Embarking on the Lower Dolpo region is a way to explore the beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake and its incredible surroundings.
Your Gateway to Himalayas
Lower Dolpo Trek
Trip at a Glance
Duration17 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
DestinationNepal
Maximum Altitude5,310 m
AccommodationTeahouse
Starts/EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeMarch to November
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. The Lower Dolpo Trek is not a popular trekking trail like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. It explores the lower parts of the Dolpo region, which are very beautiful and have off-beat trails.
The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek has remote and isolated trails. The trail has teahouses that barely offer modern facilities. 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. Tibetan wolves, musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, and Himalayan black bears can be seen.
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 Bon religion.
The Major Highlights of Lower Dolpo Trek in Nepal
- 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 offbeat, adventurous trek with stunning mountain views.
Views during the trekking in Lower Dolpo region
Shey Phoksundo Lake is the gem of the Dolpo region. Dry hills, alpine trees, and snow-capped mountains surround its crystal-clear blue water, and the scenery 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, Norbung Kang, and the Tibetan ranges.
How difficult is Lower Dolpo Trekking?
The difficulty level of Lower Dolpo Trekking is considered moderate to strenuous. The trek explores the untouched areas of the Dolpo region. The terrain is steep, rugged, and uneven. You must cross two high passes: Num La Pass (5,310 m) and Baga La Pass (5,170 m).
If you are an experienced trekker, you can conquer the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. You spend around 15 days on the trail without modern comforts, and it demands physical capability and mental fitness.
What do you get in our Lower Dolpo Trek Package 2025?
We offer an excellent itinerary on our Lower Dolpo Trek. Our price for the Lower Dolpo Trek Package 2025 is the best competitive price. You'll get the best top-notch services while doing this trek in the Dolpo region. You'll have the best-experienced trek guide and crew for this remarkable trek to enjoy.
Our guides are highly qualified and certified by the government. They are well-trained for AMS, too. They are very knowledgeable about delivering insights into the culture and traditions of the region.
The price includes your accommodations in Kathmandu, all needed transportation, and necessary permits. Besides these, it covers domestic flight tickets, guides and porters, and all government taxes. There are no hidden costs.
Itinerary
This is our standard and recommended Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary.
Trip PlanExpand all
We'll welcome you at the Kathmandu airport and then take you to the hotel. In the evening, you meet with our manager, who briefs the program in detail and addresses your needs.
Today, you have a free day. You can explore Kathmandu City by yourself. We make a special permit for Lower Dolpo Trekking.
The first flight is from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a short 35-minute flight. Then, you'll take another 35-minute flight to Jhupal. From here onward, you'll drive to Dunai, passing by local villages and terraced fields.
The trail follows an upstream path along the banks of the Bheri River. Along the way to Tarakot, you'll enjoy stunning landscapes. The trail crosses deep gorges, hanging bridges, and remote villages. While trekking, you'll also come across dry stones, terraced fields, and an old fortress.
The trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River and heads east alongside the Bharbung Khola. You'll reach Laisicap and cross a river. From here onward, you'll follow the Tara Khola and reach Khani Gaon. Enjoying the views of the Putha Hiunchuli and Chure Himal range, you ascend to Laini Odar.
The trail offers impressive scenery today. From Laini Odar, you'll pass by gorges with scary cliffs above them. The trail opens up, and you'll walk on a path paved with wooden planks and flat stones that lead to Chhyugar (3,440 m). Then, you'll cross a stream to reach Nawarpani.
After breakfast, you'll walk gradually for two hours to reach Toltol. From here, you'll walk along the bank of Tarap Khol to Ghyamghar. You cross the river and continue trekking along the eastern bank to Sisaul. Then, you'll cross the western bank of the river and walk by an isolated valley to reach Dho and spend the night.
Today, you'll spend time acclimatizing to Dho Tarap. You'll 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.
You'll continue walking alongside the Tarap Chu River and ascend to Tokyu, 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.
Today is another adventurous day of the trek because of the high pass. You have to start in the early morning to make your way to the top of Baga La Pass. The trail is steep and rocky, of course. The top presents beautiful mountain scenery as a reward.
Further, you'll descend into a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche and walk towards Yak Kharka.
Another adventurous day, another high pass. Again, the day begins early, and you make your 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, you will descend into a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche and walk towards Yak Kharka.
Today, the trail ascends to Ringmo village, passing by the forested path of pines, junipers, oaks, and cypress. You'll come across a stunning waterfall on the way and see superb views of the peaks of Rigmo village. From Ringmo, it is a short walk to Phoksundo.
Today is a rest day at Phuksundo Lake. Spend the day well by visiting the gem of the Himalayas. The gorgeous turquoise colour of the lake and the serenity surrounding the area will mesmerize you. Later, you can explore the nearby villages and visit the Tshowa monastery, built almost 900 years ago.
The day begins with a gradual walk along a riverside. You'll ascend steeply to a hill that offers the last aerial views of Phoksundo Lake. From here, you'll drop down to Chunuwar and walk through the lush forest to Rechi. After a few ups and downs, you'll reach Chepka village.
From Chepka, you'll walk through Shyanta and Kageni village. The trail has forests and crosses a suspension bridge over Dhim Khola. You'll also walk by a narrow path and barley fields before reaching Jhupal.
Today, you'll take another two flights to reach Kathmandu. Enjoy the day relaxing and strolling around Thamel. You can visit the club and spa and go shopping.
Today, your adventurous trip ends. It's time to fly back to your home. Our team member will drop you at the airport.
If the above itinerary doesn’t meet your needs, we can design a Tailor-Made Program based on your travel plans and requirements,Reach our travel experts.
Cost Includes
- Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off services and required other transportations as per the program.
- Three nights’ accommodation at a three-star category hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
- Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Jhupal-Nepaljung-Kathmandu round-trip ticket inclusive of domestic taxes.
- Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the Lower Dolpo trek.
- Twin-sharing accommodations at the teahouse during the trekking.
- One highly experienced English-speaking friendly trekking guide and his expenses.
- Required porters (one porter between two people), including their expenses.
- Special restricted area permit for Lower Dolpo Trekking.
- Shey Phuksundo National Park permit.
- Lower Dolpo Trekking Map.
- Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt.
- Nepal Gateway Trekking Company duffle bags for trekking.
- Local fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pomegranates, etc., during the trek.
- First aid kit with an oximeter to check heartbeats and oxygen levels regularly.
- Emergency evacuation assistance, if needed.
- All government taxes.
- Office service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu.
- All kinds of hot drinks (teas, coffees, and hot waters) during the Lower Dolpo trek.
- Cold drinks (mineral water, Coke, Sprite, and Fanta) and alcoholic beverages on trekking.
- Your personal nature expenses, equipment, and medical kit.
- Hot shower, internet, and phone call unless it is free.
- Donations to schools, monasteries, etc.
- Battery charging fees for cameras, mobiles, laptops, etc.
- Snacks and desserts (apple pies, chocolate pies, chocolate bars, etc.).
- Tipping to field staff. (Tipping is not mandatory but expected.).
- Any extra accommodations in Kathmandu.
Trip Gallery
Traveler’s Experience with Us?
FROM LAKE RHONA (569 meters) IN TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA TO LAKE PHOKSUNDO (3600 meters) IN DOLPO, NEPAL
Our group of five from Australia has just completed a trek to Lower Dolpo trekking in Nepal.
Our group of five has just completed a...
Brian O'Byrne- Australia
October 27, 2015
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...
Mr. Wayne Binns- Australia
January 19, 2015
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