The Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek takes in two remote areas which until relatively recently were closed to outsiders. These areas are unlike any other in Nepal, and can be compared in landscape and culture to Tibet or Ladakh in India. Indeed Dolpo lies between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Legend has it that the revered Buddhist saint, Guru Rimpoche, who spread Tibetan Buddhism throughout the Himalayas, discovered this hidden land over 1700 years ago. This land, also called “beyul” or refuge has been inhabited by Tibetan nomads, called Drokpas, for over a thousand years.
It has remained isolated, due to its remote location and has only been open for trekking and tourism since 1989. One of the highest inhabited places on earth, Dolpo is also still a stronghold of the pre-Buddhist, Bon Po religion. It is a high, mountainous region of fortified villages, ‘dzongs’ and many high passes.
Upper Dolpo has seen Bon Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism prosper simultaneously. Upper Mustang is known as the forbidden kingdom that proudly carries a history of Lobas.
Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek also starts with a short flight to Nepalgunj then to Juphal. We pass through many ancient monasteries and highland villages, natural scenery, Phoksundo Lake and the fabled Shey Gompa.
Dolpo to Mustang Trek is a tough trek for fit and adventurous walker. Best time of the year for Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek is monsoon season but possible to visit from April to October. It is difficult to get the trekking map of this route.
37 Day Dolpo to Mustang Trek is susceptible to heavy snowfalls, which isolate it from neighboring regions for much of the year. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime trek through sacred Upper Dolpo, an incredible Himalayan journey.
Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- You will pay a visit to Shey Gompa, one of the oldest monastery of the region which reflects the 12th-century history of the region.
- On this trek, you will follow the route to Lo Manthang- the ancient kingdom of Lo.
- You will have a closer insight into the life of Bon Buddhists in Upper Dolpo and Thakali people in Upper Mustang.
- You can spend some time around the Shey Phoksundo lake to breath its pristinity and the serene surrounding.
- If you opt for this trek in May, you can actively partake in the proceeding of the Tiji festival.
