Dolpa
4.1 (5 reviews)
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a true wilderness adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote mountain regions. This 17-day journey blends cultural immersion with breathtaking natural beauty, from the Tibetan-influenced villages of Lower Dolpo to the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake and high passes with sweeping Himalayan panoramas. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient traditions, yak caravans, and landscapes found on very few other treks in Nepal.
Lower Dolpo is a hidden gem in western Nepal, offering dramatic valleys, centuries-old monasteries, and crystal-clear lakes. Unlike the more popular trekking routes, it remains largely untouched, giving trekkers a rare glimpse into the lives of local people who live in harmony with this harsh yet mesmerizing environment. The trek passes through high passes, remote villages, and diverse landscapes-from arid plateaus to lush river valleys making every day a new and unforgettable experience.
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money
Explore our comprehensive 17-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, guests are welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel. After rest and refreshment, a detailed trek briefing is conducted by the lead guide covering route overview, altitude safety, weather patterns, gear check, internal flights, and logistics for the Dolpo region. Permits and documentation are verified.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: -
Morning flight to Nepalgunj, a lowland town in western Nepal. The change in climate is noticeable and helps prepare for the mountain flight ahead. The afternoon is free to rest. Evening briefing focuses on weather dependency and flight logistics to Juphal.
Altitude: 150m
Duration: 1 hours
Location: Nepalgunj
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning scenic flight into the Dolpo region. After landing at Juphal airstrip, the trek officially begins. The trail gently descends through terraced farmland and small settlements to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo.
Altitude: 2475m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Juphal
Accommodation: Lodge in Dunai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following the Bheri River, the trail passes suspension bridges, deep gorges, and traditional villages. Tarakot is an ancient fortress town once used as a trade checkpoint. Cultural elements become more pronounced.
Altitude: 2540m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Tarakot
Accommodation: camp in Tarakot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail narrows and becomes more dramatic, carved into cliff faces in sections. The landscape turns rugged and isolated, signaling entry into true wilderness. Altitude gain is gradual but noticeable.
Altitude: 3370m
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Laini
Accommodation: Camp in Laini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking upstream along the river, vegetation becomes sparse and terrain opens into wide valleys. The environment feels dry and vast, typical of the trans-Himalayan region.
Altitude: 3475m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Nawarpani
Accommodation: Camp in Nawarpani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Entering the Upper Tarap Valley, villages with whitewashed houses, mani walls, and prayer flags appear. Do Tarap is one of the highest permanently inhabited valleys in Nepal and home to Tibetan Buddhist and Bon communities.
Altitude: 3944m
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Dho Tarap
Accommodation: Camp in Dho Tarap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A vital acclimatization day. Short walks around the village, monastery visits, and interaction with locals help with altitude adaptation while offering cultural depth. Health checks are conducted before heading toward high passes.
Altitude: 3944m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Dho Tarap
Accommodation: Camp in Dho Tarap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving cultivated land behind, the trail climbs steadily into alpine landscapes. Grazing yaks and expansive views dominate the scenery. Shorter walking hours allow energy conservation for the pass crossing.
Altitude: 4440m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Numa La Base camp
Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early start for the long ascent to Numa La Pass. Thin air and cold conditions require steady pacing. From the summit, panoramic views of the Dolpo plateau reward the effort. Long descent to Pelung Tang.
Altitude: 5190m
Duration: 8 hours
Location: Numa La Pass
Accommodation: Camp in Pelung Tang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another demanding but shorter high pass day. From Baga La, views of turquoise alpine lakes and surrounding peaks dominate the landscape. Descent leads to open grazing grounds.
Altitude: 5170m
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Baga La Pass
Accommodation: Camp in Dajok Tang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gradual descent reveals the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. Arrival at Ringmo village offers spectacular views and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Altitude: 3660m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Shey Phoksundo Lake
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ringmo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A relaxed day to explore the lake shoreline, visit nearby monasteries, or simply rest. Light walks aid recovery after the high passes.
Altitude: 3360m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Ringmo
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ringmo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descending through pine and juniper forests, the trail passes Nepal’s highest waterfall. The environment becomes greener and warmer.
Altitude: 2520m
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Shyanta
Accommodation: Lodge in Shyanta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The last trekking day follows familiar trails back to Juphal. Celebration of trek completion in the evening.
Altitude: 2475m
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Juphal
Accommodation: Lodge in Juphal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Weather permitting, early morning flight back to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu. Evening free for rest or farewell dinner.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the international airport according to flight schedule.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: TIA Kathmandu
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast
Airport pickup and drop-offTrekking accommodation in teahouses or lodgesTrekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)Licensed English-speaking trekking guideMeals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)First aid kit carried by the guideInsurance for guide and porterGovernment taxes and service charges
International airfare and visa feesTravel and medical insuranceMeals in any place (unless specified)Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)Extra accommodation due to delays or early returnOptional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)Similar adventures
10%
Off
3%
Off
6%
Off
7%
Off
Reg. No. 154784-73-74 | License No. 3013
Associated with:
