Nature Trail

Lower Dolpo Trek - 21 days

Group discount
US $ 4,095
US $ 3,435
Save 16%
US $ 660
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  • No booking fees
  • Earn US$ 0 in travel credits.
Max. Elevation
5260m
Group size
2min - 16 max
Trip grade
Moderate
Transportation
Domestic flight (ktm-Npgj - Smkt , Juphal - Npgj - Ktm) and airport drop / picked up by private vehicals.
Best Season
Sept – Dec, March – May
Accomodation
Hotel and Lodge , Tented twin sharing bed basis during the trekking.
Meals
Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast during the trekking.
Starts at
Kathmandu/Nepalgunj
Ends at
Nepalgunj/Kathmandu

Highlights

    • Trek to the pristine Shey Phoksundo alongside with an entry to the Phoksundo National Park
    • Amazing experience walking in the desert-like rain shadow area of the lower Dolpo region
    • Catch the enticing views of Yak Caravan and got to walk on the ancient salt trade route
    • Feel enticed by the sight of diverse flora and fauna of the region
Lower Dolpo Trek offers an outstanding trekking experience in the remote and rugged natural unspoiled corner simply beyond the Himalayan across western region of Nepal. It is an adventurous trek which will be a life time memory.

Dolpo lies in far western region of Nepal. It preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan culture where the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion is still in practice. It is a controlled trekking destination of Nepal where you need to have special permit from Nepal Government to trek. Only limited tourists have visited this area. This area is physically hard because of the high passes. You could see stunning landscape and villages. You could see perfect Mountain View from here. It is a matter of fact that this trek offers a unique experience of Tibetan dominated Nepali way of life to the visitors.

Our journey begins with a scenic flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Then commencing our trek to Gothi chaur on the next day following the ascending and descending trail with beautiful views of Mountains and forest we reach Naphukana. We trek through remote locations admiring the beautiful rain shadow landscape of the Himalayas, reflected in the colorful barren slopes of the mountains where the play of light and shadow is a perpetual fascinating spectacle. On the fifteenth day of the trek, we reach Dho. This is also one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced. While on the trek, we get to muse at the yak caravans that maintain the traditional salt trade with Tibet. We also cross two high passes- Numa La and Baga La-and reflect on life amidst the tranquil waters of Phoksundo Lake. Moving forward towards Lahini then to Tarakot and then to Dunai, we finally reach Juphal from where we take a flight to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj we fly back to Kathmandu.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October) are the best months for this trip. Since the Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow area formed by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, you can also take this trip during the Monsoon season (June to August).

Trip Itinerary

After breakfast, we will take an hour long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which lies close to the Indian border in the western Terai. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal.  We will stay there for overnight and make the necessary preparation for the trek ahead. We can also visit local market of Nepalgunj, mini – zoo and nearby villages. Overnight accommodation will be in a lodge.


elevation

Max. altitude

820m / 2,690 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Hotel
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Early in the morning, we take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. After arriving at Jumla airport, we will cross the Tila Khola and the Chaudabise Khola, near their confluence and climb gradually to a fertile valley of rice terraces. The trail passes through several villages. We continue our walk through a forest of maple and walnut and onto a meadow which, in season, is covered with wild flowers. Beyond the meadow, the trail climbs to a small pass before descending again to Gothi Chaur where we will be staying for the night.

elevation

Max. altitude

2,700m / 8,858 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Today, the trail follows the Tila Khola through fields of corn, potato, buckwheat and barley until the valley narrows and then we will be entering a forest of oaks, spruce and maples. We will be passing through the village of Chotra which is dotted with typical Tibetan mani walls. After a short distance, we will come to another Tibetan-looking village, Naphukana where we will be staying for the night. There is a large Gompa above this village.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,080m / 10,105 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

The trail today becomes gradually steeper and climbs through a forest to a pass named Mauri Lagna (3820m). From the pass, one can get views of snowy peaks to the north and east. Descending from the pass, the trail traverses a steep slope before dropping into a forest of pine and oaks. We then enter the Bheri Valley and after following the trail in and out of side valleys, we will come to the village of Chaurikot where we will be staying for the night.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,060m / 10,039 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

The trail proceeds on to the village of Balasa from where we will be able to see Kagmara peak on the horizon. The trail descends to a stream before climbing through a forest of walnut trees and onto a ridge. Passing through the apple orchards of Jyakot, we will then descend to the village of Rimi before following a rocky trail down to the Bheri Riverside where we will be staying for the overnight.

elevation

Max. altitude

2,610m / 8,563 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

We will continue our trek along the west bank of the Bheri River, passing Hurikot. After arriving at the entrance of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, we will then come to the confluence of the Garpung and Jagdula Khola, which joins the Bheri River. We then move forward towards Garpung khola where we will be staying overnight.


elevation

Max. altitude

2,900m / 9,514 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Today will be a short trek. We will continue to follow alongside the Garpung Khola, ascending gradually towards the Kagmara La. Today’s trek is mainly done for acclimatization. It is important to note that ascending to great latitude too quickly is risky so we need to take enough rest before heading forward. Overnight at Kagmara.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,500m / 11,483 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

We will be crossing across to the eastern side of the river, where the valley narrows and the river becomes a series of waterfalls. The trail climbs to a moraine below the Kagmara La and we will make our camp amidst the boulders. Magnificent views of the surrounding peaks will be at our door step.


elevation

Max. altitude

4,000m / 13,123 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping

Today, we will start early in the morning and ascend alongside the Kagmara Glacier to the Kagmara La. This is a good place to spot the rare blue sheep. After a 900m descent, we will reach the pastures of the Pungmo Khola Valley where we will be spending the night.

elevation

Max. altitude

5,115m / 16,781 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
  • The trail now enters birch and juniper forests which soon give way to blue pine. As the trail contours the side valleys, one can enjoy the magnificent views of Kanjirolba peak before we reach the fortress-like village of Pungmo which is set amidst barley fields.
elevation

Max. altitude

4,400m / 14,436 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

On the following day, we will be continuing downstream to the national park headquarters at Sumduwa before joining the trail up the Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Lake. We will climb through a forest of large cedars to the winter settlement of Palam and continue ascending through the open country to a ridge from which there are good views of the lake in the horizon. There is a spectacular waterfall- the highest waterfall in Nepal close by. The trail then makes an initial descent before climbing gently to Ringmo village. After crossing a bridge below Ringmo, the trail continues northward to the shores of Phoksundo Lake where we will be staying overnight.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,733m / 12,247 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Today will be a rest day at the lake which is known for its unusual greenish-blue water. In the backdrop of the lake on the western side, there is large snowy peak known as Kanjirolba or Kanchen Ruwa which seems like it is piercing the sky. A trail leads through a stand of juniper trees to an old dilapidated gompa which overlooks the lake. As well as Buddhist paintings and statues, there is also evidence of the ancient Bon-po religion within the temple and chapels.


elevation

Max. altitude

3,730m / 12,238 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Retrace our foot prints back to Ringmo and we follow a trail eastwards, through forest of juniper and blue pine. The trail follows alongside the river up the valley to a waterfall and eventually to the base of the Baga La where we will be staying for the night.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,930m / 12,894 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Today, our trek is a bit challenging as we have to begin our steep climb for 3 hours to the top of the Baga La Pass, the second of such high passes. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa.  We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Then we descend  gradual at first to Dajok Tang but it soon drops steeply to a stream before ascending again to the foot of the Numa La where we will be staying for the night.


elevation

Max. altitude

5,090m / 16,699 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

On the following day, we continue to trek gradually ascending through arid country to the last of the high passes, the Numa La. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains. It is marked by mani stones and the flutter of the prayer flags. If it is clear, we will be able to see as far as Dhaulagiri from the top. We cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. The trail now descends past a huge mani wall to the Tarap region and the trail cuts through the barley fields of the Tarap Valley and onto the settlement of Do. After walking for several more hours, we reach the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations.


elevation

Max. altitude

5,360m / 17,585 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. It is the largest settlement in Tarap and has several Gompa. On the ridge above the village is the Ri Bhunpa Gompa and, just to the east lays the village of Shipchhok which has a Bon-po gompa which is certainly worth exploring. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects). Overnight at Dho.

elevation

Max. altitude

4,100m / 13,451 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

On the ridge above the village is the Ri Bhunpa Gompa and, just to the east lays the village of Shipchhok which has a Bon-po gompa which is certainly worth exploring. We will be starting off early in the morning. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. The trail is almost flat and follows the river until we come across a gorge. We will enter the gorge which has large rose shrubs and other wildflowers, and after crossing and re-crossing the river numerous times, the trail opens up to a flat expanse and onto Lahini where we will be staying for the night.

elevation

Max. altitude

3,560m / 11,680 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

After breakfast our trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Eventually, the valley widens and the route becomes easier as we approach the village of Khanigaon. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Our trail also includes a tremendous gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the colorful, terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River.

elevation

Max. altitude

2,600m / 8,530 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Camping
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Commencing trek to Dunai, we will follow alongside the Barbung Khola downstream along the south bank to the village of Lawan, before crossing to the north bank and walking for several more hours to Dunai where we will be staying for the night.


elevation

Max. altitude

2,100m / 6,890 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Hotel / Lodge
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

Our trail today follows the river trail downstream to Juphal. The route along the Sulighat is surrounded by birch trees. From a top a ridge, we get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below. We will also be walking uphill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2090m) where we can rest. After several more hours of walking, we will finally reach Juphal, which is the end point of our trek. Exploring busy market town of Juphal we will be stay overnight there.


elevation

Max. altitude

2,500m / 8,202 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Hotel / Lodge
meal

Meals

Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast

In the last day of our journey, we will take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and connect flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

elevation

Max. altitude

1,400m / 4,593 ft.
accomodation

Accommodation

Hotel
meal

Meals

Lunch , Breakfast
Elevation Chart
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Includes

    • Domestic airports pick up and drop in Kathmandu as per program by private car
    • Accommodation for 1 night in Nepalgunj with all meals on room sharing basis. 
    • Shey-Phoksundo National Park conservation fee 
    • Special permit fee for Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo
    • Camping+lodge (whereas possible) trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our cook) and accommodation in tent/lodges.
    • Services of an experienced English speaking trekking guide, cook, kitchen helpers and porters.
    • Food, salary (allowance), insurance, equipment and transportation for cook, assistance, porters etc. 
    • First aid kit bag
    • All equipment for camping (tent, mattress, kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, toilet tent etc)
    • Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.  
    • Airfare of guide for Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Kathmandu 
    • Airfare of guide for Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Kathmandu 
    • Airfare of guide for Nepalgunj / Juphal / Nepalgunj
    • All applicable government taxes and service charges.

Doesn't Include

    • Any meals, accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu (if required please let us know and as per your budget requirement we would be very happy to arrange the same)
    • Domestic airfares Kathmandu/Nepalganja/Kathmandu (Approx. US$ 404)
    • Airfare of Nepalgunj / Jumla/Juphal/Nepalganja (Approx. US$ 394)
    • Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
    • Personal travel insurance against sickness, injury, accidents, damage or loss of goods.
    • Liability for extra expenses caused by illness, accidents or situation beyond our control. 
    • Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, bar bill, tips for driver, guide and porter, etc.
    • Medical and emergency evacuation charges.
    • Respective expenses if one returns earlier from the trip due to sickness or emergency purpose.
    • Personal equipment for Sunglasses, Sun hat, normal trekking booth, plastic trekking booth etc.
    • Cargo fees for trekking/camping equipment.
    • Tips for guide and porters with others staff.
    • Any other services or optional activities not mentioned above in the included list.
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