Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek Days 18 Trip Grade Moderate to Strenuous Maximum Altitude 5,150 m (Numa La Pass) Starts Kathmandu Ends Kathmandu Best Time April–October (peak: May–Sep) Country Nepal Activity Remote trekking + cultural exploration Trip Price: US $ 3,390 per person Click here The Lower Dolpo Trek is an extraordinary journey into one of the most isolated and culturally Tibetan regions of Nepal. Tucked between the Dhaulagiri Himalaya and the Tibetan plateau, Lower Dolpo remains untouched by modern infrastructure, preserving its raw beauty and traditional Bon-Buddhist culture. The trail passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest, home to Phoksundo Lake—a striking turquoise jewel framed by snow-capped cliffs. Trekkers traverse ancient trade routes, encounter yak caravans, cross high passes like Numa La (5,150 m) and Bagala La (5,100 m), and witness centuries-old customs in villages like Dho Tarap and Ringmo. Filmed in Eric Valli’s award-winning movie Himalaya (Caravan), the region is both spiritually moving and scenically overwhelming. The trek is camping-based in many parts due to limited lodging, making it a wilderness adventure for trekkers who seek solitude and depth. Highlights Itinerary Cost Details Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m): One of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, with turquoise waters and a cascading waterfall. Ancient Bon & Buddhist Culture: Explore monasteries and chortens in Dho Tarap, Ringmo, and Tokyu. High Pass Crossings: Traverse remote passes like Numa La and Bagala La, both over 5,000 m. Shey Phoksundo National Park: Home to snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, and medicinal plants. Panoramic Mountain Views: Continuous panoramas of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Manaslu (8,163 m) on clear days. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) Pickup and hotel check-in. Trek briefing and gear prep. Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m) One-hour flight to Nepalgunj, a busy Terai city near the Indian border. Overnight at hotel. Day 3: Fly to Juphal (2,400 m), trek to Dunai (2,150 m) – 3 hrs Scenic mountain flight to Dolpo’s airstrip at Juphal. Walk along the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai, the district HQ. First night under stars or in lodge. Day 4: Trek to Chhepka (2,630 m) – 5 hrs Enter Shey Phoksundo National Park. Walk through cedar forests, cross suspension bridges, and sleep in serene woodlands. Day 5: Trek to Jharana (3,375 m) – 4 hrs A short climb brings you to Jharana Viewpoint, overlooking Phoksundo waterfall (330 m). Camp in forest nearby. Day 6: Trek to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m) – 3 hrs Arrive at Phoksundo Lake, perhaps Nepal’s most beautiful body of water. Visit Ringmo village and nearby Bon monastery. Camp on the lakeshore. Day 7: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake Explore the lake and hike up to viewpoints. Optional visit to Tshowa Gompa — a 900-year-old Bon monastery. Day 8: Trek to Sallaghari (3,750 m) – 6 hrs Follow a narrow cliff path and enter wild birch forests. Overnight at riverside camp beneath high peaks. Day 9: Trek to Nangdala Base Camp (4,700 m) – 5 hrs Climb gradually through alpine terrain. Final base camp night before pass. Day 10: Cross Numa La Pass (5,150 m), trek to Dho Tarap (4,090 m) – 7 hrs A long, steep ascent to Numa La, followed by a descent into Dho Tarap — a beautiful, culturally rich Tibetan village. Day 11: Rest day at Dho Tarap Visit local monasteries, interact with villagers, and learn about Bon and Buddhist practices. Day 12: Trek to Tokyu & Numala Base (4,440 m) – 5 hrs Short day exploring Tokyu monastery before heading up valley for the second major pass. Day 13: Cross Baga La (5,100 m), trek to Dajok Tang (4,080 m) – 6 hrs Another stunning crossing. Sharp ridgelines and yak herders mark the way. Camp in open pasture. Day 14: Trek to Ringmo – 5 hrs Complete the loop back to Phoksundo Lake, enjoying new views from the opposite trail. Day 15: Trek to Shyanta or Chhepka – 6 hrs Begin your descent through lush jungle and river valleys. Day 16: Trek to Juphal – 4 hrs End your trek in Juphal. Final dinner with the trekking crew. Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu Morning mountain flight, followed by return to Kathmandu. Free evening to relax. Day 18: Final Departure / Extension Airport drop-off or optional extension to Upper Dolpo, Rara Lake, or Pokhara. Included in The Cost Trekking guide/porter All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking) Accommodation in Tea house (lodges) during the trek Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Dolpo + Shey Phoksundo National Park permit Hotels in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj (2–3 nights) All land transportation by tourist bus and private taxi Domestic flights: Kathmandu ↔ Nepalgunj ↔ Juphal Necessary insurance and equipment for trekking staff Airport pick- up and drop-off service Government taxes and Our service charge Not Included in The Cost Personal nature expenses Drinks, beverages, etc. Tips Sleeping bag and down jacket if required Road Blockeds and personal Expense. In Case of emergency , your personal travel insurance includes your helicopter rescue, trip cancellation and medical expenses. Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m): One of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, with turquoise waters and a cascading waterfall. Ancient Bon & Buddhist Culture: Explore monasteries and chortens in Dho Tarap, Ringmo, and Tokyu. High Pass Crossings: Traverse remote passes like Numa La and Bagala La, both over 5,000 m. Shey Phoksundo National Park: Home to snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, and medicinal plants. Panoramic Mountain Views: Continuous panoramas of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Manaslu (8,163 m) on clear days. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) Pickup and hotel check-in. Trek briefing and gear prep. Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m) One-hour flight to Nepalgunj, a busy Terai city near the Indian border. Overnight








