Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Overview
- Trip Code: CT-10054
- Package: Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal
- Duration: 17 Day(s)
- Max Alt.: 5170 M./16,957 Ft.
- Trip Level:
ModerateRequires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.
- Group Size: Min. 2- Max. 12
- Start At: Kathmandu
- Ends At: Kathmandu
- Transportation:
Private Vehicle | Domestic Flight
- Accommodation:
Tented Camp | Hotel| Lodge p>
- Best Season: March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov
- Trip Route: Nepalgunj, Dunai, Laina Odar, Sisaul, Dho Tarap, Numala Base Camp, Numa La Pass, Baga La Pass, Phoksundo Lake, Chhepka, Jhupal
Trip Highlights
- Experience all three regions of Nepal; the plains, the hills, and the Himalayas
- Experience the diverse cultures of Nepal
- Numa La Pass and Baga La Pass
- Amazing Himalayan ranges of Nepal
- Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Home of rarest of animals such as snow leopard and Himalayan blue sheep
- Communities and people of Dolpo
The Lower Dolpo Trek is an amazing and adventurous 18 days of trek in Nepal at one of the most remote and isolated places of Nepal. The Lower Dolpo in Nepal lies at isolated corner in the trans Himalayas of Nepal. Trekking through the valleys of Dolpo, the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, yaks crossing the high Himalayan passes of Dolpo, and the high settlements of the region are some of the perks of Dolpa that will never cease to amaze its travelers. The Lower Dolpo region in Nepal is also rich in flora and faunas and this region preserves around 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals. Beautiful Himalayan wildlife can be encountered during the journey to Lower Dolpo which also includes some of the rarest animals on earth such as Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and the rarest of them all, the snow leopard in Nepal. Closely linked with the Tibetan culture, the people of this region speak Tibetan language and follow the religion of Tibetan Buddhism.
This amazing trekking destination in Nepal has also been in a limelight through some movies. In 1999, a documentary movie called "Himalaya" was nominated for Oscars whereas another documentary movie "The Caravan", which was shot in Dolpo region of Nepal, was also nominated in Oscars for best foreign film category. These two movies will give you a picture of what this place is like and a glimpse to the amazing beauty and isolated yet unique settlement and culture of the people of Dolpo region. The trek to Lower Dolpo also takes us through the beautiful lake of Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Shey Phuksundo trek also becomes the part of our journey as the deep blue lake in the desert albeit landscape truly makes our travel feel heavenly.
The Dolpo trek gives travelers an opportunity to explore the 'forbidden kingdom' of Nepal that is still primitive in many ways. The Lower Dolpo region however is a restricted area in Nepal and travelers need special permit for trekking in Dolpo. The Lower Dolpo permit can be received after sending a request to the Department of Immigration. The travel agencies in Nepal handle all the permits and travel arrangements that are required in order to travel Lower Dolpo. The best time for trekking to Lower Dolpo is during Spring and Monsoon seasons however this place is suitable for traveling all around the year except for the winter.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | |
| Day 02 | Briefing and Sightseeing on Kathmandu | |
| Day 03 | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | |
| Day 04 | Nepalgunj to Jhupal to Dunai | |
| Day 05 | Dunai to Lingdo | |
| Day 06 | Lingdo to Laina Odar | |
| Day 07 | Laina Odar to Nawarpani | |
| Day 08 | Nawarpani to Sisaul | |
| Day 09 | Sisaul to Dho Tarap | |
| Day 10 | Dho Tarap to Numala Base Camp | |
| Day 11 | Numala Base Camp to Danigar via Numa La Pass | |
| Day 12 | Danigar to Yak Kharka via Baga La Pass | |
| Day 13 | Yak Kharka to Phoksundo Lake | |
| Day 14 | Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka | |
| Day 15 | Chhepka to Jhupal | |
| Day 16 | Jhupal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu | |
| Day 17 | Departure |
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft (Kathmandu)
A company representative from Core Treks will come to pick you up at the airport. After that we'll be taking you to your hotel. After taking some rest we'll meet you at our office or at your hotel and have a short briefing session regarding our travel. Feel free to ask any question you might have regarding the trek. If you want to explore the city we might as well walk around the street of Thamel and it's even possible to do some last minute shopping. There're no further activities for the day so you might as well check into the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal included: No Meals.
Briefing and Sightseeing on Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft (Kathmandu)
We'll be talking more regarding our trip on this day. We'll need your original passport as travelers need a permit in order to make this travel in Nepal. After finishing that we'll be doing a bit of a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. We'll be visiting two world heritage sites located at Kathmandu, namely Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey Temple). In the evening we'll be doing final preparation for our trek.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal included: Breakfast,
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
We take an hour long early flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj is a town in the plains of Nepal which lies near Nepal-India border. After arriving at Nepalgunj, we head towards our hotel and then explore the town for a bit.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Nepalgunj to Jhupal to Dunai
Altitude: 2,475 m/ 8,118 ft. (Juphal) 2,140 m/ 7,019 ft. (Dunai)
Flight approx. 45 min.
Walk approx. 3 hours .
After having our brekfast, we fly to Jhupal from Nepalgunj airport. The flight will take around 45 minutes and upon landing we trek for about 2-3 hours and head towards Dunai. Upon landing we'll enter a completely different world from hot plains to small mountainous village. Dunai is also the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dunai to Lingdo
Altitude: 2,391 m/7,842 ft. (Lingdo)
Walk approx. 5 hours .
We begin our trek today after leaving Dunai through the beautiful Himalayan landscapes which is similar with that of the Alps. Later we'll approach the village of Byasgar which is a Buddhist village of the region. Our trail gets more rough and rocky and our path goes towards the Lingdo village. We set our camp near the village and call it a day.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lingdo to Laina Odar
Altitude: 3,370 m/ 11,053 ft. (Laina Odar)
Walk approx. 6 hours .
The path today is gradually going upwards. We'll be walking through the mani walls and chortens along the way. Our trail climbs high above the Thuli Bheri river and towards Laisicap. After Laisicap the journey is long and strenuous. We finally reach to Laina Odar and the path partly goes through forests as we're surrounded by steep cliffs. We set up our camp and stay overnight here.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Laina Odar to Nawarpani
Altitude: 3,475 m/ 11,398 ft. (Nawarpani)
Walk approx. 4 hours .
After having our breakfast, we leave Laina Odear as our trail goes up to a small pass. Walk today is fairly easier and we'll be passing through pine forest. After about 4 to 5 hours of walk, we reach to Nawarpani where we'll be camping today.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Nawarpani to Sisaul
Altitude: 3,750 m/ 12,300 ft. (Sisaul)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
The landscape of the region gets barren as we gradually make our way from Nawarpani. Trees are few and the greens start fading into yellow. We'll be walking through the river valley with high rocks towering above us from both sides. We might encounter some wildlife such as the Himalayan blue sheep if we get lucky. And if we're really lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the snow leopard. After couple hours, we'll reach to Sisaul where we'll make our camp.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sisaul to Dho Tarap
Altitude: 4,080 m./13,382 ft. (Dho Tarap)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
After leaving Sisaul our trail takes us through dry and barren valleys. The trail stays beside the river. We'll also be crossing many chortens and mani walls. Travelers can witness the deeply rooted cultural value within the people of Dolpo. The people here are descendants of Tibetans. Upon reaching Dho Tarap we'll set up our camp and rest for the day.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dho Tarap to Numala Base Camp
Altitude: 4,480 m/ 14,694 ft. (Numala Base Camp)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
Today we head for the Numala Base Camp. Upon leaving Dho, we trek towards the Tokyu village which is also said to be the highest permanent settlement in the world. There also lies a gompa which has beautiful statues and artifacts. Then we make a gradual climb over grassy land to Numala Base Camp where we'll settle overnight.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Numala Base Camp to Danigar via Numa La Pass
Altitude: 5,318 m/ 17,443 ft. (Numala La Pass) 4,631m./ 15,189 ft. (Danigar)
Walk approx. 6 hours .
This is one hard and technical part of our trekking expedition. We start our trek early in the morning to arrive early at the Numa La pass. It is much easier and safer to make the crossing in the morning. The views of the Himalayan ranges are also beautiful from this pass. Mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Kanjirowa are visible on a clear weather day. We then descend gradually from the pass to Danigar where our campsite will lie today.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Danigar to Yak Kharka via Baga La Pass
Altitude: 3,982m/ 13,060 ft. (Yak Kharka) 5,190 m./ 17,023 ft. (Baga La Pass)
Walk approx. 6 hours .
Another tough day as we cross another pass called the Baga La pass. As the day before, we start early and cross the pass that lies above 5000 meters. From the pass, we descend through steep trail with stunning view of the huge rocks in all kind of colors with mountains at the horizon covered with snow. We'll also be seeing some beautiful waterfalls along the way and the trail is rather flat and easy. We then set our camp at the Yak Kharka.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Yak Kharka to Phoksundo Lake
Altitude: 3,733 m./ 12,244 ft. (Phoksudo Lake)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
Our trek today is comparatively easy and short. The path from Yak Kharka goes uphill and downhill yet is beautifully carved out of the rocks. We then move through the pine forest and meadows. Upon leaving the forest we cross small bridge from where we climb to Ringmo. The trek is beautiful as the deep blue calm waters of the Phoksundo lake welcomes travelers. Upon reaching the Phoksundo lake, we settle in for the day.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka
Altitude: 2,838 m/ 9,308 ft. (Chhepka)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
We head towards the Chhepka village via Rechi through the beautiful and verdant pine forests along with birches and other broad leaved trees. From Rechi, the trail is flat and then climbs steeply up the hill. Later we reach to Chhepka and we'll call it a day as we spend overnight here.
Overnight at Tented Camp.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Chhepka to Jhupal
Altitude: 2,475 m./ 8,118 ft. (Juphal)
Walk approx. 3 hours .
The trail is easy as we'll be descending for most the time. We'll be passing through the Sangta and Kagne village and then reach the check post of the Shey Phoksundo national Park. We then head down towards Jhupal passing another village of Kalagaonda. Upon reaching Jhupal our trekking has come to an end. We'll stay overnight at Jhupal and get an early morning flight to Nepalgunj the next day.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Jhupal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
We'll fly early in the morning to Nepalgunj. The scenic flight also gives us some amazing aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we take the next available flight to Kathmandu. After we arrive at Kathmandu, we head back to our hotel and rest for the day. After resting for a bit, we'll be organizing a dinner party for our fellow guests where you'll be taken to a traditional Nepalese cuisine restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal Included: Breakfast, & Farewell Dinner
Departure
Our travel journey has now come to an end as we say our goodbyes and take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport 2 hours prior to your flight time. We'll come to pick you at your hotel and a representative will drive alongside you up till the departure gate at the airport.
Meal Included: Breakfast,
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Cost Mentions
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three starts hotel in Kathmandu
- Breakfast included. (3 Nights).
- Twin sharing tented accommodation during trek.
- Round airfare including tax Kathmandu – Nepalgunj - Juphal – Kathmandu
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek. Prepared by our export camping cook.
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System & Dolpo Conservation area permit (Please bring 2 passport size photos).
- Special permit for Dolpo.
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff.
- Trekking equipment (Kitchen tent , table with chairs and sleeping tent and other necessary equipment’s for camp.)
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
- Personal care & attention.
- Local and government taxes.
Trip Excludes
- All kind of beverage including mineral water, Phone calls, laundry, hot shower during Trek
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tipping to crew.
- Personal mountaineering gears
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
- Do not mention the services apart from the services mentioned in "Cost Included services"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal is considered as a moderate level trek. It requires little to no previous trekking or mountaineering experiences. A brief training session will be carried out by our travel experts to equip our travelers with the required information about the place that they will be travelling to.
Yes, the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal is completely safe. However there is always a slight chance of unforeseen circumstances. To prepare our travelers for that our travel experts will provide an informative session equipping the travelers with information about the location and some safety precautions.
During the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal, one can expect to experience all the three regions of Nepal; the plains, the hills, and the Himalayas, Numa La Pass and Baga La Pass, Shey Phoksundo Lake and different communitites of Dolpo.
The food is generally our traditional Nepali lunch which is Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Boiled Rice), Tarkari (Veggies), and Achar (Pickle).
For the accommodation there are specially Hotels & Lodges, Tea houses, and Camping facilities. However due easy accessibility of hotels & lodges throughout the trial, camping is usually avoided (unless needed) during Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal.
To book the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal, CoreTreks offers you a number of booking options including:
- Online booking,
- Wire transfer OR,
- Cash on arrival
We recommend you to go through our booking policy before you head to the payment. In case of further inquiries please feel free to contact us.
Additional Information
Equipment And Gears
To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it's essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Reviews
Warm welcome and delightful services
From: Germany | On: 16 Oct, 2018
When we decided that we were going to visit Nepal for our holiday, we did not expected the services to be this nice. After trekking for almost 3 weeks and visiting different local settlements in Nepal, I can say that the accommodation and food services are really delightful even in the remote areas.
We started our journey from Kathmandu. After a full day sightseeing around the valley we headed outside the city for trekking purpose. It was really warming to see people welcoming and greeting us. They are really respectful to visitors. Our entire trip was filled with excitements and a lot of sightseeing, whether it’s of mountains or the hills covered with green lush jungle.
Special thanks to CoreTreks and the guiding team for making this trip possible and also for taking care of us while in the country. I highly recommend that you book your trip to Nepal through CoreTreks as they left no place to complain and treated us with a nice farewell party.
Experienced all regions at once
From: United Kingdom | On: 17 Apr, 2017
We booked our trip to Lower Dolpo as suggested by CoreTreks in order to experience all the three development regions of Nepal. We are glad that we took the advice to trek to Lower Dolpo. Our trek was of moderate difficulty so we did not really struggled with trekking up the trials. Plus the guides informed us whenever we wanted to know something about the places that we visited.
It was really nice to have experienced the diverse culture of Nepal. The country is god gifted with the highest mountain range in the world. Thanks to CoreTreks for making this trip possible for me and my family. Highly recommended destination for trekkers all around the world.
