- Duration
- 17 Days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Max altitude
- 4,090 m
- Pricing
- Custom quote
At a glance
Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing journey into one of Nepal's most isolated, culturally Tibetan regions. Bounded by deep river gorges, high arid passes, and ancient monastic settlements, this trek takes you through the stunning Shey Phoksundo National Park to discover the breathtaking deep-turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake and the charming, unchanged village of Ringmo.
Trip highlights
- +Discover the stunning deep-turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake
- +Explore the picturesque, medieval Tibetan village of Ringmo with its unique wood-and-stone architecture
- +Cross high mountain passes including Numa La approach views and Bagla La trails
- +Immerse in ancient Bon-po and Tibetan Buddhist culture rarely touched by modernization
- +Traverse pristine wilderness within the remote and wildlife-rich Shey Phoksundo National Park
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Lower Dolpo Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Discover the stunning deep-turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake
Explore the picturesque, medieval Tibetan village of Ringmo with its unique wood-and-stone architecture · Cross high mountain passes including Numa La approach views and Bagla La trails
Trail character
Strenuous · 4,090 m
A 17 days journey with a strenuous trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Trekking, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Trekking, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a strenuous adventure
Ideal for guests who value discover the stunning deep-turquoise waters of phoksundo lake, nepal's deepest lake and explore the picturesque, medieval tibetan village of ringmo with its unique wood-and-stone architecture and can commit 17 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartTrek from Dho Tarap to Tokyu village
Trek across the lush upper Tarap valley floor past agricultural fields to reach Tokyu village and its historic monastery perched on the hillside.
- 03 · The finaleFly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Connect to Kathmandu
Catch an early morning mountain flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then connect back to Kathmandu, concluding your Lower Dolpo wilderness expedition.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Take a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the Terai region, preparing for your remote flight into western Nepal the next morning.
03Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and Trek to Dunai
Board a dramatic morning mountain flight to Juphal airstrip, then begin your trek descending alongside the Thulo Bheri River to reach the administrative headquarters of Dunai.
04Trek from Dunai to Tarakot
Trek along the banks of the Barbung Khola, passing terraced hillsides and ancient fortress settlements to reach the historic fortified village of Tarakot.
05Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar
Follow the rugged trail alongside the Tarap Chu River, navigating narrow gorges and suspension bridges to arrive at the natural rock overhang campsite of Laina Odar.
06Trek from Laina Odar to Nawarpani
Continue ascending through wild pine forests and rugged canyon walls, crossing local footbridges to reach the remote settlement of Nawarpani.
07Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap
Ascend gradually into the expansive Tarap Valley, passing chortens and mani walls before arriving at Dho Tarap, a fascinating traditional Tibetan village populated by practitioners of Bon-po and Buddhism.
08Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Dho Tarap
Rest and acclimatize at high altitude while exploring local monasteries, interacting with villagers dressed in traditional Tibetan attire, and observing yak caravans.
09Trek from Dho Tarap to Tokyu village
Trek across the lush upper Tarap valley floor past agricultural fields to reach Tokyu village and its historic monastery perched on the hillside.
10Trek from Tokyu to Numa La Base Camp
Climb steadily through high alpine pastures and barren mountain terrain up toward the base of the Numa La pass.
11Trek over Numa La Pass to Pelung Tang
Conquer the challenging ascent to Numa La Pass (approx. 5,190 m) for stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri and surrounding peaks, then descend into the secluded valley of Pelung Tang.
12Trek over Baga La Pass to Djejong Khola
Climb over the demanding Baga La Pass (approx. 5,070 m), offering sweeping views of the Kanjiroba massif, before descending through alpine woods to Djejong Khola.
13Trek from Djejong Khola to Ringmo
Descend through dense pine forests along rushing streams to reach Ringmo, a picturesque traditional Tibetan village situated right beside the pristine Phoksundo Lake.
14Rest and Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake
Spend the day marveling at the mesmerizing deep-blue waters of Phoksundo Lake, visiting the local Bon monastery, and walking along the scenic cliffside trails.
15Trek from Ringmo to Shyanta
Retrace your steps down along the Ptsudo Khola gorge, passing cascading waterfalls and pine forests to arrive at the hillside hamlet of Shyanta.
16Trek from Shyanta to Juphal
Complete your final day of trekking along valley ridges and terraced paths back to Juphal, celebrating the completion of your Dolpo circuit with your crew.
17Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Connect to Kathmandu
Catch an early morning mountain flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then connect back to Kathmandu, concluding your Lower Dolpo wilderness expedition.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu)
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation or fully supported tented camping during the trek
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Special Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per person per week)
- +Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up-to 5,000m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj
- -Personal trekking gear and equipment
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled drinking water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.