day. Built into a craggy hillside, this monastery has preserved mystical Tibetan rituals and artistic murals that depict ancient Himalayan cosmology. The trek takes approximately five hours, offering both physical challenge and soulful rewards. Namgung will continue to enchant trekkers with its serene isolation and its profound connection to the region’s living heritage.

The trek from Namgung to Shey Gompa (4,160m) unfolds across a pristine Himalayan corridor where time seems to stand still. As you follow the ancient trade route above the Namgung Khola, traditional stone walls and mani piles line the trail, echoing centuries of spiritual devotion. The path gradually ascends toward the mystical Shey Monastery, nestled beneath the holy Crystal Mountain. This sacred site, revered by Buddhist pilgrims, has long served as a center of meditation and ritual. Along the way, you may encounter grazing yaks and expansive views of Dolpo’s arid, ochre-colored cliffs. The day’s trek offers not only a physical journey but also a cultural immersion into Dolpo’s untouched heritage.

Departing from the serene spiritual grounds of Shey Gompa, the trail leads toward Nagdola Base Camp (3,756m) through a starkly beautiful landscape shaped by wind and time. As you descend gently through yak pastures and rugged terrain, the legendary Crystal Mountain fades behind, while new vistas open toward the untamed wilderness of Inner Dolpo. The path reveals occasional sightings of Himalayan blue sheep and golden eagles gliding overhead. The route, though remote, remains deeply connected to the rhythm of nature and ancient pilgrimage trails. As you approach base camp, the air cools and the horizon stretches into the high-altitude valley below Nagdola Pass, preparing trekkers for the next day’s ascent.

From Nagdola Base Camp, the descent toward Shey Phoksundo Lake begins with breathtaking views of windswept ridges and distant snowfields shimmering in the early light. As the trail curves gently downwards, trekkers are surrounded by pristine alpine meadows, ancient juniper bushes, and the haunting stillness of Dolpo’s untouched wilderness. The journey passes through remote pastures where yak caravans have moved for centuries, echoing a timeless rhythm. Approaching Ringmo Village, one is rewarded with the first glimpse of Shey Phoksundo’s turquoise waters—a jewel nestled among towering cliffs. The vibrant lake has long mesmerized travelers, monks, and filmmakers alike. Upon arrival, visitors often feel they have stepped into another world, where Tibetan culture thrives, and nature remains sacred and undisturbed. The day’s trek offers both a spiritual and scenic climax, marking one of the most unforgettable moments of the Dolpo adventure.

The trek from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka begins with a final, awe-filled glance at the shimmering turquoise waters of Nepal’s deepest lake. As trekkers descend through steep, rocky trails carved alongside cascading cliffs, the dramatic landscapes slowly give way to dense pine and cedar forests. This section of the trail has long been cherished by adventurers and naturalists for its rich biodiversity, including glimpses of Himalayan musk deer and colorful birdlife. The route continues along the Phoksundo Khola, crossing rustic wooden bridges and traditional stone steps, offering moments of serenity and reflection. By the time you reach Chhepka, nestled amidst thick vegetation and surrounded by rugged hills, you will have retraced a historic trade route once used by salt traders and pilgrims. The village welcomes you with warm hospitality and the soothing sounds of nature, making it a peaceful overnight halt after a day of immersive trekking through Dolpo’s hidden wilderness.

The final trekking stretch from Dunai to Juphal marks the closing chapter of your Dolpo adventure. The journey ascends gently along a well-established trail, tracing the Thulo Bheri River upstream. As the morning unfolds, trekkers pass through fertile farmland, fluttering prayer flags, and scattered local villages where the rhythm of rural Nepal continues uninterrupted. The trail, though short, carries a powerful sense of nostalgia, as the Himalayan wilderness slowly gives way to the bustling hillside airstrip of Juphal. This modest mountain town, perched at 2,475 meters, serves as the gateway to Dolpo and will soon connect you by air back to the lowlands. Having walked through ancient landscapes, crossed high passes, and embraced living Tibetan Buddhist culture, you will have gained more than scenic views—you will have lived a once-in-a-lifetime story. Tomorrow’s flight will return you to Nepalgunj, but today, you celebrate the end of an unforgettable trek.

After completing the awe-inspiring journey through the remote Dolpo region, you will take a scenic morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, descending from the Himalayan hills to the subtropical plains. The 45-minute flight offers a final aerial glimpse of the vast landscapes you have trekked—snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and terraced ridges gradually fading into the distance. As you land in Nepalgunj at an altitude of 570 meters, the warm air and bustling streets remind you of Nepal’s incredible ecological diversity. Nepalgunj, located near the Indian border, is a vibrant trade hub with a rich blend of cultures. This transition from mountain to lowland concludes your adventure in dramatic contrast. Whether you're resting at a comfortable hotel or preparing for your onward journey, this return marks a moment of reflection on the unforgettable memories crafted in Dolpo’s high-altitude wilderness.

After a restful night in Nepalgunj, your journey continues with a domestic flight back to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. The approximately one-hour flight from Nepalgunj (570m) to Kathmandu (1,350m) offers spectacular aerial views—ranging from the lush Terai plains to the rolling mid-hills and finally to the Himalayan skyline. As you ascend, the bustling towns and rice fields below gradually give way to terraced hillsides and distant snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the unforgettable trekking experience. The return to Kathmandu signals both a cultural reconnection and a relaxing closure to your highland adventure. With its ancient temples, UNESCO heritage sites, and buzzing local markets, Kathmandu awaits as a place to celebrate your achievement and immerse once again in Nepal’s rich traditions.

Farewell from Kathmandu – Airport Transfer and Departure

Today marks the conclusion of your remarkable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. After days of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it's time to say farewell to Nepal—the land of towering peaks, warm smiles, and lifelong memories.

Enjoy a calm and peaceful morning in Kathmandu, with time to reflect on your highland journey, perhaps over a relaxed breakfast or a final stroll near your hotel. Whether you're departing with mountain dust on your boots or unforgettable images in your heart, this moment is yours to cherish.

At your scheduled time, our dedicated representative from Simrik Nepal Treks will arrive at your hotel to escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport. The transfer will be smooth and timely, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free departure.

During the short drive to the airport, we’ll share a few final words of thanks, smiles, and best wishes for your journey ahead. It’s never easy to say goodbye—but we part with the hope of meeting again on another trail.

Private vehicle transfer from your hotel to Kathmandu Airport. Assistance with your luggage and departure formalities. Warm farewell from the Simrik Nepal Treks team

Though your adventure through Nepal concludes today, the spirit of the mountains, the stories of the trails, and the heartfelt connections made along the way will stay with you. We hope to welcome you again for another chapter of discovery.