Lower Dolpo Trek - 18 Days

The Lower Dolpo Trek starts with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. To pick you up, a representative from Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will meet you.

After the welcoming process, you will be escorted to your hotel via private tourist vehicle. We will have a brief pre-trek meeting to learn about safety guidelines and things to do and not do. And don’t forget to double-check with your gear. If you have any confusion or suggestions, you can ask them during this meeting.

Afterwards, you can check in to your hotel. The rest of the time is free; you can either stay around the Thame area or take a rest.

In the evening, we gather again to enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. Dinner will be in a traditional Nepali style, complemented with cultural performances. Overnight stay in Kathmandu

Included: Airport pick-up, accommodation, and welcome dinner.

Acclimatization is key during the Lower Dolpo Trek to succeed safely. Therefore, before starting the trek, we stay for another night in Kathmandu and go for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

The day starts with an early breakfast. Your tour guide will come to pick you up in a private tourist vehicle. We are going to visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

In the afternoon, we double-check backpacks, gear, and clothing for the last time. We go to bed early so we can start the adventure tomorrow with passion and energy. Stay for another night in Kathmandu.

Included: Accommodation with breakfast, transportation, and monument fees.

The adventure of Dopo Nwpa officially begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepagunj. It’s a big town located in the subtropical plain of Nepal. We fly over the terraced hills and golden rice paddies. After flying for an hour, we land in Nepalgunj. The weather and temperature here are very hot and humid.

We check in at the hotel to rest for a night. The evening is free for you to stroll around this city. Note: Carry a mosquito repellent, as Nepalgunj has lots of mosquitoes.

Included: Accommodation, airport transfer, and full board meals.

Another way of flying: we are going to take a short flight from Nepalgunj. We flew for 35 minutes over the mountain ranges and green hills in a small aircraft. We are gaining altitude from 150 m to 2,320 m as you land in the small grassy strip of Juphal Airport (2,320 m). Enjoy the first glimpse of Himalayan peaks as Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna (8,091 m) greet you.

From here on, the Lower Dolpo Trekking officially begins. We take a quick rest for lunch and hit the trails. As you continue hiking through the valley, you can see the herds of goats and scattered stone houses. The route follows the Thulo Bheri River valley. Occasionally crossing the river via suspension bridges and breathing in the pine resin-scented air under the clear blue skies feels great.

Finally, after walking 11 km on the hills, we arrive at Dunai village (2,140 m) by afternoon. It’s a beautiful hill town and district headquarters with various lodges and shops. Within a town there is a stupa, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the valley and green hills. After a long day of flying and hiking, it’s a perfect place to watch a healing sunset over Dolpo’s slopes. Overnight stay in a hotel in Dunai.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

The Adventure of the Lower Dolpo Trek Nepal continues. We wake up early, eat breakfast, pack our backpacks, and continue the trek. The Lower Dolpo Trek Today we climb back up out of the valley to a wind-swept ridge. For a stretch, the trail climbs past grassy farmland on the riverbank. Watch as farmers tie bright prayer flags on trees.

After a few kilometers, you’ll spot the medieval Tarakot fortress (ruins of a 7th-century castle) crowning a hill far below; it looks like a toy castle at this distance but underscores the strategic importance of these valleys. We cross the river again and join a paved road briefly (in case the weather is bad) before branching off on foot.

The last stretch to Tarakot (2,543 m) is a gentle uphill through terraced fields and juniper bushes. Tarakot village is small but historic, with stone houses and a rustic teahouse.

From Tarakot’s ridgeline, you get your first full glimpse of snow peaks above the tree line. Breathe deep; this is truly the start of the high Himalaya. At night, warm your hands around a fire and savor a bowl of hot dhal or local beef curry.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Leaving Tarakot, the trail steadily climbs. The path winds through mixed pine and juniper forest; keep an eye out for gray langurs (a type of monkey) chattering in the trees. The forest eventually thins, revealing big vistas: Kanjiroba Himal to the north and, behind us, the white shoulders of Dhaulagiri. Midway we cross a pleasant meadow and a yak pasture.

After lunch, the final ascent to Laini Odar is steep and rocky. The camp at Laini Odar (also called Laina) sits on a grassy ridge. Exertion pays off here: turn around to see sweeping panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the distance.

Although your legs are tired, take a moment to enjoy the silence and the chill mountain breeze. Overnight here under a canopy of stars, camping or in a basic lodge.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Breakfast at dawn yields a beautiful sight: the entire valley bathed in golden light, with ridges reaching to a pale blue sky. Today’s trail is rugged but rewarding. We ascend sharply at first on a narrow path that hugs the mountainside.

Concentrate here: some sections feel like scrambling. After the initial climb, the trail traverses along the Tarap Khola (river) with a mix of rocky stream beds and occasional vegetation.

Around midday, cross a wooden bridge over the river. The path now climbs to Nawarpani (“many springs”) at 3,545 m. This campsite is a small cluster of stone houses and a prayer-flagged spring. The water here comes bubbling out of the rock.

Make camp among the haystacks and watch alpine birds darting in the bushes. Listen carefully; at dusk or dawn you might catch the plaintive calls of blue sheep or even the thunder of a distant avalanche on the higher peaks. Overnight in a tent or teahouse.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

A challenging but spectacular day: we leave lush Nawarpani and head into the high desert. For the first few hours, the trail is fairly level as the valley widens. You’ll feel the air getting thinner and drier. Drink extra water. The landscape turns increasingly stark: brown grasses, scrubby juniper, and spiky bushes. Wind can be strong; use a buff or scarf to shield your face from blowing dust.

Wildlife might surprise you here. Keep watch for big herds of wild goats and yaks grazing on the plateau, and listen for the high whistles of Himalayan vultures soaring overhead. In late afternoon we reach Dho Tarap village (4,097 m), one of the highest permanent settlements in Nepal. Dho Tarap is a large village of stone houses and monasteries on a gentle hill (the name means “New Height” in Tibetan).

Before entering, note the clusters of white chortens (stupas) along the trail; they mark the sacred entry to the valley. The smell here is of woodsmoke and yak dung fires. You’ve come a long way!

After setting up camp or settling into a gompa guesthouse, relax by the riverside and witness the golden alpenglow on the cliffs. Tonight we rest well, for tomorrow is an acclimatization day at this high altitude.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

After days of climbing, Day 9 is a welcome rest. Use this time to let your body adjust to the high altitude. A short hike a few hundred meters above the village (to a small hilltop stupa) will give you a panoramic view of the valley. The air is crisp, and the sound of prayer flags in the wind is omnipresent.

Within Dho Tarap itself there’s much to see and do. Visit the gompa (monastery) built into the rock above town. Explore the weaver’s shed where women prepare traditional woven textiles. The children at the village school might wave shy hellos. For wildlife, dawn and dusk offer good chances to spot musk deer and blue sheep grazing on the nearby hillsides.

In the afternoon, lounge on yurts (nomadic tents) or bake bread with locals. Savor simple pea soup or millet pancakes and warm Tibetan butter tea. By resting and gently exploring today, you’ll be ready for tomorrow’s major climb.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Leaving Dho Tarap, the valley narrows and we begin climbing steadily along Tarap Chu (river). The landscape is high-desert arid now: tufts of thorn bushes and lichen cling to the slopes. As we climb higher, the views open up: to the west you see Dhaulagiri’s jagged ridge, and to the north the shadow of Kanjiroba. The air feels thin; small hills and moraines appear.

By late afternoon we reach Numa La Base Camp (4,440 m), a campsite on a broad, rocky meadow beneath jagged peaks. There are no buildings here, just flat ground for tents and maybe a prayer flag or two. This is a camping night, so blankets and hot meals will be provided in dining tents.

Enjoy how dramatically the terrain has changed over the past two days: from pine forests to this wind-scoured expanse. After dinner, stay bundled up to watch the stars blaze over the empty valley.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Today is one of the toughest days of the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary. However, the good thing is it also offers one of the best views and experiences. The journey begins early in the morning.

As sunrise shines over the valley, we set off for Numa La Pass (5,309 m). We walk at a gradual pace over a zigzag and steep ridge. This section is most challenging. This hardwork is all worth it when you see the 360° panorama of Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Gurja Peak, and other Himalayan giants. Prepare for cold and chilly wind at the pass.

After enjoying the breathtaking views from the top of Numa La Pass, we continue our journey towards today’s destination. From here the route eases up, as the trail sharply drops down.

With new motivation and energy, we hike through yak pastures and small fields. Finally, after a long day, we arrive at the village of Phelung Tang (4,465 m). It’s a tiny village with few stone huts and teahouses. We stay for a night at Phelung Tang.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After defeating yesterday’s challenge, today we are taking another dare of the Lower Dolpo Trek. After energizing yourself with a warm breakfast, we start ascending. The trails here are rocky and moraine-filled.

A few minutes of walking takes us past the starting point. The path climbs steadily until we reach Baga La at 5,175 m. From the summit of Baga La, you can see how far you have come. Numa La in the back and barren terrain surrounded by snow-covered hits hard.

This place is totally isolated from people. The only thing you will find is the high-altitude Tibetan plateau of Dolpo and peaceful silence. Most importantly, do not forget to click some beautiful pictures.

The descent route from Bagala is steep at first, along with a series of switchbacks through scree. As we get near to the village, the trail loosens up and takes us into the alpine forest.

Finally by afternoon we arrive at Dajok Tang (4,080 m). Today we hike for about 10 km. After an exhausting journey, we rest for a night here, enjoying the cool breeze. Here open desert closes, and tree lines of fir and juniper reappear. The surroundings are greener and more colorful with grassy meadows.

Cheers to us for crossing two passes back-to-back.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

From here on the Lower Dolpo Trek route, it eases up a little bit. The journey starts after a breakfast. As we continue hiking, we can notice the changes in landscapes. Barren deserts, scrubs, and remote surroundings divert into green, tall trees, and meadows dotted with wildflowers.

The route drops down into the narrow gorge with conifers and rhododendrons. The temperature starts getting warm, and the silent surroundings get filled with chirping birds. After a few hours of walking through a narrow forest, the trail opens onto a plateau.

We arrive at Ringmo Village, located at 3,733 m. This village is the Phoksundo base camp. This village is truly picturesque and mesmerizing. Traditionally built stone houses decorated with prayer flags were surrounded everywhere by rows of blue and white chortens.

The views of the wall of rock behind Phoksundo Lake (Kanjiroba Himal range) surrounding the village feel out of this world.

We rest for a night at one of the teahouses. The air here is crispy and breezy. Pack warm layers of clothing; nights are especially cold.

Cultural Note: Ringmo is hme t Bonpo (non-Buddhist Tibetan followers) They honor a 900-year-old cave temple nearby.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Day 14 of the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary is the heart of this adventure. Today we are finally going to Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.

The shimmering turquoise water surrounded by high peaks in an isolated place is the major beauty.

The itinerary starts in the morning. We eat breakfast and start hiking for 6 km towards the east side of Ringmo Village. The route was a gentle path down to the lakeshore (3612 m).

The milky-green water of this lake is beautiful. It sits just below the 400 m cliffs. Besides Lake, it also has Peri Gad, which drops into the lake on the far side. This cascade is the highest waterfall in Nepal.

You can take some rest capturing some videos and photos for memories. The sheer beauty of the surroundings and lake is just magical, and it feels like we are part of some Disney fairy tale.

Trekkers can also wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise from the lakeshore. The fiery hues as dawn hits the eastern peaks are just unforgettable. On the west side of the lake is the 900-year-old Bon monastery of Tshowa (also called Thashung Gompa). Phoksundo Lake is around 650 m deep, and there are aquatic animals living in there due to the harsh cold.

After enjoying the time here, we return back to Ringmo for lunch. You can explore around the village after lunch or just rest. Overnight stay in Ringmo village.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

After our visit to Phoksundo Lake, the return journey of the Lower Dolpo Trek starts. Following the downhill path, we gradually came out of the national park.

The trail takes us toward the lake outlet and turns southwest across rolling meadows.

After a 5 km hike, we will lose altitude steeply. We will walk at a gradual pace, taking rests in between. Slowly trails mix with pine-birch forest. Crossing the Suli Gad (river), we come out of the national park boundary.

We continue walking for a few more minutes and finally arrive in Shyanta (also called Chhepka) village (2,838 m). Here, you will notice the temperature and surroundings. Air feels warmer, and farmland with potatoes and barley appears. Along the trail spring flowers dot it, carrying the scented air.

We stay overnight in Shyanta. Today is also the last night in the mountains.

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

As the journey continues, adventure nears its end. Today is your final day on the trail of the Lower Dolpo trek. The hike follows a forested mule track gently downhill. Leaving behind Shyanta village, we walk ahead down through pine woods and cross a few streams.

Along the way we pass by the villages of Kageni and Masera. As we hike under the blue sky surrounded by the Himalayan beauty, the scent of pine needles fills the lungs.

We reach Jupha (2,320 m) by mid-afternoon. Arriving at the familiar space where we first stepped on day 4, our trek for today concludes.

We rest for a night reminiscing about the memories we made on the trail. We have successfully conquered Dolpo!

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Saying goodbye to this beautiful region, we return back to Kathmandu today. First, we will take a short morning flight from Juphal (about 35 minutes) to the Nepagunj plains. After arriving at Nepagunj, another flight is connected to Kathmandu. We return back to the same city where we first started our adventurous trip

After check-in, you can either take a rest or stroll around the city for the first time. Buy souvenirs and go to sauna to relax after a long trek

In the evening we gather for the final time to celebrate the success of your adventure to Lower Dolpo, Nepal, with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking with a farewell dinner. You can share your memories and feedback or just plan your next Himalayan adventure!

overnight stay in Kathmandu

Included: Accommodation and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Your journey on the Lower Dolpo Trek concludes today. We part ways after having breakfast. A representative from Access Nepa Tours and Trekking will see you off at Tribhuvan International Airport.

We hope you enjoyed this adventure with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. If you want to visit Nepal in the future, our team will always welcome you with open hands. If you want to add extra trips or treks, just inform us and we will make it possible.

Included: Breakfast and airport transfer.