🅿️ Free Parking • Secure & Spacious • For All Guests • 🔥 Campfire Evenings • Warm & Cozy Vibes •
🅿️ Free Parking • Secure & Spacious • For All Guests • 🔥 Campfire Evenings • Warm & Cozy Vibes •
8 Amazing Destinations

Places in Dolpa

Discover the hidden gems of Nepal's most remote and beautiful district. From turquoise lakes to ancient monasteries and the highest villages in the Himalayas.

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Phoksundo Lake

फोक्सुण्डो ताल

Elevation

3,611m

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Duration

2-3 days from Dunai

Lower Dolpa

Nepal's deepest lake at 145 meters, famous for its stunning turquoise color. Located at 3,611m in Shey Phoksundo National Park, this crystal-clear lake has no aquatic life due to its mineral composition. The lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Bon practitioners.

Deepest lake in Nepal (145m)Stunning turquoise colorNo aquatic lifeSacred to BuddhistsRingmo village nearby
🏔️

Dho Tarap

ढो तराप

Elevation

4,200m

Difficulty

Strenuous

Best Time

May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Duration

4-5 days from Dunai

Upper Dolpa

One of Nepal's highest permanently inhabited villages at 4,200m. This remote Tibetan Buddhist settlement preserves ancient traditions unchanged for centuries. Experience authentic yak herding culture, ancient monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the Dolpo people.

Highest village in NepalAncient Tibetan cultureYak herding traditionsRemote monasteriesUntouched Himalayan life
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Shey Gompa

शे गोम्पा

Elevation

4,300m

Difficulty

Strenuous

Best Time

Sep-Nov

Duration

5-6 days from Dunai

Upper Dolpa

An ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery and pilgrimage site near Crystal Mountain. Dating back centuries, Shey Gompa is a sacred site for Bon and Buddhist practitioners. The annual full moon festival attracts pilgrims from across the Himalayan region.

Ancient monasteryBuddhist & Bon pilgrimageCrystal Mountain viewsAnnual festivalSacred meditation caves
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Crystal Mountain

क्रिस्टल माउन्टेन

Elevation

5,188m

Difficulty

Very Strenuous

Best Time

Sep-Nov

Duration

10-14 days circuit

Upper Dolpa

A sacred peak revered by Tibetan Buddhists as a representation of the cosmic axis. Featured in Peter Matthiessen's famous book 'The Snow Leopard', Crystal Mountain draws spiritual seekers and adventurers alike. The mountain's unique crystal formations give it a mystical appearance.

Sacred Buddhist peakCrystal formationsSnow leopard habitatThe Snow Leopard bookUltimate Himalayan pilgrimage
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Ringmo Village

रिङ्मो गाउँ

Elevation

3,640m

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Duration

2-3 days from Dunai

Lower Dolpa

A traditional Tibetan village perched above Phoksundo Lake. Home to about 60 households, Ringmo maintains ancient traditions and is known for its distinctive Tibetan architecture, friendly locals, and the ancient Ringmo Gompa with its Buddhist murals.

Traditional Tibetan villageAncient gompaBuddhist muralsLake viewsLocal hospitality
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Dunai

डुनई

Elevation

2,100m

Difficulty

Easy

Best Time

Year-round

Duration

Base camp

Central Dolpa

The district headquarters and gateway to all Dolpa adventures. This small bazaar town offers basic amenities, permit offices, and is home to Hotel Blue Sheep Inn. Dunai is the starting point for treks to Phoksundo, Dho Tarap, and beyond.

District headquartersGateway to DolpaHotel Blue Sheep InnPermit officesLocal market
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Tarap Valley

तराप उपत्यका

Elevation

3,500m - 4,200m

Difficulty

Strenuous

Best Time

May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Duration

3-4 days from Dunai

Upper Dolpa

A broad, beautiful high-altitude valley leading to Dho Tarap. The Tarap Valley offers spectacular scenery with yak pastures, scattered settlements, and dramatic mountain views. It's one of Nepal's most remote and pristine valleys.

High-altitude valleyYak pasturesTibetan settlementsMountain panoramasRemote wilderness
💧

Phoksundo Waterfall

फोक्सुण्डो झरना

Elevation

3,200m

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

Mar-Jun

Duration

1-2 days from Dunai

Lower Dolpa

One of Nepal's tallest waterfalls at 167 meters, located near the entrance to Phoksundo Lake. The waterfall cascades dramatically into the Suli Gad river and is a stunning sight, especially during spring when water flow is highest.

167m tall waterfallOne of Nepal's tallestDramatic cascadesNear Phoksundo LakePhotography spot

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in Dolpa?
The best places in Dolpa are: 1) Phoksundo Lake - Nepal's deepest turquoise lake, 2) Dho Tarap - highest village in Nepal, 3) Shey Gompa - ancient Buddhist monastery, 4) Crystal Mountain - sacred peak, 5) Ringmo Village - traditional Tibetan settlement, and 6) Phoksundo Waterfall - 167m tall cascade.
How many days do I need to see places in Dolpa?
It depends on what you want to see: Phoksundo Lake needs 5-7 days, Dho Tarap requires 10-13 days, and a comprehensive Dolpa circuit takes 2-3 weeks. Most visitors spend 7-8 days to see Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village.
What is the best time to visit places in Dolpa?
The best time is March-May (spring) for wildflowers and clear skies, and September-November (autumn) for stable weather and mountain views. Avoid monsoon (June-August) and harsh winter (December-February).
Which places in Dolpa don't need special permits?
Lower Dolpa (Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo, Phoksundo Waterfall) only requires TIMS and National Park permits. Upper Dolpa (Dho Tarap, Shey Gompa, Crystal Mountain) requires expensive restricted area permits ($500 for 10 days).
What is the most famous place in Dolpa?
Phoksundo Lake is the most famous - Nepal's deepest lake with stunning turquoise waters at 3,611m. It's featured in many documentaries and is the primary attraction for Dolpa visitors.
Are there hotels near Dolpa attractions?
Hotel Blue Sheep Inn in Dunai is the best base for exploring Dolpa attractions. It offers comfortable rooms, local guides, and is located at the gateway to all major Dolpa destinations.

Ready to Explore Dolpa?

Stay at Hotel Blue Sheep Inn in Dunai - the perfect base for exploring all places in Dolpa. We offer comfortable accommodation, local guides, and everything you need for your adventure.