Monastery of Saldang Village

Dolpo Region, Northwestern Nepal

Guardians of Dolpo's Heritage

At 3,770 meters above sea level, Saldang stands proudly as one of Upper Dolpo's largest and most vibrant villages, renowned both for its starring role in the Oscar-nominated film 'Caravan/Himalaya' and its profound spiritual heritage that has been carefully preserved for countless generations. Hidden like precious gems among the traditional stone homes and dramatic mountain slopes that characterize this remarkable settlement, Saldang's ancient monasteries serve as devoted guardians of centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions, maintaining sacred practices, rituals, and wisdom teachings that have been passed down through an unbroken lineage of dedicated monks and lamas. These sacred institutions continue to pulse with spiritual life, offering both residents and visiting pilgrims a authentic glimpse into the living heart of Himalayan Buddhism.

Gallery

Saldang Monastery in Upper Dolpo

Details

Tradition:: Buddhist
Region:: Upper Dolpo
Village:: Saldang
Founded:: Ancient
Category:: village
Location:: Saldang Village (3,770m)
Permit Required:: Upper Dolpo
Difficulty:: Challenging
Altitude:: 3,770m

Highlights

Oscar-nominated film location
Traditional stone architecture
Living Buddhist traditions
Multiple ancient monasteries

Best Time to Visit

Plan your adventure for Spring (March–May) to enjoy blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, or Autumn (September–November) for stable weather and stunning views. Winter (December–February) brings harsh, snowy conditions, making trekking challenging. Monsoon (June–August) has less rain due to the rain-shadow effect, but trails can still be difficult.