Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek – Explore the Hidden Gem of the Himalayas!!
Embark on the Lower Dolpo Trek for an unforgettable journey through unspoiled wilderness and ancient settlements. Discover the unique Tibetan-influenced culture, breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, and challenging mountain passes. Plan your adventure to this secluded paradise today!
In Nepal’s west, the Lower Dolpo Trek provides a peaceful and fascinating journey. You will travel through unspoiled wilderness, historic settlements, and rocky terrain on the trek. The Lower Dolpo region is renowned for its unique culture, which has been influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Traditional settlements such as Tarakot and Dunai offer a glimpse into the local way of life.
Trekkers can explore Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to Nepal’s deepest lake, the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake. The path winds through high mountain passes, such as the difficult Numa La pass (5,190m), which provides breath-taking panoramic views of the nearby peaks.
Trekkers’ paradise, Lower Dolpo Trek, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and seclusion, making it a hidden jewel in the Himalayas.
Trip Overview
Trip code: DR 100 
Duration: 17 Days 
Trip Type: Group 
Max Altitude: Numa La Pass (5310 m) 
Transportaion: Flight 
Accomodation: Hotel / Lodge or Teahouse 
Start: Kathmandu
End: Kathmandu 
Meals: European Plan Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400m)Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (Fly – Flight Transfer)
Nepalgunj (150 m; 1 hrs)Nepalgunj – Jhupal (Fly – Flight Transfer) - Dunai
Jhupal (2400 m; 45 mins) Dunai (2850 m; 3 hrs)Dunai – Tarakot
Tarakot (2540 m; 6 hrs)Tarakot – Laini Odar
Laini Odar (3375 m; 5hrs)Laini Odar – Nawarpani
Nawarpani (3545 m; 6 hrs)Nawarpani – Dho Tarap
Dho Tarap (4080 m; 7 hrs)Dho Tarap
Dho Tarap (4080 m)Dho Tarap – Numa La Base Camp
Numa La Base Camp (4350 m; 6 hrs)Numa La Base Camp – Numa La Pass – Danighar
Numa La Pass (5310 m) Danighar (4510 m; 7 hrs)Danighar – Baga La Pass – Yak Kharka
Baga La Pass (5170 m) Yak Kharka (4000 m; 6 hrs)Yak Kharka - Ringmo
Ringmo (3600 m; 5 hrs)Rigmo
Rimgo (3600 m) Shey Phoksundo Lake (3612 m)Rigmo – Chhepk
Chhepka (2670 m; 7 hrs)Chhepka – Juphal
Juphal (2500 m; 7 hrs)Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
Nepalgunj (150 m; 45 hrs) Kathmandu (1400 m; 1 hrs)Kathmandu (Departure)
Price Inclusion
- Airport transfers (Domestic/ International) on a tourist vehicle
- Domestic flight ticket (Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Kathmandu) (Nepalgunj / Jhupal / Nepalgunj)
- Entire accommodation during the trek – 2 nights at hotel in Kathmandu, and 14 nights in lodges/guesthouse during trek to Upper Dolpo
- Hotel breakfast during the stay at Kathmandu
- Experienced, government licensed, English-speaking or another language trekking guide
- All necessary permits for Shey Phoksundo National Park and Lower Dolpo rescripted permit area
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 pax)
- All government taxes and administrative expenses
- Local staff insurances
Price Exclusion
- International flight tickets and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Any meal during the trek
- Any expenses of a personnel nature, e.g., telephone calls, laundry, table drinks, etc.
- Any Tips to Guides, Drivers, and Trekking Staffs
- Any entrance fees for cameras and video cameras at the monuments
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Cost of any emergency evacuation, strikes, etc.
Detail Itinerary
Expand AllKathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, our representative will be waiting at the airport for your welcome. Then board a private vehicle and be transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel and rest after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and vibrant markets and experience the unique atmosphere of Nepalese urban life.
Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (Fly – Flight Transfer)
After having breakfast, you will board a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes approx.1 hour. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to your hotel. Nepalgunj is a town near the Nepal-India border. You can relax in your hotel or visit the local market and prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Nepalgunj – Jhupal (Fly – Flight Transfer) - Dunai
On this day, you will take another flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, which takes around 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Jhupal, you’ll begin trekking to Dunai. You will trek through terraced fields to the Bheri River and narrow gorge to reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa, which marks the starting point of your trek.
Dunai – Tarakot
After breakfast, you will follow the trail on the banks of the Bheri River for an easy walk to reach Tarakot. You will cross deep gorges, suspension bridges, and traditional isolated villages as you hike over the hill. On the way, you will witness the dry stone and colorful terraced fields of Tarakot, an old fortress town on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River.
Tarakot – Laini Odar
You will follow the Bheri River and then cross the main river to follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head towards the north with wonderful views of Sandul Gompa across the valley. You will witness a beautiful view of Putha Hiunchuli and the Churen Himal Range as you reach Laini Odar.
Laini Odar – Nawarpani
After breakfast, you will have an uphill trail towards the Tarap River with a quiet walk on the narrow trail. After several descents and ascents on the banks of the Chyugur Khola, you will reach Nawarpani.
Nawarpani – Dho Tarap
You will follow the ascending trail to Kamattarka of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, then cross a narrow gorge, leave the green surroundings, and walk in the forest of juniper bushes. On the way to Dho Tarap, you will witness the changes in scenery from geen to dry inner Himalayan valleys. After walking several hours on the rugged trail, you will reach Dho Tarap, surrounded by an irregular stone wall.
Dho Tarap
Today, you will acclimatize and explore the area. Dho Tarap is a valley of Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects. While exploring the village, you will see it inhabited by a few Tibetans and more Magars. You can learn about their lifestyle and culture by interacting with them. You can also visit Ribo Bumpa Monastery, one of the scariest monasteries in the Dolpo region, which resembles the architect of the Samye monastery in Tibet.
Dho Tarap – Numa La Base Camp
After breakfast, you will walk towards the Numa La Base Camp by following the trail towards the Tarap Valley. You will hike along the Tarap Chu River with amazing views of the Tarap Valley and high mountains until you reach the village of Tokyu, a traditional village that houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect.
Numa La Base Camp – Numa La Pass – Danighar
Early in the morning, you will start your trek on the most challenging and adventurous trail. You will ascend through a steep trail up to the ridges on the rugged and rough trail. After 4 hours of hiking, you will reach the top of Numa La Pass, which offers breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Norbung Kang, and the Churen Himal Range.
After witnessing the beauty from Numa La Pass, you will follow the descending trail on the side of the Gyambo Khola to reach Danighar.
Danighar – Baga La Pass – Yak Kharka
After breakfast, you will continue your trek towards Baga La Pass. You will have a steeo ascending on the shabby yak trail to reach the top of Baga La Pass. The top of Baga La Pass offers scared chortens a beautiful view of Norbung Kand and other mesmerizing snow-capped peaks.
Yak Kharka - Ringmo
Today, you will have a descending trail towards Ringmo village. Your trail will pass through a lush forest of pine, oaks, cypress, and junipers. On the way to Ringmo village, you will witness the amazing views of snow-capped peaks and the large Suligad waterfall.
Rigmo
Today, you will explore the Ringmo village and hike towards Shey Phoksundo Lake. You will start the day with a short hike to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake. It is a beautiful alpine turquoise-colored freshwater lake with views of Mt. Kanjirowa in the background.
After witnessing scenic views from the lake, you can then visit the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the village of Ringmo. Your walks also give you an opportunity to learn about the customs and culture of the area.
The Dolpo people use Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear, and they dress in homespun garments that are occasionally painted a maroon color. Religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise are frequently worn by men as well as women.
Rigmo – Chhepk
Leaving beautiful Rigmo village behind, you will follow the trail towards Cheepka. You will have an ascending trail to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the last view of Phoksundo Lake. Then, you will have a descending trail to the village of Chunuwar, and by following the bank of the river, you will arrive at Chhepka.
Chhepka – Juphal
You will trek through the rocky path alongside the Bheri River with a beautiful landscape and forest in Shey Phoksundo National Park until you reach Suligada. Then you will cross the suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and move towards Juphal on the narrow path through beautiful fields of wheat and barley.
Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
Today, you will have a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj, which takes around 45 minutes. Upon your arrival in Nepalgunj, you will have to fly back to Kathmandu. You will see an incredible shift in scenery on your flight. As you return to the bustling city of Kathmandu, you can explore some of the city’s cultural and historical areas.
Kathmandu (Departure)
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will escort you towards the airport. Before your fight schedule starts, you may have some free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Why you'll love this trip
- Immerse yourself in the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the region.
- Explore the biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna.
- Visit the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.
- Experience the thrill of climbing high passes – Numa La Pass (5310m) and Baga La Pass (5170 m)
- Encounter ancient monasteries and learn about the Tibetan-Buddhism
When To Visit
Spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) trekking seasons are the best times to visit the Lower Dolpo. These months offer the best conditions for trekking in this isolated area because of the relatively predictable weather, bright skies, and comfortable temperatures. Autumn provides a clear view of the breathtaking mountain vistas, while spring adds brilliant colors to the landscapes with blossoming flowers. Avoid going during the monsoon season (July to August), as there is a chance of significant rains, which can cause trails to become slippery and raise the danger of landslides. Winter, which lasts from December to February, is extremely cold, and snow can make high mountain passes impossible.
Cannot see your date or not satisfied with the itinerary? We may be able to add new trip dates.
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FAQs for Lower Dolpo Trek
What is the level of difficulty for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and prepared for both high altitude and varying weather conditions.
What is the accommodation like during the Lower Dolpo trek?
Accommodations in the Lower Dolpo region are basic, often consisting of teahouses or local lodges. Don’t expect luxurious facilities, and be prepared for shared rooms and common bathrooms.
Do I need a permit for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Yes, a special permit called the “Restricted Area Permit” is required for trekking in Lower Dolpo. It’s advisable to check with the Department of Immigration in Nepal for the latest permit requirements.
Is it possible to do the Lower Dolpo trek independently?
While technically possible, it’s safer and more practical to go with an organized trekking group or hire a guide due to the remote and challenging nature of the terrain.
What should I pack for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
A comprehensive packing list includes appropriate clothing, trekking gear, a first-aid kit, and personal items. It’s essential to be well-prepared for varying weather conditions.
