Villages of Dolpo Region
Discover the Ancient Settlements of Shey Phoksundo National Park
Journey through the remote Himalayan villages where indigenous Bonpo and Tibetan communities have preserved their ancient customs, monasteries, and way of life for centuries amidst some of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
List of some Villages in Dolpo
Dolpo houses are among the most remote and high-altitude settlements in Nepal and even the world. Scattered across the Dolpo region, these villages offer a rare glimpse into a unique culture that leaves visitors with a sense of wonder and serenity.
| Traditional Villages | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Ringmo | 3,641 meters/11,942 feet |
| Dho Tarap | 4,067 meters/13,343 feet |
| Saldang | 3,856 meters/12,651 feet |
| Musigaon | 4,230 meters/13,878 feet |
| Khanigaon | 2,950 meters/9,678 feet |
| Chepka | 2,670 meters/8,760 feet |
| Bhijer | 3,850 meters/12,631 feet |
| Shimengaon | 3,935 meters/12,910 feet |
| Tryagaon | 4,200 meters/13,780 feet |
| Tokyu | 4,190 meters/13,747 feet |
| Chharka Bhot | 4,320 meters/14,173 feet |
| Palam | 3,800 meters/12,467 feet |
| Komang | 4,500 meters/14,763 feet |
Ringmo (Tshowa) Village
Shey Phoksundo National Park
A charming settlement on the banks of the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Locally known as ''Tsho-wa,’’ meaning lakeside village in Tibetan, this hidden gem of Nepal is located at an elevation of 3,660 metres in the lower Dolpo region, surrounded by thick alpine forest. Best known as a living museum, it showcases ancient highland ways of living, with locals preserving their culture and traditions.
Panoramic views around Ringmo
Traditional stone houses with mountain backdrop
Ringmo above the turquoise Phoksundo Lake
Traditional house in Ringmo
- Altitude: 3,660m
- Population: Approx. 200 residents
- Main Religion: Bon Buddhism
- Access: 2-day trek from Juphal
Highlights:
- Ringmo Monastery (Thasung Tsholing Gompa) - centuries-old Buddhist monastery built to protect local flora and fauna
- Traditional Tibetan architecture with flat-roofed stone houses
- Gateway to Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake
- Center for Bon religious practices and festivals
- Offers accommodation, food, and travel facilities for visitors
Saldang Village
Upper Dolpo Region
One of the largest settlements in the region and a vital center for trade and commerce, Saldang sits in the heart of upper Dolpo at an elevation of 3,770 meters above sea level, near the Tibetan border. Known for its cold, deserted landscapes and surreal high mountain passes, this village is distinguished by its historic stone houses, terraced barley fields, and ancient monasteries. Reaching Saldang requires physical and mental fitness due to its location behind a mountain pass at 3,856m, serving as a turning point for the Dho Tarap valley.
Saldang: stone houses and highland scenery
Panoramic view of Saldang settlement
Monastery
- Altitude: 3,770m
- Population: Approx. 300 residents
- Main Occupation: Agriculture & Trade
- Notable Feature: Largest village in Nankhong Valley
Highlights:
- Saldang Monastery with ancient sculptures and murals
- Traditional stone architecture with intricate woodwork
- Historic trade route connecting Tibet and Nepal
- Vibrant festivals celebrating Buddhist traditions
- Revered Samye Choleing and Margom Yetshe monasteries preserving Tibetan Buddhist heritage
Dho Tarap Village
Heart of Tarap Valley
A picturesque settlement nestled in the scenic Tarap Valley, Dho Tarap is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage at an elevation of 4,067 meters above sea level, one of the highest human settlements in the world. Formed by the combination of 'Dho' and 'Tokyu' settlements, this largest village in the Dolpo region was once a major trading hub. Surrounded by high mountain passes and seasonal vegetation like wheat, potatoes, and celestial barley, it showcases traditional stone houses with elaborate wood carvings, colorful prayer flags, and numerous important monasteries.
Dho Tarap: village with prayer flags
Dho Tarap settlement and valley
Tarap Valley panoramic landscape
Traditional houses and settlement
Monasteries and stupas in Dho Tarap
- Altitude: 4,067m
- Population: Approx. 180 residents
- Valley: Tarap Valley
- Ethnic Group: Khampa Tibetans
Highlights:
- Ribo Bhumpa Monastery with unique vase-shaped design
- Mekhyim, Dhoro, and Shipichowk Bon Monasteries
- Traditional stone houses with intricate wood carvings and mud-coated roofs
- Friendly Khampa people with rich cultural traditions
- Gateway to high-altitude trekking routes
- Mani walls and gompas featuring religious murals and sculptures
- Historic residences with spacious animal courtyards built from local stones, mud, and wood
Bhijer Village
Upper Dolpo Region
A remote village in the Upper Dolpo region, Bhijer is known for its isolation and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Surrounded by high mountain passes, the village offers a serene escape with its stone houses and ancient monasteries, preserving centuries-old traditions.
Traditional stone houses in Bhijer
Bhijer childrens and surrounding mountains
Bhijer trekking routes
- Altitude: 3,800m
- Population: Approx. 100 residents
- Main Religion: Tibetan Buddhism
- Access: Trekking route from Phoksundo
Highlights:
- Ancient monasteries with traditional Buddhist practices
- Secluded location amidst high mountain passes
- Traditional stone architecture and yak herding
- Gateway to northern trekking routes to Phot village
Chharka Bhot Village
Tsharka Valley
An isolated high-altitude village near the Tibetan border, Chharka Bhot is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. Known for its stark beauty and traditional stone houses, the village is a cultural hub with ancient Buddhist customs and a remote, untouched charm.
Chharka Bhot rugged landscape and stone houses
High altitude settlement near Tibetan border
Traditional stone houses with prayer flags
People of Chharka Bhot
- Altitude: 4,302m
- Population: Approx. 120 residents
- Main Religion: Tibetan Buddhism
- Notable Feature: Shree Chharka Bhot Basic School
Highlights:
- One of the highest permanent settlements globally
- Traditional stone houses and ancient Buddhist customs
- Scenic Himalayan range with sparse vegetation
- Educational efforts at Shree Chharka Bhot Basic School
Khanigaon Village
Upper Dolpo Region
A small, lesser-known village in the Upper Dolpo region, Khanigaon is characterized by its tranquil setting and traditional agro-pastoral lifestyle. The village is surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes, with stone houses and small monasteries dotting the area.
Traditional houses in Khanigaon landscape
Komang Village
Northern Dolpo
Located in the northern reaches of Dolpo, Komang is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. The village is known for its agro-pastoral lifestyle, with residents relying on agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade, set against a backdrop of stark Himalayan beauty.
Stupas and stone houses in Komang
- Altitude: 4,500m
- Population: Approx. 210 residents
- Main Occupation: Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
- Access: Remote trekking routes
Highlights:
- One of the highest villages in the world
- Traditional stupas and Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Agro-pastoral lifestyle with seasonal migrations
- Remote location with stunning Himalayan views
Palam Village
Ancient Bonpo Heritage
A remote settlement in the upper Dolpo region, accessible only through hiking or horseback riding. Palam is renowned for its historic Bonpo monasteries, including what is believed to be one of the oldest religious sites in the region - the ancient Palam Monastery.
- Altitude: 3,800m
- Population: Approx. 30 residents
- Access: Hiking or horseback only
- Religion: Ancient Bon tradition
Highlights:
- Palam Monastery - oldest Bonpo site in the region
- Remote location preserving ancient traditions
- Spectacular mountain views and isolation
- Traditional Bonpo religious practices and rituals
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.