Lower Dolpo is the most visited area by trekkers compared to other trekking routes in western Nepal. Though this is a much less visited area than different trekking routes in Nepal, one of the main reasons should be insufficient information on the region and its relative inaccessibility. But Lower Dolpo or entire western Nepal offers a beautiful opportunity to take advantage of the different landscapes and cultures of other parts of the country in the shortest of our journey.

Lower Dolpo Trekking Package is valid till 2023

The least complicated and one of the most popular trekking to the west of Nepal is the trekking of Lower Dolpo. The journey passes through the main villages such as Juphal, Tarakot, Tarap Valley and Shey Phoksundo, crossing the Numila and Bagala. This protected remote and rugged area is scenic and culturally attractive and is the habitat of several rare plants and species of faunas in perilous, much of which can be seen nowhere in the country. In this national park, you can see animals like snow leopard, wolf and blue sheep etc.

Trip Highlights

Trip Profile

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing and resting day in Kathmandu

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj

Day 4: Fly to Juphal (2475m) and trek to Roop Ghar (2,100m.), A 3 hours trek

Day 5: Trek to Chepka (2,720m.), A 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 6: Trek to Renje (2,840m.), A 4 hours trek

Day 7: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m.), A 5 hours trek

Day 8: Rest day

Day 9: Trek to Dajok Thang (4,075m.). A 3 hours trek

Day 10: Trek to Between Bagala and Numila Pass (4,650m.). A 5 hours trek

Day 11: Cross Numila Pass and trek to Tok-Kyu (4,240m). A 6 hours trek

Day 12: Trek to Do (3,944m.). A 3 hours trek

Day 13: Trek to Lahini (3,379m.). A 6 hours trek

Day 14: Trek to Tarakot (2,540m.). A 5 hours trek

Day 15: Trek to Dunai and Juphal, A 5-6 hours trekking.

Day 16: A contingency Day

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.

Day 18: Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our personnel will be waiting at the Kathmandu international airport (TIA) to receive you with a traditional welcome. After checking into the hotel and refreshments, your circuit guide will update you about the necessary formalities for your proposed trek. Then, depending on arrival time, you will have the choice of either nearby visiting shrines or resting back in your room.

• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing and resting day in Kathmandu

Today we take a round of Kathmandu and Patan cities where one can see and experience fascinating aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism and many other charms. Those not willing on a rest while we finalize trekking area permits.

• Breakfast included.
• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj

We take the flight to Nepalgunj in the far west of Nepal. This one hour flight is remarkable since it traverses the entire Nepal Himalayan west of Kathmandu, with superb views of Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and finally to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is close to the Indian border and quite warm compared to Kathmandu. We check into the hotel, and the rest of the time is free.

• Full board
  
• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Juphal (2475m) and trek to Roop Ghar (2,100m.), A 3 hours trek

A 3 hours trek
After an early start, we take the flight to Juphal, which takes about 45 minutes, and from the plane, there are superb mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. At Juphal, we meet our trek crew, get introduced and stop for an early lunch. After lunch, we continue the day; the trail descends to the Bheri River through terraced fields and follows the gorge to Dunai. We camp at Roop Ghar, before Dunai, at the southern bank of the Bheri River.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 5: Trek to Chepka (2,720m.), A 5 to 6 hours trek

A 5 to 6 hours trek
The usual start of the day is with bed tea at 6.00 a.m. and away from 7 to 7.30 a.m. We cross the suspension bridge to the other side of the river until the confluence with the Suli Gaad from Phoksundo Lake. The trail follows a steep valley with the raging river below with a hillside covered with lush vegetation. Further up, we reach the Phoksundo National Park entrance at the village of Hanke. Continuing another hour of walk, we cross the west bank past horse pastures to the village of Celas. We then trek upstream to another bridge and arrive at Ankhe Khola. Continue the trek, which climbs to a ridge at 2,700m and then descends to Chepka 2,670m., where there are some shops.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 6: Trek to Renje (2,840m.), A 4 hours trek

A 4-hours’ trek
We trek by staying near the river and arriving at a stones collection at a riverside bank. If the water is high in summer, this part can be treacherous. The trail makes several ups and down and arrives at a bridge leading to Renje village 3,020m, a small village of around 11 houses, where we camp for the overnight rest.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 7: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m.), A 5 hours trek

The Suli Gaad valley turns eastwards and becomes narrower. The trail continues with its ups and downs and reaches its confluence of the Suli Gaad with Pungmo Khola. From here, the Suli Gaad is known as Phoksundo Khola. We cross a wooden bridge and arrive at Shey Phoksundo National Park Headquarter, at Sum-Dowa, now abandoned. We then follow the west bank, climb through big cedar trees, and come to Palam, a winter settlement from Ringmo. The afternoon's walk up to Ringmo is delightful. A sheer cliff wall guards the upper valley, which hides the lake until we reach some prayer flags at 3800m. Equally impressive is the huge waterfall, 330m.-high, down from Phuksundo Lake. The campsite at Ringmo is on the opposite side of the village at 3,700 metres, with impressive lake views and entire surroundings.

Full board service

Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 8: Rest day

A rest day in Ringmo camped by the beautiful clear waters of Ringmo Lake. The nearby monastery is worth a visit. Visit the Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing Gonpa; a Bon-Po Gonpa said to have d 60 generations ago. Several various Gonpa owned by monastic communities may be permitted to visit on request.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 9: Trek to Dajok Thang (4,075m.). A 3 hours trek

The final part of the trek sets out to explore the hidden valley of Tarap, one of the last bastions of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Again, an easy day involving a couple of hours walking in the morning to a Yak grazing pasture by the Manduwa Khola. Today the trekking path skirts along rocky ridges hacked out of cliffs for the Yak caravans from Dolpo. The views down the Suli Gad and across to the Kagmara Lekh (in Nepali = High Land) are awe-inspiring. The campsite is in a lovely spot called Dajok Thang, at 4,075 metres, below Kang Taiga at 5,916 metres.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 10: Trek to Between Bagala and Numila Pass (4,650m.). A 5 hours trek

Today is a very strenuous day crossing thee Basia Bhanjyang (Bagala La Pass) at 5,200 metres. It is also a fascinating part of the trek as we cross the watershed of the main Himalayan onto the dry Tibetan plateaus. After leaving the campsite, the path turns north up the first obvious side valley and climbs steeply to the pass, marked by a chörten and the usual Buddhist prayer flags. The views to the east and north are in complete contrast to those of the previous days of trekking. The mountain is orange and brown, stretching out into Tibet to the north. The pass is often windy, and the descent is party rapid to the river below and our camp at 4,650 metres. The path to Shey Gonpa and Saldang is visible far into the barren landscape, etched out of the land, the footprint of thousands of Yaks and traders that made the journey north to south over the centuries the lifeline of Dolpo. At this point, we are only one day from the village of Shey, but access is not permitted. To enter this area, a Special Permit with a minimum of 10 days, paying $500 per person, is needed.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 11: Cross Numila Pass and trek to Tok-Kyu (4,240m). A 6 hours trek

The Tarap Valley is today's destination, and despite the climb to the Numila La, at 5,320 metres, the walk into this beautiful and wild Tibetan landscape is one of the trek's highlights. A 3½-hour trail leads to the pass, and the view is indeed stunning. Mount Dhaulagiri I, with the rolling Tibetan hills and the Kanjirowa Himal to the west, are equally impressive. For an excellent 360 degrees panorama, climb the small peak to the left of the pass. The path descends gradually into the Tarap Valley, and in two hours, we arrive at the campsite at Tok-Kyu at 4,000 metres.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 12: Trek to Do (3,944m.). A 3 hours trek

Due to the opens of the Tarap Valley, the sun hits the tent early, giving a spring feel to the morning. The morning trek passes through the villages of Clumaga and Kagar, both extremely interesting with many Chörten, again both Bun-Po monasteries (the ancient pre-Buddhist religion) and Choba (orthodox Buddhist). There are six Gonpas in Dho, but we visit only the Kagar and Champa Gonpa.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 13: Trek to Lahini (3,379m.). A 6 hours trek

Leaving Dho, the Tarap Khola is followed for two hours, at first on its left bank, to a bridge where lunch usually gets organized. Another three to four hours later, the valley becomes narrow, with deep gorges crossed by innumerable small bridges. However, it is an exceptionally well-made path, one of the finest gorge paths in the region, offering an entertaining afternoon's walk.

The path through the gorge continues switching from the riverbank to way up the cliffside on some fantastic constructions! Around this area, look out for Musk Deer; they are easily found grazing on hillsides. After a long morning walk, we reach a large clearing by the river at Lahini, marking the gorge's end. The path to Khanigaon at 2,700 metres is further 35 minutes of descent.

Full board service

Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 14: Trek to Tarakot (2,540m.). A 5 hours trek

A 5 hours trek
We descend to Khani Gaon and, from the check post, head east for a few hundred yards to a well mad bridge crossed to the left bank of the Barbung Khola, into which the Tarap Khola now flows. We follow the river for another three hours to the village of Tarakot, where we stop.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 15: Trek to Dunai and Juphal, A 5-6 hours trekking.

We continue the descent along the Barbung Khola through a beautiful alpine valley to Dunai. Then further one and half hour final walk to Juphal airstrip. This evening is the ceremonial evening to celebrate the happy end of the trek and to see off with the kitchen crews and porters.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 16: A contingency Day

One extra day to use whenever or wherever the group may be required. Otherwise, we will spend it in Kathmandu.

• Full board service
  
• Overnight stay in the tented camp.

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.

We take the flight to Nepalgunj and another connecting flight to Kathmandu. The Juphal to Nepalgunj flight operates early in the morning and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu in the evening; therefore, we have a rest and lunchtime before flying to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu, and the rest of the time is free.

• Breakfast, Lunch and afternoon resting hotel at Nepalgunj
  
• Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 18: Kathmandu

A free day or optionally take a guided city tour. The trip is over. In the evening, we enjoy farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants in Kathmandu.

• Breakfast and farewell dinner.
• Accommodation in Hotel.

Day 19: Departure

Have breakfast and have some relaxing free time for yourself. Our office representative and vehicle will arrive at your hotel to escort you to the airport at the indicated time. Drive to Kathmandu international airport (TIA); see off formalities, you will go through the immigration and departure.

• Breakfast included.
• Accommodation on board.

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