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Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek

  •   Nepal
  •   Trekking
  •   Moderate
  •   2 weeks
  •   4,465m
Lower Dolpo Trek
  • Lower Dolpo Trek

Overview of Lower Dolpo Trek

The Lower Dolpo Trek is a remote and culturally rich adventure in western Nepal, offering a blend of untouched landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and challenging high-altitude passes. Situated in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, this trek is known for its isolation, pristine beauty, and the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake (145m) 148.

  • Duration: Typically 15–23 days, depending on the route and acclimatization needs 135.

  • Difficulty: Strenuous, with high passes like Numa La (5,309m) and Baga La (5,169m) 19.

  • Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Monsoon (June–August) is also feasible due to the rain-shadow effect 24.

  • Permits: Requires a special restricted area permit ($20–$30 for the first 10 days + $5/day thereafter) and a Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee (NPR 3,000) 

Trip Facts

  • Activities

    Trekking

  • Starting Price

    USD 1500 Starting

  • Accommodation

    Tea House and Camping

  • Max. Altitude

    4,465m

  • Best Season

    Autumn

  • Trip Hours/Day

    5-6 Hrs

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate

  • Group Size

    02 to 15

Highlights & Attractions

  • Phoksundo Lake: A mesmerizing turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls, sacred to Bon Po and Buddhist communities
  • Ancient Culture: Encounter Bon Po (pre-Buddhist) and Tibetan Buddhist traditions in villages like Dho Tarap, one of the world’s highest settlements
  • Wildlife: Spot endangered species like snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr in the national park
  • High Passes: Cross Numa La and Baga La, offering panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and the Tibetan plateau
  • Remote Trails: Follow ancient salt-trade routes with yak caravans and isolated villages like Ringmo

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  • Trip Itinerary
  • Include & Excludes
  • Trip Notes
  • Reviews

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
    Airport transfer, brief trek prep Altitude 1,350m
  • Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
    Scenic flight, explore Terai culture Altitude 150m
  • Day 03: Fly to Juphal, trek to Dunai
    Start trek, follow Bheri River Altitude 2,150m
  • Day 04: Dunai → Tarakot Terraced fields, Sandul Gompa 2,540m
    Dunai → Tarakot Terraced fields, Sandul Gompa Altitude 2,540m
  • Day 05: Tarakot → Laini Odar Deep gorges, suspension bridges Altitude 3,375m
    Tarakot → Laini Odar Deep gorges, suspension bridges Altitude 3,375m
  • Day 06: Laini → Dho Tarap Juniper forests, Bon Po villages Altitude 3,950m
    Laini → Dho Tarap Juniper forests, Bon Po villages Altitude 3,950m
  • Day 7: Acclimatization in Dho Tarap Visit monasteries, cultural immersion
    Acclimatization in Dho Tarap Visit monasteries, cultural immersion Altitude3,950m
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  • Day 08: Dho Tarap → Numa La Base Camp Rugged valleys, yak pastures Altitude4,440m
    Dho Tarap → Numa La Base Camp Rugged valleys, yak pastures Altitude4,440m
  • Day 09: Cross Numa La → Pelung Tang High-altitude pass (5,309m) Altitude4,465m
    Cross Numa La → Pelung Tang High-altitude pass (5,309m) Altitude4,465m
  • Day 10: Cross Baga La → Dajok Tang Views of Kanjiroba Himal
    Cross Baga La → Dajok Tang Views of Kanjiroba Himal Altitude4,080m
  • Day 11: Dajok Tang → Ringmo Descend to Phoksundo Lake
    Dajok Tang → Ringmo Descend to Phoksundo Lake Altitude 3,600m
  • Day 12: Explore Phoksundo Lake Hike to waterfalls, Thashung Gompa
    Explore Phoksundo Lake Hike to waterfalls, Thashung Gompa Altitude 3,612m
  • Day 13: Ringmo → Shyanta Forest trails, local villages
    Ringmo → Shyanta Forest trails, local villages Altitude 2,520m
  • Day 14: Shyanta → Juphal Final trek day, return to Juphal
    Shyanta → Juphal Final trek day, return to Juphal Altitude 2,500m
  • Day 15: Fly to Nepalgunj/Kathmandu
    Fly to Nepalgunj/Kathmandu Scenic flights, trip concludes

Package Includes

  • Land Transfer Kathmandu-Airport
  • 3-meals per day prepared at Camping Trek
  • Supporting field staff including professional trekking guide & Assistance
  • Guide & porters as well as their necessary insurance, meals and allowances.
  • Accommodation During Treks.

Package Excludes

  • Personal Nature Expenses
  • Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages
  • Highway Foods and Expenses During the Travelling.
  • Domestic Flight Ticket .

Trip Notes

  • Accommodation: Mix of teahouses (basic lodges) and tented camps (required for high passes) .

  • Fitness Level: Requires prior trekking experience due to long days (6–8 hours) and altitude .

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs (e.g., circumambulate monasteries clockwise) .

For a shorter option, the Phoksundo Lake Trek (11 days) focuses solely on the lake 1, while extended routes like the Upper Dolpo Trek (30 days) add more passes and Tibetan border crossings 

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