| Trip code | |
| Package name | Lower Dolpo Trek |
| Duration | 17 |
| Max. elevation | 5309 m |
| Level | |
| Transportation | |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 2,475 per person |
Our guide and staff will welcome you in the traditional manner when you arrive at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport. The Himalayan Forever Treks' staff will take you to a short ride to your hotel and you will have some time to explore Thamel, a fascinating area with several top-notch lodging options and hotel services. Our guide or Group Leader will give you essential and helpful information about the route, lodging options, and local inn.
Take a 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal after an early breakfast. The short scenic flight will offer a great panorama view of western Himalayan peaks with dramatic landscapes. After landing Jhupal, join our trekking/camping staff/guide, and take a short time for refreshment.
Now, hike for a few hours along the Chepkpa trail to reach Phoksundo Lake. The route goes through farm areas and small dense forest before arriving at the overnight stop at Dunai. Finally, tents will be set for camping and the spare time will be spent to explore the stunning villages in Dolpa.
Following a delightful overnight stay in a tent camp, a morning hike leads to a high hill above the valley of the Phoksundo River. As you walk through farming villages wrapped with walnut trees, enjoy the stunning views of the Kagmara and Kanjiboraba peaks. The hike gets close to Dhera, a small settlement of cattle herders and the journey leads to Raha-Gaon village which is mostly inhabited by Thakuri Malla Hindu tribe. The trail passes through a forest area and reaches Chepkpa where you find a nice field for overnight camping. You can stroll around charming farm villages there.
After a fun overnight camping trip in Chepkpa, the hike leads to Ankhe, a lovely farming community. The trail follows a short climb before descending to a riverside and keeps descending, reaching to the thick blue pine tree lines. From there, the trek follows the Phoksundo River upstream to Ryajik Village, for a possible lunch stop. Hike for a few hours in the afternoon to overnight camp in Samduwa, which is close to the Shey-Phoksundo National Park entrance area. Find wonderful grassy areas to set the tent and explore the beautiful area during your spare time.
On this day, you will witness the first major highlight of Upper Dolpa Trek, which is the breathtaking emerald-colored Phoksundo Lake. Pack the tents early in the morning and have breakfast before heading to the Pungmo Khola (stream) valley. You will reach the upper side of Phoksundo Khola after a short hike on the side of the stream full of pine and birch trees. The trail continues for more than five hours before reaching the lovely village of Ringmo. Stay there overnight in the local nice simple lodge, and experience the hospitality of the local Dolpa villagers.
Phoksundo area is a majestic place for rest and acclimatization, before heading towards higher elevation. Enjoy this day with a short hike and witness this unreal lake and its tropical surroundings. Furthermore, visit nearby Ringmo village filled with the ancient culture of Tibetan heritage. Enjoy the stunning views of the faraway snow peaks of Kagmara and the bordering mountain range.
After a memorable night around Phoksundo Lake and lovely village of Ringmo, you will be heading for return journey on an alternative exciting route. The trial leads towards highBaga-La and Numa-La Passes which reaches to the other end of Dolpo.
Travel south through the cold forested areas, and you will reach a summer pasture of yak herder temporary shelters. Hike towards a small village of Timche and set a camp for the night. Besides, Timche is located on an isolated corner close to the base of Baga-La pass.
Start the morning hike as early as possible to cross the first high pass of the Lower Dolpa trek. The trial follows a steep high ridge, and after a strenuous climb, you will reach on top of the Baga-La Pass. From the top, you will enjoy a jaw-dropping vista of Phoksundo Lake and the peaks of the Kagmara range. Enjoy the view and descent towards another yak herder's small summer shelter of Danigar. Camp there for the night which is close to the base of Numa-La pass. The following trial form there goes to the magnificent Dho-Tarap valley and the large community of Dho Tarap.
On this day, you will be crossing Numa-La Pass, the highest pass of the Lower Dolpa Trek. Start a steady climb for a few hours from Danigar campsite, which consists of a steep haul. Finally, you will reach on top Numa-La and the breathtaking views of Dolpo's beautiful country landscapes will reward you for your tough hike. Enjoy the majestic view of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas towards the far eastern horizon, which includes views of Kagmara and Kanjibroba. This region also offers a close view of Daphne Shail Peak towards the west. Downhill to the base of Numa-La and to the route to Dho Tarap village. Finally, after a tough hike through all the high passes of the adventure, set a camp at the base for the night and relax.
Start your hike from Numa-La's base and continue for a few hours to get to Dho-Tarap, a small farming community. The gradual morning hike will lead you to a winding path into lovely pine and spruce forest. This trial goes through a few yak herder camps and then ends after reaching the wonderful village of Dho Tarap.
Dho Tarap is a fascinating and a large settlement, which is inhabited by mixed tribes of people who mainly has Tibetan origin. The Magar tribe from western hilly Nepal makes up the majority of this group. Staying in tented camp or in one of the simple cozy lodges is both a wonderful option to spend the night in Dho-Tarap. You can explore the nice village and its old monastery during the afternoon spare time.
After a great night in Dho Tarap, start hiking west towards the smaller settlements in the morning. This trial goes through farm areas and reaches Tarap Khola / stream. You can catch a glimpse of the stunning surroundings, which are home to a herd of blue sheep, along with mountain goats and other animals. These animals are frequently seen in the vicinity of this remote village where there is plenty of grassland for them to graze.
After a long journey, you will eventually arrive at the little, remote location of Gyagar. The following trail leads to a bridge that spans Chaya Khola to Gyagar and is close to the settlement of Nawarpani. Camp there for overnight stay.
Starting from Gyagar, the trail goes downhill which comprises a number of thrilling suspension bridges. This route enters a river gorge with thick vegetation and continues till it reaches Chyugar or Laini Odar. This place is popular for big overhanging cave, which offers travelers a great place to shelter during bad weather. By the end of the day, set a camp in a grassy meadow.
A morning hike takes you through a mellow path that crosses several streams and follows another short climb. The hike continues for some hours and leaves behind the narrow river gorge. The trail ascends and descends before arriving to Tarakot, a walled settlement built above a beautiful hillside. You can witness the myriad Buddhist prayer flagpoles fluttering up in the houses of Tarakot village. Then, set a camp on a nice field near by the river, and explore this beautiful village of Tarakot.
Additionally, you can explore the well-known Sandul Gompa monastery, which is surrounded by several Chorten and Mani walls and exprence the local lively culture there.
Our Upper Dolpa Hike slowly comes to an end as we leave Tarakot village in the morning and hike towards the forest. Hike gradually in winding path towards the west and which leads you to various small farm villages. After some hours, you reach Dunai, an important town that serves as the administrative center for the Dolpa. Get refreshed and observe the local activities there. Then, board on a local vehicle or a jeep which leads to Jhupal. Stay there for the night.
During the early in the morning, board a short scenic flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. After arriving at Nepalgunj airport, broad another flight for Kathmandu. This scenic flight will get you to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport in less than an hour. From there, take a short drive to your hotel and spent the rest of the day relaxing. You can also do your personal tasks during this leisure time.
This is your last day in Nepal and you should get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. You will be escorted to the airport by the Himalayan Forever Trek guide and team. Our guide and staff will bid you a farewell as you depart for your country. You will surely never forget this wonderful experience and adventure of Upper Dolpa Trekking. Nameste!
Trekking in Lower Dolpo requires special permits due to its remote location and restricted access. Trekkers need both the Restricted Area Permit for Lower Dolpo and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are essential for ensuring controlled tourism and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region. They can be obtained through authorized trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The Lower Dolpo Trek often begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to Juphal, the gateway to the Dolpo region. From Juphal, trekkers proceed on foot, as the region is remote and lacks motorable roads. Throughout the trek, transportation is primarily by walking, exploring the rugged terrain and remote villages on foot.
The Lower Dolpo Trek typically starts from Juphal, a small airstrip town in the Dolpo region. Trekkers traverse through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. The trail gradually ascends, offering glimpses into traditional Tibetan culture and ancient Bon Buddhist monasteries.
The trek concludes in Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpa district. Trekkers descend from higher elevations, passing through serene landscapes and traditional villages like Tarakot and Dho Tarap. From Dunai, trekkers can either fly back to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu or opt for an overland journey via Juphal.
Communication facilities in Lower Dolpo are limited due to its remote nature. Mobile network coverage is sporadic and unreliable in most parts of the region. Some guesthouses and lodges may offer satellite phones or limited Wi-Fi services, but trekkers should be prepared for communication gaps and inform loved ones accordingly before embarking on the trek.
The Lower Dolpo Trek is challenging due to its remote location, high altitude passes, and rugged terrain. Trekkers should be physically fit, experienced in high-altitude trekking, and prepared for daily hikes of 6-8 hours. The highest point of the trek is Numa La Pass (5,190 meters), which requires acclimatization and careful trekking.
Accommodation along the Lower Dolpo Trek ranges from basic teahouses to camping in remote areas where guesthouses are not available. Teahouses offer simple twin-bedded rooms with communal bathrooms, while camping involves setting up tents in designated camping sites. Meals consist of locally sourced ingredients and traditional Nepali dishes, providing trekkers with nourishing meals to sustain energy levels.
The Lower Dolpo Trek offers an extraordinary adventure into one of Nepal's least-visited regions, characterized by pristine wilderness and ancient Tibetan culture. Trekkers explore remote villages, encounter wildlife such as blue sheep and snow leopards, and traverse high mountain passes with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The best time to undertake the Lower Dolpo Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for trekking. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes, while autumn offers excellent visibility of the snow-capped peaks.
Himalayan Forever specializes in organizing expeditions to remote and challenging regions like Lower Dolpo. Their experienced guides and support staff ensure safety, logistical efficiency, and cultural insights throughout the trek. They prioritize sustainable tourism practices and respect for local customs, enhancing the overall trekking experience.
Trekking in Lower Dolpo requires respect for local traditions, minimal environmental impact, and adherence to designated trekking routes. Trekkers should be mindful of waste disposal, support local economies by patronizing community-run accommodations, and obtain necessary permits before entering restricted areas.
Himalayan Forever offers unparalleled expertise in organizing treks to remote and culturally rich regions like Lower Dolpo. Their team ensures meticulous planning, safety protocols, and meaningful cultural interactions, creating a transformative trekking experience amidst the pristine wilderness of Dolpo.
The best experience on the Lower Dolpo Trek is the sense of adventure and cultural immersion in an untouched Himalayan landscape. Trekkers witness breathtaking natural beauty, encounter ancient traditions, and forge connections with hospitable communities rarely visited by travelers. Each day brings new discoveries and a profound appreciation for Nepal's diverse cultural heritage.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Altitude sickness can affect trekkers, especially when crossing high passes like Numa La (5,190 meters). It's crucial to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and recognize symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Himalayan Forever guides monitor trekkers' health and adjust the itinerary to ensure safe acclimatization.
What should I pack for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Pack warm, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for layering, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, toiletries, and a first aid kit. Additional essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera with spare batteries to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural encounters along the trek.
Are there ATM facilities in Lower Dolpo?
ATM facilities are not available in Lower Dolpo due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. Trekkers should carry enough Nepali currency (Rupees) for expenses such as meals, accommodations, and souvenirs. It's advisable to exchange or withdraw cash in Kathmandu before departing for the trek.