15 days
Duration
Demanding
Trip Level
Min 2 person
Group Size
5190 m
Max-altitude
The Dolpo is a restricted area within the Himalayan region and was opened to foreigners only in 1990. Dolpo is Nepal’s most remote district and occupies much of the land’s surface. The Dolpo region is the rain shadow, while its areas extend to the Tibet border. A Tibetan Buddhist tradition is abundant in the Lower Dolpo Trek. Trek to Lower Dolpo circuit features not only beautiful landscapes but many endangered species as well. Besides this, the people and their vibrant culture are exceptional.
The Lower Dolpo Trek, meanwhile, incorporates two passes of over 5000 meters. The Numa-La and Baga-La pass is not the same but is equally beautiful trekking sights. The trek to Lower Dolpo is off-beaten, whereas the hamlets and villages are generally hard to find. But proper physical fitness and experience in the mountains are mandatory. Despite the remoteness, the Dolpo Circuit Trek is a way to fire up your adrenaline.
The trek to Lower Dolpa is a discovery circuit so that you can observe their traditional medical practice. Because of the trail confluence with the Thulo Bheri River, there is a new path toward Shey Phoksundo Lake. Therefore, there aren’t many campsites or local tea houses. However, the new trail provides easy access to Nepal’s highest waterfall and crystal Phoksundo Lake waters. Therefore, the Lower Dolpo Trek is ideal for those seeking adventure and is very suitable for trekking during the monsoon season.
Dolpo Circuit Trek: Quick facts
Breathtaking Tibetan Plateau, really admirable but a lifetime experience.
Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.
Feel inspired by seeing diverse flora and fauna within Shey Phoksundo National Park.
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a testimony of ancient Bon-Buddhist rituals in different monasteries.
Explore Tarap Valley together with thrilling passes of Numa-La and Baga-La.
Travel to the rain-shadow area with its mysterious land.
The Lower Dolpo Trek Quick Facts
Lower Dolpo Trek Map| Duration | 12 days |
| Max. Altitude | 5300 Meters |
| Trek Difficulty | Demanding |
| Trek Starts/Ends | Juphal |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Lower Dolpo Trekking Itinerary
| Days | Destinations | Altitude in Meters | Trekking Distance |
| 1. | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | 150 | 0h55 |
| 2. | Fly to Juphal, then trek to Dunai | 1970 | 3h00 |
| 3. | Trek to Tarakot | 2130 m | 5h30 |
| 4. | Tarakot to Laina Odar | 2560 | 6h00 |
| 5. | Trek to Niwar Pani | 3160 | 6h30 |
| 6. | Niwar Pani to Do Tarap | 3900 | 6h00 |
| 7. | Acclimatization day! | ||
| 8. | Dho Tarap to Num – La Base Camp | 4440 | 6h15 |
| 9. | Trek to Pelung Tang via Num La Pass (5190 m) | 4465 | 6h00 |
| 10. | Denigar to Dajok Tang via Baga – La Pass (5070 m) | 4080 | 6h00 |
| 11. | Trek to Ringmo | 3660 | 4h30 |
| 12. | Exploration Around Shey Phoksundo Lake | ||
| 13. | Trek to Chhepka | 2660 | 7h00 |
| 14. | Chhepka to Juphal | 2350 | 5h30 |
| 15. | Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. |
Customize Your Holiday?
Tailor your holiday with help from a local travel specialist that matches your requirements.
Itinerary variation within Lower Dolpo Trek
Many itinerary variants across the Dolpo region also lead trekkers to the neighboring districts, showcasing various features that can connect to more than one trekker. Here we’re giving you a list of the best possible treks. Please consult us if you have any concerns about these treks.
- Upper Dolpo Trek via Tarap Valley
- Lower Dolpo to Rara Lake via Kagmara – La Pass
- Phoksundo Lake Trek
- Tarap Valley Trek
- Lower Dolpo Three Passes Trek
Permits & regulation
Most of the Dolpo region is within the restricted area. Therefore, the trekkers should apply for specific permits to trek along this area through the registered trekking company. Ask the expert here to get those permits before heading on a trek.
- Lower Dolpo Permit fees – Us$ 20 per week per person. Required at least two week
- Shey Phoksundo National Park fees – NPR 3000 (US$ 28) per person per entry.
1
Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of the Arrival gate with a Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.
2
Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.
During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu Valley, followed by a pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing, where you meet the trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information
3
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes about an hour by plane, the border with India. It is one of the major cities of Nepal and has access to Mid-western Nepal, including the remote area of Humla.
4
Day 4: Nepalgunj to Jhupal (2,320 m) and trek to Dunai (2,850 m) 3h00 walk.
It requires making a fight in Juphal in the morning. Forty-five minutes of amazing flight provides super visibility of the Himalayan foothill, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mastiff. After reaching Juphal and arranging luggage and other kinds of stuff, then an easy walk to Dunai.
5
Day 5: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543 m): 6h00 walk.
2nd the day of the trek, the trail goes along the river and uphill toward a narrow trail. A fantastic gorge with dense pine forests along the path. Finally, we reach the picturesque village of Tarakot.
6
Day 6: Tarakot to Laini (3,160 m) 7h00 walk
The trail gradually goes uphill path along the stream, crossing over the bridge in the same stream and leaving the river then the way leads the cultivated fields. Making some ascend and descending to reach Laini odar.
7
Day 7: Laini Odar to Nawarpani (3,545 m) 5h00 walk.
As usual, after breakfast, the trail leads continue the uphill walk along the gorge of the Tarap River. It is a real experience of remote areas while you feel along the trail where you have to jump from one side to another to cross the river in a narrow belt.
8
Day 8: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090 m) 7h00 walk.
We walk through the narrow gorges along the trail uphill to make our trail to the specific place in the river. The voyage feels like a more interesting walk with juniper bushes and roses. Finally, get to the highest village of Dolpo, Dho-Tarap, where inhabitants by Tibetan people have stayed here since ancient
9
Day 9: Acclimatization day!!
This is an opportunity to explore the wilderness of Tarap Valley, dominating Tibetan people from the Bon religion and their monasteries and spectacular views of mountains.
10
Day 10: Dho – Tarap Numa La Base Camp (4440 m) 6h00 walk.
A good and unforgettable moment at Dho – Tarap, the journey leads you to the upper Tarap Valley, which combines flat and green scenery on both sides of the river. And finally, get to Num-La base camp, bypassing some monasteries along the trail of Tarap Valley.
11
Day 11: Numa – La (5,190 m) and camp at Pelung Tang (4465 m) 6h00 walk.
The trail gradually climbs to the pass of Num-La at 5,190 m. on the ridge of Num-La with amazing views of barren landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan of Dolpo and Dhaulagiri. This day is one of the most adventurous and difficult days during the trek, then descend to Pelung Tang.
12
Day 12: Cross Baga – La (5,070 m) and camp Dajok Tang (4,080 m) 6h00 walk.
Today is another difficult day to make a pass of Baga-La at 5,070 m. The trail goes a steep climb up to the pass with spectacular views of Trans- the Himalayas, the snow-capped peak of Kanjirowa Himal, and barren landscapes, then downhill to Dajok Tang
13
Day 13: Dajok Tang to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m) 3h00 walk.
Today, easy descent along the barren yak pasture and shrubs of alpine vegetation along the trail slope down to Phoksundo-Lake.
14
Day 14: Rest Day Phoksundo Lake!
Today rest for the long walk in the trans-Himalayan and have an opportunity to explore the Alpine Phoksundo-Lake and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
15
Day 15: Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2520 m) 6h00 walk.
Explore the Alpine lake of Phoksundo, remembering that the easy descent to Chhepka passes by small settlements, medical herbs traditionally used medical attention in Dolpo and called AMCHI.
16
Day 16: Chhepka to Jhupal 6h00 walk.
We descend toward Shulighat (Checkpoint of Shy-Phoksundo National Park), then cross the Bheri River and gradually climb up to Juphal.
17
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
In the early morning, we take the flight to Nepalgunj and then catch up next available flight to Kathmandu.
18
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu.
The day can be a security day in case of flight interruption. Alternatively, you can explore the Heritage site of Kathmandu if you arrive on the scheduled itinerary.
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Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu.
The day can be a security day in case of flight interruption. Alternatively, you can explore the Heritage site of Kathmandu if you arrive on the scheduled itinerary.
20
Day 20: Final departure
You will be transferred to the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your home country.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Kathmandu International Airport, Kathmandu | ||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please, report at least 3 hours before the flight. | ||||||||
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Prices are quoted and payable only in (US$ dollars). All the published prices on our website set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. But, we guarantee our prices which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.
No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Lower Dolpo Trek. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).
Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.
There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).
We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.
There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.
Yes, we only provide insurance to our staff. We recommend that you purchase insurance in your home country. Note: Insurance should cover medical and emergency evacuation.
No. The trails are well-known. You will not need crampons if you are not traveling in the mid-winter. Instead of the crampons, bring non-technical, lightweight spikes, are less costly and suit any shoe size.
No, we do not need tents or mattresses. There are tea houses along the trek.
When you forget something, it may be complicated to find something here. Check here for a detailed packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you’re not a regular hiker, you can rent most of Nepal’s trekking equipment upon your arrival.
Anything you do not want for the trip can leave at our office or your hotel. We recommend that you make sure your bag is lockable.
Generally, we use local guides. Our guides have been numerous times on each trek to the relevant areas. All are qualified, competent, versatile, and certified licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.
If you use a porter, there are two advantages:
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.
A porter can carry an average of 20 kg with his or her bag so that they can carry up to 16 kg of your equipment and gears. But we provide a backpack for them.
Yes, of course. We ensure that our staff is well insured.
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