Lower Dolpo Trek

Package Overview

Lower Dolpo Trek

Our adventure begins with a scenic tour of Kathmandu Valley. The next day, we fly to Nepalgunj, followed by a short flight to Jhuphal, where the trek officially starts in the Dolpo region. Early in the Lower Dolpo trek, we pass through the towns of Dunai, Tarakot, Laini Odar, and Nawarpani. By the eighth day, we arrive at Do Tarap, a charming settlement deep within the region.

This route takes us through the remote Himalayan ranges, crossing two notable mountain passes along the way. Dolpo’s unique charm and pristine natural beauty create an exceptional trekking experience. Lower Dolpo Trek, in particular, offers trekkers a journey filled with unforgettable and life-enriching moments.

Opened to visitors in 1982, this area preserves the rich culture and traditional lifestyle of its indigenous communities. Dolpo is also one of the rare places where the ancient Bon religion is still practiced. The trek provides access to Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest protected area.

This itinerary is well suited for trekkers wishing to explore Dolpo without the difficulties linked to higher altitudes or for those with limited time to undertake the Upper Dolpo trek. Our journey ends as we return from Shey Phoksundo to Chhekpa and Jhuphal, followed by flights back to Kathmandu.

In essence, the Lower Dolpo trek often celebrated for the stunning Himalayan glacial Phoksundo Lake—is our most popular 17-day expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

The day has finally arrived! You will land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. After landing, you will obtain your visa, and our staff will be there to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Once at the hotel, you can freshen up and rest, or explore the city.

Altitude:1,350 m

Day 2: Trek Preparation Day

Today, we will issue your permits, and you are free to explore the city. Discover Kathmandu’s monuments, cuisine, and culture. Our guide will also meet with you to provide information about the Lower Dolpo Trek and assist you with your gear.

Altitude:1,350 m

Day 3: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by Flight

Today, you will leave the bustling city and fly to Nepalgunj, a town situated in the Terai region that serves as a major hub for imports and exports.

Altitude: 150 m

Overnight: Hotel

Flight Duration: 1 hour

Day 4: Nepalgunj to Dunai by Flight

Your journey toward the Dolpo region begins today. The flight departs from Nepalgunj, and within 35 minutes, you will land at Juphal Airport. After landing, you will trek toward Dunai. The trail begins with a descent through fields and villages, following the Bheri River and crossing Roop Ghar. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, you will arrive in Dunai, where you will stay overnight.

Altitude: 2,140 m

Overnight: Lodge

Duration: flight: 35-40 minutes; Trek Duration: 3 hours

Day 5: Trek to Tarakot (2,537 m)

After having your breakfast, you will start your trek today. The journey begins with a walk above the Bheri River, passing through multiple villages and bridges. Along the way, you will trek through a gorge. The Lower Dolpo trail leads you to Tarakot, your overnight stop for today.

Altitude: 2,537 m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 6 hours

Day 6: Trek to Laini Odar (3,370 m)

Today, you will continue to follow the Thuli Bheri River and then the Tarap Khola. Leaving Tarakot behind, you will cross Laisicap and Khanigaon. The terraced fields, landscapes, forests, rivers, suspension bridges, and mountains will reward you every hour. You will see Putha, Huichuli, and Churen Himal along the way. Your stop for today is at Laini Odar.

Altitude: 3,370 m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 6 hours

Day 7: Trek to Nawarpani (3,475 m)

After breakfast, you will leave Laini Odar and follow the path of Tarap Khola. You will hike through a narrow path, reaching Chhyugar and Tanjam. As you pass bridges along the way, you will eventually arrive at Nawapani, also known as Pibuk.

Altitude: 3,545 m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 6 hours

Day 8: Trek to Dho Tarap (3,944 m)

Today, you will head towards Toltol, following the Tarap River. The trail is mostly uphill. Ahead of Toltol, you will reach Ghyamghar. Along the way, you will encounter multiple villages and bridges. After making your way to Langa Camp, you will descend toward Dho Tarap, where you will spend the night and enjoy the beauty of the village.

Altitude: 4,090 m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 7 hours

Day 9: Rest Day

After several days of hiking, today is marked for rest. You can explore the village, rich in Buddhist culture and Bon traditions. The Bon tradition is similar to Tibetan tradition and shares a spiritual connection with Buddhism. You can visit monasteries and interact with the friendly and welcoming locals.

Altitude: 4,090 m

Overnight: Camping

Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4,440 m)

Today, the trail takes you toward the Upper Tarap Valley, passing through several villages and Gompas along the way. You will see cultural sites like Champa Gompa, Kakar Gompa, Ripuche Gompa, and Modo Gompa. The villages, rivers, meadows, suspension bridges, and landscapes are equally beautiful and worth exploring. After several hours of walking, you will reach the Numa La Base Camp.

Altitude: 4,440 m

Overnight: Camping

Duration:- 5 hours

Day 11: Trek to Danigar (4,131 m) via Numa La Pass (5,190 m)

Today’s trail leads you to the Numa La Pass at an elevation of 5,309 m, making it one of the most challenging days of the Lower Dolpo trek. You will trek the steep path climbing up toward the Numa La Pass. After the challenging ascent, the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas will make your day worthwhile. You will then descend toward Danigar, where you will stay overnight.

Altitude: 4131m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 6.5 hours

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,982 m) via Baga La Pass (5,070 m)

On this day, you will cross another pass. The trail ascends toward the Baga La Pass at an elevation of 5,169 m. Although the trail is difficult, the mountain views will make your trip fulfilling. After descending toward Abslom High Camp and then toward Temche or Baga La Base Camp, you will soon reach Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night.

Altitude: 3982m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 6 hours

Day 13: Trek to Ringmo (Shey Phoksundo Lake)

Starting on the GHT trail, you’ll walk along the Maduwa Khola, surrounded by lush forests of oaks, pines, cypress, and other vegetation. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see a stunning waterfall. Continuing on the trail, you’ll arrive at Ringmo, where you will stay overnight.

Altitude: 3733m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 4 hours

Day 14: Rest Day!

Today is a day to relax and explore the area around Phoksundo Lake. The mesmerizing blue waters of the lake will surely captivate you.

Altitude: 3733m

Overnight: Camping

Day 15: Trek to Chhepka

Today’s journey begins after you finish your breakfast. You’ll leave Ringmo and walk past Chunuwar and Rechi, following the Phoksundo Khola path through a beautiful pine forest. After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Chhepka, where you’ll stop for the night.

Altitude: 2383m

Overnight: Camping

Duration: 7 hours

Day 16: Trek to Jhupal

Today, you will head toward Jhupal, passing through Shyangta, Raktang, and Sulighat along the way. Once you reach Jhupal, you will spend the night there, marking your last evening in the Dolpo region.

Altitude: 2475m

Overnight: Lodge

Duration: 6 hours

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu, followed by a farewell dinner at Pema's House

Today, you will be back to Kathmandu. You will first catch a flight to Nepalgunj, and after landing, you will transfer to another flight bound for Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will take you to your hotel. At Pema’s House there will be Farewell part organize.

Altitude: 1350m

Overnight: Hotel

Duration: 1 hours

Cost included

Kathmandu arrival and transferred to hotel
Kathmandu to Nepaljung return by flight
Nepaljung to Juphal return by flight
All ground Transportations
All necessary permits and TIMS cards
All meal during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guide and staffs wages and insurance
All trekking equipment ( tents, tables, chairs, mattress, cooking utensils etc.)