Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights

• Trek off the beaten path through beautiful Himalayan valleys and cross high passes over 5000 meters 
• Hike to the pristine Phoksundo Lake (3611m), which is also the deepest lake in Nepal
• Explore the rich biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo National Park 
• Experience untouched Buddhist culture and Bon Po practices 
• Witness amazing views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa and more

Our 17 day Lower Dolpo Trek explores the remote and barren valleys of western Nepal offering a true adventure in the wilderness. Often also called the ‘hidden treasure of Nepal’, the Dolpo valley is known for its dry-but-mountainous landscape, amazing scenery and the unique ‘Bon Po’ culture of the locals. 

Your journey begins from the trailhead at Jhupal, which you can reach via a flight from Nepalgunj. For the first few days, you will trek through Dunai, Tarakot, Laini and Nawarpani to reach Dho Tarap. Passing through the lush hills and valleys, you might even encounter some of the wildlife residing in the region such as ghorals, blue sheep, rhesus monkeys and even leopards.

After a fun day of exploration at Dho Tarap, the tough part of the trek begins at Numa La base camp. Over the next couple of days, you will cross the Numa La to camp at Pelung Tang and then cross the Baga La to camp at Dajok tang. You’ll likely see amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Kanjirowa and many other peaks during this endeavor. 

Next, you’ll arrive at Ringmo which is the closest settlement near Phoksundo. In addition to being one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, Phoksundo is also the deepest lake in Nepal. Take a full day to explore its enchanting turquoise blue waters and the surroundings. With one of our main objectives accomplished, the return trek now begins. Make your way via Shyanta to Jhupal. The Lower Dolpo Trek comes to an end with a flight back to the capital.

Note: As the Shey Phoksundo National Park is a restricted area designated for conservation, you will require the Shey Phoksundo Entry Permit ($30) along with your TIMS card.

Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty

The Lower Dolpo Trek is a strenuous trek that explores the high Himalayan valleys of Dolpo. The trails are generally hilly/rocky and involves some tough ascents. As such, we recommend this trek for people with some prior trekking experience and good physical fitness and stamina. Some other factors you need to consider for the Lower Dolpo Trek are:

Elevation:

With two high passes over 5000 meters and most of the trail situated above 3000 meters, altitude sickness is a possible threat on this trek. Thus, set aside ample time for acclimatization, stay hydrated and ascend at a steady pace. 

Length:

The Lower Dolpo Trek last for 2-3 weeks depending on the route taken and places visited. The trekking hours average out to around 6 hours of trekking per day. 

Best Season for Lower Dolpo Trek

The Lower Dolpo Trek is best performed during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons. These periods are perfect due to the moderate temperature, stable weather and clear skies. During winter, the temperatures can drop quite low and excessive snowfall can sometimes block off the passes.