Nepal's last forbidden kingdom · Shey Phoksundo Lake · Kang La Pass (5,360m) · Bon culture
Nepal's most remote and epic adventure, taking you through high Himalayan passes above 5,000m into the hidden Trans-Himalayan wilderness. The ancient Bon culture, yak caravans, and the shimmering Shey Phoksundo Lake make this a once-in-a-lifetime journey for the truly adventurous.
Upper Dolpo is where the Himalaya meets the Tibetan plateau — a vast, silent landscape of turquoise lakes, dramatic gorges, and ancient monasteries cradled at altitude. Extremely remote, requiring full camping support, and rewarding only the most committed trekkers with an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Fewer than 700 trekkers per year · Full camping expedition · Shey Gompa · Crystal Mountain · Ancient Bon monasteries.
Dolpa District, Shey Phoksundo NP
5,360 m (Kang La Pass)
24–28 days KTM–KTM
280–350 km trekking
Very Hard (Grade 5/5)
Camping, high passes, remote
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Rain shadow – clear skies
Phoksundo Lake · Kang La · Shey Gompa · Crystal Mountain · Bon villages · Snow leopard habitat
Restricted area permits – Upper Dolpo is significantly more expensive and remote.
| Factor | Upper Dolpo | Lower Dolpo |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Permit Cost | $50/day | $20/week |
| Minimum Trek Duration | 24–28 days | 18–21 days |
| Permit Processing | 2–5 working days | 1–2 working days |
| Agency Requirement | Mandatory + licensed guide | Mandatory |
| Upper Dolpo RAP ~$500 minimum (10+ days) – highest in Nepal | ||
Full Upper Dolpo loop including Shey Gompa, Kang La, and Dho Tarap.
$50/day for Upper Dolpo – the most expensive permit in Nepal. Guide mandatory.
| Permit | Cost | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Dolpo RAP | $50/day (no minimum days, but logistics ~10-14 days) | Restricted area – agency arranged | ||||
| Lower Dolpo RAP (if entering via Lower) | $20/week | Entry/exit only | Shey Phoksundo NP Permit | ~$23 | One-time | |
| TIMS Card | ~$15 | Through agency | ||||
| Total permits: $500–700+ per person | ||||||
| Package Type | Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|
Temperatures drop to -20°C on passes. No teahouses – full self-sufficiency required.
Rapid ascent from Phoksundo (3,611m) to Kang La (5,360m) in 3 days – extreme risk.
| Season | Day Temp (High Camp) | Pass Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | 5-15°C / -4 to 2°C nights | Passes open, ideal | ★★★★★ |
| September–October | 3-15°C / -8 to 4°C | Clear, perfect visibility | ★★★★★ |
| April / November | -5 to 8°C / -15 to -5°C | Risky – snow possible | ★★☆ |
Upper Dolpo is a stronghold of the ancient Bon religion – pre‑Buddhist shamanic tradition.
Use "Tashi Delek" instead of Namaste in Dolpo – it's the local Tibetan Buddhist/Bon greeting.
Always walk clockwise around chortens, mani walls, and monasteries – counterclockwise is disrespectful.
Many Dolpo-pa believe photos capture part of their soul – ask permission first (small donation appreciated).
Always remove shoes before entering monastery prayer halls or private homes.
Carry out all trash – there are NO waste disposal facilities. Use portable toilet tents.
Hire local guides/porters, buy handmade crafts, and avoid giving money to begging children.
Juphal → Dunai → Phoksundo Lake → Shey Gompa → Kang La Pass (5,360m) → Saldang → Dho Tarap → Juphal
Upper Dolpo is not for everyone – but for those who go, it becomes a lifetime memory. Book with Lila for responsible expedition planning, experienced guides, and full camping support.