Trekking in the Dolpo region has only been permitted since mid-1989. Located west of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dolpo lies within the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif and toward the Tibetan plateau. The region offers the opportunity to visit ancient villages, high mountain passes, beautiful lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries, and to witness the rich wildlife of the area, including blue sheep, mountain goats, jackals, wolves, and the legendary snow leopard.

This remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal, where time seems to have stood still for centuries. Inhabitants of Tibetan origin continue to live, farm, and trade as they have done for generations. Most treks into Dolpo range from 14 to 30 days in duration. The best time to visit is from September to November, at the end of the monsoon season. Shorter treks are also possible by flying into the airstrip at Jumla.