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 2 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,310 m

Lower Dolpo Trek in Nepal was opened in 1982 for foreign travelers. The Dolpo region hosts two adventurous trekking routes: Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. Lower Dolpo Trek is not a popular trekking trail like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. The Lower Dolpo Trek 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 Trek has remote and isolated trails. The trail has tea houses that barely offer anything. There are not many trekkers in this region because of the unavailability of basic services, which makes the journey strenuous. The surrounding area is dry and barren, with numerous pastures. Even though the trek says Lower Dolpo, the elevation rises to 5,190 meters.

You will trek in Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest trans-Himalayan national park. The national park is home to diverse species of exotic flora and fauna. The Tibetan wolf, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and Himalayan black bear also. As the Dolpo region has close ties with Tibet, the locals and their cultural heritage resemble Tibet. The locals either follow Tibetan Buddhism or practice the ancient Bonpo religion.

Things to experience in the Trek to Lower Dolpo route

  • Explore the untouched Lower Dolpo region.
  • Trek in the Trans-Himalayan National Park and come across exotic flora and fauna.
  • Relish the 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 and Bonpo religions.
  • It's an off-beat, adventurous trek with stunning mountain views.

Views you see while trekking in Lower Dolpo

Shey Phoksundo Lake is the gem of the Dolpo region. The lake has crystal-clear blue-colored water. The lake is surrounded by dry hills, alpine trees, and snow-capped mountains. The scenery of Shey Phuksondo Lake is heavenly.

Lower Dolpo is a less-crowded trekking route with diverse scenery and an immersive cultural experience. The diverse landscapes with the high Himalayas are features of trekking in Lower Dolpo. The trek offers views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the Churen Himal range, Putha Hiunchuli, and Norbung Kang, along with the Tibetan ranges.

Lower Dolpo Trek difficulty

Lower Dolpo Trek is considered 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.

If you have trekked a few other routes in the Himalayas and can bear long walking hours, then you can conquer the Lower Dolpo Trek. You spend more than 15 days on the trail without modern comforts, so physical capability and mental fitness are needed.

What do you get in our Lower Dolpo Trek Package 2024?

First of all, we offer an excellent itinerary with the best package and cost for 2024 for the Lower Dolpo Trek. Your accommodations, transportation, flights, permits, guides, and porters, and your three meals are covered. We have a very reliable and friendly guide and support team. Our guides are very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly 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 prices with excellent service and our decade-long expertise.

Book our Lower Dolpo Trek package in 2024 for a once-in-a-lifetime venture.

Similar Treks - Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Itinerary

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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 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assist if needed
  • Government taxes
  • 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 in Lower Dolpo Trekking Route

Trek with us without worrying about altitude sickness during the Lower Dolpo Trek. We have made the best itinerary with some rest days. Our program allows 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, you do not need to worry because taking proper precautions on time will help you get over it in a maximum 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 Cost

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
 

Best Time for Trek to Lower Dolpo Region

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 unfavourable weather conditions. 


Last Minute Booking for Lower Dolpo Trek Package 2024

Book a last-minute Lower Dolpo Trek with us and get to join the trek right away. After we receive 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 for Trek to Lower Dolpo Route

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 favourite 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 kg weight limit for a duffel bag and a 5 kg 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

tatp
  • 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 Binns
    Wayne BinnsAustralia, Travel Date: 19/01/2015

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