Upper Dolpa has long been one of Nepal’s most remote and mysterious regions. Known for its rugged mountains, ancient Buddhist culture, and untouched natural beauty, this hidden land often feels like stepping back in time. Life here is harsh and simple, shaped by geography and tradition. Yet in 2025, a new chapter was written in Dolpa’s story when the Honda Dio 125 scooter became the first ever two-wheeler to reach Upper Dolpa. Climbing to Jyangla Pass at 5,300 meters above sea level, it proved that even in the most unforgiving terrains, courage and determination can carve a path forward.
The History Was Made
For decades, Upper Dolpa remained inaccessible to modern vehicles. Roads are scarce, trails are rough, and even the locals depend mostly on yaks for transport. Recently, some motorbikes brought from Tibet have begun easing lives here, but the idea of a scooter navigating this terrain was still unimaginable. The Honda Dio 125 turned that imagination into reality.
The journey began in Pokhara, passing through Jomsom, Rupse Waterfall, Marpha, and Mustang, before finally crossing into Dolpa. Days of challenges followed, from rocky paths to river crossings. Yet the Dio 125 pressed on, reaching Dho-Tarap and eventually Jyangla Pass. At 5,300 meters, this was the highest point ever reached by a Nepali number-plated scooter, etching its place in history.
Modernity Meeting Tradition
This achievement was not only about setting a record. It was about showing what is possible when persistence meets innovation. For the people of Dolpa, where roads, electricity, and basic services are still limited, seeing a scooter arrive in their villages was like a glimpse of the future. It carried the hope of better connectivity, a reminder that change and opportunity can reach even the most remote corners.
Unveiling the Mystery of Upper Dolpa
Reaching Dolpa is itself an adventure. From Pokhara, the road leads to Jomsom, then onward through Mustang, past the roaring Rupse Waterfall and the windswept bazaar of Jomsom. Villages like Phalyak and Syangda preserve centuries-old culture before the trail leaves civilization behind and enters Dolpa’s wilderness.
Suksamba and Verol offer shelter before the climb to Lapcha Sarma Pass. The journey then descends into Dolpa’s valleys, crossing Chharka Bhot and Tinje, until reaching Dho-Tarap, the cultural and spiritual heart of Upper Dolpa. Finally comes Jyangla Pass, the greatest challenge of all, where the Dio 125 proved its strength and wrote its story.
Life in Upper Dolpa
Upper Dolpa is more than landscapes of stone and snow. It is also about the people who have lived here for centuries. The Dongwa, or nomads, move with their yaks, known locally as Nor, from pasture to pasture. Yaks provide milk, wool, ghee, and transport, making them the lifeline of these highlands.
In villages like Dho-Tarap, centuries-old monasteries and chortens stand as silent witnesses of time. Both Buddhism and Bon are practiced here, shaping daily life with rituals and traditions that have survived untouched for generations. The Crystal Mountain School, one of the highest schools in the world, proves that even in this isolation, the light of education shines. The resilience of the people, paired with their culture and faith, makes Upper Dolpa a world unlike any other.
Other Tourism Potential
Though Dolpa welcomes far fewer visitors compared to Everest or Annapurna, it offers unmatched authenticity. Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest, protects rare wildlife and surreal landscapes. Phoksundo Lake is a well-known attraction, but those who venture further into Upper Dolpa find valleys, monasteries, and villages where Tibetan culture thrives in its purest form. For travelers seeking untouched beauty and raw adventure, Dolpa remains a hidden treasure.
A Mirror to Life
This journey was never only about taking the Honda Dio 125 to Upper Dolpa. For us as a team, it became a reflection of life itself. There were moments of struggle, laughter, and quiet reflection. We discovered that travel is not just about reaching a destination but about trusting one another, embracing the unknown, and finding joy in small acts of kindness along the way.
The children whose laughter inspired us, the sacred monasteries that guided us, and the companionship of our team all reminded us that every journey leaves behind stories worth carrying forever. Upper Dolpa gave us more than memories. It gave us lessons about resilience, courage to face challenges, and inspiration to continue searching for stories in places where the world still feels untouched.
More Pictures from Upper Dolpa:
Article By: Puspa Devkota
Photos: Abhishek Dhakal, Suyas Regmi
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