Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Tea house
Walking Distance
120 km~
Duration
16 Nights 17 Days
Max. Elevation
5190 m
Meals Included
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Grade
strenuous
Overview
The trek takes us to the ‘Hidden Treasure of Nepal’ as we cross three high passes at Baga La, Numa La, and Kangma La. Also, we will visit the famous Phoksundo Lake and explore the wilderness in the vicinity. We will need special trekking permits to travel in this region as it's quite a remote yet beautiful area. Still, despite being almost untouched by the modern world, the people here are amiable and humble.
Exploring Ancient Civilization
The inhabitants of Dolpo mostly follow ancient Tibetan Buddhism. To this day, many residents earn their living by trading rice, salt, and cotton in Tibet. They use yaks to haul their goods for trade. Lower Dolpo Trek is a 17-day trek that allows trekkers to explore the astonishingly beautiful and remote Dolpo region. This trek is getting popular among trekkers as it offers an experience that other treks cannot. You can do this trek at any time of the year. However, we recommend the months of March through May or September through November. Any other time, it is either too hot, too cold, or too humid. We will take care of your entire food and lodging and make sure that you’ll smoothly complete this trek. Additionally, we provide an experienced guide that will accompany you throughout the Lower Dolpo trek or Lower Dolpo tea house trek. We take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then another from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From Juphal, we walk through several villages like Dunai, Nawarpani, Dho Tarap, and Ringmo before reaching Phoksundo Lake. The lake is astonishingly beautiful, and so are the several gompas in the area. Phoksundo sits at an elevation of 3,611 meters and is one of the deepest lakes in Nepal. After spending a whole day near the lake, we will then hike to Shyanta and then to Juphal before taking a flight to Nepalgunj. For detailed information, you can scroll down to the lower Dolpo trek itinerary section. The comprehensive knowledge about all the various paths is often mentioned in the itinerary section.How can we get to Shey Phoksundo Lake?
Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary
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day 1
Arrival at the Airport
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day 2
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
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day 3
Nepalgunj to Jhupal and trek to Dunai
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day 4
Dunai to Tarakot
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day 5
Tarakot to Laini
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day 6
Laini to Nawarpani
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day 7
Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (4090 m)
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day 8
Acclimtization at Dho Tarap
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day 9
Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp
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day 10
Numa La Base Camp to Pelung Tang
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day 11
Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang (4080 m) via Baga La Pass
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day 12
Dojak Tang to Ringmo
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day 13
Ringmo to Phoksundo
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day 14
Phoksundo to Syanta
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day 15
Shyanta to Jhupal
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day 16
Flight to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu
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day 17
Farewell
Lower Dolpo Trek Map and Altitude Graph
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Tented accommodation during the trekking days in the mountain region.
- Full board standard meals during the trekking days are prepared by our expert trekking cook.
- All the essentials camping and kitchen equipment.
- An experienced local trekking guide.
- Required supporting local porters and donkeys to carry food and luggage.
- Special trekking permit of Shey Phoksundo National Park and local taxes.
- Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Jufal domestic flights only one way for the guide & clients.
- Food/Salary/accommodation and medical or accidental insurance for all the trekking staff.
- Farewell dinner party after the trip completion in Kathmandu.
- All the government and local taxes.
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International airfares and Nepal entry visa fees.
- Jufal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu return domestic flights for the guide & clients.
- Ground transport from Jufal to Kathmandu
- Extra night hotel Nepalgunj due to bad weather and earlier back to Kathmandu.
- Riding horse along the trek.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, and snack foods.
- Gratitude for the guide and porters.
Lower Dolpa Trek trip information
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International airport, our company’s representative will pick you up and drive you to the hotel.
The next day, we will fly to Nepalgunj. The next day from Nepalgunj it is another 45-minute flight to Jhupal.
The real hike begins from Jhupal.
Trek difficulty
Lower Dolpo trek comes under higher altitude trek. We will reach an altitude of 5200m which makes us available to altitude sickness. So, we will be acclimatizing as per your need. Trekking to Lower Doplo is a 18days long journey so this might be taxing.
Travel Insurance Policy
This trip comes with high-altitude trekking risks such as potential altitude sickness. Hence, travel insurance is compulsory.
All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy to North Nepal Trek. The policy must cover medical and emergency repartition above 3000 meters- including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.
Written by: Mohan Bhandari
Frequently Asked Question
Spring and autumn which provides a fresh atmosphere and clear views is a good time to trek to Lower Dolpo. Lower Doplo lies in a rain shadow area which means there is no to little rain in monsoon. Thus, monsoon is also a great time to trek to this region.
We will be spending nights in a hotel while we are in Kathmandu and in Nepalgunj. We can choose hotels according to our necessities. But once we start hiking we will be spending nights camping outdoors which will not be comfortable for first-time trekkers while some might love it.
Lower Dolpo lies in the remote region of Nepal. The trekking route is not well developed and you can see very few teahouses on the way with basic rooms. The food thus is also basic.
This trek will enlighten you about the people of Dolpo, their lifestyle, and the ancient Buddhism they follow.
The trek is not entirely impossible for the children but may have to endure many hardships along the way. The paths are steep and rocky and are very physically demanding.
With children, one must always be vigilant for possible accidents and injuries. Though the trek is difficult, it can be completed with extra care and attention or one can hire a special guide to look after the children.
Yes, you need a permit to explore this region. Unlike other regions, the permit cost is fairly cheaper. Trekkers need to pay just US$ 10 per person every week
No, boating is not possible in Shey Phoksundo Lake.