Trekking
Dolpo Trek: Shey Phoksundo Lake and the Hidden Land
Dolpo is Nepal's most remote trekking region — a high-altitude Tibetan plateau accessed via a restricted area permit, home to Shey Phoksundo Lake (the deepest in Nepal) and the ancient Bon religion.
Dolpo was made famous to the Western world by Peter Matthiessen's 1978 book "The Snow Leopard." It remains one of the world's most remote inhabited regions — a Tibetan plateau landscape north of the Dhaulagiri range, mostly above 4,000m.
Overview
- Lower Dolpo (accessible): No restricted area permit required
- Upper Dolpo (restricted): USD 500 for 10 days (NPR 67,000)
- Duration: 14–21 days
- Max altitude: 5,100m+ in Upper Dolpo
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
Best Time to Visit
May–June and September–October. Unlike the southern slopes, Dolpo lies in the Himalayan rain shadow — monsoon sees relatively little rainfall.
Key Highlights
Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) — Nepal's deepest lake, famous for its turquoise-blue colour. Shey Gompa (Crystal Mountain Monastery) at 4,300m. The pre-Buddhist Bon culture still actively practiced in Saldang and surrounding villages.
Getting to Dolpo
Fly Kathmandu to Juphal airport (near Dunai) — about 1 hour, NPR 20,000–30,000. Trek begins from Dunai.
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Practical Tips
Upper Dolpo requires a licensed guide, minimum 2-person group, and the USD 500 permit. Lower Dolpo only requires TIMS and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry (NPR 3,000).
FAQ
What is the difference between Lower and Upper Dolpo? Lower Dolpo includes Shey Phoksundo Lake and is permit-free. Upper Dolpo requires the USD 500 restricted permit and is more remote.
Is Dolpo trekable in monsoon? Yes — the rain shadow effect keeps it drier than most Nepal regions.
Is the Snow Leopard book set in Dolpo? Yes — the book follows Matthiessen's journey to Shey Gompa in Crystal Mountain to observe snow leopards.
