How difficult is the Lower Dolpo Trek?

It is considered a challenging trek due to high passes above 5,000m, long trekking days, and basic facilities. Good fitness and some trekking experience are recommended.

Do I need permits for Dolpo?

Yes. You need a Lower Dolpo restricted area permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit. These are arranged by the trekking company.

Can I do this trek solo?

No, independent trekking is not allowed in Dolpo. You must trek with a licensed guide and obtain permits through an authorized agency.

What is the highlight of the trek?

For most trekkers, the unforgettable highlights are crossing Numa La and Baga La passes, meeting people in Dho Tarap, and experiencing the beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake.

What is the food like during the trek?

Meals are simple but filling. Expect Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, potatoes, and sometimes limited meat options.

How safe is it to trek in Dolpo?

With a professional guide and porter support, the trek is safe. Guides carry a first-aid kit, and porters help with loads, making it manageable for trekkers.

What is the accommodation like?

You’ll stay in basic tea houses where available, and tented camping in remote sections. Facilities are simple compared to popular routes like Everest or Annapurna.

Lower Dolpo Trek - Geo Nepal Treks

Accomodation
Camping
Departure City
Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Maximum Altitude
4,465 M
Destinations
Dolpo Region
Activities
High-altitude trekking
Trip Type
Lower Dolpo Trek
Difficulty
Hard

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Gallery

FAQs

Map

Elevation Chart

Equipment

Essential Info

Overview

The Lower Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most unique journeys, taking you into a remote and mystical part of the Himalayas where Tibetan culture and rugged landscapes blend perfectly. Hidden behind the Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa ranges, Dolpo lies in the rain-shadow of the Himalayas, which makes it one of the few regions you can trek even during the summer months.

This 19-day adventure begins with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. From there, the trek winds through deep gorges, traditional villages, yak pastures, and high passes that rise above 5,000 meters. You’ll pass through places like Dho Tarap, one of the world’s highest permanent settlements, where people live much like their Tibetan ancestors, practicing Buddhism and Bon traditions.

The highlight of the trek is reaching the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural wonders, surrounded by cliffs and forests. Along the way, you’ll also cross the challenging Numa La (5,190m) and Baga La (5,070m) passes, both offering breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Unlike the popular trails of Annapurna and Everest, Dolpo remains wild, untouched, and authentic. Here you’ll find fewer trekkers, giving you a deep sense of wilderness and cultural immersion. It’s a trek that combines dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife (like blue sheep and snow leopards), and timeless traditions, making it an unforgettable experience for those who want to explore Nepal beyond the usual trails.

Trip Highlights

Scenic flights from Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Juphal, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.
Trek through remote valleys, deep gorges, and high alpine meadows rarely visited by outsiders.
Explore Dho Tarap (4,090m) – one of the world’s highest inhabited villages, rich in Tibetan culture and traditions.
Cross two dramatic high passes: Numa La Pass (5,190m) with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks. Baga La Pass (5,070m) with breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Spend a full day at the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m), one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Visit ancient monasteries and chortens, learning about Buddhism and Bon traditions still alive in Dolpo.
Encounter authentic Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle, unchanged for centuries.
Walk through pine, juniper, and birch forests, alongside waterfalls, yak caravans, and traditional farmlands.
Spot rare Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan griffons, and possibly snow leopards in the wild.
Experience trekking in a rain-shadow region, making Dolpo a unique choice even in the monsoon months.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will be there to greet you. After a short drive, you’ll check into your hotel in Thamel, the lively heart of Kathmandu. You’ll have time to rest, recover from your flight, and enjoy your first evening in Nepal.

Day 02 :

Kathmandu Sightseeing & Permit Preparation

Today you’ll explore the cultural side of Kathmandu. You’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Meanwhile, your special trekking permits for Dolpo will be arranged. In the evening, your guide will brief you about the trek.

Day 03 :

Fly Kathmandu → Nepalgunj

A short flight takes you to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in western Nepal near the Indian border. The climate is warmer here, and you’ll notice a mix of Nepali and Indian influences. You’ll spend the night in a hotel, preparing for the mountain flight the next morning.

Day 04 :

Fly Nepalgunj → Juphal (2,475m), trek to Dunai (2,140m)

Early morning, a scenic flight brings you to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. After landing, you’ll start your trek with a gentle walk down to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo. Dunai sits on the banks of the Bheri River and is surrounded by hills, giving a first taste of the region’s remoteness.

Day 05 :

Dunai → Tarakot (2,540m)

Leaving Dunai, you follow the trail along the river. The path passes through villages and terraced fields. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, you arrive in Tarakot, a beautiful village known for its colorful terraced farms and old fortress remains.

Day 06 :

Tarakot → Laini Odar (3,370m)

Today’s trek gradually climbs higher through gorges and narrow valleys. You follow the Tarap Chu River and cross suspension bridges along the way. Laini Odar is a simple campsite set in a peaceful gorge.

Day 07 :

Laini Odar → Nawarpani (3,545m)

The trail continues through a dramatic landscape with deep gorges and rocky cliffs. The walk is steady but not too steep, and you’ll notice the vegetation starting to thin out as you reach Nawarpani.

Day 08 :

Nawarpani → Dho Tarap (4,090m)

This is a longer trekking day, but also one of the most rewarding. You trek into the wide Tarap Valley and finally arrive at Dho Tarap, one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. This traditional Dolpo village is home to people who still practice ancient Tibetan culture and traditions.

Day 09 :

Acclimatization Day in Dho Tarap

A full day to rest and adjust to the altitude. You can explore the village, visit monasteries, and interact with locals dressed in traditional Tibetan-style clothing. It’s a wonderful chance to learn about their lifestyle and Buddhism-influenced culture.

Day 10 :

Dho Tarap → Numa La Base Camp (4,440m)

From Dho Tarap, the trail climbs slowly along yak pastures and high meadows. You’ll set camp at Numa La Base Camp, surrounded by rugged mountains. The air feels thinner, preparing you for tomorrow’s big pass.

Day 11 :

Cross Numa La Pass (5,190m) → Pelung Tang (4,465m)

This is one of the most challenging but memorable days of the trek. You climb up to the top of Numa La Pass (5,190m), where prayer flags flutter and the panoramic mountain views are breathtaking. After soaking in the scenery, you descend to Pelung Tang for the night.

Day 12 :

Cross Baga La Pass (5,070m) → Dajok Tang (4,080m)

Another adventurous day as you cross your second high pass, Baga La. The views from the top stretch across snow peaks and deep valleys. A long descent brings you down to Dajok Tang, a grassy meadow surrounded by forest.

Day 13 :

Dajok Tang → Ringmo Village (3,600m)

Today you walk through pine and juniper forests before reaching Ringmo, a charming village on the edge of the turquoise-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake. The first glimpse of the lake is magical.

Day 14 :

Rest Day at Shey Phoksundo Lake

A full day to enjoy the beauty of Shey Phoksundo, one of Nepal’s most stunning lakes. You can walk along its shores, explore the 900-year-old Tshowa Monastery, or simply relax and take in the serenity of this sacred place.

Day 15 :

Ringmo → Chhepka (2,838m)

Leaving the lake behind, you descend through forests and past waterfalls. The trail is pleasant and easier as you gradually make your way down to Chhepka, a small settlement.

Day 16 :

Chhepka → Juphal (2,475m)

The final trekking day takes you through villages, fields, and gentle trails. By afternoon, you arrive back at Juphal where your trek began. Tonight you can celebrate the completion of your Dolpo adventure.

Day 17 :

Fly Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu

In the morning, you take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and then connect to Kathmandu. Back in the capital, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, or wander through the bustling streets of Thamel.

Day 18 :

Departure

Your journey comes to an end. A representative will drop you at the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Dolpo’s remote valleys, high passes, and the beauty of Shey Phoksundo.