Overview

Trekking in Nepal’s far-western Upper Dolpo region transports you to one of the Himalaya’s most remote regions. Expeditions into Dolpo might be difficult due to the lack of tourism infrastructure, hence guided tours are required. The rewards, though, are well worth the effort: Tibetan Buddhist culture, some of the country’s oldest monasteries, the stunning Lake Phoksundo, uncommon fauna, and a true sense of being in the wilderness.

Trekking in Nepal’s Dolpo region allows you to see Nepal’s rough and desolate far west in all its glory. Dolpo has a border with Tibet, and its culture and geography are similar to that of its northern neighbor. The She-Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest, is located in the district’s western section.

Western Nepal is not just isolated, but also underdeveloped and impoverished. Dolpo’s tourism infrastructure isn’t as good as it is in other parts of Nepal, so you’ll have to camp and bring your own food. Permits are costly, and you can’t trek in Upper Dolpo on your own.

Speciality

Trek through places of Nepal that are rarely visited by tourists.
Snow leopards can be found in Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of the world's highest animal concentration parks.
Take in the view of Lake Phoksundo's turquoise waters.
Visit Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery at Crystal Mountain's base that was immortalized in Peter Matthiessen's novel "The Snow Leopard."
Witness the annual quest for yarchagumba, a strange caterpillar fungus prized for its therapeutic properties.