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Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal
In the far west of Nepal, wild animals still roam, and the sky feels wide. You’ll walk past rivers, dry hills, and snowy paths. If you're lucky, you might spot a blue sheep or even a snow leopard. The days are peaceful, the air is clear, and each night ends by the fire in a quiet camp.
per person
USD 4,800
Duration
17 Days
Best Season
March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov
Max. elevation
5170 M./16,957 Ft.
Trip Code
CT-10054
Destination
Nepal
Region
Off the Beaten Paths
Activity
Trekking
Start / End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Transportation
Private Vehicle | Domestic Flight
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
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is an amazing and adventurous 18-day trek in Nepal at one of the most remote and isolated places of Nepal. The Lower Dolpo in Nepal lies at an 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 fauna 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 the Tibetan language and follow the religion of Tibetan Buddhism.
This amazing trekking destination in Nepal has also been in the limelight through some movies. In 1999, a documentary movie called "Himalaya" was nominated for the Oscars whereas another documentary movie "The Caravan", which was shot in the Dolpo region of Nepal, was also nominated in the Oscars for Best foreign film category. These two movies will give you a picture of what this place is like and a glimpse of the amazing beauty and isolated yet unique settlement and culture of the people of the Dolpo region. The trek to Lower Dolpo also takes us through the beautiful Lake of Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Shey Phuksundo trek also becomes 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 which is still primitive in many ways. The Lower Dolpo region however is a restricted area in Nepal and travelers need special permits 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 to 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.
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal Itinerary
Arrival In Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
A company representative from CoreTreks 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 questions 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 are no further activities for the day so you might as well check into the hotel.
No Meals
Hotel
Briefing And Kathmandu Sightseeing
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
Breakfast
Hotel
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight Hours
1 hour
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
We take an hour-long early flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj is a town in the plains of Nepal which lies near the Nepal-India border. After arriving at Nepalgunj, we head towards our hotel and then explore the town for a bit.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
Nepalgunj To Jhupal To Dunai
Trek Distance
12-14 km
Trek Duration
3 hours
Flight Hours
45 min
Highest Altitude
2,475 m
After having our breakfast, 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 a small mountainous village. Dunai is also the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Dunai To Lingdo
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
2,391 m
We begin our trek today after leaving Dunai through the beautiful Himalayan landscapes similar to 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 will set our camp near the village and call it a day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Lingdo To Laina Odar
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,370 m
The path today is gradually going upwards. We’ll be walking through the mani walls and shortens 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 steep cliffs surround us. We set up our camp and stayed overnight here.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Laina Odar To Nawarpani
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
3,475 m
After having our breakfast, we leave Laina Odear as our trail goes up to a small pass. Walk today is fairly easy and we’ll be passing through the pine forest. After about 4 to 5 hours of walking, we reach Nawarpani where we’ll be camping today.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Nawarpani To Sisaul
Trek Distance
6-7 km
Trek Duration
3 hours
Highest Altitude
3,750 m
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 a couple of hours, we’ll reach Sisaul where we’ll make our camp.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Sisaul To Dho Tarap
Trek Distance
10-13 km
Trek Duration
4-5 hours
Highest Altitude
4,080 m
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Dho Tarap To Numala Base Camp
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
5-6 hours
Highest Altitude
4,480 m
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Numala Base Camp To Danigar Via Numa La Pass
Trek Distance
12-14 km
Trek Duration
7-8 hours
Highest Altitude
5,318 m
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 descend gradually from the pass to Danigar where our campsite will lie today.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Danigar To Yak Kharka Via Baga La Pass
Trek Distance
12-14 km
Trek Duration
7-8 hours
Highest Altitude
5,190 m
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 a steep trail with a stunning view of the huge rocks in all kinds 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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Yak Kharka To Phoksundo Lake
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
4-5 hours
Highest Altitude
3,733 m
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Phoksundo Lake To Chhepka
Trek Distance
14-16 km
Trek Duration
5-6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,660 m
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tented Camp
Chhepka to Jhupal
Trek Distance
10-12 km
Trek Duration
3 hours
Highest Altitude
2,660 m
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
Jhupal To Nepalgunj To Kathmandu
Flight Hours
2 hour
We’ll fly early in the morning to Nepalgunj. The scenic flight also gives us some amazing aerial views 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.
Breakfast, & Farewell Dinner
Hotel
Departure
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
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.
Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.
Temperature by Month at Lower Dolpo
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three-star 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.
Complimentary Services
Available After Complete Booking
- Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip).
- Core Trek duffle bag, T-shirt, and a trekking map.
- A self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications.
- Company branded water bottle with purification tablets
- Warm woollen hat
- Solar panel for battery charging in the mountain
- Oximeter
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”
FAQs For Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal
General
How difficult is Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal?
Is the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal safe?
What can I expect during the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal?
What type of food and accommodation facility to expect during the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal?
How do I book the Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal?
Lower Dolpo Trekking In Nepal 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.
Travellers Reviews
57 Reviews in TripAdvisor
Advisor linkWarm Welcome And Delightful Services
When we planned our holiday to Nepal, we didn’t expect everything to be this nice. After nearly three weeks of trekking and visiting local villages, I was really impressed by how good the food and stay were even in remote places.
We started in Kathmandu with a full day of sightseeing before heading out to trek. It felt so nice to be welcomed by the locals. They were kind and respectful. The whole trip was full of excitement and beautiful views mountains, green hills, and forests.
Big thanks to CoreTreks and the guide team for taking such good care of us. The farewell party was a lovely touch. I highly recommend booking your trip with them.
Markus
Germany
Experienced All Regions At Once
We booked our trip to Lower Dolpo based on CoreTreks’ advice to explore all three development regions of Nepal. We’re really glad we followed that suggestion.
The trek was moderately difficult, so it wasn’t too hard, and our guides always answered our questions about the places we passed. It was great to experience so many different cultures in one country.
Nepal is truly blessed with natural beauty and the world’s highest mountains. Big thanks to CoreTreks for making this journey happen for me and my family. I highly recommend this destination to trekkers everywhere.
Gabriel
United Kingdom
Plan your private Trip
If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.
There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.
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