Overview
Lower Dolpo Trek is the most underrated trekking in Nepal. The main reason for being underrated might be because some of these areas allow limited visits in a year and are also restricted for trekking to tourists. You will need special permission from the government and once you take the risk of remote area trekking, your experience will be off the beaten path.
Lower Dolpo Trek is situated on the western side of Nepal. It lies in the Dolpa district. It is bordered in the north by China. The culture in this region is influenced by Tibet. The region is not so overpopulated. Part of this region also lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park. Many Nepalese filmmakers also shoot in this region. The east and south of Dolpa are surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal ranges.
Among various other underrated and remote trekking regions, Lower Dolpo Trek is the one where the beautiful isolated village of Tibetan peoples, ancient monasteries, endangered animals and plants, and steep sloppy hills lie. This region has an untouched nature with rough trekking trails.
Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the most beautiful and exciting treks which is located in the set of an isolated and remote western region of Dolpo. Trek to this region is quite moderate where you will see various landscapes and people from Tibetan and Nepali communities.
It is a challenging trek having a maximum elevation at the Num Ala (5238m).
This trek will give you a chance to explore and experience the real adventures of trekking in the attractive end for pleasant and remote social accomplices. The mysterious landscapes in this region have a dry atmosphere with its highest altitude despite its name being Lower Dolpo.
Lower Dolpo Trek is still high and remote. You will trek in this region for more than 2 weeks with every increasing altitude up to the maximum level of 5,190m. You will be walking for more than 4-6 hours of walking. You will pass various mountains and high valleys by hiking on and off the beaten path, which is composed of steep sloppy hills.
This region including other areas has a Nepal Himalayas bordering Tibet. The trail is pretty rough where you will see Tibet’s influence culture, cross-culture, old monasteries, and magnificent views of the Himalayas.
As this region demands a trekking permit, we recommend you trek in this region by consultation with a tour operator or travel agency. We do not recommend you trek in this region independently. Travel agencies will give you a package with an experienced tour guide.
Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights:
Lower Dolpo Trek Overview
Lower Dolpo Trek Outline Itinerary:
Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)
Maximum Altitude: (1300m/4428 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Today will be your first day in the beautiful city of Kathmandu valley. You will be picked up by the guide from Tribhuvan International airport and they will help you get transferred inside the hotel. On arrival, you can relax and enjoy your day around. You can visit nearby shops, restaurants or cafes. If you don’t have the necessary types of equipment for the trek, you can go shopping near Thamel streets.
Thamel streets have a wide variety of trekking gears and equipment like trekking bags, trekking shoes, water bottles, sleeping bags, and many more. You can hunt down street foods or can go to restaurants, pubs, and bars.
You can enjoy your day as much as you like by yourself because we will go visit different famous places around Kathmandu city.
Maximum Altitude: (1300m/4428 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit the most famous and popular places around Kathmandu Valley after having breakfast in the hotel. We will explore and discover the Buddhist and Hindu sites which will require a half-day tour with a private guide.
We will visit Pashupatinath Temple which is a famous and sacred Hindu temple which is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu city. Here, you will explore the religion, art, and culture of Hindu peoples. This place attracts hundreds of tourists every year as it was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Heritage site in 1979.
Our next destination would be Bouddhanath Stupa which is located about 11km away from the northeastern side of Kathmandu city. The stupa is said to be the largest and biggest Stupa in Nepal. This I say holy pilgrimage place mostly for Tibetian and Buddhist community peoples. The stupa is a 36-meter high stupa that is a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. People also visit this place for Meditation and Yoga purposes. You will see many Monks and Yogi around.
The swayambhunath Temple which is also known as the Monkey temple is an ancient religious place that is a holy pilgrimage stupa for the Buddhist people. This pace is located on the hillside of Kathmandu Valley on the western side of the city. You will see lots of Monkeys wandering here and there so you have to make sure to keep your belongings safe as the Monkey can easily steal your things and run away from you. Thi Stupa is the oldest stupa which has numerous monasteries around. From the top of Swayambhunath Temple, you will get a beautiful view of Kathmandu city. There is also a long stairway of 365 in this area. You can either choose to go from this way or there is another alternative to reach the hillside.
Kilometres: 367km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Maximum Altitude: 2,499m/8,200ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today after having morning breakfast we will have to take 2 domestic flights. 1st from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and next from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal. The 1st flight to Nepalgunj will take approximately 45minutes. And next flight to Jhuphal will be 35-minutes long. Enjoy your view of diverse landscapes with different mountains and snow-capped Himalayas views from both flights.
Taking 2 flights is optional. If you want we can use transport to drive towards Juphal. We can also drive on our way from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. This drive will whole day to reach so we recommend going by flight.
As we land in Jhupal we will start our short trek to Dunai which will be completed in 3-4hours. We will descend through the various local village and on our way we will come across many terrace fields of maize, buckwheat, corns, and much more vegetation. We will hike along the Thuli Bheri River and pass by Roop Ghar water mail. We will have dinner and spend overnight at Dunai.
Maximum Altitude: 2,540m/8,333ft
Kilometers: 32km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek duration: 5-6hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After having morning breakfast and make our way towards Tarakot. We will follow the trails upstream that connect with the Bheri River. We will pass through various dense forests of pine and terraced hilltops. You will be amazed at the view of beautiful landscapes, gorges, long suspension bridges, and isolated local villages. We will also visit a nearby monastery named Sandul Gompa along the way with various chortens and mani walls.
As we continue climbing and trekking forward we will see a colorful cultivated terrace with dry stones and reach Tarakot. We will have to stay overnight at this place.
Maximum Altitude: 3370m/11,056ft
Kilometers: 35km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek duration: 6-7hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will continue with our trek today by slowly and steadily climbing through the eyes of suspension bridges by following the trail to the southern bank of the Bheri River which will lead us to the open valley. We will come across through dense jungle until we reach the Lain radar. After arriving at the open valley we’ll head east alongside the Bharbung River to reach Laisicap and across the main river.
We will go along the trail of Tarap Khola and head towards the beautiful place in Sandul Gompa. We will make a final ascend and reach Laina odar which is a construction camp with a beautiful Cliffside setting.
We will stay overnight at this place.
Maximum Altitude: 3,780m/12,401ft
Kilometers: 34km
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will slowly ascend behind the banks of Tarap Khola today. We will go through barren landscapes which has beautiful alpine wildlife on the show like Yaks and blue sheep. If we get lucky enough, we will get a view of it. We will cross a suspension bridge over the Chaya Khola and arrive at our destination.
Overnight at Nawarpani village.
Maximum Altitude: 3,950m/12,959ft
Kilometers: 45km
Trek duration: 7-8hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Nawarpani village we will start walking alongside the bankside river of Tarap. It will lead us the way, helping us with our journey by guiding us over the peaks at Chakala (4,920m). We will start descending again into the narrow valley and cross the narrow gorge. We will leave the tree line and enter the dense forest where we will witness wild roses and juniper bushes. We will come across many chortens and stupas on our way to Dho Tarap. It is a pretty village surrounded by stone walls.
On the arrival at Dho Tarap, we will stay overnight.
Maximum Altitude: 3,950m/12,959ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will have a rest day at Dho Tarap. We have walked for more than 5-6 hours per day for 5 days. So today we will have to let our bodies acclimatize to the surroundings. This is very necessary as our body should adjust to the thinning air. We will spend our day exploring Dho Tarap.
We will visit monasteries and observe the traditional lifestyles of their inhabitants. They still follow the trading system with their ancient homeland in their Yaks. We will get a beautiful opportunity and experience of learning local culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
Overnight at camp in Dho Tarap.
Maximum Altitude: 4,440m/14,566ft
Kilometers: 36km
Trek duration:6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will leave dho Tarap village behind and head towards the exciting camp of Numa La. We will head moving alongside Chu Lake and ascend uphill in the northern direction. We will ascend more until we rich Tokyu village. This is a traditional village which has beautiful old-fashioned houses and locals in them.
We will see the majestic view of Dhaulagiri and other peaks along with superb views of landscapes. We will cross a bridge and head northwest to reach the base camp.
Overnight at tent in Numa La Base Camp.
Maximum Altitude: 4,512m/14,803ft
Kilometers: 18km
Trek duration: 6-7hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trial will be difficult, unlike other days. We will have to do our trek leaving Numa La Base Camp behind, and walk towards Numa La pass ( 5,310m) which will be very difficult. We will begin ascending through the steep trail with the rough and rugged trail which will give us the beautiful panorama of high viewpoint.
We will get mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Churel Himal Range, and Norbung Kang when we reach the top. After descending for a few hours we’ll come across the Gyambo River and reach Danigar village.
Overnight at Village Danigar.
Maximum Altitude: 5169m/16958ft
Kilometers: 36km
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will begin walking at a higher altitude today. We will head towards Temche Kharka also known as Yak Kharka via another pass, Baga La 95170m). We will steadily climb along a traditional yak trail to cross Bagala pass. There will be some impressive views of the Mountains above us. As we start climbing higher and moving forward, we will notice a rapid gain in elevation. So we’ll take It easy and walk slowly until we see amazing views of Phoksundo Lake from the top pass.
We will stay overnight at Temche.
Maximum Altitude: 3,641m/11,945ft
Kilometers: 25km
Trek duration: 4-5hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will leave Temche behind after having morning breakfast at the tented camp. We descend to Yak Kharka from Temche and make our way towards Ringmo Gaun. After the long, tiring, and high-altitude trek of the previous day, today’s trail will be easier and we will be welcomed with an easy hike. We will hike to the beautiful village Ringmo by passing through towering cliffs, large waterfalls, flora, and fauna. We will hike to Phoksundo lake from Ringmo village which will offer us a very pleasant and mesmerizing view of turquoise water and high mountains surrounding us from everywhere.
Maximum Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will explore Shey-Phoksundo lake. We will have a day full of visiting the bankside of this lake and admire the views of the surroundings. We will also get a view of Rigmo Village from the lake. We will also get the opportunity to explore nearby monasteries which is Tshowa also named Bon Monastery which was built 900 years ago.
Stay overnight at Shey-Phoksundo Lake
Maximum Altitude: 2,678m/8,786ft
Kilometers: 32km
Trek duration: 5-6hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will leave beautiful Shey-phoksundo behind and make our way towards Chhepka. We will leave the Mountains capes behind and start our trek walking along the riverside, following the steep ascent to the top of the hill. We will bid farewell to the Lake from the top hill and head towards the southern path. We will go through dense forest with pine and birch trees towards Rechi. We will ascend and descend through the hills and finally arrive in Chhepka.
Overnight at Chhepka
Maximum Altitude: 2,475m/8,120ft
Kilometers: 19km
Trek duration: 5-6hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Chhepka behind, we will slowly ascent to the trails which will lead us to the forests of birch. We will walk ahead towards the Jhupal passing through the villages Kageni and Shyanta Village. We will leave behind Shey Phoksundo National Park and come back to a normal walking trail. We will cross the long metal suspension bridge to Dhim Khola and walk towards reaching Jhupal.
Today will be the last day of our trekking journey. After reaching Jhupal we will have rest, dinner, and stay overnight at this place.
Maximum Altitude: 2,499m/8,200ft
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taking a domestic flight from Jhupal, we will fly across Nepalgunj. We will wake up early in the morning and make our way to Kathmandu. We will officially leave the Dolpa region behind and take another domestic flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. You can take a rest as it has been more than a week in a tented camp without proper access to food and a bathroom. You can fresh up and relax in your room after reaching Kathmandu or you can also roam around the city area during nighttime to experience nightlife in the Thamel area.
Meals: Breakfast
We will give you a farewell breakfast in the morning as today is going to be your last day in Nepal. We hope you had an amazing experience and had fun trekking in the remote region of Nepal. We know that you will visit us again for another adventurous trekking with your family or friends. Our guide will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled flight.
Lower Dolpa Trekking Regional Map (Day Will Be Different On Map)
Yes, as the Elevation of this region exceeds more than 3500m we will ascend and descend through many hills, passes, and mountains you are at risk of getting altitude sickness.
Yes, the travel agencies will not provide you with essential trekking types of equipment like water bottles, sleeping bags, tents, trekking boots, and other things. You can easily get access to this kind of thing in the Kathmandu Thamel area. You can either rent or buy from here. Also, don’t forget to take your regular medicine intake. ( if you have any)
This region is remote and you will need a trekking permit from the government. We don’t recommend you to trek to this region alone. You will need a trekking guide who will be arranged through a travel agency.
This trek will take about 16days to 20days. We need acclimatization days and as the trails are rough and steep we will have to walk slowly.
Yes, as Lower Dolpo is a remote and restricted trekking region, so you will need a trekking permit to get through this region with the Government Register Trekking Company. Also, you will have to register a trekking guide and a party of two or more trekkers in the group.
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