Lower Dolpo Trek

Adventure around Nepal Far Wild West the land of Bonpa culture and rare snow leopard

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Group Size: Minimum 2
  • Trip Type: Lodge Trek
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Max Elevation: 5,309m | 17,417ft

Highlights

“Exciting adventure on the least explored region around Far Wild West Himalaya. On the classic trail of the old Trans-Himalayan Caravan Route of Nepal and Tibet. Exploring hidden villages of Ringmo and Tokyu enriched with fascinating cultures Sweeping scenic flight to and from Jhupal / Dolpo with mind-blowing views of mountains. Visit beautiful Phoksumdo Lake and cross high scenic passes Baga la 5,169m16,958ft and Numa-la 5,309m17,417ft”

About Lower Dolpo Trek

Welcome to the country of blue sheep and elusive snow leopard around pristine areas of Lower Dolpo Trek, an exclusive scenic and cultural journey with Nepal Spirit Adventure to Nepal's Far Wild West Himalaya, least and untouched by the main flow of trekkers.

Lower Dolpo Trekking lies hidden in the remote corners of northwestern Himalaya a country less visited by western visitors and adventurers, where you can enjoy the walk in the harmony of serene natural surroundings and complete wilderness.

This least explored region around Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake  Trekking is well described and exposed to the outside world from the classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ by Peter Mattessian in the mid-1980s followed by a great movie Caravan or Himalaya a French / Nepal joint venture film of late 1999.

Truly a fascinating destination where you will be soaked with immense beautiful scenery of green landscapes in the backdrop of snow-capped peaks of Kagmara and Dhaulagiri range crossing high and scenic passes of Baga-la and Numa-la of above 5,309 m high and visiting charming villages of Ringmo-Tokyu and Tarakot with great culture and traditions of strong Tibetan influence.

On this Lower DolpaTrek an opportunity to observe the ancient Bon-pa culture sects and villages interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism visiting its old interesting monasteries and religious monuments.

Starting this wonderful adventure taking a sweeping flight from Kathmandu to warm far southwest Nepalgunj city a transit point to connect another scenic flight to Jhupal at Dolpo area, where our true adventure begins following the old caravan route to Dunai, the headquarters town of Dolpo and then heading higher to reach our destination at turquoise Phuksumdo lake.

The adventurous walk leads overpasses towards a wide and beautiful Dho-Tarap valley to reach the historical Tarakot village and then ends this amazing Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake Trekking at Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu, after a mesmerizing adventure with an experience of a lifetime.

You can start with lower Dolpo Trek, after you arrive in Kathmandu, discover around historical full of monuments cultural tour in Kathmandu Valley then we take a flight to Jhupal via Nepalgunj to explore the lower part of the Dolpo areas to collect the very experience the high altitude tundra and rocks and the microclimate of Lower Dolpo and Phoksundo with cold air the glacier of Kanjiroba then continue trek back to Jhupal from where we again catch a flight to Nepalgunj with connecting flight back to Kathmandu.

We Nepal Spirit Adventure Family are the finest and most well-reputed trekking organization based in Kathmandu. Our company has been dominating the tourist industry since 2011. We highly take care and providing to our clients with the best quality service making their trip to Nepal joyful and unforgettable. We try our best to fulfill all the possible expectations of our clients and also provide different kinds of packages based on the client’s flexibility.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Kathmandu  Tribhuvan international airport, our airport pickup crew (team) will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314ft
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle

Breakfast is included in the tour package, and you will have time to look up your trek equipment around the Thamel store while our trek manager obtains the Lower Dolpo trek Permit.

 As per the flight time for Nepalgunj, transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj. Leaving Kathmandu city behind, we fly to Nepalgunj enjoying scenic views through the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many s as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian border.

About 50 minutes flight, land then transfer to hotel. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj overnight in the hotel of Nepalgunj.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Nepalgunj
  • Transportation: Flight & Private Vehicle

Breakfast at the hotel then we catch a short connecting (35-minute) flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As we land in the Juphal, our trekking journey starts. 

In the first session, we descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the Roop Ghar with a water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai overnight in a lodge-teahouse.

  • Meals: Breafast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Dunai
  • Altitude: 2,140m | 7,020ft
  • Walking Hours: 3 - 4 Hours
  • Transportation: By air

Today you will have a beautiful trekking day because we trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks the Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. 

We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced fields of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River overnight stay in the teahouse of Tarakot village.

  • Meals: B + L + D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Dunai
  • Altitude: 2,540m | 8, 333ft
  • Walking Hours: 6 Hours

Breakfast in the morning, we follow the trail on the southern bank of the Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. 

We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7,246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Laina Odar
  • Altitude: 3,375m | 11,072ft
  • Walking Hours: 5 Hours

Today the trail follows through the deep gorge of the Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out of steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that brings us to Chhyugar. 

We then cross a small stream and a couple hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo overnight in the teahouse.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Toltol
  • Altitude: 3,523 | 11,558ft
  • Walking Hours: 7 Hours

Moving alongside the bank of the Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap.

Dho Tarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point for the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Dho Tarap
  • Altitude: 3,950m | 12959ft
  • Walking Hours: 7 Hours

To adjust to the thinning air, we take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring Dho Tarap. We spend the rest of the day visiting the monasteries near the area and take an opportunity to learn and understand the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle. 

The people of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and prefer Tibetan-style somba (boots with upturned toes) for shoes. Most people here follow Bon-Po and Nyigmapa religions. 

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Dho Tarap
  • Altitude: 3,950m | 12959ft

Today we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside the Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with a graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. 

From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Location: Numa La Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4,350m | 14271ft
  • Walking Hours: 5 Hours

Today we begin to trek toward Numa La Pass (5310m | 17421ft), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through a steep trail up on top of endless ridges on rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Churen Himal Range along with Norbung Kang (6085m).

After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Location: Danigar 4,510m | 14,796
  • Altitude: 5,310m | 17,421- Numa La
  • Walking Hours: 7 Hours

Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another huge pass of this trek route, Baga La (5,170m | 16,961ft) we make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail.

As we move higher, we might require extra effort due to rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche. 

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Location: Tamche (4,000m | 13`123)
  • Altitude: 5,170m | 16,961ft
  • Walking Hours: 6 Hours

We descend to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmopassing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress.

Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in the Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Altitude: 3,630m | 11,909
  • Walking Hours: 5 Hours

We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake that is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. 

We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area. 

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Altitude: 3,630m | 11,909

Today the trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. 

The trail then goes through a forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka. 

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Chhepka
  • Altitude: 2,678m | 8,786ft
  • Walking Hours: 6 hours

Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. 

We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat overnight in lodge.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Juphal
  • Altitude: 2475m | 8,120ft
  • Walking Hours: 6 Hours

We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give you the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city. 

  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314ft
  • Transportation: Flight & Private Vehicle

We keep an extra reserve for this spare and free day in Kathmandu as a contingency in case of flight delay and cancellation which can occur sometimes due to bad weather conditions, if all goes well according to our itinerary days, on this day you can join our optional tour to the medieval period city of Bhaktapur which is east from Kathmandu city, visit of great old palace square and temples. 

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314ft

After a wonderful memorable time on Lower Dolpo& Phuksumdo trekking with the grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time transfer to the Tribhuvan international air terminal for your departure towards homeward bound or to the next respective countries.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transportation: Airport transfer
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Cost Details

  • International and domestic arrival and departure transfer by private vehicle
  • 3-Star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast as per our trek itinerary
  • Domestic flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jhupal to Kathmandu
  • Experience English-speaking guide including his daily wage flights, insurance, and equipment
  • Honest strong local porter including his daily wages insurance and equipment (1 porter: 2trekkers)
  • Special lower Dolpo trekking permit and TIMS cards
  • Phoksundo national park permit
  • Trekking meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 3 times a day
  • Trekking equipment: Sleeping bags and down jacket
  • Travel and rescue arrangements
  • Nepal Spirit Adventure medical kit bag
  • Government and company services charge
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters bottled or boiled water, shower, heater and phone calls, etc
  • Nepalese visa fee. You can get at your arrival in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance & Rescue operation
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Food and extra nights in a hotel in Kathmandu (due to an early return from a trek, or an extended stay in Nepal)
  • Additional trips or tours in Kathmandu
  • International flight tickets
  • Excess baggage charges

Dates & Prices

Departure note

Our trek departure date is guaranteed, if it is not convenient for you. You can choose alternate trip departure dates as per your holiday just contact us

 

Useful Information

Upon Arrival in Kathmandu

On arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative or staff will receive you as per your flight landing hours with your name on the display board of Nepal Spirit Adventure then transfer to your respective hotels in Kathmandu.

Afternoon or evening time we will review and discuss much information regarding your trip itinerary and include/exclude services as per the trip itinerary chosen, at the same time introduce your guide who will help you with the final preparation for your trek as well as your may have a question and answer about the trip.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

As per the Lower Dolpo Trekking package, 3-star tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast before and after the trek as per the trip itinerary. If you are trekking in groups joining a basis, you will share a room with someone of the same gender from your group.

If you prefer a single room supplement in Kathmandu and on-route trekking, you can request the single supplement (which will be at an extra cost besides the trip price stated). 

Lodge Accommodation in Trek 

We provide accommodation (lodge) in a homestay, a homestay is a combination of a local restaurant and a social hang-out. The rooms are simple with twin beds some places basic with many beds available along the trek-sleeping bag is most necessary for this tour and inclusive in the trek package.

Lower Dolpo Trek Food Condition

We provide all meals in the lodge | Homestay is simple but organic + hygienic, most of the homestay provides Nepalese food, and Chinese Tibetan, and Indian. Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, seasonable vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soups. We will prove high-altitude food along the Numa La Pass and Baga La Pass with tent accommodation.

Safe Drinking Water

Along the trek, safe drinking water is very important while we are on high altitude journey. We recommend that one should drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day (this helps from de-hydration and altitude problems AMS).

As long as possible we recommend you buy sealed packed mineral water and can buy from every local shop and lodges. "Remember" River, spring, and tap water are free, we should not recommend you directly drink it even water looks very clean, can not drink it by adding water purification pills or a filter then will be suitable to drink.

You can buy also boiled water from every lodge. Boiled water and sealed packed water cost $2-4$ dollars per letter and its cost also depends on where we are from the sea level. So, you need to prepare and packed the extra cost for all the table drinks.

Our Experience Trekking Crews

Nepal is a mountainous country walk takes you to a remote region, it is necessary that you are accompanied by an experienced and qualified guide and leaders for a safe journey and making the trip a success. We at Nepal Spirit Adventure employ native trekking guides and porters who are trained and qualified for this type of trip and have worked with us for a long time.

Our experienced guide provides you with much local information and offers you advice on how to use your free time and by coordinating day-to-day events of the tour, although (sometimes) he might need you to understand that if things do not go according to our plan set. Our trek guides are fully trained and licensed by Nepal Government and certified by TAAN and Nepal Mountaineering Association.

All our trekking and climbing guides are well qualified and highly experienced with 9- 10 years on this job. We provide training for our staff yearly on medical and climbing, with their efficiency, and cheerful attitude, providing help, information and the needs of the guests of nationalities.

Assuring that all our trips are well managed by the expert team of tourism professionals all our guides have a good knowledge regarding the culture and customs of the routes on trekking and tours, share experience and cultural insights of the country that’s missed out in travel guide books. During your time with us, you will have time to learn Nepali phrases and other cultural aspects during the journey. As we organize varied treks in Nepal Himalaya, on group trekking we provide a trek leader with an assistance leader on each trekking depending upon the size of the groups.

This ensures safe travel with us as our guide/assistance guides get any health medical problem, we still have other main guides and leaders to run the trip smoothly as per our standard itinerary. To make the trip enjoyable and pleasant we provide one guide to support and carry your bags among two people with one Sherpa helper in certain conditions.

High Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally at altitudes of over 3,000 m. Most people will feel some effects of altitude, shortness of breath, and possibly light-headedness, which is fairly common.

Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness, and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.

When symptoms of altitude sickness develop, please tell your trekking guide. He will advise you to deal with your problem. Generally, overexertion and dehydration contribute to altitude sickness. So drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day besides tea and coffee which act as diuretics.