$ / Per Person
The Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is one of Nepal’s longest and most remote high-altitude trekking adventures. This 29-day adventure will take you deep into the Dolpo region valleys and several high mountain passes before ending the trek at Jomsom on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail. The Dolpo to Jomsom Trek offers a unique blend of wilderness, ancient Himalayan culture, and solitude.
If anyone is thinking of pure Tibetan Culture, Buddhist Spiritual Practices, and a challenging yet beautiful Himalayan adventure, the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is a perfect choice.
Your Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek begins in Kathmandu. A jet-lag rest day with an introductory guided tour of Kathmandu Valley, while the agency issues the required trekking permits.
The second day can be spent in Kathmandu temples and heritage. Hinduism and Buddhism are well-represented in the city. Excursions to ancient Stupas and temples can help you gain a bit of understanding of how deeply Nepal is rooted in spirituality before you set out into the mountains.
The Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek starts with a scenic flight to Nepalgun, offering views of the major Himalayan peaks of Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
From Nepalgunj, a short domestic flight takes you to Juphal (2,475m), the gateway to the Dolpo region. At Juphal, you will meet your trekking crew and start your great exploratory walk, the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek.
The trekking trail drops to the Bheri River and then follows the Suli Gad River. You will walk through forests, villages, and silent valleys and reach Phoksundo Lake in the Phoksundo National Park, one of the largest and most beautiful nature-preservation areas in Nepal.
Phoksundo Lake offers stunning views to travellers. This deep-blue Himalayan freshwater lake is situated in a deep valley, with a 400-metre-high cliff guarding the exit to the water. The northern, eastern, and western horizons of the lake are guarded by densely forested high hills and crowned by snow-capped mountains. The exit of Phoksundo Lake water creates a beautiful 330-meter waterfall, adding a charming allure to the region.
The camping ground at Ringmo is just on the shore of Phoksundo Lake, offering extraordinary views of the lake, its monastery, Ringmo village, and the crowning snowy peaks. While at Ringmo, you can also visit Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing Gompa (one of the oldest Bon-po monasteries) and its village, with traditional stone houses and individual praying halls, offering a first deep cultural and spiritual experience during the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek.
The trail is now becoming more challenging as the journey progresses. You pass through slender tracks hewn through the sheer cliff above Lake Phoksundo and gradually ascend, reaching the upper shore of the lake. This part of the trek offers some of the best views.
Crossing Kang La is one of the challenges of the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek. The ascent is long and steep, and the view from the top is memorable. Snow peaks and broad valleys stretch in all directions.
On passing the Kang La pass, you descend to Shey Gompa monastery, one of the most famed and ancient monasteries of the entire Dolpo region. The monastery is beautifully situated beneath the Sacred Crystal Mountain.
Sela La is another pass that offers views of the Tibetan border. Once over it, there are the Namgung and Saldang villages in Inner Dolpo.
The largest village in the area is Saldang, which was once an important stop on the old salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
Leaving Saldang, the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek enters even more isolated areas. It creates landscapes that are dry and open, with broad valleys and spectacular cliffs.
One of the high passes of the trek, Jeng La, offers good views of the Dhaulagiri range and takes you to another beautiful ancient settlement in the Tarap Valley.
Tarap Valley is broad and bright, with ancient villages. The culture in this area is a mix of Bon-Po and Tibetan Buddhism. The valley is unique for its ancient monasteries, prayer flags, stupas, and mani-walls.
As the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek nears its end, you will need to cross more high passes, including Chharka La and Sangda La. These passes offer expansive views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas and lead down to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district and a major hub for starting and ending treks into the Annapurna, Mustang, and Dolpo regions.
Reaching Jomsom marks the completion of a truly epic Himalayan journey, the Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek.
A fifteen-minute flight from Jomsom Airport to Pokhara is another highlight. The flight above the Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the World, between the two 8-thousanders, the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The scenery is unblinkingly sheer, grand, and beautiful until you land at Pokhara airport. You deboard the flight and get amazed by the most beautiful rows of the Himalayas: Annapurna, Lamjung, and Machhapuchhre.
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s beautiful tourist hubs, thanks to its natural setting: mountains, hills, lakes, and rural cultural villages. The city is well connected to the capital by air and road. Therefore, you will spend 2 nights in Pokhara, take a sunrise excursion, visit its Shiva Temple, Peace Stupa, and International Mountain Museum, and take a short flight to Kathmandu for a smooth end to the epic Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek.
A complete Himalayan adventure that covers mostly the wilderness parts of the Himalayas.
The Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek offers a rare mix of adventure, culture, high mountain passes, and untouched natural beauty.
For a day-to-day itinerary, hotel information, customised programs, or anything else related to your travel plan. Please get in touch with annatreks@gmail.com or WhatsApp/Message at +977 985 10 30619. You can also message us on Facebook.
Ultimate Remote Trek
Traverse Upper Dolpo to Jomsom, the largest and geographically and naturally most isolated/protected area in Nepal, with ancient Tibetan culture untouched by modernity.
High Himalayan Passes
Conquer legendary passes like Kang La (5,150m), Sela La (5,095m), and Jeng La (5,220m), offering breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, including the Dhaulagiri massif piercing the horizons of the Earth.
Sacred Landscapes and Culture
Explore the living Bon-Po traditions in the ancient gompas of Ringmo and “Crystal Mountain’s,” Shey Gompa and experience shamanistic rituals in a stark, yet spiritually rich landscape.
Natural Wonders
Witness the surreal turquoise Phoksundo Lake, deepest of Nepal, and its towering 330m waterfall, featured in Eric Valli’s Himalaya.
Ancient Trade Routes and Villages
Walk along historic salt-trade routes to Saldang, explore medieval stone villages (Ringmo, Namgung, Dho), and encounter nomadic camps and yak caravans on the way to Tibet.
Literary Legacy
Follow the route chronicled in Peter Mathieson’s The Snow Leopard, camping at his iconic “Snowfields Camp” below Kang La.
Traditional welcome, trip briefing, and time to explore local shrines.
While permits are finalized, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient monkey temple at Swayambhunath and the historic palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Evening visit to the great Boudhanath Stupa.
Scenic one-hour flight with panoramic Himalayan views.
Trek for ~3 hours, meet your trek crew and descend through terraced fields to the Bheri River.
Trek for ~5 hours, enter the lush Phoksundo National Park and traverse a steep, dramatic valley.
Trek for ~4 hours, a rugged trail following the river with several climbs and descents.
Trek for ~5 hours, first breathtaking views of the stunning turquoise lake and a 330m high waterfall.
Explore the ancient Bon-po monastery and the serene shores of one of Nepal’s most beautiful lakes.
Trek for ~5 hours, trek the famous precarious trail along the western shore of Phoksundo Lake.
Trek for ~7 hours, journey into a high, remote valley, following the route from “The Snow Leopard.”
Trek for ~6 hours, challenging pass crossing followed by a descent to the famous Crystal Monastery.
Day to explore the ancient monastery and absorb the stark, high-altitude landscape.
Trek for ~7 hours, Another high pass with views into Tibet, descending to a cliffside monastery.
Trek for ~3 hours, short trek to the largest village in Inner Dolpo, on the old Tibetan salt trade route.
Optional day excursion to explore nearby villages like Khoma.
Trek for ~6 hours, walk past traditional villages, chörtens, and mani walls along the river.
Trek for ~5 hours, ascend through yak grazing pastures to the base of the final high pass.
Trek for ~7 hours, pass offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri before entering the vast Tarap Valley.
Trek for ~3 hours, visit t4raditional villages with ancient Bon-po and Buddhist monasteries, a stronghold of Tibetan culture.
Trek for ~7 hours, leaving the main trail for a remote wilderness, entering a narrow valley.
Trek for ~6 hours, ascending and crossing the Chharka La pass, followed by a descent into a widening valley.
Trek for ~6 hours, crossing rivers on small bridges, visiting the tiny hamlet of Chharka.
Trek for ~7 hours, trekking through high yak pastures, crossing a 5,000m+ crest, approaching the Sangda La.
Trek for ~6 hours, crossing a pass with a dramatic shale descent, reaching the settlement at the river intersection.
Trek for ~6 hours, crossing a final pass (4,200m) with breathtaking views of Thorong La, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks.
Trek for ~6 hours, one last climb before arriving at the popular Annapurna Circuit trail, trek ends, celebrations.
Spectacular 22-minute mountain flight views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Leisurely lunch by Phewa Lake in Pokhara before your connecting flight to Kathmandu.
Free day to relax, shop, or take an optional guided city tour.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
The Dolpo Region, with a unique blend of ancient Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist Religions, is a last remaining pure Tibetan cultural treasure, thrived with natural wonders. The region’s ancient attire, jewellery, monument structures, agriculture, and animal husbandry, along with the last remaining nomadic lifestyles and trans-Himalayan trading practices, offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Trekking in the Dolpo Region is not just a physical challenge but also a rare opportunity to experience a centuries-old, alluring socio-cultural heritage in the ice- and wind-swept High Himalayan Desert, making every step worthwhile to note in your daily diary. The She Phoksundo National Park hosts snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, and wild Yaks. The following details are essential for overall preparation and understanding the Dolpo Region Trekking options.
| Duration | 29 days |
| Max Elevation | 5,560m (Jungben La Pass). |
| Grade | Remote camping, long ascents, altitude risks |
| Best Seasons | May-November |
| Highlights | Shey Gompa (11th-century monastery), Phoksundo Lake (Nepal’s deepest), TibetanBuddhism and Bon culture |
| Transport mode | Time |
| Flight Kathmandu → Nepalgunj | 1 hour |
| Flight Nepalgunj → Juphal | 20 minutes; trek starts here |
| Flight/Drive Jomsom → Pokhara | 20 mins/6-hour; trek ending at Jomsom |
| Flight/Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu | 25 mins/5-hour. |
| Season | Conditions |
| Spring | May–June, mild days (5–17°C), rhododendrons and wild orchid blooming, ideal for high passes |
| Autumn | Sept–October, stable weather, clear skies (0–20°C), peak season, highland meadows and mountain passes in bloom, harvesting season |
| Monsoon | July–August, possible landslides in lower areas, prepare for flight disruptions, highland meadows and mountain passes in bloom, encounter nomadic camps |
| Winter | Dec–February, temps drop to -20°C; most higher parts remain snowbound |
| Category | Detail |
| Who can join these treks | The trek suits fit, health-conscious travellers aged 18+ who can handle high altitudes anduphill/downhill challenges in extreme weather conditions. With no upper limit, seniors can join if they are physically fit and medically cleared. First-timers with dedicated commitment and basic to adequate training are welcome. The trek is led by our experienced guides and support staff (guide helpers, porters, kitchen crew) with overall care provided. |
| Group Policy | We specialise in premium private treks and tours. We do not combine individual travellers into groups. Your “group” is defined solely by the friends, family, or colleagues you choose to travel with when booking a specific program. This policy guarantees a personalised and exclusive adventure tailored just for you. |
| Required permits | – Upper Dolpo: $500 for the first 10 days + $50/day thereafter. – Lower Dolpo: $20 for first week + $5/week thereafter. – Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: $30 per person. |
| Guide | Guides are mandatory for RAP areas; as of March 2025, all trekkers must hire a government-licensed trekking/climbing guide. |
| Physical Preparation | Require cardio and stamina excersises for 2–4 weeks like basic running, cycling, or stair climbing (aim for 5 km in 1 hour). Strength gain training such as lunges, squats, and backpack hikes (build to 10–15 kg only if you are not taking a porter service). |
| Safety and Health | Be mindful of altitude sickness and recognise its symptoms (headaches, nausea, dizziness). Take preventative measures (such as taking Diamox/acclimatising rest days), and descend immediately if symptoms become severe. Medical Clinics are in Namche, Pheriche, and Dingboche for AMS treatment. |
| Vaccinations | Consult a doctor for recommendations (recommended for typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and tetanus). |
| Insurance | Must cover emergency helicopter rescue (up to 5,500 m) and medical service. We strongly advise all trekkers to invest a little more in addition to the trip cost and purchase comprehensive insurance that covers all kinds of emergencies, ensuring you are financially secure and prepared for unforeseen circumstances. |
| Water and Food | Tented Trek Meals – prepared by our mobile kitchen staff. Bring snacks from your country if you have any special ones that are not available in Nepal. Boiled water provided. |
| Cash | There are ATMs at Nepalgunj and Bank at Juphal, but it is recommended to carry some Nepalese to meet your basic possible expenses. All major expenses are included in our trek package cost. |
| Connectivity | Very limited Wi-Fi (agency provide satellitte phone for emergency calls. |
| Tipping | Tips for guides/porters: please allow $10/day per member. |
The following table outlines seasonal packing priorities, which include all essentials, as well as a clothing layering system for variable conditions.
| Season | Clothing | Key gear |
| Spring/Autumn | thermal base + fleece + heavy down jacket (-20°C) + waterproof shell | -20° to -25°C sleeping bag, Micro spikes (for High Pass). |
| Winter | Heavy thermal base, down jacket/pants, balaclava (-25°C) | Microspikes, -30°C sleeping bag |
| Monsoon | Quick-dry clothing, a full waterproof suit | waterproof pack cover, insect repellent, -20° sleeping bag |
| Accessories | Warm hat, sun hat, buff, waterproof gloves (inner + outer), wool socks (2–4 pairs) | Protects extremities from cold/frostbite |
Clothing Layering System for Variable Conditions |
||
| Layer Type | Key Items | Purpose |
| Base Layer | Merino wool/synthetic tops and leggings | Moisture-wicking; temperature regulation |
| Mid Layer | Fleece jacket; down vest/jacket | Insulation: retains body heat |
| Outer Shell | Waterproof/windproof jacket and pants | Shields against rain, snow, and wind |
| Accessories | Warm hat, sun hat, buff, waterproof gloves (inner + outer), wool socks (2–4 pairs) | Protects extremities from cold/frostbite |
| Foot ware | Broken-in waterproof trekking boots + Camp shoes + Sandals/crocs for stream crossing |
| Essentials | Sunglasses, trekking poles (for mud/snow), reusable water bottle, water purifier, headlamp, first-aid kit, portable charger, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, earplugs. |
| Backpack | 30–40L (Daypack for you) |
| Duffel Bag | ≤25 kg (for Porter and mules) |
| First-Aid Kit | Bring personal medications, agency provides group first-aid medical box). |
| Note | Use packing cubes to organize gear. Limit clothing to 2–3 sets of quick-dry layers |
Camping only (no lodges), complete self-sufficiency required. Our agency handles logistics (e.g., food, tents).
Dress modestly (covering shoulders/knees in villages) to show respect and consideration for the local culture and customs. Circumvent clockwise around the Mani walls, stupas, and monasteries, and while visiting the inside of the monasteries. Use the right hand to eat and give/receive items. Remove your shoes / sandals when entering the kitchen, visiting homes, monasteries and temples. Avoid photographing children when they are alone or without family permission. Dolpo blends Tibetan Buddhism and ancient Bonpo traditions, and respects local festivals like the Shey Festival (held every 12 years) or other regional festivals. For eco practices, carry out trash (and hand it over to your guide on arriving at your camp because there are no waste facilities), use biodegradable products, and avoid plastic bottles (carry a reusable water bottle).
Rent/buy a down jacket/sleeping bag in Kathmandu to save space.
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