In the present era, real hidden destinations (Lower Dolpo) including ethnic communities, antique lifestyle, and beauty of nature are also discovered as the perfect destination for trekkers to trek following the hidden trails of isolated land.
Lower Dolpo trekking for 18 days begins after transforming scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jhupal. Starting the trek ahead passing beautiful villages, deep gorges, suspension bridges, remote zones, and many other attractive kinds of stuff leads towards Phoksundo Lake (the deepest Lake of Nepal) situated at the height of 3,611 m. Further crossing ancient gompas, thrilling sections of streams, and waterfalls also take to across the high passes. Magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri and natural beauty add more rewards en route. Rocky cliff walk and unique way of living are also attractive experiences of this trekking destination. This 18 days package is designed effectively highlight both time and cost for those trekkers who desire to visit the best of Dolpo at a rare time. We also suggest planning your trek between September – December, and March-May for a perfect trekking experience.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 3: Kathmandu (1,300 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m)
Day 4: Nepalgunj (165 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m) – Dunai (2,140 m)
Day 5: Dunai (2,140 m) – Tarakot (2,537 m)
Day 6: Tarakot (2,537 m) – Laini (3,370 m)
Day 7: Laini (3,370 m) – Nawarpani (3,475 m)
Day 8: Nawarpani (3,475 m) – Dho Tarap (3,940 m)
Day 9: Do Tarap: (Acclimatization day)
Day 10: Dho Tarap (3,940 m) – Numa La base camp (4,440 m)
Day 11: Numa La base camp (4,440 m) – Phelung Tang (4,465 m)
Day 12: Phelung Tang (4,465 m) – Dajok Tang (4,080 m)
Day 13: Dajok Tang (4,080 m) – Ringmo (3,600 m)
Day 14: Ringmo village: (Exploration day)
Day 15: Ringmo (3,600 m) – Shyanta (2,520 m)
Day 16: Shyanta (2,520 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m)
Day 17: Jhupal (2,500 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m) – Kathmandu (1,300)
Day 18: Departure day
Cost Includes:
Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes:
Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge(s)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
International flights
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
On the first day, focusing your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport our company representatives will warmly welcome and escort you towards a fine tourist standard hotel. We also hold a brief meeting regarding our upcoming trek.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Kathmandu Valley is considered a spot to sight major cultural and historical sites. Today early morning, we step forward to sightsee some historical spots which are on UNESCO World Heritage Site. After spending some hours exploring these locations, we return for finalizing our trekking equipment, which is required during our trek, and this night we spend at a fine hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu (1,300 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m)
Early morning after a delicious breakfast, our private vehicle escorts you to the airport to catch a flight towards Nepalgunj leaving Kathmandu. Finally, after an hour of scenic flight plane lands at Nepalgunj airport and further, we will be shifted towards the fine hotel. The remaining hours of the day will be spent exploring the mini zoo, Muslim Bazaar, and unique Tharu villages throughout. We return to the hotel in the evening hour for preparation and the night will be spent at a lodge in Nepalgunj.
Day 4: Nepalgunj (165 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m) – Dunai (2,140 m)
Today catching an early morning flight over the Himalayas, we reach Jhupal by leaving Nepalgunj to meet the crew members there, those who are awaiting our arrival. Therefore after meeting them, we quickly arrange our bags and luggage for aiming to develop our trek ahead. Walking a downward route till Thulo Bheri River bypassing terraced fields and beautiful villages offer a flat trail before steeping Dunai. Finally, leisure hours will be spent exploring around and nights will be spent at a lodge in Dunai.
Day 5: Dunai (2,140 m) – Tarakot (2,537 m)
Leaving Dunai behind, early morning we head towards the east through the south bank of the Thulo Bheri River. The marching forward trail gradually ascends upstream to cross the bridge to get to the north bank of the river. Therefore, continuing the walk forward passing deep George, pine forest, and remote villages along crossing the next bridge takes to Tarakot. A few hours will be remaining for exploring the village and this night will be spent at Lodge at Tarakot.
Day 6: Tarakot (2,537 m) – Laini (3,370 m)
Aiming for our destination, we move forward crossing the bridge over the river and gently climbing through the field of buckwheat. Continuously stepping forward, leads to crossing another bridge at Yalankot River before climbing to the south of Thulo Bheri River along with further crossing cypress trees, a suspension bridge, and the confluence of two Rivers rewards Kanigoan village high above the trail. From there, passing the cedar forest and the steepest part of the gorge finally take to Laini for staying overnight.
Day 7: Laini (3,370 m) – Nawarpani (3,475 m)
Today, we make a sharp ascend towards the mini pass to walk across the steep gorge and for crossing the waterfall. Next, we climb up one more ridge and then descend to the Chyangru River after crossing the river for getting to the east bank; we continuously follow the river till Thanjam. Matching forward crossing the bridge and following the riverside trail takes to Nawarpani for spending the night.
Day 8: Nawarpani (3,475 m) – Dho Tarap (3,940 m)
Early morning, developed walk through the west bank of the river by crossing the compact cave (the most thrilling section of the trail) takes to Tarap River for crossing the bridge. Therefore climbing through the east bank of the river, the ridge at Serkam greets us with the Chorten before crossing the bridge across the river. After that continuing to walk through the rocky trail beneath the cliff, takes to Dho Tarap to stay overnight.
Day 9: Do Tarap (Acclimatization day)
As we are already above the height of 3,900 m so acclimatization is very essential for us, and focusing on this point, today we don’t attach additional elevations on our journey. Therefore, the day will be spent exploring villages inhabited by few Tibetans and more Magars, or as an option, we move ahead towards monasteries. Today’s accommodation and dinner will be managed and hosted at the same spot that we had before.
Day 10: Dho Tarap (3,940 m) – Numa La base camp (4,440 m)
Today, we head towards century-old Mekyem Gompa neglecting the main trail for exploration, and further returning to the main trail, we continue an uphill walk to Gakar village. Continuing to walk forward through the plain valley enjoying the yaks and horses grazing think green grasses along crossing numerous bridges and passing a trail junction takes to Numa La base camp. This night will be spent at a tented camp beneath Numa La.
Day 11: Numa La base camp (4,440 m) – Phelung Tang (4,465 m)
Developing our early morning trail forward by ascending to the rigid towards a grassy mound and a tiny stream, from where a long climb takes us to Numa La for viewing the marvelous beauty of Dolpa including towering mountains throughout. Therefore dropping down into a U-shaped rocky valley by crossing the stream leads forward to meet another valley along continuing walk forward reaches Phelung Tang for spending overnight.
Day 12: Phelung Tang (4,465 m) – Dajok Tang (4,080 m)
Quitting Phelung Tang early morning, we move forward by crossing the stream and passing a meadow for climbing up a moraine which greets us with the Chorten of overturned stones. Therefore, gently ascending leads us to (Baga La Pass) the next high pass of the trek encountering the pass, we take a steep descent which brings us to the right bank of the stream. Soon after crossing multiple streams trail takes to Dajok Tang for staying overnight.
Day 13: Dajok Tang (4,080 m) – Ringmo (3,600 m)
Today leaving Dajok Tang behind and passing vegetation like pines, walnuts, and oak leads to a thrilling cliff walking way. However, walking about an hour through narrow rocky cliffs takes one to Ringmo village. Finally, after steeping Ringmo village, the remaining hours will be entirely invested in exploring the beautiful village throughout. Tonight’s accommodation and dinner will be conducted at the lodge in Ringmo.
Day 14: Ringmo village: (Exploration day)
According to the trekking schedule, today is the special day separated for exploring the eye-catching destinations of Dolpo. We won’t include any additional elevation on our trekking but we plan to explore the lake area, Tibetan monasteries, and nearby temples as well for the entire day and if the time remains as leisure then we move forward to exploring village traditions and cultures too. Finally, this night will be spent at the same spot.
Day 15: Ringmo (3,600 m) – Shyanta (2,520 m)
On the fifteenth day leaving Ringmo, we follow the Phoksundo River and walk forward to cross the bridge across the Pungma River past Polam and a village hospital. After that, an easy walk along the east bank of Phoksundo River through the forest leads towards Chhepka before steeping Shyanta. Finally, after reaching Syanta this night will be managed at the lodge there.
Day 16: Shyanta (2,520 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m)
Developing a moderate walk ahead by following the bank and passing Raktang descends to Sulighat for crossing the bridge across the Thulo Bheri River. Therefore, heading west by changing the direction to enjoying the opposed settlements takes to Jhupal. The remaining hours can be spent inspecting the Jhupal market throughout and surrounding areas or can be spent by resting at the lodge too. The night will be spent at the lodge in Jhupal.
Day 17: Jhupal (2,500 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m) – Kathmandu (1,300)
Leaving day of Dolpo begins with a morning scenic flight over the high Himalayas to Nepalgunj and after landing at Nepalgunj Airport according to schedule, we catch the next flight to fly towards Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu). On reaching Kathmandu, our private vehicle will be there to transfer you safely toward a fine tourist-standard inn. Evening hours will be hosted for a farewell dinner and the night will be spent at the hotel.
Day 18: Departure day
On the final day of the trip, you can march forward to collect some memories and gifts for your loved ones before the flight time. Our company’s private vehicle will escort you to the airport focusing your flight time for your final departure and our representatives will be there to wish for your safe journey and successful steps ahead with respect at the airport.
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Visa Information
All visitors are required to arrange a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry points at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months and a recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days to date.
Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport-sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets, and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.
Weather Information
The weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during January, February, and December in the Himalayan areas.
Best time to travel
Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel depends on your destination, activities, and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.
Physical Fitness
Even though physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be a super athlete or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal. Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself beforehand by doing some yoga which will prepare you for your breathing as you will be going to a higher altitude. Running or hiking on hills, or going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in an urban area running up the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. Though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things at a moderate pace for two months or even less? And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.
Travel Insurance
Doing insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us to scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.
Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you take vaccination for Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, etc, it is not really must but recommended.
Booking Process
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us at our head office, Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is a more easy and clear option, as soon as we get your email or call, we will process your booking. We need a 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card), or online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions, or others. After we get the 20% amount, we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Safety Guidelines
Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are a legally registered travel agency.
You should be well acquainted with travel health and travel insurance before traveling.
Have an idea about the climate, geography, temperature, and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
The majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are a few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid, for example, ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding payment for it on streets.
Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you to take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
Never get involved in doing drugs, trafficking, and sexual relations with minors as there are strict rules for these cases, and might get you into a big problem.
Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket, and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.
