How you can reach Dolpo?

Dolpo lies in the western Nepal of Shey Phoksundo National Park, bordered in the north by China. Dolpo is one of the biggest districts of Nepal, with the neighboring districts of Mustang on the south, Mugu and Jumla on the west, and Rukum on the north. 

Getting to Dolpo in two ways. 

1.  Taking a Flight to Juphal
   Flying to Dolpo (Juphal) is the best option for all trekkers and visitors, which saves your time and less hassle. Starting from Kathmandu, there are regular flights to Nepalgunj run by different domestic airlines, such as Buddha, Yeti, and Shree Airlines. Fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. 

   From Nepalgunj, there are regular flights to Juphal, Dolpo. It takes around 35 minutes of flight duration. Summit Airlines and Tara Airlines operate flights in Dolpo from Nepalgunj. For the flight prices, please check the below cost breakdown table. 

2. Drive to Dolpo via Nepalgunj, Musikot, Tallu Bagar, Khading and Tripurakot
   From Kathmandu, there are local buses, and Hiace Vans are available to Nepalganj. You can get the ticket at the capital’s well-known bus station, Gongabu. The schedule for the departure area is in the morning and evening. It takes about 12 hours by bus and is shorter by Hiace Vans. Nepalgunj is a major transport hub for the western, midwestern, and far-western regions of Nepal. There are buses available at Kohalpur bus station in Nepalgunj that depart to Jajarkot every day. The distance of the road between these two places is around 96 km. This road is good even in the summertime. From Jajarkot, you need to take a local jeep to Radi (Rari), Tallu Bagar, Khadang, and Tripura. The road is not blacktopped, and you need to change your Jeep in between due to the lack of highway bridges. Traveling on this road is not recommended during the summertime. If you take a land road to get to Dolpo, then it takes two days from Nepalgunj to Dunai (2150 m), a small town, the headquarters of the district.

What are the permits required for Dolpo Trek

This is considered a controlled area that requires a special permit, which is very expensive compared to Annapurna and Everest regions. This is the ultimate trekking destination for those who adore culture and a less crowded trekking route or are done with all trekking in Nepal and still looking for a more rewarding trip. The following permits are necessary for Dolpo Trek except for the TIMs Card, which is not compulsory in all restricted trekking areas of Nepal.

Trekking in Upper Dolpo require following permits

1. Upper Dolpo restricted permit that cost USD 500 for the first 10 days and for the additional days USD 50 per person per day. 
2. Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee of USD 30 for foreigners, NPR 1500 for SAARC nationality, and NPR 100 for Nepali visitors. It is a time permit for unlimited 
3. If your trekking itinerary starts and finishes at Dunai or Juphal, then you also need two weeks' permits for Lower Dolpo, which costs USD 20 per person per week. 
4. Monasteries entry fee differs from one monastery to another between NPR 200-400 per person. You will need to pay during your visit to the monastery.

Upper Dolpo Trek: 26 Days 

Trekking in Lower Dolpo require following permits

1. Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee of USD 30 for foreigners, NPR 1500 for SAARC nationality, and NPR 100 for Nepali visitors. 
2. If your trekking itinerary starts and finishes at Dunai or Juphal, then you also need two weeks' permits for Lower Dolpo, which cost USD 20 per person per week. 
3. Monasteries entry fee differs from one monastery to another between NPR 200-400 per person. You will need to pay during your visit to the monastery.

Lower Dolpo Trek: 17 Days

How to get Dolpo trekking Permits?

Permits are mandatory to enter the Dolpo region for all purposes, whether you are visiting by helicopter or trekking. To obtain both Dolpo permits for the lower and upper parts, at least two travelers are required. Restricted permits are issued by the Nepal Immigration Department through registered and authorized trekking agencies. If you are single and willing to visit Dolpo but not able to trek there. Please let us know if we can help you prepare your permits. 

Trekking in Dolpo is similar to taking a trip to Bhutan, where you are not allowed to visit the places individually. You need a local trekking agency to prepare your permits, and guides, and even organize a camping trip. 

Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry ticket is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation from the Nepal Tourism Board office building at Brikutimandap in Kathmandu. It is also available during your visit at the entry point. 

To obtain your Dolpo permits you need to email us the following documents: info@hwwtreks.com or hwwtreks@gmail.com 

1. A clean copy of your valid passport (if you already have a visa, then send a copy of your Nepal visa too)
2. Copy of your visible passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months)
3. International Flight Tickets of Nepal
4. Copy of your travel Insurance 
5. Hotel Booking if you booked by yourself

Different Treks in Dolpo Region

Dolpo is the biggest district of Nepal, where you can do many treks, including the Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo regions, in different ways.

1. Inner Dolpo Circuit Trek 
The inner Dolpo trek is a combination of both the lower and upper Dolpo treks. It takes 25 days from Kathmandu to Dolpo and returns to Kathmandu. For those trekkers who are fit and want to explore Dolpo at a single time, then this trek is recommended. This trek is possible only by camping style trek, where you will cross high passes and experience the Holy Shey Gompa, Phoksundo Lake, and old villages like Dho Tarap, Saldang, Tinje, etc.
View details of Inner Dolpo Circuit Trek

2. Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek 
Lower Dolpo Circuit is shorter than the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. The restricted permit cost is also cheaper than trekking in Upper Dolpo. Numa La (5190 m) and Baga La (5070 m) passes are the most challenging routes during the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek. This trek is perfect for those who seek adventure trekking off the beaten path to experience high altitude. 
View Detail of Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek 

3: Upper and Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek: 24 Days from/to Kathmandu 
The Upper and Lower Dolpo Circuit trekking route is designed clockwise because it is easier and also a religious belief to circumambulate in the right direction. The treks start from Juphal after taking a short flight from Nepalgunj. In this trek, you need to cross three high passes above 5000 meters. They are Nangda La Pass (5240m), Shey La Pass (5100m), and Chhoila La (5040m). 
View details of the Upper and Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. 

4. Shey Gompa pilgrimage
The Shey Gompa Pilgrimage Tour is our spiritual trip to Dolpo. This trek is made for spiritual seekers, where you will visit both Bon and Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as monasteries, shrines, and Crystal Mountain. Explore the Tibetan culture that remains in the high altitude of Northern Nepal. This trek includes western parts of Dolpo. 

5. Helicopter Tour to Dolpo
Riding a helicopter to Dolpo is a luxury tour in Nepal. This tour is suitable for those who are not fit enough to trek to Dolpo or whose time doesn’t permit. This tour is customizable as per your interest. 

6. Phoksundo Tea House Trek 
This trek can be done in both camping and tea house style. This trek requires 9 days from Kathmandu. The main attraction of this trek is the lake itself, Phoksundo Tal. The beauty of this lake had lured the hearts of all visitors. From the morning till the evening, its color keeps changing and looks amazing.
View Details of Phoksundo Tea House Trek

7. Phoksundo Festival Trek
The Phoksundo Festival trek is mainly focused on experiencing the local festive season. This festival happens in September. This trek is not difficult, as you are not trekking over any high passes. In this trek, you will experience unique cultural shows and traditions that are held next to the beautiful lake, Shey Phoksundo. The trek starts from Juphal, where the only airstrip in Dolpo is located. The trail passes through wonderful Himalayan forests and picturesque traditional villages. The rivers and waterfalls on the trail are some of Nepal’s most magnificent. In addition to natural beauty, the trekking area is also rich in wildlife. 

Variations of Treks from Dolpo

There are many variations of the Upper Dolpo Trek that you can take. One shorter variation is to trek from Juphal to Lake Phoksundo and back, which takes around eight days. Other variations connect Dolpo to Mustang and/or the Annapurna region, to the east. 

1. Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang
   This trek will start from the Juphal of Lower Dolpo following lush valleys and steep river canyons typical to the south side of the Himalayas so-called Upper Dolpo, incomparable to the Tibet plateau. To make this journey more colorful, Himalayan Wander Walkers extend the trek without limiting within the Upper Dolpo circuit and traversing to the east on Mustang by Completing at Jomsom.
   View details of Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek 

2. Phoksundo to Rara via Kagmara Pass
The Dolpo to Rara Trek via Kagmara Pass is a long multi-day trek in the western region of Nepal. This trek takes place in three different districts of Dolpo, Jumla, and Mugu, the most remote regions of Nepal. Trekking from Lower Dolpo to Rara National Park is a lake-to-lake trek where the Phoksundo and Rara lakes are located, the deepest and largest lakes of Nepal, respectively. Crossing Kagmara Pass (5115 m) is challenging yet one of the best treks in far west Nepal. This 25-day trek to Rara Lake from Dolpo is meant for experienced trekkers, who love to explore the least traveled trekking destination to experience the unspoiled culture, arid landscape, high passes, and the vistas of snow-capped mountains.
View Details of Dolpo to Jumla Trek via Kagmara Pass

3. Lower Dolpo to Dhorpatan Trek
Dhorpatan Trek is one of the favorite least-traveled destinations for trekkers. This trek mostly lies within the valley of Dhorpatan, the only hunting reserve in Nepal that is linked with the three districts of Rukum, Baglun, and Myagdi in the Dhaulagiri region of western Nepal. Hunting is popular in this particular area, and it requires a special permit, which is issued from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu. Hunting is legally allowed under a proper license but with limited operation per year. Trekking to this untouched valley will provide you an opportunity to view the mighty western mountains and witness rare wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, and different species of pheasants, including Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe (Lophophorus). 
View Details of Dhorpatan Trek

4. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek lies between the Dolpo and Mustang Regions of Nepal. This trek makes a clockwise round to Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. Since 1950 AD, this area has been open for trekking and was first discovered by the team of the French Expedition. During the discovery of Dhaulagiri in 1808 AD, the Western explorer team thought it was the highest mountain in the world. After decades of years, Everest was discovered and officially became the highest mountain on Earth. It is one of the most adventurous and challenging camping treks in Nepal. Thus, Himalayan Wander Walkers organized a full camping trek to the Dhaulagiri circuit with the support of our Sherpa team.
View Details of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

5. Dunai to Gurja Khani Trek
Gurja Khani Trek was recently discovered and lies in the Dhaulagiri region of central-western Nepal. The hidden village, Gurja Khani, lies on the lap of Gurja Himal at a height of 2,650 meters from sea level between the south face of Gurja Himal and the Gurja Pass. In Nepali, there is an old saying “Tuppi Mathi Thau Chaina, Gurja Mathi Gauw Chaina,” which means ‘There is no place above the cap; there is no village above the Gurja’. Thus, it is considered the highest village in the Dhaulagiri Region. This trek allows you to explore the traditional villages and incredible scenery of the Mighty Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, and Annapurna ranges.
View Details of Gurja Khani Trek

Why you must visit Dolpo?

Dolpo is one part of heaven to experience hidden Tibetan culture, tradition, religion, mountaineering, and its incredible landscape, which very few travelers had reached till date. That is the reason why people visit Dolpo. Major attractions of Dolpo are explained in short below. 

1. Pre Buddhist Bon Religion
   Bon is known for Pre-Buddhist religion. Bon religion is classified into three; prehistoric Bon, Yungdrung Bon and New Bon. The main icon of the Bon is Tonpa Sherap Miwoche. The Bon practices are the key factors that differentiate the religion with Tibetan Buddhism. Circumambulating the shrine anti-clockwise unlike Buddhists undertake the process clockwise. Similarly, chanting mantra of the Bon is “Om Ma Tri Mu Ye Sa Le Du” but the Buddhists chant “Om Mani Padme Hum”. Many of the ancient bon monasteries and pilgrimage sites are located in the far west of Tibet and around Mount Kailash area such as Menri, Yungdrung Ling, Trading, Pelha Puk Monastery, Mount Bonri and Tsedug Monastery. Like for Bon Pilgrimage sites in Nepal, mostly are in Dolpo region of western Nepal. There are number of Monasteries and Chortens (Shrine) exist in Dolpo such as Samling Bon Monastery, Tshowa Bon monastery of Ringmo, Shipchok Gompa, etc.
   
   
2. Sowa Rigpa: Traditional art of healing by Amchi
   Tibetan herbal treatment is popularly known for Sowa Rigpa, the Amchi art of healing rooted with Tibetan medicine. Tibetan herbal medicine treatment has existed since the Bonpo civilization. Dolpa used to be a part of the Bonpo kingdom of Shang Shung, where there are more than sixty Amchis. The most experienced Amchis of Dolpo are lineage of Tibetan King Trisong Detsen from the 8th century. 
   
   
3. Holy Cristal Mountain
   Cristal Mountain is the holiest peak across Dolpo. Its surface is formed with the veins of vivid crystalline material. Every year during the summer season between July and August, locals from different villages come to make Kora around Crystal Mountain. Locals believe that making a Kora around it cleansed their sins. Sage (Drutop) Singhi Yeshe visited Shey thousand years ago and meditated there.
   
   
4. Precious Shey Gompa
   Shey Gompa is originally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. Its name comes from the holy crystal mountain. The structure of Gompa is simple, where old statues of Guru Rinpoche, Vajra Yogini, Dorjee Chang, Guru Dragpo, Senge Dongma are preserved well. This 11-century-old Shey Gompa is located at an elevation of 4200 meters above sea level. Peter Mathiessen has spent almost all winter there during his Dolpo expedition because the heavy snowfall blocked their way. The landscape of Shey is incredible, and many local hermits say that the Shey area has great spiritual power to fulfill all your wishes. 
   
   
5. Phoksundo Lake 
   Shey Phoksundo Lake, tortoise-colored, is the deepest lake of Nepal, located at a height of 3611 meters. Many geologies say that Phoksundo Lake was formed when a massive landslide came from the surrounding dry mountains and blocked the flowing water of Phoksundo Khola. The picture-square landscape of the lake and its surroundings are the perfect frame for photographers. Next to the lake there is a village called Ringmo where the people are engaged in tourism, yak herding, and seasonal agriculture. Almost all visitors keep a spare day at Ringmo for acclimatization and to explore around the lake by taking a short walk to the camp on the shores of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. There are chortens and mani walls at the entrance of the village. Bönpos circumambulate chortens anticlockwise rather than clockwise, as done by Buddhists.
   
   
6. Tibetan ancient villages
   The fur-flung villages of Dolpo are beautiful and worth seeing when you are trekking in both upper and lower Dolpo. Upper Mustang was remote like Dolpo until motor road was introduced in 2012 for the first time. Some of the popular villages of Dolpo are Chharka (Tsharka Valley), Mukot, Dho Tarap, Tinje (Panzang Valley), Saldang (Nangkhong Valley), Bhijer, and Ringmo. Villages are separated by high passes, which require a couple of days to reach from one village to another. Every village has its own fascinating culture, tradition, and lifestyle. During your visit, talk with locals and walk within the village, where culture is extremely worthwhile observing.
   
   
7. Shey Phoksundo National Park
   Shey Phoksundo National Park is a piece of heaven where visitors can explore and experience unforgettable journeys trekking through the national park. One of the most pristine tourist destinations in Nepal, where you would not want to leave once you reach there. It is known for its spectacular landscape, breathtaking snowcapped mountains, high vantage passes, holy Bon and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, turquoise lake, and isolated human settlements.
   
   
8. Mountaineering in Dolpo
   Many of the visitors all over the world think that trekking and planning their trip to Dolpo is hard and more complex to organize. There are very few people who see some interesting climbing opportunities in Dolpo Region. Did you know the easiest 7,000-meter summit in Nepal? Putha Hiunchuli (7246 m) is the easiest 7000-meter peak, which is located in Dolpo Region. There are other peaks that are below 7000 meters, such as Mukut Himal (6087 m), Norbu Kang (6085 m), Mariyong (6528 m), Swaska Kang (6405 m), Kade Hiuchuli (6627 m), Kanjiroba North (6313 m), and Kanjiroba South (6883 m). Due to the very few visitors, there are many peaks that are unnamed and virgin. 

How much does it cost for Dolpo trek Package?

The cost of trekking in Dolpo depends on many aspects like duration, facilities, means of transportation, crew members, number of trekkers in a group, etc. Trekking in the Dolpo region is more expensive than in other regions of Nepal because 80 percent of the area can be visited only with the camping trek, and in addition to that, the restricted permit is expensive. Check below in the table of cost breakdown for Dolpo treks. 

How is Camping trek in Dolpo?

In Nepal, all camping trek supplies—camping equipment, kitchen implements, food—are all carried by pack animals like mules, Yaks, and horses. Even Porters are common in Nepal. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing, they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. They set up tents, cooked dinner, and prepared the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite, they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.

How is Tea house Trek in Dolpo?

Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights, and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses, and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice, and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available, such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks, and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse, where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own daypack.

The Phoksundo Lake trek is the only possible teahouse-based trek in the whole Dolpo region. If you are an experienced trekker and strong enough to carry your necessary gear and basic equipment only, you can do the Lower Dolpo trek, where you need to eat and sleep in the available tented tea houses on the trail camped for local traders and travelers. Sometimes you even need to spend overnight in your own tent, where you need to cook by yourself. 

Best time of season to visit Dolpo

Dolpo and Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow behind the Mountains. Generally trekking in Nepal is popular in spring (Mid-March, April & May) and autumn (Mid-September, October, November) seasons. But trekking to Dolpo in different seasons has its own beauties. Whenever you are planning your trek in the Himalayas, always check the weather focus of the places that you are going to visit and take printout copies with you.

Spring Season in Dolpo
Even though spring is a good time to trek in Dolpo but still sometime late snow fall may be problematic. So, planning your trek to Dolpo in mid-April is the perfect time. Even during the month of May is good where greenery starts gradually and people return from the cities like Kathmandu, Nepal, and Nepalgunj. 

Summer Season in Dolpo
Summer is considered the best and favorite season in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Dolpo is one of them, and it falls under the rain shadow area of Nepal, where summer is perfect and the right time to experience the Dolpo. During that time, the weather is not really cold neither too hot, making it suitable for trekking. But the challenge is that flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal may get cancelled due to a weather issue in the lowlands of Nepal. If you are planning your trek during the summer, then we suggest you keep 1–2 days extra, in case the flight doesn’t take off as per the itinerary date. 

Autumn Season in Dolpo 
Autumn season more popular as October season in Nepal. During this time, Nepal receives the maximum number of trekkers and visitors. For the Upper Dolpo trek, starting your trek in late September is nice as the weather gets colder in October, and this trek is possible only with proper camping equipment and experienced crew members, not like teahouse treks in Everest and Annapurna area. So, the autumn season for trekking in Dolpo is best from late September to mid-November. 

Winter Season in Dolpo 
Winter is quite harsh and snowy, where all the high passes of Dolpo are blocked by snow and no one crosses them until the mid-spring season. So, planning your trek to Dolpo in the winter isn’t a good idea. By saying that, it doesn’t mean it is impossible to do treks in the whole Dolpo region winter. Some travelers had made their treks to Phoksundo Lake even in the winter, but for that, you need a well-experienced guide and good weather to have a successful trip. Winter lasts for a few months, starting from mid-November until mid-late March. 

Top Tips for Dolpo Trekking

1. The earlier you visit Dolpo, it will be a more rewarding trip. Who knows whether the present tradition, lifestyle, culture, and its natural beauties remain the same as it or not?
2. Trekking in Dolpo isn't as easy as other trekking destinations in Nepal. So, proper clothing and gear are essential. 
3. Staying healthy during your trekking days is a key to the success of your trip. So, take more hot drinks and eat well. 
4. Acclimatization is necessary for trekking in Dolpo, as you are walking in the high altitude, mostly 4000 meters. Always flexible with your itinerary and keep spare for rest. 
5. Don’t forget to choose the best time to visit Dolpo as per your interest in the field.
6. Choose a local trekking agency. Locals have the direct link with local people.
7. You must have your own travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue because chartering a helicopter is the best and quickest way to rescue in the mountains. 
8. Don’t set off without your permits. If you are traveling without permits and the checkpoint officer notices you. Then we are forced to pay the cost of permits and return to Kathmandu without entering the Dolpo. 
9. Take your passport and a copy of your insurance.
10. Hire an experienced guide who has good knowledge of Dolpo.
11. Don’t forget to tip your crew members because they never ask for it directly. If you don’t have an idea how much to tip,. Normally, tips are 10 to 15% of their wages. 

Final Words

By reading all the above information, you might have known why it is worth visiting Dolpo. All trekking destinations in Nepal are in the Himalayas, and sometimes there are ups and downs in your trip. Whatever the wonders of Dolpo never cease. The entire region of Dolpo is still remote and lies in the western part of Nepal, where you can witness yak herders, bon practitioners, barley farmers, using traditional woolen clothes, and congested-built houses. Dolpo is one of the few destinations in the world where trekking in remote and opportunities to discover are still possible. Join us!