Destination
Nepal
Region
Dhaulagiri Region
Trip Grade
Grade 3: Hard/challenging
Total Distance
300km
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Durations
18 days
Max. Altitude
5,309 m (17,418 ft)
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Group Size
above 1 pax
Best Season
March to May/sept to Nove
Activity per day
8 hr
Transportation
Hiking/Drive/flight
Trip Highlights
The Lower Dolpo Trek, a journey into Nepal's remote western Himalayas, offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and challenging terrain. A key highlight is Phoksundo Lake (Shey Phoksundo Lake), the largest and deepest Himalayan lake in Nepal, which reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The trek also features the unique Dolpo-pa people, who maintain their Tibetan culture and traditions.
Remote Landscapes: The trek traverses through untouched landscapes and remote villages, offering a sense of isolation and tranquility.
Adventurous trek to the remote Himalayan region of Nepal.
Cultural Encounters: Trekkers can interact with the Dolpo-pa people, learn about their customs, and visit ancient monasteries, including those practicing the pre-Buddhist Bon religion.
Wildlife Encounters: The Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area, provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and various bird species.
Insight into unique Buddhist culture.
Visit the majestic Phoksundo Lake and pristine mountain views.
Challenging Terrain: The trek includes high passes like Numa La and Baga La, offering panoramic views but requiring physical fitness.
Ancient Settlements and Monasteries: The trek visits ancient settlements and monasteries, some centuries old, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.
Scenic domestic flight from and to Juphal
In summary, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a journey into a remote and untouched region of Nepal, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and challenging terrain, making it an unforgettable trekking experience.
Trip Overview
Days: 18 / Difficulty: 4 of 5 (Strenuous)
Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the most exciting and challenging treks situated in the western hills of Nepal, which allows the trekkers to experience the real adventures of trekking on an off-the-beaten path, composed of steep sloppy hills. Lower Dolpo Trek is packed with amazing gifts of nature, including Shey Phoksundo Lake and also boasts of the pre-Buddhism Bon Po culture.
The 18-day Lower Dolpo Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Juphal is the starting point for this trek. You trek through semi-desert region combined with densely forested path filled with pine, rhododendrons, bamboo, and juniper trees along with trails made up of huge meadows, brown landscape, and terraced colorful fields. Admiring the beautiful rain shadow landscape of the Himalayas, you also enter the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park, inhabited by endangered animals like snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and so on. The trekkers also traverse through two high passes: Numa La Pass (5309m), the highest point of the trek, and Baga La Pass (5169m). Both these passes offer extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the Tibetan ranges—Kugung La and Khyung La. During summer, we can see the caravans of yaks and sheep heading towards their destination. Another highlight of the trek includes the pristine turquoise Phoksundo Lake, split between rocks that rise 2000m into the clear mountain skies. The Dolpo region is populated by Tibetan and Magar people who still practice the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. The trek also includes visits to the ancient monasteries (gompas) and Bon Po shrines surrounding the Phoksundo Lake. All in all, Lower Dolpo Trek is ideal for those trekkers who love wild adventures.
Good Karma Trekking is the finest and well-reputed trekking organization based in Kathmandu. Our company has been dominating the tourism industry since 2010. We believe in providing our clients with the best quality service making their trip to Nepal joyful and unforgettable. We try our best to fulfill all the possible expectations of our clients and also provide different kinds of packages based on the clients’ flexibility.
Lower Dolpo’s history
Lower Dolpo’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient civilizations, cultural exchange, and political shifts. Initially part of the ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung, it later fell under the influence of various Tibetan dynasties and the Kingdom of Lo. The region also experienced periods of independent rule by the Ra Nag dynasty and eventually became part of Nepal after the Gorkha kingdom’s unification.
Here’s a more detailed look at the key periods:
1. Ancient Roots and Tibetan Influence:
Zhangzhung:
Lower Dolpo was once part of the ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung, centered in western Tibet and associated with the Bon religion.
Tibetan Yarlung Dynasty:
The Yarlung dynasty’s conquest of Tibetan territories in the 6th-8th centuries led to migrations southward towards Dolpo and surrounding areas.
Various Tibetan Kingdoms:
Dolpo later became part of kingdoms like Purang and Guge before experiencing periods of independence and being reunited under rulers of Gungthang.
2. Influence of the Kingdom of Lo:
14th Century: The Kingdom of Lo, located east of Dolpo, exerted considerable influence over the region, controlling the trade route along the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Taxation and Labor: Dolpo was required to pay taxes and provide labor to the Lo Kingdom.
3. Independent Rule and Gorkha Expansion:
15th-16th Centuries: Dolpo briefly gained independence under the Ra Nag dynasty.
Gorkha Unification: King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s Gorkha kingdom ultimately conquered the Kingdom of Lo, bringing Dolpo under Nepal’s control in the late 18th century.
4. Modern Era and Preservation:
Restricted Access:
Lower Dolpo, particularly the southern area, remained largely untouched by modernization and was a restricted area until relatively recently.
Shey Phoksundo National Park:
Much of Lower Dolpo is now protected within Shey Phoksundo National Park, helping to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
Cultural Preservation:
The region is known for its unique cultural heritage, including the preservation of Bon and Nyingmapa traditions.
Trekking:
Lower Dolpo is now a popular trekking destination, offering a glimpse into the region’s remote beauty and cultural traditions.
Detailed Itinerary
As you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, our team representative will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Leaving the Kathmandu city behind, we fly to Nepalgunj enjoying scenic views throughout the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many regions as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian Border. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.
Today we catch a 35-minute long flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As we land in the Juphal, our trekking journey starts. We descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the Roop Ghar with water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai. Overnight at tented camp in Dunai.
Today we trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced field of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of Bheri River. Overnight at tented camp in Tarakot.
We follow the trail on the southern bank of Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar. Overnight at tented camp in Laina Odar.
Today the trail follows through the deep gorge of Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out from steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that brings us to Chhyugar. We then cross a small stream and a couple hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo. Overnight at tented camp in Toltol
Moving alongside the bank of Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days. Overnight at tented camp in Dho Tarap.
To adjust with the thinning air, we take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring Dho Tarap. We spend the rest of the day visiting the monasteries near the area and take an opportunity to learn and understand the local culture, their tradition, and lifestyle. The people of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and prefer Tibetan style somba (boots with upturned toes) for shoes. Most people here follow Bon-Po and Nyigmapa religion. Overnight at tented camp in Dho Tarap.
Today we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp in Numa La Base Camp.
Numa La Pass 5310m/17422ft
Today we begin to trek towards Numa La Pass (5310m), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through steep trail up on top of endless ridges on the rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Churen Himal Range along with Norbung Kang (6085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar. Overnight at tented camp in Danighar.
Baga La Pass 5170m/16962ft,
Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another pass, Baga La (5170m). We make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail. As we move higher, we might require extra efforts due to rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche. Overnight at tented camp in Temche.
We descend to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.
We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area. Overnight at tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Today the trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. The trail then goes through forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka. Overnight at tented camp in Chhepka.
Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat. Overnight at tented camp in Juphal.
We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
We keep an extra day in case the flight gets canceled due to bad weather condition or delayed due to some reasons. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Our team representative drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled flit.
Cost Includes
- All the required airport and hotel transfers by private vehicles.
- 4 nights 3-star standard hotel accommodations in Kathmandu city inclusive breakfast.
- Tented accommodations while on the trek.
- 1 night of standard hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj inclusive breakfast.
- 1 day Kathmandu sightseeing tour guided by a city tour guide with private transport.
- Full board meals prepared by our expert trekking cook while on the trek. (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- All the essentials camping gears such as tents, mattresses, kitchen utensils etc.
- Highly experienced and government certified local trekking guide for the trek.
- Required supporting local porters and donkeys to carry foods, camping equipments and luggages.
- All the essential trekking permits and official paperwork for the trek.
- All the required domestic airfares and airport taxes.
- Food /Salary/accommodation and medical and accidental insurance of all the local trekking staffs.
- Waterproof duffel bag and sleeping bags to use while on the trek. (provide on request)
- First aid medical kits with an oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen level while on the trek.
- Trip achievement certificate after the successful trip completion.
- Nepalese cuisine farewell dinner at a typical local restaurant with a cultural dance show.
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Excludes
- International airfares and Nepal entry visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu hotel.
- Entrance fees for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
- Your travel insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled mineral water, soft drinks and snack foods while on the trek.
- Gratitude for the guide and porters.
- Extra hotel accommodations if other than the scheduled itinerary.
