What to Expect

  • Adventurous flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
  • Opportunity to view worlds' second deepest lake (Shey-Phoksundo).
  • Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Kangirowa and Tibetan mountains along the way.
  • Ancient religion pre-Buddhist Bon Po is still practiced in this region.
  • Thrilling High passes, Baga-La and Numa-La.
  • Breathtaking Landscapes, Deserts and striking Dho valley.
  • Deep gorges and colorful monasteries along the way.

About Lower Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo is an exciting district in the remote northwest Himalaya. The stark lands of Dolpo are largely uninhabited and a visit to this region provides an experience unlike anywhere else in Nepal. Very few tourists visit this region each year, and therefore the Lower Dolpo Trekking journey is a chance to get closer to both the natural environment and the culture of the Dolpo residents.

To the north of Dolpo is the border of Tibet. People of this region have traded with their northern neighbor for centuries.  Many residents in the Dolpo area have origins in Tibet and maintain cultural ties with Tibet and their customs and traditions adhere to a Buddhist way of life in the tranquil mountains. Their particular brand of Buddhism is strongly influenced by Bon practices which precede Tibetan Buddhism.

The trekking journey to Lower Dolpo begins with a flight over the scenic landscape to Jhupal. We then start hiking, and the route passes through splendid forests and rural settlements. As we ascend to the north, we will have marvelous views of Dhaulagiri (7th highest peak in the world), Churen, Kanjiroba, the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges and Macchapuchre (aka Fishtail Peak) among other peaks soaring into the skies.

The route traverses mountain passes with thrilling panoramas. Highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek includes majestic Phoksundo Lake with nearby waterfalls and the charming settlement of Ringmo.

The panoramas of the majestic Himalaya and surrounding terrain continues as the route climbs over a series of remote high passes of Kagmara La (5120 mt, 16,785ft), Baga La (5185 mt, 17,000ft) and Numa La (5160 mt, 16920ft).

We pass more scenic settlements and a wide range of biodiversity in plants and a chance to observe the native animal including the blue sheep and snow leopards.

The Lower Dolpo Trekking is a camping journey. High Camp Adventure will arrange a crew of porters to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

There is a lot to explore in the area and it can be easily combined with the Guerrilla Trek, the Annapurna Circuit and more if you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey in this area.

Please Note: Our Lower Dolpo Trekking has set departure dates from both Pokhara and Kathmandu and this trek can be personalized to accommodate your specific wishes and timetable.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Trek Preparation day (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Flight 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 4Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,320 mt.), Dolpa. and trek to Dunai (2,140 mt.). Flight 45 min. Walking 2-3 hours.
  • Day 5Dunai to Tarakot (2,540 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 6Tarakot to Lahini (3,160 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 7Lahini to Nawarpani (3,475 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overniht at tented camp.
  • Day 8Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (4,040 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 9Rest day for acclimatization & exploration. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 10Dho Tarap to Numala base camp (4,440 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Numala base camp to Danigar (4,510 mt.) via Numa-La pass (5,190 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12Danigar to Yak Kharka (3,860 mt.) via Bagala pass (5,070 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 13Yak Kharka to Ringmo (3,640 mt.). Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 14Rest day to explore around Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,610 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 15Shey Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2,840 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 16Chhepka to Dunai. Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 17Dunai to Juphal. Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 18Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to back Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 19Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 20Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Explore Detail ItineraryPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Four nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary (including airfare).
  • Tea-house lodging during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport, insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Equipment (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Walking poles).
  • Trekking Permit.
  • Conservation Area and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, drinks, and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness, and et cetera.
Departure note

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this Lower Dolpo Trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen a 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share a room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the camping trek. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst farewell dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking Crew

An experienced and licensed Guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. In a teahouse trek, generally, one porter is provided for every two clients who carry between 15 to 20 kg. However, on a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipment such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipment, fuel, and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you don't' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Lower Dolpo Trek is a strenuous trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking uphill` and downhill in a day carrying the personal day pack. Some days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Lower Dolpo Trek is high altitude trek which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Some time mental aspect also plays a vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise a few weeks prior to the trip is better but technical skill is not required for this trek. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy a good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Lower Dolpo Trek. Where normally days are sunny, the temperature is perfect, the sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. You can do it in Winter (December to February) if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.

Domestic Flights

Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. Air travel between Nepalgunj to Juphal is frequently delayed due to weather conditions and poor visibility. Flights often get behind schedule and delays can even last for days. Under these situations, High camp Adventure will do its best to re-schedule flights to and from Juphal at first availability. However, the possibility of postponements of flights and even cancellations is a real possibility. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra two days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, we can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.

Ground Transportation

In an alternate of the flight, we can drive to and from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.