High Trails of Dolpo: 15 Days Across Nepal’s Wild Frontier

Dolpo is a remote, high-altitude region in western Nepal, culturally and geographically aligned with Tibet. Located in the upper Dolpa District and bordered to the north by China, much of Dolpo falls within the boundaries of Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to some of the country’s most stunning and untouched natural landscapes.

The region’s sparse, agro-pastoral population—known as Dolpo in Tibetan and Dhol-wa in the local dialect—lives in isolated villages connected to the rest of Nepal primarily via Jufal Airport, which itself requires a three-day journey by horse from many settlements. Due to the remoteness of the area, exact population figures are uncertain, with estimates ranging anywhere from under 5,000 to around 18,000 people.

Dolpo’s inhabitants predominantly follow Bon, an ancient religion that predates Buddhism. Today, Bon is recognized as one of the five schools of Tibetan Buddhism. This spiritual heritage, coupled with the region’s isolation, has helped preserve Dolpo’s traditional Tibetan culture in a remarkably pure form, making it an increasingly attractive destination for culturally curious travelers and spiritual seekers alike.

Dolpo’s breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions have captured the imagination of storytellers and filmmakers around the world. The region gained global attention through Peter Matthiessen’s acclaimed book The Snow Leopard, and was further immortalized in the Oscar-nominated film Himalaya (The Caravan), Nepal’s first international feature with English subtitles. More recently, the German documentary Dolpo Tulku also brought the region to light.

Despite its remoteness and the restrictions placed on travel to some of its more secluded areas, Dolpo remains a highly sought-after trekking destination, offering intrepid travelers a rare opportunity to explore a hidden Himalayan world where ancient beliefs, stunning scenery, and enduring traditions converge.