Addres:
Thamel - Kathmandu - Nepal
E-mail:
info@alpinistclub.com
Contact No:
+977 9843603583
1 Person From:
$
2 Person From:
$
Max. Elevation: 4000m
Best Season: Spring- Autumn
Duration: 18 Days
Trip Grading: Moderate
Activity: Trekking
Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel-lodge-Tea house
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Availability Status: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a remote and adventurous journey in the western Himalayas of Nepal, offering breathtaking views of pristine landscapes. The trek takes you through ancient villages, rugged terrain, and serene alpine valleys. A highlight of the trek is Shey Phoksundo Lake, known for its striking turquoise-blue waters and the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you’ll experience the unique Bon culture, visit highland monasteries, and encounter rare wildlife. This off-the-beaten-path trek is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
| A trek under tent and far from the crowds. |
| A preserved Tibetan culture. |
| The turquoise blue lake of Phoksundo. |
| 2 passes over 5,000m Dho Tarap Valley. |
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
DAY 2: FLIGHT FROM KATHMANDU- NEPALGUNJ—JUPHAL—DUNAI
We take a spectacular mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (weather permitting), offering aerial views of patchwork fields, rivers, and remote ridge-top villages. Upon arrival, we meet our trekking crew and begin walking through Juphal, a lively village where daily rural life unfolds—fields of lentils and chilies, farmers at work, and traditional homes.
We then descend gradually to Dunai (2,100 m), the administrative center of the Dolpo district.
Note: If the flight is canceled due to weather, a helicopter transfer to Juphal may be possible, subject to favorable conditions and enough participants to share the charter. Please bring $350 in cash for this option.
DAY 3: TREKKING FROM DUNAI TO TARAKOT
Following the Thuli Bheri River upstream, we trek toward Tarakot, an ancient caravan town marking our entry into Buddhist territory. Along the way, we encounter mule caravans, small hamlets with chili gardens, and abundant wild hemp. The trail passes through a dramatic gorge beside a fast-flowing river. We camp near the river below Tarakot, which sits high on a ridge.
DAY 4: TREKKING FROM TARAKOT TO LAINA (3,200M)
We cross a long suspension bridge at the confluence of the Thuli Bheri and Barbung Rivers, entering the Tarap River valley via Kanigaon. We visit the Kanigaon monastery, a clear sign that we are now in a Buddhist region.
The trail climbs through Himalayan cypress forests and impressive gorges before widening near Laina.
DAY 5: TREKKING FROM LAINA TO TOLTOL (3,510M)
We continue through the spectacular Tarap gorges, following crystal-clear waters along narrow ledge trails before reaching gentler “Nepalese flat” terrain framed by spruce and juniper forests.
DAY 6: TREKKING FROM TOLTOL TO DHO TARAP (4,000M)
A long but rewarding day following the Tarap River, crossing it several times by bridges and even a ladder. Juniper and daphne grow abundantly, and we pass caves that give Toltol its name (“hole” in Nepali).
We cross a small, unnamed pass at 3,800 m marked by prayer flags and a labtse shrine. Herds of yaks, sheep, and goats roam the open landscapes. We may spot bharal (blue sheep) before reaching the vast Tibetan Plateau.
At sunset, we arrive in Dho Tarap, a classic Dolpo village with mani walls and chortens.
DAY 7: TREKKING FROM DHO TARAP—TOKYU (4,200M)
A day for acclimatization and cultural exploration. We visit the well-preserved Tibetan villages and monasteries of Upper Tarap, including the Nyingma monasteries of Ribo Bhumpa and Doro, and the Bön-Po monastery of Shipchhok.
Leaving Dho Tarap, we follow the Thakchin Khola to Tokyu, passing magnificent chortens. We may see flocks of sheep and goats and spot bearded vultures overhead. Students from the Crystal Mountain School often show us around their school.
DAY 8: TREKKING FROM TOKYU – NUMA LA PHEDI 4700M
n the morning, we watch children setting off on foot to school from Dho. We leave the Saldang trail and walk along gentle slopes through thorny vegetation.
We reach the base of Numa La Pass near Shering Gompa, a small and isolated hermitage. The afternoon is free for rest or short walks before tomorrow’s high pass crossing.
DAY 9: TREKKING FROM NUMA LA PHEDI – NUMA LA – BAGA LA PHEDI (4450M)
We cross Numa La Pass (5,230 m) with sweeping views of the Himalayan range to the south and the Tibetan Plateau to the north. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri dominate the skyline.
The colorful rock formations—ochre, orange, and pink—create a dramatic landscape. This is snow leopard territory. We descend to camp below Baga La, near vast pastures used by shepherds and salt caravans. Views of the Norbung Kang Glacier (6,085 m).
DAY 10: TREKKING BAGA LA PHEDI – BAGA LA – YAK KHARKA
A gentle climb leads to Baga La Pass (5,090 m), the final high pass of the trek. Kanjirowa Himal (6,612 m) comes into view.
A long descent follows along the Ghuchun Khola, passing ice formations, to a traditional yak kharka (pasture) near the Maduwa Khola. Below lies the village of Maduwa with its terraced fields.
DAY 11: TREKKING FROM YAK KHARKA – PHOKSUMDO LAKE – RINGMO (3500M)
One of the most spectacular days of the trek. The trail clings to cliffs high above the confluence of the Maduwa Khola and Phoksumdo River, revealing breathtaking views of Phoksumdo Lake and its turquoise waters.
We arrive at Ringmo, a remote village on the lake’s shore, surrounded by pine forests, juniper trees, yak pastures, chortens, and traditional homes. In the afternoon, we explore the village and visit the ancient Bön monastery. Evening life in Ringmo is lively, with yaks returning from pasture and villagers going about daily chores.
DAY 12: TREKKING FROM PHOKSUMDO LAKE – SANDUWA (3050M)
If permitted, we walk along the dramatic balcony trail overlooking Phoksumdo Lake, famous from the film Himalaya by Éric Valli.
After days in rocky terrain, the surrounding forests feel refreshing. We climb above Phoksumdo Waterfall, Nepal’s highest, and pass through the winter village of Palam before reaching Sanduwa.
DAY 13: TREKKING FROM SANDUWA – CHEPKA (2900M)
We hike up the valley to a viewpoint at 3,700 m for a final look at Phoksumdo Waterfall. Passing Palam and the Phoksumdo National Park center, the vegetation becomes denser as we follow the Suligad River to Chepka.
DAY 14: TREKKING FROM CHEPKA – DUNAI (210M)
We follow the Phoksumdo Khola and Suligad River through gorges and forest. The valley gradually opens near Suligad village, with barley and mustard fields. Medicinal plants grow abundantly.
A final series of ascents and descents brings us back to Dunai.
DAY 15: TREKKING FROM DUNAI – JUPHAL
Final trekking day. We follow the Bheri Khola and climb to the Juphal airstrip. Village life is vibrant—women shell corn, thresh grain, and tend gardens.
DAY 16: FLIGHT JUPHAL – NEPALGUNJ – KATHMANDU
Morning flights to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu. Free time upon arrival.
Note: If flights are canceled, a helicopter transfer to Pokhara may be possible under similar cost-sharing conditions ( $ 350 cash).
DAY 17:KATHMANDU
Safety day, which can be used during the trekking or as a free day in Kathmandu
DAY 18: FINAL DEPARTURE TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
WELCOME DINNER : WELCOME DINNER :
PERMITS : PERMITS :
SPECIAL PERMIT : SPECIAL PERMIT :
STAFF INSURANCE : STAFF INSURANCE :
MAP : MAP :
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
MEMBER LUGGAGE : MEMBER LUGGAGE :
FOODS & LODGING : FOODS & LODGING :
CAMPING EQUIPMENT : CAMPING EQUIPMENT :
GUIDE : GUIDE :
THE GUIDE LEADER (SIRDAR) : THE GUIDE LEADER (SIRDAR) :
ASSISTANT GUIDE : ASSISTANT GUIDE :
THE COOK : THE COOK :
KITCHEN BOY : KITCHEN BOY : Assists the cook with food prep and carrier kitchen equipment and food.
PORTER : PORTER :
Carries trekking gear and supplies for the trekking group.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All staff wages, equipment, meals, accommodation, and insurance for guides and porters.
MEDICAL KIT : MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive medical kit.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
NEPAL VISA FEES :
LUNCH & DINNER :
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
INSURANCE :
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
TOILETRIES :
FILMING :
INTERNET SERVICE :
TIPS :
EXTRA : Any other services or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
1. How hard is this trek? :
2. Which is the highest point in the trek? :
3. Do I need permits for the trek? :
4. Do I need any training for this? :
5. What accommodations are found in the trek? :
6. What is the best time to do the trek? :
7. Is this trek recommended for the beginners? :
8. What essential items must be included in this trek? :
9. How can I prevent altitude sickness? :
10. Are there any hospitals or other medical facilities during the trek? :