Important Information
Region
Dolpo Region Treks
Duration
18 Days
Max Altitude 5310m
Best Season April - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 12 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep
Lower Dolpo is the most recommended trekking in western Nepal with the less cost of permit compare to Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang.
Lower Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri, Western Nepal. Snows frequently block passes in the winter so that the best time to trek is from late April to mid-November. Access to the region is via Nepalganj, one of the largest towns in western Nepal, and the first stop from Kathmandu. Flights to the more remote airstrips and trekking access points depart from Nepalganj to Juphal. A walk through the Dunai bazaar should not be missed.
This trek offers an outstanding trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal. This 18 days Lower Dolpo Circuit trek begins with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Next, we fly to Jhupal via Nepalgunj and begin our trek through remote locations admiring the beautiful rain shadow landscape of the Himalayas. Dolpo trekking is a full package of mystical experiences. In addition, this is also one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced. While on the trek, we get to muse at the yak caravans that maintain the traditional salt trade with Tibet. We also cross two high passes- Numa La and Baga La-and reflect on life amidst the tranquil water of Phoksundo Lake.
This trip is appreciated by all the visitors of Dolpo which leads you through several typical villages and the flat valley like Dho Tarap having enchanting views of nature. From the beautiful Dho valley you will head for Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake of Nepal which is famous for its crystal clear water and turquoise color. There is the magical power of changing the colors of the lake from morning to evening and the lake remains always neat. If you have past experience of trekking to the Himalayas will be better for this trip because this trek exists 5000m high two passes to cross.
Highlights
- This is really an impressive destination traversing from Dho valley to Phoksundo lake.
- We provide a guide who speaks Tibetan, Nepali, and English to make this trek in the best way.
- Explore the shores of Phoksundo Lake in Ringmo, the deepest lake of Nepal with the fascinating colors that reflects from it.
- View of 8000m peaks, Dhaulagiri from the Numa la and Baga la.
- Experience the Tibetan culture within Dolpo, an isolated valley of Nepal.
- If you are lucky enough, you will see Snow Leopard.
- In the end, you will fall with people, cultures, and landscapes
If you are looking for a different itinerary than the itinerary here, please Customize Your Trip.
Include
Trekking Guide: Speaking English, Nepali, Tibetan and Dolpo language
Trekking Crew Members (Cook, Kitchen Staff, Mule Driver, etc)
Two way flight fare (ktm-Kep-Dolpo-Kep-Ktm)
Porters or Mules to carry load
Trekking equipment: Chairs &Tables, Mattress, Member tents , Kitchen/ Dinning tent, Toilet tent, Bedding Bag , First aid kit.
Food: Three times meal (Breakfast, lunch and Dinner)type of different items.
Drink: Tea, Coffee, juice etc. with light snacks biscuits cookies etc. along with fruits and chocolates.
Three Nights accomodation in 3* hotel in Kathmandu
One night hotel in Nepalgunj
Exclude
Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge for domestic flights
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Meals in Kathmandu
International flights
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Gratitude for Crew members
Route Map
Important Information
Guiding, Food, and Camping
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - camping equipment, kitchen implements, food - are all carried by pack animals like mules, Yaks, and horses. Even Porters are common in Nepal. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing; they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. They set up tents, cook dinner, and ready the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.
DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES
- Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
- Full pants/long skirts
- Any type of shoes with socks
- No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirts, and No half-pants
- Photographs are allowed in the courtyard only.
Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, you can customize the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. Depending on your preferences, we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs, such as shortening or lengthening the trek or adding extra days for rest. If you have specific interests, like visiting certain monasteries or villages, we can tailor the route to accommodate those. Just let us know your preferences, here “Customize your Trip”.
No, you can't do the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek as a teahouse trek. The region is remote and lacks the infrastructure of teahouses or lodges, especially in the more isolated trek areas. This trek is best suited for camping, as it allows you to explore some of the most untouched parts of Dolpo.
During the trek, meals will be provided by our camping crew. You’ll enjoy nutritious, freshly prepared meals that cater to various dietary needs. Expect a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western-style dishes, including rice, lentils, vegetables, and occasional meat dishes. Tea will be provided frequently along the trek.
For the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek, you’ll need high-quality trekking gear suitable for cold, high-altitude conditions. This includes waterproof trekking boots, warm layers (including a down jacket), gloves, hats, a sleeping bag for cold temperatures, trekking poles, and a good-quality backpack. A comprehensive packing list will be provided before departure, ensuring you have everything you need for comfort and safety. For more details read our Trekking Gear blog.
During the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek, you’ll have access to phone networks and the internet, with most areas covered by NTC service. However, some remote villages may have limited or no connectivity. Overall, you can stay connected while enjoying the trek’s natural beauty. Satellite phones can be arranged for emergencies.
Altitude sickness is a common concern when trekking in high-altitude regions, and we take it seriously. To mitigate the risk, we have built-in acclimatization (rest) days into the itinerary, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the changing elevation. Staying hydrated, eating well, and taking things slow are key to avoiding altitude sickness. If symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness appear, we encourage resting and informing your guide, who will follow proper protocols. It’s important to listen to your body and communicate any concerns during the trek.
Yes, the Dolpo region is home to some incredible wildlife. On this trek, you might have the chance to see snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and various species of birds. The area is part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is rich in biodiversity, and you may even encounter these animals in the more remote parts of the trek, especially during the quieter hours.
If the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal gets canceled due to weather conditions, we always have a backup plan. The first option will be to drive to Juphal, as a drivable road is available from Nepalgunj. It’s always wise to have 1-2 extra days in your itinerary to accommodate any delays caused by weather issues.
| {{type.min}} - {{type.max}} Pax {{type.name}} - {{type.desc}} | {{type.display_price}} per people |
Extra prices:
Let us help you decide Inquiry
You might also like
- 26 days
- Dolpo Region Treks
Upper Dolpo To Mustang
Trekking in Upper Dolpo and exit through Jomsom in Mustang is the only ultimate trekking region in Nepal which will bring you a truly rewarding experience. Dolpo is one of the biggest districts of Nepal with the neighboring districts of Mustang on the south, Mugu and Jumla on the west, and Rukum on...
