Lower Dolpo Trek - 17 Days

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Duration 17 Days
Difficulty Level Strenuous
Destination Nepal
Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
Best Season March to Nov
Group Size 16
Maximum Altitude 5,310 m

Highlights

Explore the untouched Lower Dolpo region
Trek in the trans- Himalayan National Park and come across exotic flora & fauna
Relish heavenly views of Shey Phoksundo Lake and its surroundings
Visit ancient monasteries and stupas while trekking
The trek offers dry, barren landscapes
Cross two high passes
Trek through remote mountain villages and meet with locals following Tibetan Buddhist & BonPo religion
It's an off-beat adventurous trek with stunning mountain views

Opened in 1982 for foreign travellers, the Dolpo region hosts two adventurous trekking routes- Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the less-known treks in Nepal if we compare it to other famous treks like ABC Trek, EBC Trek & Annapurna Circuit. The Lower Dolpo Trekking explores the lower parts of the Dolpo region, which is very beautiful and has off-beat trails.

Explore the far western part of Nepal and immerse into ancient Tibetan cultural heritage on Lower Dolpo Trek 17 days. Get to see landscapes unlike any other trekking routes and behold the beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake.

Lower Dolpo Circuit has remote and isolated trails. The trail has tea houses that barely offer anything. Not many trekkers trek in this region because of the unavailability of basic services, which make the journey strenuous. The surrounding area is dry and barren with numerous pastures. Even the trek says Lower Dolpo, the elevation rises to 5,190 meters.

You will be trekking in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest trans-Himalayan National Park. The park houses diverse species of exotic flora and fauna, including the Tibetan wolf, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, etc. As the Dolpo region has close ties with Tibet, the locals and their cultural heritage resemble a lot like theirs. The locals either follow Tibetan Buddhism or practice the ancient BonPo religion.

Views you see while trekking in Lower Dolpo

At 3,611 meters is situated the gem of the Dolpo region, Shey Phoksundo Lake. The lake has a crystal clear blue color and is surrounded by dry hills, alpine trees & snow-capped mountains. The scenery at this lake is heavenly.

If you are looking for a less crowded trekking route with diverse scenery and an immersive cultural experience, then Lower Dolpo Trek is the perfect page. The trek offers views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Churen Himal range, Putha Hiunchuli, and Norbung Kang along with Tibetan ranges.

Lower Dolpo Trek difficulty

Lower Dolpo Trekking has a moderate difficulty level. The trek explores the untouched areas of the Dolpo region. The terrain is steep, rugged, and uneven. You have to cross two high passes- Num La pass (5,310 m) and Baga La pass (5,170 m). Even though the experts have marked the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary as moderate, the journey can be quite daunting for beginner trekkers, given the isolation, elevation, and terrain.

If you have trekked a few other routes in the Himalayas and can bear long walking hours (minimum 5 to 7 hours each day), then you can definitely conquer Lower Dolpo Trek. You spend more than 112 days on the trail without modern comforts, so along with physical capability, mental fitness is needed too.

What do we offer?

First of all, we offer a very reliable and friendly crew for the Lower Dolpo Trek. We have native guides from the Dolpo region who accompany you during the trek, making the journey very informative and compelling. Likewise, we provide competitive Lower Dolpo Trek pricing with excellent service and our decade-long expertise.

Book Lower Dolpo Trek 2023/2024 and join this once-in-a-lifetime venture. We'll help you organize the trek and obtain all the required documents. For more information, contact us anytime.

These are a few other less-crowded trekking routes in the Himalayas- Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Itinerary

We welcome you to the Kathmandu airport and take you to the hotel. Group meeting in the evening with team members.

AccommodationHotel
Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Kathmandu sightseeing includes visiting historical sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and if time allows, Monkey Temple. We also take some time in the afternoon and evening to prepare for the trek today. Our trek guide will assist you with trek preparation.

AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast
Maximum Altitude1,310 m

The first flight is from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It's a short 35 minutes flight. Then we take another 35 minutes flight to Jhupal. From here onwards, we drive to Dunai, passing by local villages and terraced fields.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude2,140 m

The trail follows an upstream path along the banks of the Bheri River. We enjoy stunning landscapes along the way to Tarakot. The trail crosses deep gorges, hanging bridges, and remote villages. We also come across dry stones, terraced fields, and an old fortress while trekking.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude2,540 m

The trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri river and head east alongside the Bharbung Khola. We reach Laisicap and cross a river. From here onwards, we walk following the Tara Khola and reach Khani Gaon. Enjoying the views of the Putha Hiunchuli and Chure Himal range, we ascend to Laini Odar.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,375 m

The trail offers impressive scenery today. From Laini Odar, we pass by gorges with scary cliffs above them. After walking for a couple of hours, the trail opens up, and we walk on a path paved with wooden planks & flat stones that lead to Chhyugar (3,440 m). We then cross a stream to Nawarpani (3,475 m).

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,475 m

Two hours walk, and we reach Toltol (3,530 m). From here, we walk along the bank of Tarap Khol to Ghyamghar. Crossing a river, we continue trekking along the eastern bank to Sisaul. Here, we cross the western bank of the river and walk by an isolated valley. We reach Langa and ascend to a small arid hill. Further, we trek and reach Dho Tarap to spend the night.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,950 m

We spend time acclimatizing in Dho Tarap. We visit old monasteries and explore the village. It's a good opportunity to see the unique lifestyle and culture of the locals. Most of the people in this village have the Bonn-Po and Nyingmapa religions.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,950 m

We continue the day walking alongside the Tarap Chu river and ascend to Tokyu. It is a traditional village. From here, cross a bridge to Khanger and trek in the northwest. The trail gets rugged as we approach Num La base camp.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude4,350 m

We begin trekking early in the morning. It's a difficult walk today. From the base camp, we walk on a steep, rugged uphill trail to reach the top of Num La pass. The to rewards our hard walk with a stupendous panorama of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Churen Himal range, and Norbung Kang. After enjoying the views, we descend alongside Gyambo Khola and pass by a meadow to Danighar.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude5,310 m

Another adventurous day, another high pass. Again, the day begins early, and we make our way to the top of Baga La pass. The trail of course is steep and rocky. The top presents beautiful mountain scenery as a reward. Further, we descend into a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche and walk towards Yak Kharka.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude5,170 m

The trail route ascends to Ringmo village, passing by the forested path of pines, junipers, oaks, and cypress. We come across a stunning waterfall on the way and get to see superb views of the peaks to Rigmo village. From Ringmo, a short walk leads to Phoksundo.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,600 m

We take a rest day today. The day is spent well by visiting the gem of the Himalayas, Phoksundo Lake. The gorgeous turquoise color of the lake and the serenity surrounding the area will mesmerize you. Later, we explore the nearby villages and visit the Tshowa monastery, built almost 900 years ago.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day begins with a gradual walk along a riverside. We then ascend steeply to a hill that offers the last aerial views of Phoksundo Lake. From here, we drop down to Chunuwar and walk through the lush forest to Rechi. After a few ups & downs, we reach Chepka village.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude2,678 m

From Chepka, we walk by Shyanta and Kageni village. The trail has forests and crosses a suspension bridge over Dhim Khola. We also walk by a narrow path and barely fields before reaching Jhupal.

AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude2,475 m

Another two flights, and we reach Kathmandu. Enjoy the day relaxing and strolling around Thamel. You can visit the club and spa. In the late evening, we meet over farewell dinner.

AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our adventurous trip has ended. It's time to fly back to your home. Our team members will drop you at the airport.

MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit to you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click here for Tailor-Made program.

Map

Lower Dolpo Trek - 17 Days map

Includes

All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
One expert tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast
Kathmandu – Nepaljung – Jhupal – Nepaljung – Kathmandu round flight ticket inclusive domestic taxes
Three times meal (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
One highly experience English speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
Lower Dolpo special permit fee and other necessary permits
Lower Dolpo Trekking map
Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt and achievement certificate
Local fresh fruit
First aid kit
Evacuation assist if needed
Government taxes and office service charge

Excludes

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
Your travel insurance – Compulsory
Nepal entry visa.
Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage in trekking
Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness

Trek with us without worrying about altitude sickness during Lower Dolpo Trek. Our itinerary is best because it has many rest days that allow your body to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness. By the way, it is also called acute mountain sickness (AMS).

We cannot guarantee that one may not get altitude sickness during a high-altitude journey like this. Everybody reacts differently if a change in surroundings occurs. And even with our best effort, you may face AMS.

Even if you see symptoms of AMS, no need to worry because taking proper precautions on time will help you get over it in a max couple of days. Inform our guide if you feel uneasy or get a bad headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, breathing issues, etc.

Lower Dolpo Trek Permit

Lower Dolpo is a restricted area in Nepal. So, solo trekking is not allowed. The travelers have to trek in a group of at least two people. Guide and porters are not counted in the group. Below are the permits needed for Lower Dolpo trekking. Our package cost covers the permit fees.

Lower Dolpo restricted area permit cost: USD 20 per person for a week and USD 5 each day per person after that

Shey Phoksundo National park entry permit cost: USD 30 per person

Lower Dolpo Trek Best Time

Trek in the Lower Dolpo from March to April in spring and October to November in autumn to enjoy the trek. The spring welcomes hundreds of flowers and makes the pastures lush green. The pleasant climate and stable weather keep you on the itinerary. The views are clear and fantastic. In other seasons- winter & summer/monsoon, the trail gets closed because of unfavorable weather conditions.

Last Minute Booking

Book a last-minute Lower Dolpo Trek with us and get to join the trek right away. After we receive the 100% of the package cost, we begin the documentation and permit obtaining work in Nepal. You'll get a trip confirmation mail from our side once we confirm your payment, and we'll also send you a packing checklist. One of our team members will assist you with your queries and help you prepare for the journey.

Travel Tips

Accommodation: Lower Dolpo Trekking is a tea house trek. The accommodation on this trekking route is simpler than all other trekking routes. We book twin-shared rooms for guests. The washroom may be private or common.

Food: The menu is also basic. You get Nepali and Tibetan dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For instance, dal bhat tarkari, soup, Tibetan bread, thenduk, thukpa, veggies, curries, etc are the staple meals. You may not get snacks on the way, so carry your favorite ones during the trek.

ATM: Withdraw money in Kathmandu to use while trekking. There is no ATM on the Lower Dolpo Trek route. Budget USD 12 to USD 15 for each day to buy services out of package includes.

Charging: You may not get charging stations in every village on this trek. So, it's wise to trek with spare batteries or a solar charger.

Luggage: The duffel bags are carried by porters. Each trekker has a 10 kgs weight limit for a duffel bag and a 5 kgs weight limit for a day pack.

Personal Expenses: Please be aware that things, like shopping expenses, international flights, tipping, extra nights in Kathmandu, etc are not covered by our package cost. So, make sure to have enough budget for these things.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is important for Lower Dolpo trekking because of the remoteness of the trail from the rest of Nepal. Your travel insurance should cover air evacuation and medical bills.

Tipping: We do not include tipping in our package cost, so we request you to tip our crew members at the end of the trip if you are happy with their service.

Client Reviews

Adventurous alternative trekking route with a reliable and attentive support crew
Namaste and best return greetings from Wayne in Tasmania.

We agreed that the service you and your team provided during our long-range remote area trek in Dolpo District, north-west Nepal was exceptionally good in all regards. This trek was obviously difficult for you to organize because of the airstrip closure at Juphal, meaning a complete replanning and re-organization of our routes and schedules was needed.

Despite these difficulties causing much extra work, you still provided us with an impressively attractive and adventurous alternative trekking route with a reliable and attentive support crew, who supplied three wholesome healthy meals each day and provided daily campsite duties effectively and courteously.

I personally found your organizational skills and attention to client needs were extremely considerate, effective, and commendable. Your successful treatment of my respiratory illness at Phoksumdo Lake; the numerous and complex mobile phone calls at the trip’s end, which enabled our stranded group to be safely extracted from our weather-bound remote airstrip by helicopter in time to catch international flights, demonstrated beyond doubt your ability as a first-class trekking guide.

Because of your unsurpassed devotion and duty to our Tasmanian group of trekkers in extremely difficult circumstances, I have no hesitation in recommending you and your guiding company to all prospective clients, who may enquire about your future services in Nepal.
Wayne BinnsAustralia, Travel Date: 19/01/2015

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