Set among the high Himalayan, ‘’abode of the gods’’, Nepal has been called the kingdom where deities live amongst the mortal humans. As they say, ‘’Heaven is a myth, and Nepal is real.’’ Nepal has some of the most celestial places one could imagine proving the above statement right every single time. Nepal stands out with flying colors for its diverse cultures and breathtaking natural beauty, even though it is sandwiched between two enormous countries. Regarding culture and wildlife, Nepal is a rich country with many undiscovered locations and treasures. One of the undiscovered lands is Dolpo, also called Dolpa or the ‘’hidden land of Nepal’’. Dolpo is home to one of the biggest and one of the most unique national parks among the 12 national parks of Nepal, known as Shey Phoksundo National Park.
As soon as someone mentions Dolpo, what comes to your mind? What is Dolpo and what is it known for?
To put it simply, Dolpo is a frozen desert paradise situated in the highlands, in north-west Nepal. Dolpo region contains some of the most fascinating isolated regions along with panoramic views of the stunning landscapes. Dolpo is characterized by arid and semi-arid terrain, resulting in high alpine vegetation and some of the most gorgeous natural wonders throughout the region.
A significant part of Shey Phoksundo National Park falls within the vast region of Dolpo, which is known for its biodiversity and pristine wilderness. It is one of the biggest national parks of Nepal among the 12 other national parks and houses what is deemed one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake, and several other breathtaking beauties. Dolpo’s diverse geography nurtures various species of mammals, including the protected species listed in CITES (Conservation on International Trade endangered species of wild flora and fauna) and endangered ones, such as the Snow Leopards and other various species of animals such as Gray Wolf, musk deer, lynx, fox, blue sheep, etc. We can also find 196 species of birds, making Dolpo a paradise for bird lovers. Besides the flora and fauna, visitors travel to Dolpo to experience the culture and traditions of the natives of Dolpo. The natives of Dolpo are known as Dolpo Pa and the culture in Dolpo is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with numerous monasteries and Gompas scattered throughout the region as it is located near the Tibetan border. Dolpo, the remote paradise, also houses one of the ancient religions of the world, the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion. Dolpo is also one of the most stunning and isolated areas of Nepal, where some of the most well-known films, including Caravan (1999) and the recently released Shambhala (2024), were shot. Alternatively, people may have come across Peter Matthiessen's well-known book Snow Leopard.
What separates Dolpo from other regions is its arid mountainous landscapes, high mountain passes, and ancient BonPo culture, along with the few human settlements in the vast region. Being remote means that access to modern infrastructures like roads, electricity, and healthcare is limited, which, on the positive side, helps in the preservation of the stunning nature of the region. Due to the remoteness of the region, the inhabitants of Dolpo still maintain the conventional culture and mostly follow the traditional day-to-day lifestyle. The Dolpo region is relatively untouched by modern influence, which offers visitors first-hand experience of the age-old traditions. The natives of Dolpo are primarily agro-pastoral, meaning they rely on agriculture and animal husbandry. Their economy is based on cultivating crops, raising livestock, and trading herbs and other materials.
Certain parts of Dolpo are classified as Restricted Areas due to the potential negative impact that unregulated tourism may have on the entire Dolpo region. This includes the region’s rare culture and religion, its high altitude vulnerable nature, and its limited resources for managing sustainable tourism. Due to these reasons, if you are planning to visit certain parts of Dolpo, you need to have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Dolpo still remains a secluded Himalayan realm yet to be fully explored by trekkers and adventure travelers. These geographical challenges, cultural richness, and trekking opportunities make the Dolpo trek a fascinating and unforgettable experience in Nepal. Dolpo is yet to be completely explored as the region is hard to access, keeping its mystery to itself for now. Besides the challenges, Dolpo is worth all the effort and hardship you may encounter during your journey there.
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Destination |
Dolpo (known locally as Dolpa) |
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Location |
Karnali Province, West of Nepal |
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Geographical Feature |
Alpine, Subalpine, and Trans Himalayan |
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Area |
7, 889 Km2 |
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Elevation |
1,525 meters (5003 feet) to 7,625 meters (25,017 feet) |
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Population |
Approximate 45,000 |
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Major Peaks |
Kanjirowa (6883m) |
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Main Language |
Nepali and Tibetan |
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Major Religion |
Hindu, Buddhism, and Bon |
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Natural Landmarks |
Shey Phoksundo Lake |
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Cultural Sites |
Shey Gompa, Thasung Tsholing Gompa |
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Major Trekking Routes |
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Permits |
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Airport |
Juphal Airport |
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Ideal Season to Visit |
Spring (May) and Autumn (August to October) |
Dolpo is a high-altitude region located in Karnali province of western Nepal bordered by Tibet in the northern side. Dolpo is one of the biggest districts of Nepal among 77 districts. It lies in the trans-Himalayan region meaning the monsoon clouds are blocked by the high mountains redistricting the monsoon rain in these certain regions causing the arid landscapes with selective vegetation that can withstand the harsh nature. The region lies close to the Tibetan plateau with an average altitude of 3000m, making the high-altitude region hard to access. Dolpo covers a total of 7,889 km square within which the national park is situated along the natural wonders and native flora and fauna along the ancient culture and religion making Dolpo even more unique. Dolpo is divided into two parts i.e. Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo.
Dolpa is an unspoiled Himalayan land nestled in the northwest of Nepal close to the Tibetan plateau‘’ Roof of the World’’. It is a wild and rugged region that borders Tibet on the north and northeast, Mustang on the east, Jumla and Mugu on the west, and Myagdi, Jajarkot, and Rukkum on the south. Dolpo is the largest district of Nepal, occupying 5.36% of the total land mass but it is the 3rd least populated district of Nepal. The headquarters of Dolpo is in Dunai. The elevation of Dolpo ranges from Dunai (2,140m) to Churen Himal (7,625m) with average elevation ranging from 3,000 to 4,000m. Dolpo is divided into two parts Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. Lower Dolpo is located at a lower altitude compared to Upper Dolpo closer to the southern foothill of the Himalayas while the upper Dolpo sits at a significantly higher altitude in a more remote and challenging landscape. Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo have relatively different landscapes as the Lower has more vegetation and forest compared to the Upper which has very selective vegetation due to its high altitude and harsh climate. Whereas that is not the only reason why this division is made, the culture and tradition of these two regions also slightly vary and the differences are mentioned below.
Upper Dolpo sits at a significantly higher altitude than Lower Dolpo. The area beyond Ringmo Village, as one heads towards higher altitude and more remote settlement, marks the noticeable transition towards the terrain of Upper Dolpo. Shey Gompa is often considered a key landmark signifying the entrance to Upper Dolpo.
The terrain consists of towering peaks, deep gorges, and high-altitude plateaus. The settlements of Upper Dolpo are more scattered and the density of population lowers. While both regions rely on agro-pastoral activities, Yak herding is more dominant in Upper Dolpo due to the high altitude. However, due to the less external influence, the cultures and traditional lifestyle of the people of the Upper Dolpo region are less tainted by external influence. Trekking in Upper Dolpo is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The weather conditions in Upper Dolpo are extreme and the trail is more taxing. It requires a high level of physical fitness and you need to be an experienced trekker to be able to do the Upper Dolpo trek. The permit requirements are strict in Upper Dolpo due to it being a restricted region.
The area below Shey Gompa is considered to be Lower Dolpo. The population density is higher in Lower Dolpo in comparison to Upper Dolpo. The denser vegetation differentiates Lower Dolpo from Upper Dolpo.
The terrain consists of gentler slopes and less steep gradients. The people in the Dolpo region do agro-pastoral activities for living but the people living in Lower Dolpo focus more on agricultural activities due to the favorable lands and weather conditions. Lower Dolpo with more accessibility has experienced more modernization and cultural exchange. Trekking in Lower Dolpo is considered moderate to challenging. The weather conditions are also moderate in comparison to the extreme weather conditions of Upper Dolpo. The valleys are wider and the trials are less difficult. You need to have a certain level of physical fitness to do the Lower Dolpo trek. The permit requirements are less strict than those of the Upper Dolpo trek.
The most prominent mountain that you can see from Dolpo is Dhaulagiri II (7751m). Along with it, you can see other mountains like Kanjirowa South (6,883 m), Kanjirowa North (6283 m), Sisne Himal, Kang Nyun Than (6,248 m), Tshu Kalpo Kang (6,556 m). The major rivers in Dolpo are Khung, Nmajung Panjang, Suligad, and Jugdual Rivers which are the major contributors to the Thuli Bheri River. Other major rivers are Phoksundo River which flows from the Shey Phoksundo Lake, Den Khola, and others.
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Dolpo is located on the northwestern side of Nepal, close to the ‘’Roof of the World’’ - Tibet, far from the city lights. Dolpo is one of the most isolated places in Nepal, with some of the most fascinating natural wonders and to witness these wonders thousands of people visit this magical place. Dolpo is a Trans Himalayan region with a unique geographical landscape and rich culture that one should experience once in a lifetime. Since Nepal is a developing country and Dolpo is a hidden jewel of the West, getting there can be quite difficult.
There are various ways to reach Dolpo; one can choose any of the following routes depending on their convenience.
Flying from Kathmandu is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel to Dolpo. Juphal is the primary gateway to the Dolpo region. However, there are no direct flights to Juphal from Kathmandu so one must take a connecting flight from Nepalgunj, which is located southwest of Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) to Nepalgunj takes approximately 55 minutes, covering a total distance of 514 KM. During the flight, one can witness the majestic mountain on the northern side, towards the right.
As flights to Juphal depart early in the morning, one may be unable to board the connecting flight the same day and will need to stay the night in Nepalgunj. So once you reach Nepalgunj, you can take your time and explore the vibrant city and taste some of the Indian-influenced food that Nepalgunj has to offer. The flight to Juphal the next day leaves early in the morning (06:00 AM to 09:00 AM) and will take approximately 45 minutes. During the flights, you will get to see the landscape transit from the flat surfaces to hills, mountains, and lush green hills as you slowly approach Dolpo. Once you reach Juphal, you can either rest for a day exploring the area or start your trekking journey right away.
Another way to reach Dolpo is by a flight to Surkhet from Kathmandu and then a scenic drive to Dolpo. One can save time by traveling on the flight but if you want to enjoy the journey while still being considerate of time, then this option would be ideal for you. You will board a flight from Kathmandu that will take you to Surkhet, located 600 KM west of Kathmandu. After you reach Surkhet, you can continue your journey to Suligad (Dolpo) on a jeep. The whole day's journey is going to be transitional and scenic. You will start your trek from Suliagad.
One has to board the flight to Surkhet from Kathmandu International Airport (TIA) to Surkhet Airport. The flight from Kathmandu will take about an hour to land in Surkhet. Surkhet is a gateway to various tourist destinations in the west, such as Rara in Mugu, Phoksundo in Dolpo, and Chandannath in Jumla.
Once you reach Surkhet, you will take a jeep to Suligadh in Dolpo, from where travelers can start their trek. You will be traveling the whole day amongst the scenery that was witnessed from the window during your flight. One will be able to witness the settlements, the local inhabitants, and the transition of flat Nepalgunj to the hills and highlands leading to the majestic Dolpo.
Another way to get to Dolpo is via a chartered helicopter, which is very remarkable and among the most luxurious and comfortable options to reach Dolpo. This can be the ideal way for you to get there if you want your trip to go smoothly and hassle-free. The flight takes around 90 minutes to 120 minutes and departs from Tribhuvan International Airport, landing you directly at Juphal Airport. Once you reach Juphal, you continue the rest of the journey as you wish.
One can also travel to Dolpo from Jomsom/Kagbeni via Pokhara. Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and a major tourist destination as it is the gateway to some widely known treks. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Duration: 25 minutes) or travel by road covering 200 KM, which approximately takes 6-8 hours. Once you reach Pokhara, you can either take a flight (Duration: 20 minutes) or drive covering approximately 160 KM (5-6 hours) to Jomsom or Kagbeni, at your convenience.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can start your trek directly from Jomsom. You will arrive in Jomsom in the daytime, perfect for a short hike to Kagbeni, which is approximately 10 KM, taking around 3-4 hours, and spending overnight there. From Kagbeni, you will walk past Tirigaon, which marks the start of the trail to Dolpo.
It is crucial to decide the perfect time to visit different places because the views vary from season to season. Trekking in Nepal is popular during autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April and May). The winter and monsoon are rare seasons for trekking as it becomes more challenging; however, each season provides a unique travel experience. Because Dolpo lies in the shade zone, it does not get much rain. Dolpo through all four seasons has its charm. Below we have mentioned different seasons throughout the year one can visit and experience the beauty year around. Dolpo is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal and has multiple trekking opportunities. You can go for three different plans and destinations, i.e. Phoksundo Lake Trek, Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek, and Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek inside the Dolpo region, and weather determines your smooth travel. Dolpo is split into two areas, specifically for trekking, with varying elevations. Depending on the season, these areas determine how simple or difficult your hike will be.
Spring in Nepal starts from March to May. The weather from April to May is significantly pleasant, as the temperature is 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature is moderate, with chilly mornings and afternoons and warm temperatures in the daytime, making the walk more enjoyable. Besides the temperature, the view and secret are also pleasant, as during this time of the year the high alpine forest consisting of Rhododendron trees is in full bloom, adding a touch of color to the monotonous shades of green in the lower parts of Dolpo. During your journey, these colorful patches of color will add a unique charm to the Dolpo region. The whole lower region can be explored anytime during the season but the best time to visit Upper Dolpo is mid-April to May. Trekking in this season is fruitful due to the bright mountains during this time with less snow and decreased water flow. If you wish to see a few wildflowers and local fauna, make your walk more memorable.
Another great season to travel to Dolpo is Autumn, which starts in September to November. This time of the year is considered the best time for trekking, as the visibility is best during this season. During this time the temperature is generally lower than in the spring season, with 16 degrees to 10 degrees during the daytime and at night the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius. During the day, the temperature becomes perfect for walking; however, it gets chilly during the night, so pack your essentials thoughtfully. Besides getting the ideal temperature, you will also get the best view of the surroundings with clear skies and a clear view of the mountains. So during September, October, and November, you can see the peaks of several snow-capped peaks in all its glory. The temperature, weather, and visibility are in perfect harmony. Like any other place in Nepal, Dolpo is also immense in celebrating its unique festivals during this time. So, you might catch a glimpse of it if you are visiting Dolpo during this time. Shey festival, which is celebrated every twelve years, is also celebrated during this time.
Another great but unpopular trekking season is during monsoon, which falls in June, July, and August. It is not an ideal time for traveling, however, it does provide a unique travel experience. During the monsoon season, traveling becomes challenging as the trail becomes slippery due to the rain and underdeveloped trails. Most of the country during this time experiences heavy rainfall due to which various places have landslides; however, as Dolpo falls in the Himalayan region, rain in this region is occasional. The temperature during this time ranges from 20 degrees to 25 degrees with humidity making your journey a bit more difficult.
Although the rainfall is not a problem in Dolpo itself due to it being a shade zone of Dhaulagiri, getting to Dolpo is quite difficult during this time. The roads are blocked during this time due to uncertain natural calamities such as landslides and flights are canceled due to the rainfall. The flight to Nepalgunj and Juphal is uncertain as there is a high probability of them being canceled due to bad weather. Exploring Dolpo during this time is not a problem as the features of the beautiful but rugged Dolpo are visible; however, reaching the place during this time and going and coming back to and from Dolpo might be an issue. Besides the problem, the bright side of this season is the beautiful landscape and fresh aches of native fauna that you will see in the region. During this season, the area is visually pleasant, as you will get to see vegetation in the highlands, making your experience different and enjoyable.
Winter in Nepal starts from November to February and traveling in this time of the year is not ideal as the temperature drops to -5 degrees Celsius in the Dolpo region at night and rises to 6 to 10 degrees at day time which is still cold for traveling. However, each season has its own charm and during the winter season, the journey will be challenging but worth the trip. You will get to see the mountain desert covered in pristine snow and shiny mountains. Trekking does get quite challenging as the altitude of the Dolpo region is higher than other places making the winter harsh and ruthless with freezing temperatures. During this time of the year, the trekking passes are closed due to heavy snowfall blocking your trekking trails. The trails in Dolpo during this time are invisible due to heavy snowfall and flurries due to which there is a high chance of getting lost. Even the natives of the higher region in Dolpo move to the lower region in Dolpo during the winter, reducing the chances of getting accommodation in higher regions. So we do not recommend you to plan your trip during this season.
