Lower Dolpo Trek

20 Days
Difficult

Max. Altitude

5190m

Best Season

Oct -Dec & March-May

Activity

Trekking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the outstanding trekking destinations in the remote trekking region of Nepal. This fascinating trek is located in the quarantined area of west Nepal, where the trek can also be done even in the mid-monsoon as it lies in the rain shadow area formed by the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges.

Lower Dolpo is rich in natural and cultural diversity and offers visitors one of the most beautiful scenic views of the mighty Himalayas and cultural villages around. Lower Dolpo trek flourished with High mountain scenery, including the Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast surrounding this mystical preserve.

Dolpo region offers the opportunities to visit ancient villages, high passes, beautiful Lakes, inaccessible Buddhist monasteries, and also to experience the vast display of wildlife inhabiting the region in Nepal.

Lower Dolpo trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu (1360m) to Nepalgunj and then fly to Jufal (2320m). Then, trek ascend following the trekking trail of the Dolpo region and passing a variety of natural and cultural wilderness.

Lower Dolpo trail goes over three high passes, the Kagmara La 5115m, Baga La 5090m, and Numa La 5360m, passing the deep-blue serene Phoksundo Lake, and finally concludes at Juphal, descending the gorge-side path of Tarap Khola. Commencing this delightful trek into the Dolpo region will leave you with pleasing memories of natural and cultural sightseeing around the high Himalayas region of Nepal.

Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary

day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu Valley. As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will assist you in reaching your hotel in Kathmandu. Our agent will give you an initial briefing on the tour. He will explain what you will do over the next few days.

The rest of the day is at your disposal; familiarize yourself with the charming environment of Kathmandu. Please ask our representative for any recommendations.

Maximum Altitude

1,360 m.

Trek Duration

Airport to Hotel Transfer

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 02 Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

Today is fully devoted to taking a tour of the main sites of Kathmandu Valley. You will visit the famously known Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, streets of Basantapur, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

In the evening, we will prepare for the lower Dolpo trek. We advise you to bed early for the early morning flight the next day.

day 03 Fly to Nepalgunj

Early this morning, we will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a vibrant city of Terai in southwest of Nepal. During the short domestic flight, you will have superb views of Machapuchhare, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

As you arrive at the Nepalgunj airport, our representative will assist you from the airport to our hotel. The afternoon will be at your disposal, and you can discover the city and its culture, which has a strong Indian influence, being closer to the Indian border.

Maximum Altitude

150 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Trek Duration

50 minutes Flight

Accomodations

Hotel

day 04 Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and Trek to Dunai

Today, we will begin our trek, but first, we will take a short domestic flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal. This brief flight will take us over the patchwork of cultures, rivers, and villages on mountain ridges.

Our trek support team will welcome us at the airport. Then, we will begin our trek along the Bheri Khola River. You will hike in the Thulo Bheri Valley, crossing the corn and barley fields. Gradually, we will have the village of Kalagauda in view, where we will stop for a while.

We will resume our trek again and arrive at Dunai, a very lovely village with picturesque rural scenes. We will stay at one of the lodges of Dunai.

Maximum Altitude

2,850 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek + 45 minutes Flight

Accomodations

Lodge

day 05 Trek to Tarakot

After breakfast, we will go up the trail along the Thulo Bheri River. We will reach the north bank of the river and arrive at Lawan. The landscape gradually changes; we will pass the mule caravans and several hamlets with pepper gardens. We will walk in a deep gorge and tumultuous river and reach Tarakot, where we will stay for the night.

Maximum Altitude

2,850 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 06 Trek to Khani Gaon

After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our hike scheduled for today. We will cross along a suspension bridge at the confluence of the Thuli Bheri River and the Barbung River. After 3 hours of walking, we will reach Laisicap. We will have our permits checked at the checkpoint located here.

We will now pass through dense cedar forests and eventually arrive in Khani Gaon. The village is influenced by the Buddhist culture, as evidenced by the presence of Khani Gaon Monastery. If time permits, we will take a brief tour of the monastery. Overnight stay at one of the loge of Khani Gaon.

Maximum Altitude

2,543 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 07 Trek to Tarap Khola

Today is a leisure trek of 4 to 5 hours, so we will take our pace gradually. Our trail consists of mainly uphill trek through a Himalayan cypress forest which leads us to the gorges of the roaring Tarap River.

This is the first time we are at an altitude of more than 3000 m. therefore, we advise you to ascend slowly and take full advantage of the remaining day by exploring around the region. Overnight stay at one of the lodges in Tarap River Valley. We will set up the camp on the banks of Tarap Khola and enjoy the night under the starry sky.

Maximum Altitude

3,450 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day 08 Trek to Yak Kharka

We will have a delicious breakfast on the banks of Tarap Khola. We will now begin our hike to Yak Kharka located at 3800 m above sea level. We will cross several bridges over the Tarap Khola. We will also walk through several pastures and farmlands adorned with colorful prayer flags.

After nearly 4 to 5 hours of hike, we will finally reach Yak Kharka. The Kharka means grazing land, so you can see numerous yaks grazing around here. The views are nothing short for you can witness the incredible views of the Lower Dolpo region. We will set up the camp near Lang Chu River with separate cooking and sleeping camps.

Maximum Altitude

3,800 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day 09 Trek to Dho Tarap

Today, you will be reaching an altitude of more than 4000 m, so take your pace slowly. We will start with a gentle climb to the village of Kamatarka. From here, the trail will take us through the luscious Juniper forests, where we may see herds of Bharals. Following this trail for about 3 to 4 hours, we will eventually reach Dho Tarap.

The village is engraved with Mani Walls, typical Chortens of the lower Dolpo region. In the evening, we can climb towards the chortens of the south ridge to have a nice overview of the village.

Maximum Altitude

4,090 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Tea House

day 10 Rest and Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap

We are at an altitude of more than 4000 m, so we have set aside this day as a rest day to acclimatize well to the high altitude. Dho Tarap is an exciting village with some monasteries worth seeing in the area. We can hike to the monasteries in the area, such as Ribo Bumpa Monastery, built around 1000 years ago. You can also explore Kakar Labrang Monastery dating to the 12th century BC.

As you make your way to these monasteries, you can often see residents roasting barley. They make the barley flour and mix it in salty butter tea, the main staple diet of winter. Return to the tea house and rest for the evening for the hike the following day.

Maximum Altitude

4,000 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Tea House

day 11 Trek to Tokyu Gaun

We will resume our trek along the trails through the lush grasslands along the upper Tarap Village. We will enjoy the enchanting views of Upper Tarap Village all along your trek. A beautiful green landscape, roaring Tarap river, and several snow-capped mountains will make your hike of 5 to 6 hours an easy walk.

We will traverse several ancient villages with their farmlands of potato, wheat, and barley. We may even come across herds of sheep and goats and bearded vultures in flight.

We will now arrive at Tokyu Gaun which is again influenced by Buddhism. The village has a small monastery here which you can visit in the evening. We will stay at one of the tea houses of this village.

Maximum Altitude

4,209 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Tea House

day 12 Trek to Numa La Pass Base Camp

From Tokyu Gaun, we will now make our way to Numa La Pass Base Camp. The trail to the base camp is decorated with green meadows along the silently flowing river. We will slowly take our steps to Saldang and we will walk on the hillside on a gentle ascend.

The landscape modifies into thorny vegetation as we arrive at the Numa LA Base Camp. The base camp lies near Shering Gompa, a small isolated hermitage. In the afternoon, we will set up the tented camp and devour the hot delicious meal. We will take a small tour of the surrounding area.

Maximum Altitude

4,420 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day 13 Trek from Numa La Pass Base to Palungtang via Numa La Pass

We will wake up early today for today marks the highlight of our entire trek. We will climb to Numa La Pass the highest point of our trek above 5000 above sea level. We will take a steep climb for 3 hours ill we reach the top of the Pass.

The climb is not that difficult but the path to the Pass is often snowy. We will be greeted by the warm sunrise over the Himalayas of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The landscape is made up of ocher, burnt orange, and pink rocks! We are in a region frequented by snow leopards.

After spending some time, we will descend to the Base Camp and have our breakfast. We will then descend slowly through several valleys before arriving in the pastures of Palungtang where we will set up the camp for our overnight stay.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Camp

day 14 Trek from Palungtang to Phedi via Baga La Pass

Just like yesterday, we will be climbing the second highest point of our trek above 5000 m. So, we will start early and begin our steep climb to the Baga La Pass. After about 4 hours, we will reach the top of the Pass, from where we will have stunning views of Norbung Kang Glacier and Mount Kanjirowa. The landscape here is quite dry and windy.

After observing the scenic beauty of the Dolpo region, we will descend from the Pass. The descent is quite steep, but it will become gentler after some time. We will now enter the village of Phedi, where we will stay for the night in one of the tea houses.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Tea House

day 15 Trek to Ringmo

Today is the impressive day of our trek, as we will arrive at the most beautiful Lake Phoksundo. We will start our hike with a steep climb to a hill. We can witness the magnificent Kanjiroba Himal (6,883m) from the hill top. We will then descend through the splendid pine forests.

Eventually, we will reach Lake Phoksundo and the remote village of Ringmo lying on its banks. Around us are the forest of pine, juniper, and large pastures grazed by yaks. There are also rows of chortens and lodges near the Lake.

In the afternoon, we can walk along the lake under a pine forest and visit the Bon monastery. In the evening, you can see the village coming alive with numerous activities of local inhabitants. Herds of yaks return from pastures, women sift seeds on the roofs, others fetch pots of water, and children play in the courtyards and alleys with very rudimentary objects.

We will spend the night in one of the lodges of Ringmo which is inhabited by Tamangs, Gurungs, and Magars.

Maximum Altitude

3,600 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 16 Rest and Acclimatization Day at Ringmo

Today we will be exploring the beautiful village of Ringmo and Lake Phoksundo. The Ringmo village in Tibetan style is decorated with colorful flags fluttering in the wind. It has century-old chortens which you can explore and learn about the culture of the region.

The houses here are built on three floors with stone blocks and sun-dried bricks. There lies the local monastery overlooking the Lake. We will now hike around Lake Phoksundo which stands still with its serene turquoise water between arid and wild mountains. If you have seen the movie Caravan, you will immediately identify the landscape and the lake itself!

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

day 17 Trek to Chhepka

It’s time to return to the city civilization and end our trek. After ascending for several days, the trek onward mostly constitutes descending the trail. But for today, we will climb for a while and reach Sanduwa above Phoksundo waterfall. The vegetation now starts changing and we will meet several people coming from Shey to go to Dunai.

We continue to descend and reach Renji. Next, we will walk through the forests of firs and larches along the Sulighat River before we reach Chhepka where will spend the night.

Maximum Altitude

2,260 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 18 Trek to Jhupal

The last day of the trek in this beautiful region of Phoksundo. We will soon exit the Shey Phoksundo National Park and return to the urban civilization of the capital. We will begin our hike with a small ascent through the dense birch forests. We will eventually arrive at the villages of Shyanta and Kageni.

We will then cross a suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and walk for a while to arrive at Jhupal: the starting point of our journey. We will rest for the night in one of its lodges and congratulate each other for the accomplishment of the marvelous trip to Nepal.

Maximum Altitude

2,320 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

day 19 Flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Early in the morning, we will leave for the Jhupal airport to take a flight to Nepalgunj. From here, we will be taking a connecting flight to Kathmandu. In a matter of hours, we will travel from one of the remote regions of Nepal to the bustling city of the country.

You can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your hotel or you can explore the city and its nightlife.

Maximum Altitude

1,360 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Trek Duration

2 hrs Flight

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 20 Departure

Time to bid Farewell to Nepal! We hope you have an extraordinary journey and we hope to see you soon for your next trip to Nepal. We will accompany you to the airport and conclude our service here.

Trek Duration

Hotel to Airport

What's Included

All ground and air transportation throughout the trek.
Best available accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
All national park and conservation areas permit fee.
Government taxes & office service charge

What's Excluded

Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa charge.
All beverage and others personal expenses.
Snacks and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek

Lower Dolpo Trek - Essential Information

Best Season For Lower Dolpo Trek

The best time to take the extraordinary journey to the lower Dolpo trek is April, May, September, and October. The early spring months of March and the late autumn months of November are often accompanied by heavy snowfall at the higher Passes of Numa La and Baga La. However, the forests along the trail are enriched with green vegetation, colorful blooming wildflowers, and waterfalls.

The lower Dolpo, situated within Shey Phoskundo National Park, comes alive in these months with the rich wildlife from the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, etc. The average temperature ranges between -3 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius, making your trek much easier.

Unlike the other regions of Nepal, the Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri circuit, therefore receiving no rainfall even in the monsoon season (June, July, and August). Therefore, you can undertake this trek in the Monsoon/summer season as well.

However, the earlier route to the trek often suffers from heavy rainfall. The weather is foggy and cloudy, which can result in the cancellation of domestic flights to Nepalgunj and Jhapal and vice versa. So if you decide to take this trek in this season, set aside 2 to 3 days for unpredictable weather conditions.

We do not recommend undertaking this trek in the winter season (December, January, and February). The temperature falls to bone-chilling -14 degrees Celsius, and the high passes are covered with a thick layer of snow. Passing the trail with the right equipment is possible but it is the cold that can cause hypothermia.

Lower Dolpo Trekking Difficulty

The lower Dolpo trek is one of the most exciting yet quite challenging treks that takes you to the remarkable, remotest region of Nepal. The trek constitutes passing two high passes above 5000m elevation. It also requires you to sleep in tented camps in cold environments. And some days, you may have to walk for 7 to 8 hours ascending some steep trails.

Therefore, this trek is suitable for those who are in good health and physical shape. And, also for those who already have previous experience of trekking to higher elevations.

In order to make your trek easy and comfortable, we have separated two rest days at Dho Tarap and Ringmo village. Therefore, we advise you to utilize these days to acclimatize as much as possible. In many areas, it is sometimes possible to ride horses on the route.

We suggest you engage in some physical training before joining this trip, such as walking for 5 to 6 hours a day with a light backpack on the back, running, and weight lifting. If you have any medical condition, please seek advice from your physician.

Altitude Sickness During Lower Dolpo Trek

Experiencing altitude sickness in the Lower Dolpo trek is common. Many trekkers may go through this sickness when they climb above 2500 m and some may feel the symptoms when they reach above 3000 m. anyone can suffer from this sickness regardless of age, gender, and physical fitness.

In this trek, you will be continuously gaining elevation from the 7th day till the 15th day. You will be at the high passes above 5000 m. therefore, climb slowly and give your body time to acclimatize to the height.

Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, lack of appetite, tiredness, tachycardia, and difficulty in breathing. If you have any of these symptoms, inform your guide and descend to lower heights. Do not force yourself to continue the journey. Take the Diamox pill to relieve some symptoms of altitude sickness.

However, the best remedy for altitude sickness is to prevent it with adequate fluid intake. You can drink 3 liters of water, and stepping away from smoking and alcohol consumption will also help.

What to expect on this Lower Dolpo trip?

The lower Dolpo trek offers an exciting journey into the remote Phoksundo region of western Nepal. The desert landscape amid the green grasslands and high Himalayas in the background greets you along the trail.

You will climb the two high passes above 5000 m namely Numa La and Baga La. From the top, you will have breathtaking views of the lower Dolpo valleys, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri range.

You will pass through several ridges including the one that includes Lake Phoksundo with its calm, serene blue color. The same lake that has been the focal point in the Hollywood movie Caravan.

As you progress on this trail, sometimes you will pass through the yellow farmland of wheat and barley. And sometimes through the rich forests of pine and juniper. The colorful flags, Mani Walls, and Chortens will frequently embrace you.

In addition, you will get the opportunity to spot the natural wildlife of Shey Phoksundo National Park roaming around in their natural habitat. The roaring rivers, waterfall, and herds of yaks, goats, and sheep will give you a glimpse of rural Nepal.

You will also observe the lifestyle of the ethnic people residing here. They are influenced by the Tibetan culture, but they also have their own language, beliefs, and traditions. They are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and innocence.

Our lower Dolpo trek will also take you to the vibrant and charming city of Nepalgunj, where you can witness the influence of Indian culture. Whereas, in Kathmandu, you can see the ancient Newari architecture and culture through the standing monuments in UNESCO Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. While in the bustling markets of Thamel and Durbar Marga, you can see how the new generation has adopted the Western culture.

In short, the Lower Dolpo trek will take you to contrasting cultures, traditions, regions, and landscapes in a matter of days.

Accommodation, Food, and Transportation

Our 20-day Lower Dolpo trek includes all the costs regarding your accommodation, food, and transportation. Our service begins as soon as you arrive in the Kathmandu airport. Our staff will assist you to the hotel (via a private vehicle) we have reserved for you in the capital.

When you stay in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we will accommodate you in a 3 star hotel with a complimentary breakfast every morning till your stay. You can try Nepalese, Italian, and Continental dishes in Kathmandu, and in Nepalgunj, you can try some Indian food.

During the trekking days, we will lodge you in the best possible lodges or tea houses in the village. These lodges or tea houses are stone houses that provide basic amenities such as a bed and a chair. You have to share the toilet and dining area with other fellow travelers. As you gain a higher altitude, the hot shower is a luxury for which you have to pay an additional fee.

When staying for the night in Tarap Khola and Numa La Base Camp, you have to stay in tented camps. We will provide all the essential gear and supplies needed for your comfortable stay in the camp.

Our package will also cover all your onboard meals during the entire trekking days (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) according to the lodge menu. The food options may be limited, but you can have a taste of some authentic Tibetan dishes. On your camp stay, our cooks will prepare a delicious hot meal for you from the freshly acquired products.

We will also take care of your entire transportation in this trek. We will arrange for a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jhapal. In case of a cancellation of the flight, we will reserve another flight for the next day. We will also arrange an extra night in the hotel even if food and accommodation are not included in the package.

Lower Dolpo Trek - FAQs

Who will accompany me on this trek?

During your journey from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, we will provide one highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide. We will also provide Sherpa porters (1 porter for 2 people) and a cook who will assist you in your entire trek.

Do I need travel insurance for the lower Dolpo Trek?

Yes, you should purchase travel insurance that can cover your emergency evacuation and high-altitude medical expenses for more than 5000 m.

Can I combine this trek with any other destination in Nepal?

Yes, you can combine the Upper Dolpo trek with Nam Gompa, or you can explore central Upper Dolpo by going directly from Dho Tarap to Saldang. You can also opt to travel to Mustang by taking the trail from Dho Tarap to the village of Chharka.

Another option would be to visit Jumla lying on the west of Dolpo. You can take the route from Ringmo village to head to Jumla.

Is there an internet and communication facility in this trek?

Availability of wifi is not guaranteed when trekking to higher elevations. We suggest you purchase an NTC or NCELL SIM in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj and activate the appropriate data pack for internet access. However, internet connections can be slow or poor in higher altitudes.

We also provide satellite phones for communication when in higher elevations.

Can I change the lodge or tea house if it is not in order?

Yes, you can change the lodge if you are not satisfied with the lodge we have reserved for you. But there should be a lodge with rooms available. Sometimes, in peak season, rooms may not be available in all the lodges. In such a case, we have to stay in the same lodge we have booked for you.

Is this trek safe?

Yes, we are a dedicated licensed travel and tour company in Nepal. We have a government-authorized local guide who will assist you in every step of your trip. Our Sherpa porters are honest, brave, and strong.

The cooks we provide are professionals who will follow all the necessary hygienic guidelines for your health. But we also request you to take care of your personal belongings, especially when camping.

Please do not leave your bags open and unattended when you are not in the tent. Also, do not carry jewelry and a lot of cash. Please keep your room closed when you go out of the lodge to explore the village.