Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek Cost

The standard package for the Lower Dolpo Trek costs from US$ 3000 to USD 3500 per person. This all-inclusive package covers all the logistical services, support crew, equipment, and essential supplies.

A significant portion of what you pay for the package is allocated towards your accommodation, meals, and transportation. You’ll be provided with a 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu and basic teahouse accommodations during the trek. 

While the meal plan in Kathmandu only includes breakfast, you’ll receive full-board meals throughout the trek. Additionally, the fees include all ground transport (airport transfers and jeep to Dunai) and all domestic flights in and out of Kathmandu (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal). 

The package cost covers the wages, daily allowances, transportation, meals, and equipment of guides, porters, and crew members. Additionally, it covers critical operational expenses and staff insurance.

Note that several factors can affect the cost of the Lower Dolpo Trek, including trek duration, season, group size, and service level. If you’re traveling in a group, we provide a special group discount up to US$100 per person. 

We also offer tailored upgrades as per your preference, including hotel upgrades, private transfer, helicopter options, guided sightseeing, and extra acclimatization days. Please share your preferred travel date, group size, and any specific requirements so we can create a tailored package that suits your comfort and budget. 

Lower Dolpo Trekking Permit

You must obtain two permits to trek to Lower Dolpo.

Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit

Required for: Entering the restricted area of the Lower Dolpo region. You can only obtain this permit through a registered trekking company. Like other restricted areas, the Lower Dolpo Trek requires a mandatory trekking guide and a minimum of two trekkers per group to access the region. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited in this region for safety concerns.

Cost: US$20 per person for the first seven days; US$5 for each additional day.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

Required for: Entry into Shey Phoksundo National Park. Covering an area of 3,555 square kilometers, this is Nepal’s largest national park, established to preserve the unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem. The park entry permit fees are used to fund conservation and development programs in the Dolpo region, including wildlife protection, cultural preservation, trail maintenance, and waste management.

Cost: NPR 3,000 per person for foreigners and NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals.

When is the Best Time for Lower Dolpo Trek?

Like most treks in Nepal, the best time to do the Lower Dolpo Trek is in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May).

Autumn, in particular, stands out as the peak season for trekking in the Lower Dolpo region. The trail conditions are at their best during this season as the seasonal monsoon rain washes away dirt, debris, and loose rocks. The weather mostly remains stable with crystal clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures.

Both mountain passes—Numa La and Baga La—are clear of snow, making the walk much safer and more enjoyable. The views are also at their absolute best during autumn. With clear skies and superb visibility,  you’ll get to relish unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Spring is another great window for the Lower Dolpo Trek. It is the most vibrant time of the year, with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers shrouding the trail. Typically, spring mornings offer crisp air and clear skies, while the afternoons bring thick cloud cover and poor visibility.

Since the snow in the high altitudes begins to melt in spring, crossing the high passes becomes more accessible and enjoyable. However, you should consider crossing the passes early in the morning, as the afternoon weather can change quickly during spring.

Unlike most treks in Nepal, the monsoon season stands as an excellent time for the Lower Dolpo Trek. Since this region lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri range, it receives far less seasonal rain compared to other areas in Nepal. The trails mostly remain quiet with a bare minimum of trekkers.

That said, you may still experience light showers and muddy trails, especially in the lower reaches of the trek. The mountain views are not as great in the monsoon season due to thick cloud cover. There’s also a risk of flight delays and cancellations in and out of the region due to unstable weather in the lower areas.

Winter is the least favorable season for the Lower Dolpo Trek. It brings extreme cold, heavy snow, and strong winds. While the daytime temperatures are tolerable, the nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. Due to extreme cold, most villagers from the upper reaches migrate to the lower areas during winter.

Heavy snow usually blocks the trails to high passes, making them unsafe and impassable. Unless you’re an experienced trekker with proper preparation and expedition logistics, we do not recommend trekking to Lower Dolpo in winter. 

How difficult is trekking to Lower Dolpo?

Lower Dolpo Trek is a strenuous, high-altitude adventure best suited for seasoned trekkers with prior trekking experience. It demands serious preparation and commitment to tackle steep ascents, rocky paths, narrow ridges, and mountain passes.

The biggest challenge of the Lower Dolpo Trek is the altitude. On a 17-day itinerary, you’ll spend nine days above the elevation of 3,000 meters. Additionally, this trek involves crossing two high passes—Numa La Pass (5,310 meters) and Baga La Pass (5,175 meters). Traversing these high-altitude settlements and mountain passes requires sustained effort, high stamina, and proper acclimatization.

The typical day on the trek involves 6 to 7 hours of trekking through steep, rocky trails and isolated valleys. Unlike Everest or Annapurna, teahouses and lodges in the Lower Dolpo region are extremely basic, with small rooms, shared toilets, and common dining areas. The remoteness also means limited facilities, such as consistent power outages, unreliable mobile network, and no Wi-Fi.

If you’re planning to trek to Lower Dolpo during monsoon or winter, you must prepare for extra setbacks. The weather can often be unpredictable during these months, especially in the higher altitudes. Crossing the two passes can be challenging during winter due to excessive snow, strong winds, and slippery trails. Likewise, river crossing can be tricky during the monsoon as excessive rain can wash away small wooden bridges.

That said, the Lower Dolpo Trek does not require any technical or mountaineering skills. With decent physical fitness, mental resilience, and experienced crew support, this trek is achievable not only for seasoned trekkers but also for fit beginners.

Training for Lower Dolpo Trek Route

The Lower Dolpo Trek is a remote, high-altitude adventure that demands serious resilience, stamina, and spirit for the wild. You need more than sheer dedication to tackle the rough trails, steep ascents, and high altitudes. Being in good shape makes a significant difference on the trail. A fit trekker not only copes better with the long walking days and high altitude but also enjoys the adventure more.

While you don’t need to train like an elite athlete, a solid training routine can go a long way towards making your trek safer, more enjoyable, and successful. We recommend you start training at least 6 to 8 weeks before the trek.

Strength Training

The last thing you’d want on the trek is to wake up too stiff, sore, or exhausted to keep going. Instead of toughing it out later, it is better to strengthen your legs and body before heading to Lower Dolpo.

Add a few workouts that specifically focus on strengthening the legs, core, arms, and trunk. Stronger legs and upper body pay off big time with better balance, power, and comfort in rugged terrain.

Perform strength exercises like squats, deadlifts, push-ups, planks, and lunges twice or thrice a week with sets of 10 to 20 repetitions. It is essential that you start with lightweight exercises and gradually increase the intensity as you progress.

Cardio Conditioning

Your lungs, heart, and muscles need to work together to hit your stride on the rugged trail of Lower Dolpo. Therefore, cardio sessions are crucial to increase your stamina and improve your heart health.

Begin with short, low-impact cardio activities, such as brisk walking, cycling, running, swimming, and stair climbing. In the early stages, we recommend you stick with 2 to 3 cardio sessions per week. Gradually, increase the duration and intensity with hour-long sessions as you progress.

Flexibility and Mobility Training

Having decent flexibility and joint mobility can be a significant advantage for the Lower Dolpo Trek, especially on steep sections of the passes. Stretching helps warm your body, improve agility, enhance blood circulation, ease muscle soreness, and speed up recovery.

In the early days, incorporate at least four to five dynamic stretches and yoga sessions into your weekly routine. Over time, build a habit of stretching for 15 to 20 minutes before and after each training session. You can even add a few stretches before and after your hikes to warm up your body and improve joint mobility.

Altitude Preparation

Since the Lower Dolpo Trek requires crossing two high passes over 5,000 meters, altitude preparation is key. The best way to train for the altitude is to hike to a higher elevation and spend time acclimating your body. Explore hiking spots in your area and plan weekly or bi-weekly hikes to improve your adaptability.

That said, it may not always be possible to find trails with similar terrain or elevation gains. In that case, we recommend performing aerobic exercises and practicing different breathing techniques. For better performance and endurance, you can even use a hypoxic training device and simulate high-altitude conditions.

Gear Familiarization

Remote trails and high passes aren’t the place for testing your gear. Take time to test them months before your trek so it feels second nature. Try anything new, from backpacks to trekking poles, and learn how it feels and functions.

It’s a good idea to break in your hiking boots to prevent blisters and sore feet. We recommend trying a few practice hikes with your fully loaded pack to make sure it fits comfortably, feels balanced, and works flawlessly.

Rest and Recovery

Never underestimate the power of a good rest day. Remember, your body breaks down much faster while overtraining than it does while undertraining. Therefore, it is essential to take time to let your body repair and rebuild after intense sessions.

Aim for one or two rest days each week to give your muscles the break they deserve. You can indulge in light activities like yoga, meditation, stretching, or a short walk to stay limber and focused. Additionally, you should prioritize quality sleep, hydration, and a balanced diet to boost your training and recovery.

Acclimatization and Safety

Lower Dolpo Trek involves journeying to high-altitude settlements and mountain passes, including Numa La Pass (5,310 meters) and Baga La Pass (5,170 meters). Trekking at such an elevation poses a genuine risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Most trekkers begin to experience the effects of high altitude at 3,000 meters. Beyond this point, almost everyone will experience a higher heart rate, faster breathing, and mild symptoms. While some trekkers acclimate to the altitude quickly, others may take longer to adapt. Therefore, acclimatization is essential for a safe and successful trek to Lower Dolpo.

Our standard itinerary includes one acclimatization day at Dho Tarap. This acclimatization day is meticulously added to the itinerary to let your body adjust, rest, and hydrate properly before heading to the higher altitudes. That said, there are several factors you need to consider to minimize the risk of AMS and ensure safety at every step of the trek.

Things You Should Do to Acclimatize

• Take it slow and steady. Find a pace that feels comfortable and stick to it throughout the trek. Once you’re above 3,000 meters, try to keep your daily elevation gain around 400 to 500 meters. On shorter days, take short, comfortable hikes to nearby hills to help your body adjust to the altitude quickly.
• When it comes to high-altitude trekking, hydration is crucial. Your body loses water twice as fast through heavy respiration and sweat at altitude. Therefore, you must drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water daily, even if you’re not thirsty. We recommend using electrolytes to help your body absorb water more efficiently and maintain energy levels during long trekking days.
• It is common to lose your appetite at high altitude, even when the body burns more calories. You should consume easy-to-digest, high-carb foods like rice, lentils, pasta, and potatoes. These carb-heavy foods are great for digestion, provide adequate energy, and improve oxygenation. Additionally, we recommend keeping your favorite snacks within reach to stay energized.
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other stimulants can affect blood pressure, increase dehydration, and make it harder for your body to acclimate. Therefore, you must avoid these substances at all costs during the trek.
• Use your acclimatization day in Dho Tarap wisely. Take a hike to a higher elevation to acclimate your body and then return to rest at the teahouse. Remember, a proper rest is just as important as staying active for better acclimatization.
• You should dress in layers to regulate your body temperature, especially above 3,000 meters. So, pack all the essentials to keep your body warm, dry, and protected, including a waterproof jacket, a windbreaker, and a down jacket.
• Early symptoms of AMS include headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. If you notice these symptoms, stop ascending and inform your guide immediately. You should never push through mild symptoms and warning signs.

Travel Insurance

Lower Dolpo is a remote, high-altitude trek that involves crossing two passes over 5,000 meters. Therefore, it is mandatory to have a valid insurance policy to join this trek with Nepal Gateway Trekking.

Your insurance policy should include coverage for high-altitude conditions and adventure activities, up to at least 5,500 meters. You should always purchase an insurance policy that covers the cost of helicopter evacuation and emergency medical treatment.

If you want to be more secure, we recommend buying an insurance policy that includes refunds for trip cancellation and covers the cost of personal belongings in case of damage or theft. 

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kathmandu is arranged at a luxurious three-star hotel on a B&B basis. Tucked in the busy streets of Thamel, your hotel includes top-notch amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, high-speed internet, 24-hour hot showers, and a wellness center.

On the trek, however, you’ll have to settle in family-run teahouses. Unlike other regions, the villages in Lower Dolpo offer fewer options for accommodation. Since most teahouses in the areas are newly established, the facilities are basic and limited. They offer small, box rooms with twin or triple beds, foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets.

The rooms are often cold, with no in-room heating facilities. Most teahouses have a common dining area, where trekkers gather around for meals, relaxation, and socializing. Like most mountain lodges across Nepal, teahouses in Lower Dolpo have shared squat toilets and communal bathrooms.    

Meals

Meals are provided on a full-board basis during the trek. Compared to popular trails across Nepal, Lower Dolpo offers a limited selection of local and Tibetan cuisines. Dal Bhat (a combination of rice, lentils, and vegetables) is the staple dish and readily available in most teahouses.

Other local and Tibetan dishes include noodles, thukpa, momo, Tibetan bread, and seasonal vegetables. The breakfast menu usually includes chapati, soups, potatoes, and egg dishes. It is advisable to carry your favorite snacks and energy bars to avoid repetitive taste during the trek. The beverage options are also limited to milk tea, black tea, butter tea, and instant coffee.

Drinking Water

Teahouses in the Lower Dolpo Trek collect water from local taps and streams. Do not drink untreated or unfiltered water, as it can cause stomach trouble and diarrhea.

Buying bottled water is not an option in the remote trails of Lower Dolpo. Therefore, it is mandatory to carry a reusable water bottle for refilling. Always use purification drops or tablets to treat your water before drinking.

The teahouse provides boiled water for a small charge. Although boiled water is a much safer option, we still recommend using chlorine—or iodine-based water purification tablets before drinking it.

Hot Shower

Unlike other treks in Nepal, hot showers in the Lower Dolpo Trek are hard to come by. While a few teahouses in the lower reaches offer hot showers for a small fee, do not expect the same higher up. Upon request, a few teahouses may provide a bucket of hot water by heating over a wood fire.

If you can’t go a few days without washing, consider carrying wet wipes and towels to keep your body fresh and clean.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity

Due to the remoteness of the region, mobile and internet connectivity are extremely limited in the Lower Dolpo Trek. Only a few settlements in the lower section have access to mobile signals. As you trek further to remote villages, the signal becomes relatively unreliable and mostly unavailable.

Mobile data and Wi-Fi are sparse and almost non-existent in most sections of the trek. Only a few solar-powered teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi services. However, the Wi-Fi connection at such remote locations can often be slow and unreliable. It is always a good idea to inform your family and friends beforehand about possible communication gaps due to limited mobile signals and internet access.

Electricity

Electricity in the Lower Dolpo region is scarce and limited. Most teahouses rely on solar panels for lighting and other basic needs. Charging your phone and electronic devices can be a struggle, as only a few lodges offer this facility for a small fee.

Keep in mind that the teahouses in the remote mountains typically do not have charging sockets in the rooms. Instead, they have a communal charging station in the dining area, where you can charge your devices on an hourly or per-device basis.

Be prepared for the limited and inconsistent electricity along the route. It is advisable to carry a high-capacity power bank or a portable solar charger to stay powered up. Additionally, bring spare batteries for the headlight and the camera. 

ATMs and Money Exchange

ATMs and money exchange centers are not available anywhere on the trail. Your best option for reliable ATMs and exchange counters is in Kathmandu. Unlike the Everest or Annapurna region, most teahouses in Lower Dolpo do not accept foreign currencies. Therefore, you must carry sufficient Nepali Rupees for extra expenses.

There are hundreds of exchange counters around Thamel. Although exchange rates fluctuate almost regularly, most counters in Kathmandu offer similar rates. It is a good idea to visit a few exchange centers to find the best possible rates.

Likewise, you can find plenty of ATM lounges in Thamel. Although most ATMs display the signs of Visa and Master Card, they do not accept international cards. Look for ATMs of Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered, or Himalayan Bank for reliable international card transactions.

Guide and Porter Information

Since the Lower Dolpo Trek lies within the government-designated restricted area, hiring a guide and porter is mandatory for this trek. Nepal Gateway Trekking provides highly skilled and experienced guides and porters to accompany you throughout the trek.

With over a decade of experience in the Himalayas, our guides help manage all the logistics, navigate remote trails, share deep cultural insights, and ensure high-altitude safety. They are trained in wilderness first aid and acclimatization protocols to assess your health condition and provide critical first-aid treatments.

Likewise, our porters are among the hardest-working individuals in the mountains, carrying 20 to 25 kg of baggage through the remote trails of Lower Dolpo.

At Nepal Gateway Trekking, we are committed to treating our guides and porters with respect and compensating them fairly for their hard work. We pay them above industry standards and equip them with high-quality gear suitable for harsh mountain conditions. Additionally, our guides and porters are fully insured, with comprehensive travel and medical coverage for the duration of the trek.

Gratitude to the Trekking Crew

Behind every successful trek in Nepal’s remote mountains are the local guides and crew members. They deserve genuine gratitude and recognition for their hard work and dedication. 

Tipping the crew members after the trek is not mandatory in Nepal. However, it has become a standard ritual in the trekking world. If the crew members make you happy with good service, tipping is the best way to show your appreciation. There is no fixed rule for the tipping amount. We recommend you tip the trekking crew based on the quality of their service and the duration of the trek.

You can also donate or purchase trekking gear, accessories, and clothes to express gratitude. The crew members are more than happy to accept your pre-owned items and clothes as long as they’re in good condition. You can also invite the crew members to lunch or dinner before your departure. In Nepali culture, sharing a meal often signifies a deep connection, mutual respect, and lasting friendship.

Finally, a great way to show appreciation to your guide and crew member is by writing honest reviews and sharing your memorable experiences of the Lower Dolpo Trek on popular online platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. You can mention their name and contact details to help them achieve more visibility and attract future clients.