• Duration:17 Nights 18 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 5360m
  • Group Size: 2-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo Trekking climbs through lush green pastures, pine forests alongside wild rivers, to reach the enchanting Phoksundo Lake. The view at Phoksundo is surreal, with the turquoise water, surrounded by such barren terrain and a backdrop of spectacular snowcapped mountains.

This camping trek in Lower Dolpo is quite strenuous as it involves some steep climbs. There are two passes, Baga La, 5190m, and Numa La, 5318m, with their long steep ascents and long steep descents. But the variety of landscapes, the views from the passes, and the encounters you will have with the Dolpo people make it worth all the effort.

The Dolpa Trek starts at Jhupal, Dolpa, after a short flight from the Nepalgunj airport. We will be greeted by our trekking staff, and start our journey through the terraced fields to the Bheri River, and continue to Dunai, the headquarters of the Dolpo region. We follow the Suli Gad River valley to Hanke, the entry to Phoksundo National Park. We continue to follow a river to reach Sumdo, where the National Park office is located. We climb to a ridge from where we see a spectacular waterfall and our first look at the turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake.

After trekking 3 or 4 hours more on a trail where we may meet yak caravans hauling timber to Do Tarap, we reach Bega La base camp. We ascend to the Baga La Pass, 5175m, a narrow cleft amongst steep rocks and then descend to Numa La Phedi, 4800m. The next long steady ascent is to the Numa La Pass, 5360m. The views from this pass are magnificent, and just 20 meters above the pass on the east side, you can look down on the desolate brown hills of Dolpo and the peaks of Kagmara, Kanjiroba, Putha Hiunchuli, 7246m, Churen Himal, 7371m, and Dhaulagiri, 8176m.

We descend through pine and juniper forests into a magnificent valley of terraced, green fields of wheat, rice and maize to reach Pelungtang. Finally we return to the starting point of our trek, Jhupal, from where we get a flight back to Nepalgunj.

Highlights of Lower Dolpo Trekking

  • trek to farflung region of Nepal near TIbetan plateau
  • strenuous, but the easiest of the Dolpo treks
  • beautiful Phoksundo Lake
  • pre-Buddhist Bon-Po culture
  • magnificent mountain views

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

    We fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj, which lies in the southwest part of the Terai, right on the border to India. After checking into our hotel we might visit the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple to honour Goddess Kali. Nepalganj is known for its local bazaars, which have goods with cheap price rates. Here, not only do we see people from all over Nepal, but also people from Tibet and India; they all come here for trade.

    • Breakfast & Dinner
    • Hotel

    It requires making a fight in Juphal in the morning. Forty-five minutes of amazing flight provides super visibility of the Himalayan foothill, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mastiff. After reaching Juphal and arranging luggage and other kinds of stuff, then an easy walk to Dunai.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    2nd the day of the trek, the trail goes along the river and uphill toward a narrow trail. A fantastic gorge with dense pine forests along the path. Finally, we reach the picturesque village of Tarakot.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    The trail gradually goes uphill path along the stream, crossing over the bridge in the same stream and leaving the river then the way leads the cultivated fields. Making some ascend and descending to reach Laini odar.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    As usual, after breakfast, the trail leads continue the uphill walk along the gorge of the Tarap River. It is a real experience of remote areas while you feel along the trail where you have to jump from one side to another to cross the river in a narrow belt.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    We walk through the narrow gorges along the trail uphill to make our trail to the specific place in the river. The voyage is feeling a much more interesting walk along with juniper bush and roses. Finally, get to the highest village of Dolpo, Dho-Tarap, where inhabitants by Tibetan people stayed here since ancient. 

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    This is an opportunity to explore the wilderness of Tarap Valley dominating Tibetan people from the Bon religion and their monasteries and spectacular views of mountains.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    A good and unforgettable moment at Dho – Tarap, the journey leads you to the upper Tarap Valley, which combines flat and green scenery on both sides of the river. And finally, get to Num-La base camp bypassing some monasteries along the trail of Tarap Valley.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    The trail goes gradually climbs up to the pass of Num-La at 5,190 m. on the ridge of Num-La with amazing views of barren landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan of Dolpo and Dhaulagiri. This day is one of the adventurous and difficult days during the trek, then descend to Pelung Tang.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    Today is another difficult day to make a pass of Baga-La at 5,070 m. The trail goes steep climb up to the pass with spectacular views of Trans- the Himalayas, the snow-capped peak of Kanjirowa Himal and barren landscapes then downhill to Dajok Tang. 

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    Today, easy descent along the barren yak pasture, and shrubs of alpine vegetation along the trail slope down to Phoksundo-Lake.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    Today rest for the long walk in the trans-Himalayan and have an opportunity to explore the Alpine Phoksundo-Lake and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    Explore the Alpine lake of Phoksundo keeping in mind that easy descent to Chhepka passing by small settlements, medical herbs, traditionally used medical attention in Dolpo and called AMCHI.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping

    We descend toward Shulighat (Checkpoint of Shy-Phoksundo National Park), then cross a Bheri River and gradually climb up to Juphal.

    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Camping
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • Hotel

    After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.

    • Breakfast
    • Hotel

    We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

    • Breakfast

    Trip Map

    Lower Dolpo Trekking map

    What's Included

    • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
    • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
    • Accommodation in Kathmandu, four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
    • Accommodation in Nepalgunj, One night on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
    • Fully Organzied Camping Services during the Trek.
    • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
    • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
    • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
    • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
    • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
    • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
    • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
    • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc.
    • First aid medicine kit.
    • Restrictwd Area Permit, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
    • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
    • All ground transfers.
    • All government and local taxes.

    What’s Excluded

    • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
    • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
    • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
    • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
    • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
    • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
    • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

    Departure Dates

    FromToStatusPrice  
    Start Date05 Apr, 2024End Date22 Apr, 2024AvailableUS$ 2550
    Start Date28 Apr, 2024End Date15 May, 2024AvailableUS$ 2550

    Departure Note:

    Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

    Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

    Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

    Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.


    The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

    We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Lower Dolpo. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

    Lower Dolpo Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

    We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

    Private Trips to Lowe Dolpo is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

    Useful Info

    Why Trek to Lower Dolpo with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

    Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.

    The Best Time of Year for the Lower Dolpo Trekking:

    The best seasons for trekking in the Dolpo are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). A summer trek is also possible however, the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal may be affected by monsoon weather.

    Temperatures on the Lower Dolpo Trekking:

    The temperatures at night will drop to around 5C, and during the day will climb to around 25C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.

    Lower Dolpo is a Tea House and Camping Trek:

    Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

    Tented camping in Lower Dolpo is sure to be a great outdoors holiday. Our cook will assure you will enjoy delicious and hygienic food during the trek to keep you healthy and strong. Most of the food is flown in from Kathmandu. Three generous meals a day, tea/coffee, hot Tang and high energy snacks are included in the package.

    1. Foothills Treks logistics are well organized and of excellent quality. Besides your two person sleeping tents*, we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs and even toilet AND shower tents! (*Some companies claim 3-person tents, but the tents are all fixed size 2 person tents. If you wish to have your own tent, you can pay for a single supplement, an additional USD300$) In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Shakti or Hotel Norbu Linka before and after heading into the remote regions.

    Sherpa Support Staff:

    1. Foothills Treks has a capable support staff with ample experience in organizing camping trips. The relationship we have developed among us over the years makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Your personal packs will be carried by the porters, saving you time and energy to fully enjoy the surrounding environment.

    Each staff member at Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions is insured for their appropriate roles. (Some companies are cutting corners here.)

    Drinking Water on the Lower Dolpo Trekking:

    You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.

    Fitness/Health:

    The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

    Safety:

    When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

    Environmental Responsibility:

    Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

    Acclimatization:

    It is really difficult to head straight up to high altitude for the first time even if you follow the recommended 400m-a-day-rule. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. Please read Altitude Advice.

    Travel Insurance:

    It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

    Annapurna foothills Treks has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We will pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Before leaving on the trek make sure your policy specifically covers alpinism otherwise you may have a difficult time settling the large claim.