Treks inDolpo & Rara
Nepal's most remote trekking region. Phoksundo Lake, Upper Dolpo, and the pristine wilderness of Rara.
The last
frontier
Nepal's most remote and least-visited trekking region. Phoksundo Lake, Upper Dolpo, and the pristine wilderness of Rara, hidden behind the Dhaulagiri massif towards the Tibetan plateau.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a 21 to 25 day restricted-area expedition crossing several passes above 5,000m, through a landscape of wind-carved canyons, ancient Bon monasteries, and high-desert valleys where yak caravans still trade salt with Tibet. Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) is the centerpiece, a turquoise alpine lake that is one of Nepal's deepest at 145 metres. The lake sits inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park, which also contains the Shey Gompa, one of the most important Bon monasteries in the Himalayas.
The Rara Lake Trek is a separate route in far western Nepal, reaching Nepal's largest lake (10.8 square kilometres) at 2,990m. Rara National Park is Nepal's smallest national park by area but one of its most ecologically intact, with populations of red panda, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. The trek takes 8 to 10 days from Jumla, which is reached by flight from Nepalgunj.
Both Dolpo and Rara are camping treks. There are no teahouses in Upper Dolpo and limited ones on the Rara route. Full camping infrastructure (tents, cook team, porter caravan) is required. Mountain Hawk Trek is one of the few Kathmandu operators with the logistics network to supply and staff these remote expeditions. The Upper Dolpo restricted-area permit is $500 for 10 days. Rara requires a national park fee only.
Available
packages
Browse all dolpo & far western nepal routes and packages with Mountain Hawk Trek.
Nepal trekking reviews
from trekkers worldwide
Verified reviews from Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang treks.
If you are finding it difficult to choose between a trekking company, stop thinking and book with Mountain Hawk. You won't be disappointed.
We were 100% happy with the service Mountain Hawk provided and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trekking.
The 12-day trek felt like a luxury trek with Prem and his team constantly ensuring all accommodation, food and logistics were taken care of in advance.
From the second I arrived in Kathmandu airport and saw Badri with my name on the Mountain Hawk board, I knew I was in safe hands.
Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal.
Mountain Hawk made my first ever trekking experience to EBC an awesome, beautiful and memorable experience. I will not hesitate to use their services again.
Prem and his staff took care of everything. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to anyone considering trekking in Nepal.
Without hesitation we recommend Mountain Hawk as a trekking company. The staff is excellent and they know what they are doing.
His ever smiling and ever helpful nature made our trip the most memorable. This was my second time with Mountain Hawk.
After 2 weeks in Nepal, everyone at Mountain Hawk felt like family. Prem and Badri are wonderful!
Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring an almost 100% success rate.
We were very well looked after by our guide Badri who helped us along the journey. I would definitely recommend Mountain Hawk.
With just the three of us travelling together it was really important that he was such a wonderful travelling companion. We can thoroughly recommend the Mountain Hawk experience.
He designed the trek entirely around our schedule and the overall organisation was superb. Prem and his team were a great laugh along the route.
I know for sure that I will be back in Nepal soon, and mountain hawk trek would be the first company I would contact. I fell in love with trekking and Nepal.
His experience and relationships are evident. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of our trip if it wasn't for Prem.
Prem, Badri and the team were instrumental in providing assistance all the way. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to any trekker visiting Nepal.
Absolutely fantastic. Prem had everything under control. He is very informative and fun. This is your guy.
Excellent trip with Mountain Hawk team. My wife enjoyed the trek and the care given by the staff. I will come back to Nepal.
We have memories to last a lifetime and friends in Prem and Badri to last a lifetime. I would recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking again and again.
Fantastic trek to ABC, made exceptional by Prem the main guide. A friendship was built up over the days of the trip. We had a lot of laughs!
Mountain Hawk looked after us from the time we landed in Kathmandu right to the time we left for London. Service with a personal touch!
Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk were the complete package: knowledgeable, enormously helpful, and amazingly friendly.
Our guide Badri was not only a great guide but also a fun, caring, super nice travel companion who made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout.
His knowledge of the area and having trekked this region for over 20 years made our experience second to none.
As a family of differing ages and fitness levels, Prem went out of his way to help us individually so we all achieved our goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
Prem was more another member of our group rather than a tour guide. He allowed custom changes to visit more remote, less tourist-oriented places.
Unlike other trekkers we passed along the way, we did not get sick at all as Prem took exceptional care of us. Our holiday planning was effortless.
Extraordinary effort was made in the planning of our itinerary, hand tailored to our needs. Can't speak highly enough of Mountain Hawk expeditions.
I'm very happy to recommend Mountain Hawk for anyone going trekking in Nepal. I loved the experience.
They care for your health and safety as a number one priority. We always felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek.
We highly recommend Mountain Hawk without reservation for a great Nepal adventure. We hope to see Prem again in the future.
The experience was as close to perfect as real life can get. Prem and Min are extremely kind and pleasant people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
We were looked after well with the guides and they went out of their way to do anything for us, always with a smile on their faces.
An excellent, safe and challenging adventure organized by Prem Pandit and his team at Mountain Hawk Trek. Overall, very much recommended.
Prem is the master of trekking logistics and management. I have known Prem since 2007 and whenever I come to Nepal he is the only one I want to guide me.
He is great company, very knowledgeable and really made my trip. He took one look at me and made sure I reached base camp safely. I couldn't recommend him more.
The service was very good by the team. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I have always used Prem for my trekking expeditions.
Mountain Hawk Treks took care of everything from sleeping bags to flights and accommodation. I would definitely recommend them again.
Our guide went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. It was a pleasure doing business with Mountain Hawk and we hope to come back again.
Extremely professional, polite and an honest company. You shouldn't have any issues with your trek if you book with Mountain Hawk.
Prem and his staff are first class on all aspects. Trekking with them you feel you are with family members.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking. We highly recommend them.
On the mountain he was guide, mentor, motivator and best of all a good friend. We will go back to Nepal and will be using Mountain Hawk and Prem again.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prem and his team. Mountain Hawk Trek is the best choice when planning any adventure in Nepal.
Best trekking company ever. With many years of experience and over 100 climbs to Everest Base Camp, we felt in good hands.
His knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna, health and well-being was outstanding. I will definitely be going back and won't even consider looking elsewhere.
Prem is one of the most informative and educated guides I have ever run into. He is a genuine, kind man that truly enjoys sharing his expertise.
Their local knowledge, advice and assistance made our trek to EBC very enjoyable. The professionalism extended onto the trek.
Mountain Hawk trekking company was very professional and prompt. At last minute Prem arranged 3 wonderful days in Chitwan for our family.
Prem's company is truly professional and most importantly flexible. They specialise in small groups which allow you to go at your own pace.
Prem and his team were brilliant in taking care of all of us. We all made it to Gokyo Ri and came back safe.
Prem's invaluable experience of the mountains and his thoughtfulness made this trip an incredible, memorable experience. Best in class!
Fantastic day hike with Prem Pandit to Nagarjun Hill. Beautiful views, great stories, wonderful snacks and good humour throughout.
It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. A reliably amazing journey.
Thank you so much Prem, Min and Sanjay for everything. My heart is so full after this trip. God bless you all!
Prem and his team are super awesome. So personalized and caring.
Stories from the mountain
Annapurna Circuit in May
It was great while we were there together on the mountains. All in the same boat, we were adamant and keen on not letting the ship drown. We carried on, persevered and eventually saw the light at the end of the tunnel. We reached Muktinath, a very holy place for Buddhists and Hindus alike. Dipak did a wonderful job, and Prem and his team were superb, a big asante sana. So hip hip hurray to us all for adding another chapter in our lives, a milestone by any standards.
Cho La high pass, third time
We first used Mountain Hawk Trekking in 2010 when we completed a short 8 day Annapurna circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek. His level of planning, care and attention was simply outstanding. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking; we highly recommend them.
The most remarkable trip Mustang
My wife and I went to Upper Mustang in October of 2016 with Prem Pandit from Mountain Hawk Treks. I can only say that it was the most remarkable trip we’ve ever been on. Mustang is vast, stark, raw, remote, and to date, unspoiled. The landscape is most reminiscent of the old American West, just bigger, and with the Himalayas as the backdrop, and more spectacular. It is high desert with altitudes ranging from 2800 to 4000 meters (9000 to 13,500 ft). Daytime temperatures were a comfortable 15C (60F), nighttime approaching 0C (32F). The culture is Tibetan, and the entire area is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, stupas and chortens. Beautiful works of religious art are found within the monasteries (which are dark inside: a flashlight is a necessity) and the chortens. The villages themselves are small, with people living traditional Tibetan, Buddhist lives. You feel that you are looking back in time. I suspect this will begin to change as adventure tourism continues to grow. Our guide Prem was indispensable. He not only planned our trek with us in mind (we are in our sixties), but he is very flexible and made wonderfully thought-out changes to our plans when circumstances dictated. Our impromptu trek to Muktinath comes to mind as one of the highlights, and it was added because we needed an extra day in Lo Manthang which changed the original itinerary. Prem is passionate about what he does. He is very well informed about the wildlife, the cultural and the religious aspects of this region. He loves trekking and it shows. His thoughtfulness and insight made sure we had a successful trip. I recommend him highly to anyone who wants a real adventure. Prem is honest, considerate, and highly respected in the villages and among his peers. He will not let you down. This was our second trek with Mountain Hawk, and we’d go again with Prem.
Very memorable Annapurna Trek
Thanks for a very memorable Annapurna Trek that you and your group managed for my party. We found the Mountain Hawk team to be excellent, and everyone involved did their utmost to ensure our trip was successful, safe, and enjoyable. Our trek leader, Badri Karki was great, and he really went the extra mile to make sure our trekking experience was first rate. Thanks again, and best wishes.
Excellent and very attentive
Mountain Hawk Treks organised a great trek for my family and I during the month of August 2011. The team of porters and our guide were excellent and very attentive. We had beautiful weather and plenty of wildlife. All in all it was everything we wanted. Will be coming back for sure!
Trip of a lifetime
I trekked with a group of 12 to Everest Base Camp in May 2023 with Mountain Hawk (MH). Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring that the trekkers' fitness levels are looked at from the outset. This ensures almost 100% success rate. I will definitely recommend MH as a responsible enabler.
Guest houses were very good and the food excellent
Had a great trek to EBC with Mountain Hawk in March 2012. Badri was our excellent guide and Niraj our porter. Everything was organised so well and our safety came first. Guest houses were very good and the food excellent. I recommend Mountain Hawk to anybody.
Absolutely first class
I had a wonderful week in Nepal in 2007 on the Poon Hill trek. I was very fortunate to have Prem Pandit as my guide. Prem is a very experienced guide who speaks excellent English. He was a delight to spend time with as he was able to tell me all about the mountains and the flora and fauna. He was also able to tell me about the local customs and lifestyles of the people who live in the small Himalayan villages. Prem goes out of his way to make sure that you are comfortable at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Prem as a guide. He is absolutely first class.
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar
Mountain Hawk Trek provided a fantastic trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. We had fantastic weather, wonderful wildlife sightings and a caring guide. A very enjoyable eleven-day trek! We had the pleasure of meeting many tourists and local Sherpa people along the way. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat only improves as you walk! Fantastic atmosphere and feeling among the trekkers and guides. Our generous, fun-loving porter was an absolute champion!
Experienced and extremely knowledgeable
We completed the Everest Base Camp and Cho La Pass trek in December 2008 with Prem and we had an incredible time. When you have no previous serious trekking experience, travelling with the right guide is the single most important element of your trip, and we felt very lucky. Prem was friendly and flexible, yet always gave us the space we needed. He is experienced and extremely knowledgeable about trekking, mountain and Nepali culture. With him we felt safe and well taken care of. With his knowledge of less traveled trekking regions, we felt that there is a lot more to discover.
Gokyo Ri, Cho La pass and Island Peak
Prem is a weather god, protector of stomachs, and guide extraordinaire. I cannot speak highly enough of Prem and Mountain Hawk Trekking. He had everything organised and quickly adapted plans when things needed to change. He managed our acclimatisation well, taking us up slowly and monitoring our O2 each day. In years to come I will bring my children to see the beauty of Nepal and I will definitely go with Prem.
Travelled with Mountain Hawk
Sarah and I travelled with Mountain Hawk Trekking to Everest Base Camp in January 2012. Prem was recommended to us by friends as a very professional and knowledgeable guide and we were not disappointed. Our flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, meals and accommodation on the trek, porters and park passes were all arranged by Mountain Hawk Trekking. Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. He ensured we were well looked after while walking, and in guesthouses each night. Prem and his team are very professional, friendly, and have a wonderful sense of humour, all of which added up to an absolutely wonderful trip. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal, we are certainly planning to return.
Happy to recommend your company
Hi Prem, Badri and the team, Thank you for all of your help and support. We had a fantastic trek to annapurna base camp. You were very professional and helpful and will certainly be happy to recommend your company to our friends and family. We will remember this wonderful trip forever. Thank you. Martin and Tom Beanland, Nick Cook, Rod Poxon, David Reynolds, Peter Addlem, John Denny
Milestone by any standards
Another chapter added to our lives. Mahesh and the whole Mountain Hawk team, big thanks for an experience we won't forget. From the most dangerous aadmi!
Great beer guide around Kathmandu
I trekked to EBC in January 2012 with Prem as our guide. What a fantastic bloke he is, a brilliant guide, ensures that food at guest houses is tip top and also a great beer guide around Kathmandu on our return. I have recommended Prem to others and they have booked him for EBC later this year. Prem, you took loads of photos, you choose which one to go on.
Trip of a lifetime! An experience I will never forget
Prem and his team made the expedition a magnificently memorable experience. The views were amazing and the feeling of achieving daily goals to reach the Everest Base Camp under Prem's leadership was incredible. Prem's invaluable experience and knowledge of the mountains, his confidence, competence and considerate attention to everyone's specific needs helped us successfully reach the Everest Base Camp. He provided guidance on what we should wear, what to eat (or not to eat in my case as I like being adventurous!), to keep hydrated and he set the pace for trekking each day, kept on reminding us it is our own race! He made sure we were medically and physically fit each day for the trek. Thank you to Prem and his team for making my first Everest Base Camp trek an incredibly memorable experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Mountain Hawk Trekking for a splendid experience, the best in class!