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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Where is Lower Dolpo?
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to the remote and culturally rich Lower Dolpo, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Tibetan Plateau in northwestern Nepal. This moderately challenging trek unveils breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient monasteries, and a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan lifestyle.
What are the required permits for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: Mandatory for entering the Lower Dolpo region, which is classified as a restricted area due to its isolation and cultural sensitivity.
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): Essential for every trekker in Nepal to track movement and ensure safety.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: Required for entering Shey Phoksundo National Park, which encompasses a portion of the Lower Dolpo trekking route.
When is the best time for Lower Dolpo Trek?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most favorable conditions for the Lower Dolpo trek, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall.
What are the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Shey Phoksundo Lake: Witness the serenity of Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the highest-altitude lakes in the Himalayas, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Ancient Monasteries: Explore centuries-old monasteries, including Shey Gompa and Jhong Monastery, centers of Tibetan Buddhism and renowned for their murals and artifacts.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Dolpo people, learning about their traditional lifestyle, yak herding practices and Buddhist traditions.
Untamed Wilderness: Experience the raw beauty of the Lower Dolpo region, with its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and sense of isolation.
How to prepare yourself for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Physical Fitness: Train consistently, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training to handle moderate ascents, high altitudes (up to 4,200 meters/13,812 feet), and varied terrain.
Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually adjust to high altitudes before starting the trek, spending several days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) and Simikot (3,048 meters) before ascending.
Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, TIMS Card, Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit) and purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for moderate-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.
How difficult is Lower Dolpo Trek?
The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, demanding a moderate level of fitness, experience, and adaptability. It involves moderate ascents, high altitudes, varied terrain, some exposure to altitude sickness, and a remote environment with limited facilities.
How fit do you need to be for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
To tackle this trek, you should be in good physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will develop the stamina required for moderate-length treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.
What should you pack for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Here's a basic packing list for the Lower Dolpo Trek:
