The Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek is a remarkable journey through some of Nepal’s most remote and stunning landscapes, offering an extraordinary blend of adventure and spiritual immersion. Spanning 30 days, this trek takes you through sacred lands, ancient settlements, and high passes, with altitudes ranging from 2,500 meters to nearly 5,500 meters. Starting in Juphal (2,499 meters) in Dolpo, known as the "hidden land," the trek follows spiritual trails to destinations like Shey Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks. From there, trekkers face challenging high-altitude passes, including Nagdalo Pass (5,350m) and Sela Pass (Gela La) (5,095m), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
As the trek moves toward Upper Mustang, trekkers experience the unique Tibetan culture of the region, with visits to the walled city of Lo Manthang, ancient monasteries, and sacred sites like the Ghar Gumba / Gompa and Muktinath Temple. This journey is not just about physical endurance; it's a deep spiritual passage through a world where traditions remain largely unchanged. The trek is best undertaken between May and October, with spring offering blooming alpine flowers and autumn bringing clear skies. With proper acclimatization and readiness for remote conditions, the Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek promises an unforgettable and transformative experience.
Note: "Gompa" and "Gumba" refer to the same thing. While "Gompa" is the term mainly used on Wikipedia, "Gumba" is more commonly used in Nepal.
Advantages of the Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek with A1 Excursion Adventure
Seamless Transfers
Enjoy complimentary airport transfers to and from Kathmandu International Airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your adventure.
Travel Essentials Provided
We supply necessary travel items like A1 Excursion Adventure duffle bag, water bottle, daybook, and T-shirt to make your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
Safety First
Your well-being is our priority. We provide a first aid kit and an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels at high altitudes, ensuring you stay safe and comfortable during the trek.
Immersive Cultural Experience
Delve into the unique cultures of Dolpo and Mustang by savoring traditional meals at local cultural restaurants during our welcome and farewell dinners.
Stress-Free Travel
Travel light and worry-free with complimentary luggage storage and a detailed road map for your adventure through Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang.
Comfortable Trekking
Stay warm and cozy with a free sleeping bag and inner liner, ensuring you rest well during your trek and stay comfortable at high altitudes.
Top-Notch Service
Enjoy customized itineraries and expert guidance tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience in the Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions.
Expert Local Knowledge & Personalized Service
Benefit from the expertise of local guides who offer insider knowledge of these remote regions, ensuring a deeper and more authentic travel experience. Custom itineraries let you explore at your own pace while discovering hidden gems in Dolpo and Mustang
Major Attractions of the Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek
- Shey Phoksundo Lake: Nestled at 3,611 meters, this turquoise lake is a stunning natural beauty and a sacred site for Buddhists and Bon practitioners. Surrounded by craggy peaks and adorned with prayer flags, it serves as a place of pilgrimage and a visual marvel.
- Shey Gompa/Gumba: This ancient Buddhist monastery, perched at an altitude of 4,200 meters, is one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in Dolpo. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake and the rugged landscapes, the monastery is an important site for pilgrims and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Festival in Dolpo: The biggest festival in Dolpo, the Shey Festival, takes place every 12 years during the Dragon Year. In addition, the Kula Festival, the second biggest festival, is also celebrated every 12 years in August or September. In 2026, the festival will be held during the Horse Year, offering a rare and unforgettable cultural experience for trekkers.
- High-Altitude Wilderness of Dolpo: The trek takes you through Dolpo’s remote and rugged terrain, where yak herders and semi-nomadic communities live much as they did centuries ago. It’s an immersive experience in a timeless world that feels untouched by modernity.
- Challenging High Passes: The Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek crosses several high-altitude passes, including NagDalo La (5,350 meters) and Mo La (5,027 meters). Each pass provides panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape, offering a sense of achievement and breathtaking vistas of snowy peaks, including Dhaulagiri.
- Entering Upper Mustang's Wind-Sculpted Landscapes: Mustang’s arid, rust-colored cliffs and vast canyons create a landscape like no other. The trek introduces a unique environment shaped by relentless winds and time, adding to the mystical allure of the journey.
- Lo Manthang, the Walled City: At 3,800 meters, the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang in Mustang is a must-see highlight. It is home to medieval palaces, monasteries, and labyrinthine streets where ancient traditions still thrive.
- Sacred Monasteries & Spiritual Sites: The trek is filled with spiritual landmarks like Muktinath Temple, Thubchen Gumba / Gompa, and Chode Gumba/ Gompa. These sacred places offer insight into the deeply rooted Buddhist and Bon practices of the region.
- Cultural Immersion: The warmth of the Dolpo and Mustang people adds a personal touch to the trek. Visiting remote villages offers a rare opportunity to experience the ancient ways of life, with locals sharing stories and traditions passed down through generations.
- Two Unique Buddhist Traditions: Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trekking offers a rare opportunity to experience two distinct forms of Buddhism. In Dolpo, trekkers will encounter Bon Buddhism, an ancient pre-Buddhist religion that blends with Tibetan Buddhism. As you enter Upper Mustang, you will discover various mixed Buddhist traditions with its rich traditions, monasteries, and spiritual practices. This contrast between the two provides a profound understanding of the region’s diverse religious and cultural heritage.
- Ancient Cave Sites: Exploring Jhong Cave, Chhoser Cave, and other sacred sites carved into cliffs allows trekkers to connect with the ancient cultures that once thrived in this remote region.
