Lower Dolpo Trek
Strenuous

Lower Dolpo Trek

D
Duration
17 Days
F
Difficulty
Strenuous
A
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

17 planned stages
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Hotel in Nepalgunjbreakfast, dinner
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.

Lodge in Dunaibreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Tarakotbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Laina Odarbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Nawarpanibreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Dho Tarapbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Dho Tarapbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Tokyu villagebreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Tent Camp at Numa La Base Campbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Tent Camp in Pelung Tangbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Tent Camp at Djejong Kholabreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Ringmobreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge/Camp in Ringmobreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge in Shyantabreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

Lodge in Juphalbreakfast, lunch, dinner
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.

breakfast

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.
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