Vat Number: 602402581 Tourism Licence: 1781, Company Register: 125154/071/072

16 days Lower Dolpo Trekking with details itinerary with cost

  • Duration 16
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Tea House
  • Accommodation Tea House
  • Max. Altitude 5070m
  • Activity Treaking, Hikking, Climbing, Exploring and Walking
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 1+
  • Best Season Spring and Autum
Highlights

Lower Dolpo Trekking Highlights
1. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Visit Nepal’s deepest and most pristine lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush forests.
The turquoise waters of the lake offer breathtaking scenery, perfect for photography and relaxation.
2. Shey Phoksundo National Park
Trek through Nepal’s largest national park, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Possible sightings of rare wildlife, such as snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, and musk deer.
3. Ancient Bon and Tibetan Culture
Explore traditional Bon monasteries, such as Tshowa Gompa, situated above Phoksundo Lake.
Witness the preserved Tibetan-influenced culture, including unique festivals, clothing, and practices.
4. Remote and Authentic Villages
Visit culturally rich villages like Ringmo, Dunai, and Tarakot, where traditions remain untouched by modernity.
Interact with locals and experience their warm hospitality.
5. High Passes and Scenic Landscapes
Cross high passes like Numa La (5,190m) and Baga La (5,070m), offering panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges.
Experience diverse landscapes, from arid hills to lush valleys.
6. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Perfect for trekkers seeking solitude and an authentic wilderness experience.
Fewer crowds compared to other trekking routes, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.
7. Rich Biodiversity
Encounter rare plants and herbs used in traditional medicine.
Spot birds like the Himalayan griffon and golden eagle in their natural habitats.
8. Challenging Yet Rewarding Trek
Combines physical challenges with cultural and natural rewards.
Ideal for those looking for an adventure away from the more commercial trekking trails.

16 days Lower Dolpo Trekking with details itinerary with cost Overview

The Lower Dolpo trek 2025 is a jump to the different world of semi-desert region mixed with lush forest, timber-woods, traditional farming lands and traditional tribe of Tibetan-Buddhist community. The Dolpo region lies on the region of Tibetan plateau which is the highest elevation where general vegetation can’t survive. This region lies near Himalayas and the wide angle views of Himalayas are the regular thing to see here. The dolpo region is the remains of ancient Tibetan culture of Bonpo sect which is an older religion than Buddhism. There are traditional villages in lower dolpo region which is inhabited by community of ancient Tibetan migrants who still practice the ancient Bon-Po religion in their traditional ways. The lower dolpo is the region of adventure trekking on the semi-desert region over the rugged Himalayan valleys in the western Nepal.

The lower dolpo region is dominated by Dhaulagiri massif and the trekking trail traverses through traditional villages, high passes, antique Buddhist sanctuaries, beautiful lakes, Himalayan flora and fauna etc. The Lower Dolpo trek begins with an air-flight to Nepalgunj and after landing the tourists travel towards the traditional Jhuapl village. The lower dolpo region trekking trail starts from jhupal village passing through the traditional Dunai village and following the ancient Trans-Himalaya Salt Exchange route. The trekking trail is a joyful experience due to passing by yak caravans, animals and porters passing through the traditional villages and farming lands. The highlighted places of lower dolpo are traditional Tarakot village of Bon-Po Tibetan-Buddhist settlements along with Tarap valley, Shey Phoksundo Lake, Chholing Monastery and Shey Gompa. The tourists after roaming all over the lower dolpo return to Jupal village to take vehicle to return Nepalgunj airport.

Day to Day Itinerary
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  • Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city.
  • Transfer to your hotel.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai region of Nepal.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Nepalgunj.
  • Rest and relax after the flight.
  • Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.

  • Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, a village in the Dolpa district.
  • Begin trekking from Jhupal to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.
  • The trail passes through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages.
  • Overnight stay in Dunai.

  • Trek from Dunai to Ankhe.
  • Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Pass through small villages and terraced fields.
  • Overnight stay in Ankhe.

  • Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat.
  • Continue through picturesque landscapes with the Bheri River accompanying the trail.
  • Encounter traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture along the way.
  • Overnight stay in Sulighat.

  • Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake, one of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek.
  • Phoksundo Lake is a stunning turquoise gem nestled amidst the Himalayas.
  • Explore the area around the lake and visit nearby monasteries.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Lake.

  • Take a rest day at Phoksundo Lake for acclimatization.
  • Explore the beautiful surroundings of the lake.
  • Optionally, take short hikes or visit nearby villages.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Lake.

  • Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola.
  • Follow the trail along the banks of the river, surrounded by rugged landscapes.
  • Pass through forests of pine and juniper.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Khola.

  • Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
  • Ascend gradually through rocky terrain and alpine meadows.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

  • Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa.
  • Visit the ancient Shey Monastery, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
  • Explore the cultural and religious heritage of the area.
  • Overnight stay near Shey Gompa.

  • Take a rest day at Shey Gompa.
  • Explore the monastery and its surroundings.
  • Learn about the unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions practiced in the region.
  • Overnight stay near Shey Gompa.

  • Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaon.
  • Descend through picturesque valleys and traditional villages.
  • Interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.
  • Overnight stay in Namduna Gaon.

  • Trek from Namduna Gaon to Saldang.
  • Pass through terraced fields, ancient monasteries, and chortens.
  • Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
  • Overnight stay in Saldang.

  • Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa.
  • Visit the Yangze Gompa monastery, perched on a hilltop.
  • Explore the monastery and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Overnight stay in Yangze Gompa.

  • Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu.
  • Descend through scenic landscapes and traditional villages.
  • Cross suspension bridges over mountain streams.
  • Overnight stay in Sibu.

  • Trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi.
  • Ascend gradually towards the base of the Jeng La Pass.
  • Enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Overnight stay at Jeng La Phedi.

  • Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu Gaon via the Jeng La Pass.
  • Cross the high mountain pass, enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Descend to Tokyu Gaon, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains.
  • Overnight stay in Tokyu Gaon.
Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It is depend of the group.
  • Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the in trekking
  • Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • Dolpa trekking map.
  • all flight Ticket and ground transport
  • An experienced Government licensed holder guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipments, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • If you need we will provide you sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and, if necessary etc.
  • All necessary Government paper works and national park entry permits and TIMS Card etc.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All government taxes and Vat.
Cost Excludes
  • Meals your self Kathmandu (L+D).
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa ( You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
  • All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks)
  • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
  • Personal trekking Equipments.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
  • If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from beginning March to May and from frist -September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

1. Overview of the Lower Dolpo Trek
Duration: 17–21 days
Max Altitude: 5,190m (Numa La Pass)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous (requires good fitness and acclimatization)
Best Seasons:
Spring: May to early June (clear skies, vibrant landscapes)
Autumn: September to early November (stable weather, cooler temperatures)
Starting/Ending Point: Juphal (accessed via Nepalgunj)
2. Permits Required
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 10 per week (first 10 days) and USD 30 per day after 10 days.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 for foreigners.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers; NPR 1,000 if trekking with an agency.
3. Accessibility
Domestic Flights:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour).
Nepalgunj to Juphal (40 minutes).
Alternatives: A long and challenging drive to Jumla followed by an extended trek.
4. Accommodation and Food
Accommodation:
Limited teahouses in key villages like Dunai, Tarakot, and Ringmo.
Camping is required in more remote areas; you’ll need a guide, cook, and porters.
Food:
Dal Bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, soups, potatoes, and basic snacks are common.
Carry extra snacks and energy bars as options are limited.
5. Trekking Route Highlights
Shey Phoksundo Lake: Crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by rugged cliffs.
Ringmo Village: Traditional Tibetan-style village near Phoksundo Lake.
High Passes:
Numa La Pass (5,190m) and Baga La Pass (5,070m) offer stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba.
Tarakot and Dho Tarap: Authentic villages reflecting Tibetan-Buddhist culture.
6. Altitude Sickness
The trek involves altitudes above 4,000m, requiring proper acclimatization.
Symptoms to watch: headache, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.
Preventative Measures:
Ascend slowly and take rest days.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
Carry medications like Diamox (consult a doctor first).
7. Packing Essentials
Clothing:
Warm layers, thermal base layers, down jacket, waterproof jacket/pants.
Gear:
Sleeping bag (-20°C rating), trekking poles, good quality boots.
Accessories:
Sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, first-aid kit.
Food & Water:
Water purification tablets and high-energy snacks.
8. Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
Long walking hours (6–8 hours/day).
Basic facilities and unpredictable weather.
Tips:
Train for at least a month before the trek to build stamina.
Hire an experienced guide for navigation and cultural insights.
Check domestic flight reliability as delays are common.

FAQs
  • The Lower Dolpo Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trekking route in the Dolpo region of Nepal. It takes you through remote villages, lush forests, arid landscapes, and high mountain passes

  • The trek typically takes around 18-24 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary chosen and the pace of the trekker.

  • The best time for the Lower Dolpo Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is relatively stable and the skies are clear.

  • Yes, you need a special permit called the “Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit” issued by the Nepal Tourism Board to trek in this region. Additionally, you’ll need the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.

  • The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered to be a strenuous trek, primarily due to its remote location, high altitude, and challenging terrain. Trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience.

  • The highest point on the Lower Dolpo Trek is typically the Kang La Pass, which stands at an elevation of around 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) above sea level.

  • Accommodation along the Lower Dolpo Trek is basic, with teahouses and guesthouses available in some villages. Camping is often required in more remote areas where lodging facilities are not available.

  • While it’s technically possible to do the Lower Dolpo Trek independently, it’s highly recommended to hire an experienced guide and possibly porters due to the remote and challenging nature of the trek.

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