Duration
17 days
Max. Elevation
5238m
Group size
2+ Above
Lower Dolpo Trek takes you around Nepal's largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park with an area of 3,555 sq. km. In the country of rare and elusive Snow Leopard and herds of Blue Sheep habitats with other mountain wildlife. One of the most fascinating and interesting adventures to experience on Lower Dolpo Trek, located in Nepal's Far North West. Where few groups of trekkers often venture into the wildland of Dolpo, enriched with age-old heritage culture, and tradition.
Lower Dolpo Trek certainly amazes every trekker, quite different from other parts of Nepal Himalaya, due to its unique landscapes. Where some of the hidden corners are still to be explored around the undisturbed pristine wilderness. The main highlights of Lower Dolpo Trek, are its beautiful scenery of green to barren arid hills with a snow-capped mountain range.
The beauty of the country is unimaginable, where the walk takes you to cross high Numa-La and Baga-La passes. Then reach the wonderful turquoise Phoksundo Lake, also call Ringmo Lake due to its closeness to the village of Ringmo.
An enjoyable adventure for people who loves walking in tranquil and quiet surroundings away from mainstream trekking trails. This trek leads you to off the beaten tracks, on a less-used path visiting lovely villages and the culture. Lower Dolpo Trek begins with a sweeping panoramic flight to land at Nepal Far South West at Nepalgunj city airport.
After an interesting tour around Kathmandu world heritage sites, an introduction to the Nepalese way of life and its immense varied cultures. From Nepalgunj take another connecting flight in a small aircraft to reach Jhupal in Dolpo, where our adventure starts. From Jhupal onward into inner or Lower Dolpo, the walk takes you to interesting places on reaching Dunai.
The major town and headquarter of the Dolpo region, and from here head west to the historical village of Tarakot. A lovely place, where the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan Route of Nepal to Tibet pass through Tarakot. After Tarakot into the wild country enter a narrow river gorge and then reach a wide green Dho-Tarap River valley. Spending time at Dho Tarap exploring the village to witness the impressive culture and heritage farm life of the Dolpo people. The trek passes through two high passes, the Numa-La pass, and Baga-La pass.
The passes provide stunning views of the north Annapurna range, Kanjiroba, and Dhaulagiri Himal. The other highlights of the trek are stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and Phoksundo Lake (the deepest lake in Nepal). You can also spot blue sheep and snow leopards.
The adventure continues to another interesting Tokyu village, one of the largest villages around the Dolpo area. Herewith is time to enjoy visiting this nice village enriched with immense traditions and colorful culture and a tour of interesting monasteries. Leaving the last village for a few days head towards complete isolation away from human settlements to cross two main passes. Numa-La at 5,195 m, then next adventure over Baga-La 5, at 065 m to reach the final destination at Phoksundo Lake.
A haven on earth a grand spectacular spot at 3, 660 m the turquoise lake is surrounded by beautiful green hills. Where you can overlook the snow peaks of Kagmara and the adjoining mountain range, enjoy a wonderful tour of Ringmo village. Spending a marvelous time at Phoksundo Lake, slowly walking comes to the end of an adventure.
A lovely walk through farm villages to reach Dunai and back at Jhupal for a scenic flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. After a great remarkable experience on Lower Dolpo Trek and the great service of Hiker Himalaya guides and staff.
March to May have longer days with enough sunlight hours, but much cold in the morning, shady areas, and nighttime. Can get snowed in sometimes at higher altitudes above 3,000 m high. Next, the best season is autumn from September to November, when days are crystal clear for walks and scenic views.
Cold morning and nighttime, with an extra wind-chill factor that adds colder, could get snowfall around higher altitudes.
The risk from altitude starts at an altitude of 2,500 meters to 3,000 meters. So you should get used to it as much as possible and have more knowledge about altitude sickness.
The cost of this permit is lower compared to the upper Dolpo permit. You need to pay 20 US$ per person for a week. After that, you need to pay 5 US$ per person for additional days.
Mountain restaurant owners do not like to order many dishes and want to waste food as they want to cater to many trekkers with limited food. Porters and caravans work hard for a week or so to get food to these places. During this trek, you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same lodge, and lunch at one of the trailside restaurants on the route.
The tea house is a combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hangout. Most tea houses have private rooms available, except for high heights where it will only be a dormitory. The lodges are very basic. The rooms are empty with twin beds and very little extra furniture. Blankets are usually provided.
There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, heated by a Bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, mounted on a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Unless there is hydroelectricity in the village, the rooms usually do not have electric lights. The dining room usually has solar lights.)
Most teahouses now have electricity to charge small devices - mobile phones and cameras - and may charge less.
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -22 degrees C or 31 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag, A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksacks covers (optional); Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: mark the item we will provide you in service. If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark on trekking.
Important Note
Day
1Day
2Day
3Day
4Day
5Day
6With an early start, pass through the Mani walls and Chortens. These artifacts have high importance and deliver a story. You can see the mighty Kang Tokai (6294m), and if you’re lucky, you can see grey monkeys.
The rocky landscape with tiny dots of pine trees is a phenomenal natural painting. Ascend further crossing a big suspension bridge over Tulo Beri River and passing through a lush forest to reach Laina Odar.
Day
7Day
8Day
9Day
10After an early breakfast, you will follow the trail leading to the Numa-La pass (5238m). The trail is difficult due to the snowy trail but offers beautiful glacier formations.
You can enjoy the best views of the north Annapurna range, Kanjiroba, and Dhaulagiri Himal. Passing the glaciers, climb a ridge where you can spot blue sheep and snow leopards. The trail reaches Danigar, where you can enjoy the beautiful Phoksundo Lake on the way.
Day
11After breakfast, you will continue on your trek passing the Baga-La pass. The pass is difficult and tricky due to the steep trail over the loose rocks. The heavy waterfalls fall down on the rocks creating a stunning phenomenon.
You reach the open valley and the trail opens up to a flat surface. Trek further to reach Yak Kharka for an overnight stay.
Day
12After an early start, follow the relatively flat trail to Jhupal. You can savor the amazing views of the mountains as you descend gradually to the valley. After a short climb, you reach the 200m waterfall from Phoksundo Lake.
The spectacular view of the Lake is the biggest highlight of the trek. Follow the trail to Ringmo village for an overnight stay.
Day
13Day
14Day
15Day
16Day
17To reach Dolpo involves flight both ways, becomes more expensive than another main trekking region, the cost comes higher on Dolpo trek and there are only a few available lodges for an overnight stop of simple food and accommodation.
Minimum age of 16 and onwards, and not older than 65 years, should be in good physical shape and in sound health to cope with high hills and altitude.
From the last village of Dunai, Tarakot, and Tokyu-Gaon, there is no electricity to charge your gadgets, where one needs to carry a portable solar panel that can fit outside your day pack, while you trek the sunlight can power your solar panel to use at the end of the day.
Depends upon the seriousness of the illness, if it’s a critical situation the client needs immediate evacuation for medical help, by any means of fast transportation. The fastest way in Nepal Himalaya and on Makalu Base Camp Trek is using a Helicopter Service. Our guide will inform the head office to arrange a Helicopter to evacuate the sick person. From the nearest spot where a helicopter can land and then flying to Kathmandu and admit to the best hospitals for further treatment.
Staying in the best simple lodge were available around main large villages, most overnights spending in tented camping. Hike Himalaya will provide full camping facilities includes two-man tents, dining tent as per the size of a group with separate kitchen tents backed by a camping staff of expert cooks, kitchen crews, guides, and porters to carry all camping gear and food throughout the journey.
Food will be of excellent standard served from our kitchen tent by our chef, with variation from continental, Chinese, Indian, and Italian to Tibetan and Nepalese meals. Includes good breakfast, light lunch, and a great main course at dinner time.
