The Lower Dolpo trek in Nepal is a remote and challenging trekking route that takes you through the pristine wilderness of the Dolpo region in northwestern Nepal. Also, the Lower Dolpo trek is one of the amazing outstanding trekking in Nepal which is nature-rewarded and paradise unexplored in the Northwest part of Nepal (Tibetan border of Nepal). This Lower Dolpo trek was opened for foreigners in 1982. Since that time this trekking area has become very popular in Nepal.
The lower Dolpa area is the remote and beautiful rainshadow landscape It’s a less-traveled route compared to some of the more popular trekking destinations like the Everest or Annapurna regions, making it a great choice for trekkers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. This Lower Dolpo trek can be challenging as the tourism infrastructure is almost nonexistent and organized tours are essential.
There is one book which is called The Snow Leopard. Wrote by Peter Matthiessen who describes his journey through the amazingly beautiful landscape of Dolpo. Nepal’s first English subtitle movie which is Oscar-nominated Himalaya, Caravan also shot in this region. Lower Dolpo is a region of mystical beauty. It is one of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal. Lower Dolpo Trek needs a special trekking permit because of its remote sensitive geography. This trek should be a minimum of two people to get a permit.
Lower Dolpo Trek is a kind of adventure trek That is more challenging than other trekking due to the high passes trail. On this trek, people can see the most amazing things like Tibetan Buddhist culture, many of the oldest monasteries, the spectacular She-Phoksundo lake which is the deepest(145m) lake in Nepal, beautiful valleys, pine forest, beautiful Rhododendrons forest, amazing spectacular landscapes,
This trek will start with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj around 45 minutes. Then the next morning again flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal will start to walk the trek will end in the same place Jhupal. Due to heavy snowfall winter season is avoided for this trekking so the best season for this trekking is in the summer and monsoon.
The flight into Kathmandu with a panoramic view of the valley below and the Himalayan ranges towering above the clouds is stunning. Once you land and check out from the Tribhuvan International Airport our agent will greet and welcome you, and drive you to your hotel, later on, in the evening you’ll be assisted with all of your travel requirements for the trek by your guide and will have typical Nepali Thali as welcome Dinner.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Welcome dinner
Accommodation:- Hotel
Today, you will go on a guided tour. You will visit various monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, etc. All of these places are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will get to see precise art & architecture along with the rich culture and history of Nepal during your tour.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400m
Meals:- Breakfast
Accommodation:- Hotel
After your early morning hot breakfast will move to catch the morning flight to Nepalgunj. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains. Upon arriving, transfer to a hotel. Later, visit the nearby places in Nepalgunj and spend overnight at a hotel.
Maximum Altitude:- 150m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Hotel
A short 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj towards Juphal. Upon arriving at Juphal, the trek commences to Dunai. Pass along the Thulo Bheri river adoring the natural beauty of the surroundings. Arrive at Dunai after 2-3 hours and set a camp. Rest for a while and if you wish, explore the nearby places. Stay overnight at a camp.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,320 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
After Dunai the trail shortly crosses the north bank of the river and goes along the river. Eventually, we cross back to the south bank of the river at Lawan then the trail goes through the fields to Tarakot where we spend our night. Overnight at Tarakot
Maximum Altitude:- 2,543 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
On our second day of trekking, we go a gentle walk at first and cross the river, hereafter the trail climbs gradually through the local farmlands.
The trail climbs up above along the river and eventually descends through the forests and crosses a suspension bridge at Laisicap (2775m). Meanwhile, we go through a police checkpoint where we register our permits.
After this, trek along the Tarap Khola, and eventually our final climb takes us to Laini where we set our tent for the night. Overnight at Laini.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,160 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Today our trek starts with a steep ascent to the top with prayer flags then the trail continues above the river and descends to the river.
Our trek again climbs steeply uphill and descends to the river. Hereafter we cross the Tarap River on a suspension bridge then it goes along the river to Nawarpani for our night camp
Maximum Altitude:- 3,545 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
From here a long climb towards the inner Tarap Valley, the largest and longest valley of the Dolpo area which is nearly 20 k.m. stretches following the Tarap Chu River most of the way to join with the Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village. The walk leads past Yak herder’s temporary camps to reach your overnight stop at Ghymagar village within Dho Tarap valley.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,090 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
After a great walk for several days, this will be an ideal place for a rest day to support acclimatization and to explore this scenic countryside beyond the village around Dho-Tarap, where you will observe the immense culture of Dolpo people mixed with some Magar tribe.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,090 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
From here you will enter the nice village of Tokyu Gaon (one of the largest villages in this region), the morning starts with a climb for a few hours to reach this lovely village of Tokyu Gaon, with an old monastery. If time permits you will visit the monastery and continue to walk past farm villages to reach a grassy field at the base of the high Numa-la pass for the overnight stop.
Maximum Altitude:- 4,440 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Today is going to be your biggest and toughest day of the whole trip. After breakfast at Numa La BC, start climbing a steep trail to the top ridge of Numa La. Reaching the top of the pass offers you a fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes and barren mountains of Dolpo up to the north face of Massif Mt. Dhaulagiri. After a glorious moment at the pass, walk downhill up to Palung Tang where you will be resting overnight.
Maximum Altitude:- 5,190 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Yet another challenging day of the trek begins after your breakfast at Palungtang. Start the trip with a steep climb up to the top of Baga la. The climb is relatively difficult but the rewards achieved after completing the climb and reaching the top are mind-blowing. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes and snow-capped peaks of Kanjirowa Mountain range. After spending some time at the top, walk down for around 3 hours to reach Dajok Tang.
Maximum Altitude:- 5,070 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Today’s trail starts descending through the Pine forest for around 2 hours. On leaving the forest behind, you will see noticeable changes in the land and vegetation. Passing through the pasture fields and alpine shrubs most of the way, you will reach Ringmo village which is a traditional Tibetan village in the Dolpo region.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,600 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Today’s day is planned as a free day to allow you plenty of time to explore the deepest lake in the nation, Phoksundo Lake with a depth of 145m. On the trail, you can see the yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards the Tibetan borders on the remote mountain trail. On the way to the lake, take some time to visit a nearby monastery too. Return to Ringmo for overnight after exploring the lake.
Today’s trail starts descending through the Pine forest for around 2 hours. On leaving the forest behind, you will see noticeable changes in the land and vegetation. Passing through the pasture fields and alpine shrubs most of the way, you will reach Ringmo village which is a traditional Tibetan village in the Dolpo region.
Maximum Altitude:- 3,611 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
After breakfast at Ringmo, descend downhill to Chepka from where the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. This area is popular for many medicinal minerals which are believed to be the cure for most of the diseases. Passing by some lovely small local villages, you will reach Shyanta for overnight.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,520 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Tent
Today we trek through a rocky path alongside the Bheri River. We will have lunch in Kageni (2,270 m). Accompanied by the beautiful landscape in the background, we continue to trek and leave the Shey Phoksundo National Park. From Suligad, we then head east towards Juphal Airport passing through the small village of Kalagauda. After 2 hours of uphill walking, we finally arrived in Juphal.
Maximum Altitude:- 2,500 m
Meals:- B / L /D
Accommodation:- Lodge
If the weather is not favorable, the flight is delayed, postponed, or canceled as well. But, if the weather is fine, you catch a morning flight to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu.
As soon as you land at the Kathmandu Airport, the representative shifts you to the hotel. In the evening, we invite you to a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- B / D
Accommodation:- Hotel
Our staff will drop you off at the airport, you’ll bid farewell to your newfound friends as well as Nepal.
NOTE: All of the trekking hours and distances mentioned above are estimates and should only be used as a general guideline.
Maximum Altitude:- 1400 m
Meals:- Breakfast
Overland Trek Nepal is a trekking agency that offers various trekking packages, including the Lower Dolpo trek. They can provide you with the necessary logistical support, such as permits, guides, porters, and accommodations, to make your trekking experience in this region more enjoyable and comfortable.
Trekking in Lower Dolpo requires special permits, as it is a restricted area. You will need to obtain the necessary permits through a registered trekking agency like Overland Trek Nepal.
The Lower Dolpo trek typically takes around 18 to 21 days to complete, depending on your starting and ending points and the specific itinerary you choose.
Lower Dolpo is a remote and rugged region with limited facilities, so you should be prepared for basic accommodations and amenities.
High-altitude trekking with some steep ascents and descents.
Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for varying temperatures and potential snowfall, depending on the time of year you trek.
The best time for the Lower Dolpo trek is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is relatively stable, and the trails are at their best.
While it is possible to trek independently in some parts of Nepal, trekking in the Lower Dolpo region is highly recommended with a local guide from a reputable agency like Overland Trek Nepal. They will ensure your safety and help you navigate the challenging terrain.
In popular trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu, there is a menu system with various ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some locations provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, and these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook who focuses on clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, and every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water.
If you buy a water purification tablet in Kathmandu, you can take water tap water and purify it yourself, saving money and reducing plastic pollution.
Travel insurance is required for all clients participating in any activity. We strongly advise you to obtain a complete insurance plan from a reputable insurance company to cover personal injury, death, hospital expenses, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan.
The Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu must issue each client with a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return.
Before embarking on the Lower Dolpo trek with Overland Trek Nepal or any other agency, it’s important to do your research, prepare adequately, and ensure that you are physically fit for the demands of the trek. Additionally, stay updated on any changes in regulations, permits, and travel advisories related to trekking in Nepal.
