+977-9841600441 boldadventuresnepal@gmail.com
+977-9841600441 boldadventuresnepal@gmail.com

Lower Dolpo Trek- 15 Days Itinerary

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Tour Facts

  • Duration: 15 Days+
  • Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: Num La Pass (5190 m)
  • Best Time: Autumn & Spring
  • Transportation: Flight/Private vehicle
  • Trip Grade: Challenging
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Accommodation: Hotel/Tea house/camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lower Dolpo Trek Overview

Lower Dolpo Trek is a perfect adventure for any trekking enthusiast. It is a perfect way of viewing and experiencing authentic Nepal. This trek takes you on a beautiful journey amidst vibrant culture and landscapes. 

Lower Dolpo trek is famous among trek enthusiasts as you get to explore and learn about the unique culture of this part of Nepal. The Dolpo region, located in the northwestern part of the Dhaulagiri mountain range, is considered the least developed region. It falls under the territory of the biggest and the only trans- Himalayan National Park in Nepal, The Shey-Phoksundo National Park. 

 The entire Dolpo region is categorized into the Upper Dolpo and the Lower Dolpo region. Right now, we are referring to the lower Dolpo region. Looking at it geographically, the lower Dolpo region is steep primarily land. The renowned Phoksundo Lake also lies in the lower Dolpo region. The Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal’s deepest and most iconic lakes. It stands as a symbol of pride for the Karnali Province, adding to the allure of the Lower Dolpo Trek.

During the Lower Dolpo Trek, as you venture close to the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, you’ll encounter the quaint Ringo Village, also called Bon Village. At the bank of this lake lies the Bon Monastery, also known as Thasung Monastery. The Thansung monastery was established in the 11th century. 

Talking about the religious faith in the lower Dolpo region, people here primarily practice Bon, Buddhism, and Hinduism, which is the perfect example of unity in Diversity. 

In Nepal, the Dolpo region is regarded as a restricted area. Geographically, Lower Dolpo is characterized by dry landscapes and secret valleys. The Nepalese government is essential in managing flooding tourism to protect the country’s ecological and cultural treasures.

Lower Dolpo is a distant area in Dolpo where you are more likely to see Tibetans than Nepalese. In 1989, Lower Dolpo was formally opened to the public. Lower Dolpo is located at a height of 5200 meters.

Lower Dolpo is a part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to several remote settlements with Tibetan-related residents and historic monasteries. These uncommon creatures include the snow leopard, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, and rhesus monkey.

One of the few locations where Bon Po, a pre-Buddhist religion, is still practiced is here. Buddhism and the Bon PO religion are pretty similar; the only distinction is that the Bon PO religion revolves around stupas and shrines anti-clockwise. 

One of the most challenging treks, the Lower Dolpo trek, passes by the brilliant Shey Phoksundo Lake, the panoramic Himalayan mountains, the Thrilling Terrain, and undiscovered traditional villages.

The Lower Doplo Trek is a daring and thrilling trip in Nepal. This walk offers a lot, from breathtaking mountain views to fascinating Tibetan culture. You will collect beautiful memories hiking through lush forests and alpine meadows. You encounter people from several ethnic groups throughout the trip, including Sherpa, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, and Tibetan.

The Lower Dolpo Trek portrays Nepal’s varied topography and culture. The journey along the hiking routes is worthwhile.

Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights

  • Panoramic fly over the Himalayas and Terai from Kathmandu.
  • Enjoy the splendor of Shey Phoksundo, the deepest lake in Nepal.
  • Beautiful sunrise views are available from many vantage spots during the trip.
  • The magnificent vista of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
  • Admire the Buddhist and Bon cultures.
  • Embrace people's gracious, genuine hospitality.
  • Discover some historic gompas in the Dolpo region.

Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary

Day 1Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Max. Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m) Accommodation: Guest house Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Flight Duration: 55 minutes Overnight: Nepalgunj (150m)

You will depart from Kathmandu and fly to Nepalgunj while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Because of its location in the western section of Nepal, close to the Indian Border, Nepalgunj is a significant commercial hub for many areas. You can stroll through Nepalgunj’s bustling markets later in the evening.

Day 2 Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal; Trek to Dunai Max. Elevation: Dunai (1,970m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 3-4 hours Flight Duration: 35 minutes Overnight: Dunai

Early in the morning, you will board a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. You will reach Juphal in about 40 minutes. You will then begin your walk with the other members. You will descend to the Bheri River via neighborhood villages and terraced fields. 

The route eventually enters the village of Dunai by following the riverside and passing the Roop Ghar with a water mill. You will arrive in Dunai after around three hours, where you will spend the night.

Day 3Trekking from Dunai to Tarakot Max. Elevation: Tarakot (2,540m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Overnight: Tarakot

The route for the day is marked by several streams that go through deep pine forests and terraced hillsides to the fortified settlement of Tarakot. The place is perched defiantly atop its picturesque hillside and has numerous flagpoles protruding proudly among the homes. You will walk along the flat route with lovely scenery in the backdrop. 

As you ascend over the hill, you will pass by deep canyons, hanging bridges, and deserted villages. Tarakot is characterized by dry stones and farming colorful terraced fields. A trail adorned with countless chortens and mani walls will lead you to the nearby monastery of Sandul Gompa, which is well worth the trip.

Day 4Trekking from Tarakot to Laina Odar Max. Elevation: Laina Odar (3,375m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Overnight: Laina Odar

Today, you will continue the path that goes to the broad valley along the Bheri River’s southern bank. To get to Laisicap and cross the main river, you will travel east down the Bharbung Khola. Now that you are traveling north down the Tarap Khola, you can enjoy a stunning view of Sandul Gompa across the valley as you approach Khanigaon.

You will make the final ascent up the difficult trail to Laina Odar while taking in the vista of Putha Hiunchuli and the Churen Himal Range. Previously a construction camp, Laini Odar has a stunning cliffside location and a neighboring cave that can be used as shelter during bad weather.

Day 5Trekking from Laina Odar to Niwar Pani Max. Elevation: Niwar Pani (3,780m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Overnight: Niwar Pani

You will continue your journey after your breakfast. You will ascent the Tarap River Gorge today as it rises dramatically above the route. Then, when the valley narrows into a gorge, your stroll will become highly thrilling. Your arrival at the town of Nawarpani and a breathtaking suspension bridge crossing high above the Chaya Khola mark the end of the day.

Day 6Trekking from Niwar Pani to Dho Tarap. Max. Elevation: Dho Tarap (3,900m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Overnight: Dho Tarap

The Tarap Khola will direct you through an undulating course that ends at Charkala (4920m) and drops once more into the little valley. It is such a deep ravine that it requires the midday sun to illuminate the bottom trails. 

The entrance to Dho Tarap is marked by several chortens and stupas, with the Tibetan village’s gompa, which is whitewashed, standing majestically at its center. A beautiful village with stone walls around it, Dho Tarap was formerly a well-known trading hub for traders from Mustang and Tibet.

Day 7Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap

While traveling to high altitudes, you need to acclimate yourself to the weather and the altitude. So to prevent any altitude sickness and to give proper rest to your body, you will spend the day in Dho Tarap. 

You will make the most of the chance to learn about and comprehend the local culture, tradition, and way of life by spending the remainder of the day seeing the monasteries close by. You can add a trip to the Gompa, a tour of the maze of intriguing lanes, and the stunning vistas of Phoksundo Lake and the Himalayas. 

The residents of Dolpo dress in handcrafted garments and favor Tibetan-style somba (boots with pointed toes) for footwear. The two main religions practiced here are Bon-Po and Nyigmapa.

Day 8Trekking from Dho Tarap to Num–La Base Camp Max. Elevation: Num – La Base Camp (4,445m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Overnight: Num- La base Camp

Today you will travel to Numa La Base Camp, following the Tarap Chu River and climbing uphill to the ancient settlement of Tokyu, with its graceful Kani gait and traditional homes. From there, you will cross a bridge to Khanger and continue on the main route in the northwest direction. After that, you will carry on hiking along the difficult trail till you arrive at Numa La Base Camp.

Day 9Trekking to Pelung Tang via Num La Pass Max. Elevation: Num La Pass (5190 m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Overnight: Pelung (4,470m)

One of the longest and toughest days of the entire walk is going to be today. You will start to cross the Numa La Pass as soon as you finish your breakfast. On the rocky and difficult trail, you will climb steeply up onto the tops of infinite ridges. 

Once you have reached the summit, the spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), the Churen Himal Range, and Norbung Kang (6085m) will reward you. You will then make your way down to the tent at Pelung Tang.

Day 10Trekking from Denigar to Dajok Tang via Baga – La Pass Max. Elevation: Baga – La Pass (5,070 m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Overnight: Dajok Tang (4,080m)

Today you will leave Denighar behind and travel via Baga La, another pass, to reach Dajok Tang. You will climb steeply on the run-down yak track. Due to the elevation’s quick rise, you might need to exert more effort as you ascend. 

Fantastic views of the surroundings, as well as the distant snow-capped peaks of the Kanjirowa Himalayan range, are available from Baga La. In addition to the captivating Phoksundo Lake, the pass provides holy Chortens with a magnificent view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks. After that, you will descend to Dajok Tang and spend the night in a tented camp.

Day 11Trekking from Dajok Tang to Ringmo Max. Elevation: Ringmo (3,665m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 4-5 hours Overnight: Ringmo

Following your morning breakfast, you will set out on your hike. The lovely pine forest follows after that. After leaving the forest, you will make the majority of the journey to Ringmo via pasturelands and alpine shrubs. You will spend the rest of the day in Ringmo Gaun.

Day 12Exploration Around Shey Phoksundo Lake Max. Elevation: Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Overnight: Ringmo

To explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village, you will take another day off from your walk. The stunning Phoksundo Lake is a turquoise-colored body of water that is thought to be the deepest lake in Nepal. Above the lake area, you will see a lot of stunning glaciers.

From the lake, you can see Ringmo village in all its beauty. You can also visit the Tshowa (Bon Monastery), which was constructed 900 years ago, and tour the nearby Ringmo town.

Day 13Trekking from Ringmo to Chhepka Max. Elevation: Ringmo (3,665m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 6-7 hours Overnight: Chhepka (2,655m)

As you leave the iconic mountain peaks behind, you will follow a stream while hiking till a hard ascent grants one last glimpse of Phoksundo.  From there, you will travel downhill for a while until arriving in Chunuwar. 

The trail then turns toward Rechi through a pine and birch forest. You will finally reach Chhepka after a slow ascent that alternates between uphill and downhill sections of the trail.

Day 14Trekking from Chhepka to Juphal Max. Elevation: Chhepka (2,655m) Accommodation: tea house/tented camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Trek Duration: 5-6 hours Overnight: Juphal (2,355m)

Today, you will travel toward Juphal through the communities of Shyanta and Kageni. You will hike through a wooded path from Shyanta to the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. 

After crossing the Dhim Khola on a suspension bridge, you will continue to Juphal, the last stop on your walk. There,  you will spend the night and celebrate the end of the arduous adventure.

Day 15Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj Max. Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m) Accommodation: Guest house Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Flight Duration: 35 minutes; 50 minutes Overnight: Kathmandu

Early after breakfast, you will fly to Nepalgunj on a 35-minute short-scenic trip. There, you will connect to the scheduled flight to Kathmandu. 

The representative will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you have the rest of the day to unwind and rest. You can explore the local restaurants in the capital city later in the evening.

Lower Dolpo is a little-practiced trek that offers the best of Nepal. The region boasts mountains and a distinctly Tibetan feel. You will also get to see unique flora and fauna, as well as Buddhist monasteries that are hundreds of years old. If you enjoy trekking but want to see something different, don’t miss Lower Dolpo Trek.

Inclusion

Price Includes

  • Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3/4/5 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking
  • Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • Your destination map.
  • Both ways domestic Flights with airport tax.
  • An experienced Government licensed holder Climbing guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Permit Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, 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.

Exclusion

Price Excludes

  • Meals yourself Kathmandu (L+D).
  • Equipment / Gears
  • 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, Water )
  • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
  • Personal trekking Equipment’s.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
  • If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.

Trek Information

Best Time to Travel to Lower Dolpo Trek

Like any other journey in Nepal, the Lower Dolpo trek is best done in the spring and fall. However, due to unforeseen snowfall, traveling can be difficult in the early spring and late autumn.

The Dhaulagiri Himal Range lies directly below the majority of the Dolpo. As a result, even during the monsoon season, the Dolpo region experiences no rain.

Spring

In the Dolpo region, particularly in the lower section, spring is a great time to travel. The Lower Dolpo Trek is best done from the middle of April to the end of May. The weather is pleasant and steady right now. Beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri ranges can be seen on a clear day.

Autumn

The Lower Dolpo trek is at its best in the autumn. The high mountains’ weather, however, can be erratic. It is therefore advisable to travel prepared just in case. Due to the approaching winter, late November travel might be challenging. The months of September and October are favorable. There are clear skies and mild temperatures.

Travel Insurance for Lower Dolpo Trek

If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, you should know that there are certain things you’ll need to take care of. Things like travel insurance could be one of them, and we’re here to help!

Before you start the Lower Dolpo Trek, make sure you have travel insurance. This is important because if something goes wrong and you need to see a doctor, it can be expensive. Having travel insurance will help you get your money back for those costs. It’s like a safety net to help you if something bad happens during your trip.

Another thing that’s important about having travel insurance before going on your trip is that it can protect you from being legally liable if something bad happens while you’re in Nepal. If something happens to someone else while they’re on your trip, and they don’t have insurance coverage like yours, then they may suffer financial losses because they didn’t have any protection against these types of incidents happening at all!

So what should you look for when choosing a travel insurance provider? First of all, make sure they offer coverage in the country where you plan on traveling. Secondarily, make sure they offer coverage for the type of adventure activity (like trekking).

The difficulty of Lower Dolpo Trek

A longer and more difficult walk at a greater altitude is the Lower Dolpo Trek (more than 4,000 m). Altitude sickness is very likely to strike you as the walk leads you to altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters. Acclimatization is essential for the convenient trek as a result of this. On average, it takes 20 days to accomplish this trek. The length, though, may differ from itinerary to itinerary.

The Lower Dolpo region has few teahouses, similar to other well-traveled hiking routes in Nepal. For your overnight stays, camping tents are available as well. You must become used to the comfortable lodgings along the route. Overall, this walk is physically taxing but rewards you with breathtaking views of the mountains.

Accommodation and Meals During Lower Dolpo Trek

When embarking on the Lower Dolpo Trek, you’ll find that the Dolpo region provides the most basic lodging and food. Following 1989, the government made the Dolpo trekking route accessible to foreigners. As a result, the lodging for this trek is still under construction.

A camping trek is the Lower Dolpo trek. You must therefore get used to the remote facility. In the Dolpo region, you spend your nights in a cozy two-man camping tent. The tent will have a comfortable mattress and a sturdy sleeping bag. There haven’t been many tea houses built recently.

In terms of food, Lower Dolpo trekking offers real Nepali cuisine. The culinary items on the menu include dal, bhat, tarkari, side dishes, bread, butter, eggs, and other Western cuisines.

Permits required for Lower Dolpo trek

A less used route is the Lower Dolpo Trek. Trekking in the Dolpo region requires two different permits. As always, this trek is open to at least two additional groups. As a result, only travel organizations can obtain permits for solo hikers.

The following list includes the two important permits needed for the treks in Lower Dolpo:

  • Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park entry Permit

Acclimatization

Lower Dolpo Trek is a trekking route with several days of walking and camping in the Dolpo region. It is considered one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. Acclimatization is vital for anyone who plans on taking this trek, as it can be very challenging.

The first few days of your Lower Dolpo Trek will be spent acclimatizing to the altitude, weather, and terrain. The key to this process is to eat light meals and drink lots of fluid so you don’t get too dehydrated or overheated. You should also take frequent breaks to rest and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude (which can take up to 48 hours).

If you are planning on taking this trek with others, make sure that everyone follows the same dietary restrictions.

Electricity & Communication

There is no electricity in many areas of Dolpo because it is a very remote region of Nepal. Fortunately, you can get electricity in a relatively limited number of locations to charge your equipment. There is only Wi-Fi connectivity in the Shey Phoksundo neighborhood. You should therefore bring extra batteries and power banks with you.

Trip Safety

Lower Dolpo trek is considered to be the most dangerous trek in Nepal. It is a long trek, and it has many risks involved. There are many natural hazards, such as avalanches, landslides, and flash floods. The danger lies in getting lost or hurt in the mountains due to a lack of awareness on how to handle yourself in case of emergencies like these.

The most important thing for you to remember when you go on the lower Dolpo trek is that you should carry your life-saving items with you. These can include water filters and medical supplies like aspirin or gauze bandages if needed. You should also take extra food supplies with you because there might not be any shops around during your trekking journey.

Because of this, we have a team of professionals that are qualified to keep everyone safe while assisting you in making the most of your trekking experience. Whether it’s making sure everyone is comfortable or offering first aid if someone gets wounded, our expert guides will make sure you have the greatest time possible on your excursion.

FAQs

How long should I expect my trek to take?

The average duration of a Lower Dolpo Trek is 15-20 days, depending on your level of fitness and experience as well as the pace you choose on your trek. If you are not in good shape or have never been on a high-altitude hike before, it may take longer; even if you are fit and experienced. Likewise, it may still take longer than expected due to altitude sickness (which can be severe) or injuries sustained during the hike. 

 

You can avoid this by taking frequent breaks during long days on uneven terrain with steep inclines and declines. Take note that some trails are considered easy while others are considered hard, so if you feel tired during any part of your trek then stop immediately!

What kind of clothes should I wear when going on a trek in Lower Dolpo Trek?

You should bring warm clothes and sturdy boots that won’t rub or cut your feet. In addition, sleeping bags are recommended, as well as waterproof jackets and clothing so that you can stay dry even if it rains heavily during the night. You should also bring mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten by bugs while hiking through open fields at night or during the day when mosquitoes are out in full force!

Will there be water available for drinking at all times during our lower Dolpo Trek?

Yes! There will be water available for drinking all throughout our trek through Lower Dolpo Trek. Both at campsites and along trails where we walk alongside rivers and streams as we explore villages, drinking water is easily accessible.