Lower Dolpo Trek

Duration

20 Days

Difficulty

Sportive

Max. altitude

5238 M

Group Size

2-12

Trip Starts

Juphal

Trip Ends

Juphal

Group Style

Joint group,Private and family

Best season

Avril -June, Sept - Oct

Overview and Highlights

The Lower Dolpo Trek offers a remote trekking experience in the isolated region of far western Nepal. The main highlight of this trek is the gorgeous Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is located at an elevation of 3611 M above sea level. It also includes Shey-Phoksundo National Park, which is the largest National Park in Nepal. The Lower Dolpo region is regarded as one of the hidden treasures of Nepal because of its rich natural and cultural heritage.

The 20-day Lower Dolpo Trek begins from Jhupal after taking 2 flights from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. From here, you will begin trekking up to the Nawarpani village, going through several small villages and alpine forests, crossing numerous streams, and walking along the river. Further, passing by Dho Tarap, you will ascend to the Numala Base Camp. The trail then moves to Temche via Danigar. The next day, you will visit the sumptuous Shey Phoksundo Lake. On the way, you will get to see excellent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 M), Mt. Annapurna (8091 M), Mt. Annapurna II (7937 M), Mt. Api (7132 M), Kagmara Ri (5115 M), and other Tibetan mountains.

During the trek, you will come across numerous Buddhist and Bon gompas that will present you with the cultural richness of the region. Moreover, around the lake, an annual prayer and worship take place that attracts numerous pilgrims. The Lower Dolpo region is highly influenced by the Tibetan and Bon culture. Furthermore, this is also one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced. Similarly, you will witness stunning views of snow-capped peaks all around the lake that make the perfect fairytale scenery. Recently, this trek has become more famous, and many trekkers trek to this remote region to see its beauty of this region.

You will have the most amazing time of your life during the trek, as it has a lot to offer. The trek is quite difficult but still, but you don’t require any prior trekking experience. However, you have to be in good shape to go on this trek. The best time is from the beginning of August to the end of October. During this time of the year, the entire region blooms with beautiful, colorful flowers, and the sky is clear blue with chilled air in the morning and evening. All things considered, the Lower Dolpa Trek is an ideal one for trekkers who love adventures with a touch of culture.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, attend a trek briefing and equipment check.

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 M)

Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the gateway to western Nepal. Enjoy the warm subtropical climate and prepare for the mountain flight the following morning.

-Elevation Gain: 0

-Elevation Loss: 1,200 m

Day 3: Fly to Juphal (2475 M) and trek to Dunai (2140 M)

An early mountain flight brings you to Juphal. Begin trekking through cultivated hillsides and traditional villages before descending to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpo District.

-Distance: 8 km

-Walking: 3–4 hours

-Elevation Gain: 150 m

-Elevation Loss: 480 m

Day 4: Trek to Tarakot (2540 M)

Follow the Bheri River through forests, suspension bridges, and narrow valleys to reach the historic fortress village of Tarakot.

-Distance: 13 km

-Walking: 5–6 hours

-Elevation Gain: 520 m

-Elevation Loss: 120 m

Day 5: Trek Tarakot to Lahina Odar (3370 M)

Continue through remote valleys, passing traditional settlements and pine forests before reaching the cave campsite of Lahina Odar.

-Distance: 16 km

-Walking: 6–7 hours

-Elevation Gain: 930 m

-Elevation Loss: 100 m

Day 6: Trek Lahina Oder to Nawarpani (3600 M)

Follow the upper Tarap Valley through alpine landscapes with impressive cliffs and increasingly open terrain.

-Distance: 13 km

-Walking: 5–6 hours

-Elevation Gain: 420 m

-Elevation Loss: 190 m

Day 7: Trek Nawerpani to Dho Tarap (3944 M)

Enter the beautiful Tarap Valley, home to Tibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, and vast grazing lands surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.

-Distance: 11 km

-Walking: 4–5 hours

-Elevation Gain: 420 m

-Elevation Loss: 80 m

Day 8: Acclimatization Day Dho Tarap

Spend the day exploring nearby monasteries and traditional villages or hike to surrounding viewpoints to aid acclimatization.

-Walking: 3–4 hours

-Highest Point: 4,300 m

-Elevation Gain: 350 m

-Elevation Loss: 350 m

Day 9: Trek Dho Tarap to Numala Base Camp (4440 M)

Leave the villages behind and ascend gradually into alpine terrain toward Numala Base Camp, surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.

-Distance: 12 km

-Walking: 5–6 hours

-Elevation Gain: 600 m

-Elevation Loss: 100 m

Day 10: Trek Numala Base Camp (4440 m) to Danigar (4631 M) via Numa La South (5238 M)

Cross the spectacular Numa La Pass, enjoying magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri massif and the surrounding Himalayas before descending to Danigar.

-Distance: 13 km

-Walking: 7–8 hours

-Elevation Gain: 800 m

-Elevation Loss: 610 m

Day 11: Trek Danigar (3995 m) to Yak Kharka (3995 M) via Baga La (5214 M)

Cross the second high pass, Baga La, offering unforgettable panoramic mountain views before descending to the yak grazing meadows of Yak Kharka.

-Distance: 15 km

-Walking: 7–8 hours

-Elevation Gain: 590 m

-Elevation Loss: 1,230 m

Day 12: Trek Yak Kharka (3995 m) to Shey Phoksundo/Ringmo (3600 M)

Descend through pine forests to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake and the picturesque village of Ringmo.

-Distance: 14 km

-Walking: 5–6 hours

-Elevation Gain: 180 m

-Elevation Loss: 570 m

Day 13: Rest Day at Shey Phoksundo

explore Ringmo village, nearby monasteries, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints than relax beside Nepal’s deepest Lake

-Walking: 2–4 hours

-Highest Point: 3,900 m

-Elevation Gain: 300 m

-Elevation Loss: 300 m

Day 14: Trek Shey Phoksundo (3600 m) to Rechi (2940 M)

Follow the Phoksundo Khola through forests, rocky trails, and waterfalls as you descend toward Rechi.

-Distance: 16 km

-Walking: 6–7 hours

-Elevation Gain: 180 m

-Elevation Loss: 840 m

Day 15: Trek Rachi (2940 m) to Kageni (2413 M)

Continue descending through forests and traditional villages, following the river downstream.

-Distance: 16 km

-Walking: 5–6 hours

-Elevation Gain: 200 m

-Elevation Loss: 730 m

Day 16: Trek Kagani (2415) to Juphal (2475 M)

Complete your final trekking day with a gentle climb back to Juphal, where you celebrate the successful completion of the trek.

-Distance: 12 km

-Walking: 4–5 hours

-Elevation Gain: 350 m

-Elevation Loss: 290 m

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 M) and Kathmandu (1350 M)

Take the morning flight to Nepalgunj and connect to Kathmandu. Enjoy your final evening in Nepal.

-Elevation Gain: 1,200 m

-Elevation Loss: 2,325 m

Day 18: Extra day in case of flight cancellation due to bad weather

Reserved in case flights from Juphal are delayed due to mountain weather. If not required, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation.

Day 19: Day sightseeing on the Kathmandu valley

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage. You will visit Boudhanath one of the largest stupa in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa. After visiting that places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening you will meet with your trek guide, who will brief you about the trek.

Day 20: Final departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable Lower Dolpo adventure.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg maximum per person during the trek
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Optional if someone rental horse for crossing high mountain passes with feeling difficulty: approximately USD 150, payable locally.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.