Home » Dolpo Region Trekking » Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo Trekking Trip Fact

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    Trip Style : Trekking Expedition
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    Trip Difficulty : Streneous
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    Trip Guide : Guided Adventure
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    Destination : Lower Dolpo, Nepal
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    Max Altitude : 5,070 Meters - 16,633 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : Approx. 5 to 7 Hours Trekking
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    Accomodation: Lodge + Camping
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
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    Start-End : Kathmandu - Kathmandu
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    Transport : Aeroplane and Jeeps
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    Best Season : March, to Aug and September to Mid November

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trekking Overview

Lower Dolpo trekking: We invite you to come and discover the remote Himalayan kingdom of Dolpo, the land the Oscar-nominated film Caravan brought to fame, Due to Eric Valli’s documentation for National Geographic, the Dolpo region of Nepal has been shown for all its integrity and mystical values. The Tibetan culture has been preserved for centuries and has one of the deepest lakes in the Himalayas. The Shey Phoksundo is a beautiful turquoise lake, with an abundance of nature surrounding it, see the yak caravans coming through regularly.

Lower Dolpo trekking is home to some of the highest villages on earth; almost 90 percent of the area lies above 3,500m, with a regional population less than 5,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated areas of Nepal. Its inhabitants cultivate their survival from this inhospitable environment by synergizing agriculture, animal husbandry and trade. Dolpo’s agro-pastoral livelihood is characterized by migrations between permanent villages and pastures at higher altitudes. Over 90 percent of the population lives under the poverty line, literacy is low, and life expectancy is a mere fifty years.

The region is popular for being outstandingly unique, containing pristine natural beauty and possessing a rugged charm. You will meet the nomadic people of the region and experience their traditional way of life, almost untouched and unexplored. The people are very pleasant by nature being of Tibetan descent, they follow the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. The language they speak is closely related to Tibetan. There are 64 large and small monasteries in Dolpo, with most of the monasteries built at the top of the high mountains. Some of them can even be found around rocky isolated surroundings. Since it is believed that the followers of the spiritual world should live a peaceful and isolated life, most of the monasteries are found in calm and lonely places. The Himalayas offer an endless variety of landscapes, cultures, tradition and great people. This unbounded diversity makes it a destination you can visit multiple times, it becomes more interesting and fascinating with every time you return.

The lower Dolpo trek is suitable for the real adventure-lovers who wish to explore off the- beaten- path treks. The trek passes through Shey-Phoksundo National park with breathtaking mountain scenery, Buddhist monasteries, beautiful valleys and Yak and Sheep caravans. We would recommend you to arrive in Kathmandu at least two days before the trek starts. This would allow for a historical tour of the ancient sites in the city, whilst we gain the special permits required for the lower Dolpo trek. We take a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj and then begin a great trek of Lower Dolpo and Phoksundo Lake with the cold and fresh air of the Glaciers of Kanjirowa Himalayas, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

Book this trip or make an enquiry

For INSTANT BOOKING or QUICK ENQUIRY, please call us now +977 9851036844 (Ram Kumar) 24 hours available on WhatsApp or send us an email at [email protected] for the best price and detailed itinerary of the trek.

Trip Highlights

  • Embark on the remote Dolpo trails, explore Shey-Phoksundo lake, mountain scenery, amazing passes, Yak and Sheep caravans en-route

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by one of our trek leaders and transfer to hotel. Rest of the time will be on your own. In the evening join a welcome dinner and have a great conservation with a short brief about your great trip to Lower Dolpo trek with a delicious Nepali meal. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,350m

Breakfast at hotel, the guide is already standby in the lobby, meet him and start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered as World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Our agency briefs you regarding trek as well as provides you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your great trek to lower Dolpo trek. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Kathmandu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,350m

We take an hour and half flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj which is a border town near Nepal-India border is the gateway to Simikot of Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town of Nepal with influences from both the Nepal hills and plains well as local Hindu & Muslim cultures. Some sightseeing places in Nepalgunj include Mini Zoo, Muslim bazaar, and small unique villages. Preparation for tomorrow’s flight to Juphal would be another issue. Overnight at hotel. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Nepalgunj

Early breakfast at hotel, we take a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45minutes flight over the high mountains brings you at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our trekking crew will receive us. Our first day adventure begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Explore Dunai in the evening. Overnight under tent.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Jhupal and trek to Dunai
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,320m.,2,850m

After breakfast we start our trek continues along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail, deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meter above the river. The colorful terraced field of Tarakot greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tarakot
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,540m

Breakfast at camp and continue our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu Rriver. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, finally descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Laini
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,160m

After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chyugur Khola. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. Overnight under tent.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Nawarpani
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,545m

The day begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations.Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tarap
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,090m

We spend a rest day in Do Tarap for gradually getting used to the altitude. This is time to visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views. Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon 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 of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk. Overnight under tent.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tarap
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,090m

After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours' good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village our walk continues further up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Numa La Base Camp
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:4,440m

This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the trail leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes. The panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8,167m) is stunning. After getting to the top of Numa La we will descend to camp at Pelung Tang. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Numa La 5,190m, and camp at Pelung Tang
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:5,190m.,4,465m

After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Cross tent and camp Dajok Tang
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:5,070m.,4,080m

After breakfast our trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Ringmo
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,600m

This is a rest and exploration day. And of course we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake; remember the harrowing scene in 'Himalaya' when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the 'Devil's Trail'. Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje. This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with a great view. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Ringmo
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3,600m

Trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight under tent. 

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Shyanta
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,520m

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like. Overnight under tent.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Tent
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Jhupal

We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Nepalgunj

After breakfast at hotel, we will transfer you to Kathmandu airport for your flight back to home. Have a safe and sound flight to home! Hope to see you again in the future.

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

  • small-thumbnails All Airport/hotel transfers in Nepal.
  • small-thumbnails Flights Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Juphal- Nepalgunj-Kathmandu (by airplane), incl. the local taxes.
  • small-thumbnails 3 nights accommodation in standard Hotel in Kathmandu, on a sharing basis, including breakfasts.
  • small-thumbnails Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • small-thumbnails All entry fees to the world heritage sites of Kathmandu.
  • small-thumbnails Tented accommodation during the trekking on a sharing basis.
  • small-thumbnails All major meals during trekking.
  • small-thumbnails All necessary trained and experienced staff, guide, assistant guide (depending on the number of participants), porters/yakmen, including their salary, insurance, transportation, food and lodging.
  • small-thumbnails All necessary trekking and national park permits.
  • small-thumbnails The technical equipment to secure the passes, if necessary.
  • small-thumbnails Travel and rescue arrangements.
  • small-thumbnails Communication device in case of emergency.
  • small-thumbnails First aid kit.
  • small-thumbnails Solar lights for Camping and charging.
  • small-thumbnails All government and local taxes.
  • small-thumbnails International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • small-thumbnails Nepal entry Visa fee.
  • small-thumbnails Excess baggage charges for the international and domestic flights.
  • small-thumbnails Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • small-thumbnails Travel cancellation and rescue insurance.
  • small-thumbnails Personal expenses (Internet, phone, Individual beverages, laundry, bar bills, and extra porters, and all other personal items).
  • small-thumbnails Tips (Guide, assistant guide, porters, yak driver, driver, city guide, etc.).
  • small-thumbnails Any other expense that is not included in the quoted price.

Useful Information

Note: The above information is just a guide and a standard pattern of what we provide. The trip can be tailored at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. On adventure trips of this type, weather, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are needed the person in charge will make a decision on what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does arise, we do everything we can to reduce its effect, but we cannot be liable for the results of changes or delays

Trip Cost: Please kindly contact us for a fresh cost quotation. Also, let us know how many of you are there in your group and when you would like to do this trek, after knowing all these things from your side, we will send you all the necessary information with the best quote as soon as possible.

Note: If the above itinerary couldn’t meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. It is also possible to combine with some other activities such as Tibet tours and Bhutan tours.

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US$ 2700 pp
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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 26, 2022

Exceptional trek in the heart of Dolpo.

Great trek past for nearly one month in the heart of the lower and upper Dolpo, with tents. Fantastic scenery, beautiful and endearing people all along the way. It was an extraordinary human adventure in a spectacular setting and with a perfect staff who was very capable and friendly and did a great job of making sure we all had a good time. Many thanks for the guide Ram Gopal, he was a wonderful guide, friendly, warm and accommodating to our needs, the cook Purna, the king of the cook very good food at each meal, the three porters Santa, Moti and Band, and without forgetting the donkeyman Ram and his six donkeys. Special thanks for Ram Kumar who has been a very good trip organizer, helped us make all the arrangements for the trip and who is a person of trust and who you can count. I highly recommend Alpine Eco Trek and Ram Kumar to provide professional, experienced and personal service to create an excellent expedition. To finish, for the lower and upper Dolpo trek, a good physical condition is necessary. Thank you again Alpine Eco Trek and Expedition. See you soon.

  • Joachim J5
    France
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Ram Kumar Adhikari

Manager/Owner
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Sangita Adhikari

Management Head
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Ram Gopal Adhikari

Trip Co-ordinator
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