Your Lower Dolpo adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. A representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, you can take a stroll through the lively streets of Thamel or simply relax after your flight. Later in the evening, your guide will brief you about the upcoming trek and check your gear.
Start the day with a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, catch a scenic flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. The flight takes you closer to the Dolpo region and gives a preview of the remote hills and flat plains of the Terai. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
After an early breakfast, board a short mountain flight to Jhupal, a hillside airstrip in Dolpo district. From here, you begin your trek through terraced fields and traditional villages. The trail gradually descends to the Bheri River and follows it upstream. After a pleasant 4-hour walk, you reach your camp en route to Chepkpa, surrounded by beautiful pine forests.
Today you trek deeper into the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail leads through lush forests of fir, pine, and bamboo along the Suli Khola river. You'll pass traditional Magar and Gurung villages, observing their remote mountain lifestyle. After about 4 hours, you arrive in Chepkpa, a tranquil spot perfect for an overnight rest amid nature.
Leaving Chepkpa, the trail continues through a gorge and across suspension bridges. You’ll walk alongside cascading waterfalls and climb gradually into alpine terrain. After crossing a few small settlements and enjoying views of snow-capped peaks in the distance, you reach the peaceful village of Samduwa. The 6-hour trek helps your body adapt to increasing altitude.
One of the highlights of the trek awaits today as you make your way to the stunning Phoksundo Lake. The trail climbs steadily, offering breathtaking views of the lake’s turquoise waters before descending to its shores. Located near Ringmo village, this glacial lake sits in a dramatic amphitheater of cliffs and mountains. The spiritual atmosphere and sheer natural beauty of Phoksundo make this a magical destination.
Take a well-deserved rest day to explore the area around Phoksundo Lake. Visit the nearby Ringmo village, interact with locals, and learn about their Bon and Tibetan Buddhist heritage. You can hike to a viewpoint above the lake for panoramic views or visit the Tshowa Monastery, which dates back over 900 years. This rest day also aids acclimatization.
Today’s trail skirts along the western side of Phoksundo Lake and then ascends steeply through rocky terrain and alpine vegetation. As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes more rugged and remote. After about 5 hours, you reach Timche, located near the base of the Baga-La Pass. The campsite offers stunning views and a serene alpine setting.
This is a challenging but highly rewarding day. You begin with a steep climb to Baga-La Pass, which sits at 5,169 meters. From the top, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Dolpo Himal and beyond. The descent to Danigar is equally scenic, as you pass through yak pastures and rock-strewn landscapes. After 6 hours of trekking, you reach your camp at Danigar.
Another demanding day takes you over the high Numa-La Pass, the highest point of the Lower Dolpo trek. The climb is steep and strenuous, but the 360-degree views from the top are unforgettable. After crossing the pass, you descend to a suitable camping site surrounded by alpine wilderness. This short but intense day helps conserve energy at higher elevations.
Today’s descent brings you into the culturally rich village of Dho-Tarap, one of the highest permanent settlements in Nepal. The trail passes through broad meadows and yak pastures before reaching the village. Dho-Tarap is known for its centuries-old monasteries and unique blend of Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. You’ll have time to explore and interact with locals.
The trail from Dho-Tarap to Gyagar is long but scenic. You walk through valleys surrounded by dry hills and barren cliffs, a stark contrast to the green pastures of earlier days. The trail follows the Tarap Chu River, and after about 7 hours, you arrive in Gyagar, a picturesque settlement with stone houses and dramatic views.
Today’s trail is a combination of cultural and natural beauty. You descend further, passing the small settlement of Chyugar. The path winds along narrow gorges and high cliffs, with the thundering Tarap Khola flowing below. After a 6-hour trek, you reach Tarap Khola, where you’ll camp near the river.
Following the trail downstream, you make your way to Tarakot, a village once used as a fort during the Malla period. The trail is dotted with chortens and prayer walls, showcasing the deep spiritual roots of the region. After a 6-hour walk through fertile river valleys, you arrive in Tarakot, set in a beautiful landscape of green hills and terraced fields.
Your final day of trekking takes you to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. The trail descends gently through cultivated lands and villages. Upon reaching Dunai after 5 hours, you continue by jeep to Jhupal—a 2-hour drive—where you’ll spend your last night in Dolpo. You can celebrate the completion of this incredible trek with your team.
From Jhupal, you take an early flight to Nepalgunj and then connect to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax, enjoy a warm shower, or do some final souvenir shopping. A farewell dinner hosted by Summit Nepal Adventure may be arranged in the evening.
Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Lower Dolpo. A Summit Nepal Adventure representative will transfer you to the airport for your international departure, wishing you a safe journey home and hoping to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure.
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a captivating and remote journey into one of Nepal’s most culturally preserved and geographically stunning regions. Located in western Nepal within the boundaries of Shey Phoksundo National Park, this 17-day adventure, organized by Summit Nepal Adventure, takes trekkers through deep valleys, high mountain passes, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and past the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. With unique Himalayan landscapes and rare encounters with ancient Bon and Buddhist cultures, the trek is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.
The Lower Dolpo Trek is classified as moderate to strenuous, mainly due to high-altitude walking and two major mountain passes: Baga-La (5,169m) and Numa-La (5,309m). Although technical climbing isn’t required, trekkers need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for multi-day treks at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters. The daily trekking durations typically range between 5–7 hours, and Summit Nepal Adventure ensures proper acclimatization and support throughout the journey.
The ideal seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These months offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and more manageable river crossings. Dolpo lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it can also be trekked during the monsoon months with relatively less rainfall compared to other regions of Nepal.
Highlights of this trek include the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake (3,630m), culturally rich villages like Dho-Tarap, remote campsites beneath dramatic landscapes, and high passes like Baga-La and Numa-La. Trekkers also get rare glimpses into the Bon religion, traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices, and unique Himalayan flora and fauna—including possible sightings of blue sheep or even the elusive snow leopard in the national park.
Accommodation during the Lower Dolpo Trek is a mix of simple tea houses in the villages and tented camping in remote sections, particularly near high passes and wilderness campsites. Summit Nepal Adventure arranges all necessary camping gear, sleeping tents, dining tents, and a full support crew to ensure comfort and safety during the nights spent in isolated locations.
You’ll be served three hearty meals a day, including local Nepali and Tibetan-style dishes such as dal bhat, thukpa, momos, noodles, and chapati. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a professional trekking cook for the camping days, ensuring clean, nutritious, and energy-rich meals throughout the trek. Boiled water and hot drinks are also provided regularly to keep trekkers hydrated and warm.
The trek begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a short flight to Jhupal, the trek's starting point. On the return, you will trek back to Jhupal and fly the same route in reverse. All flight tickets, airport transfers, and overland drives are fully arranged by Summit Nepal Adventure to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
Yes. This region requires a Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, as well as a Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit. Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all permit processing, documentation, and logistics before your trek, so you don’t have to worry about any administrative burden.
Yes. All trekkers are accompanied by a licensed, experienced English-speaking guide, along with porters to carry trekking gear and supplies. Our staff is highly trained in first aid, altitude awareness, and local culture, ensuring not only a smooth logistical journey but also a culturally immersive one.
Preparation should include regular cardio workouts, hiking with a backpack, and strength training, ideally 2–3 months before departure. It’s also important to mentally prepare for remote, high-altitude trekking and basic conditions. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed gear checklist, pre-trek orientation, and guidance to help you prepare effectively.
The itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization in mind, including rest days at strategic elevations. Our guides are trained to monitor for symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and carry first aid kits and medications. In case of emergencies, evacuation assistance can be arranged swiftly.
Booking is easy. Simply contact Summit Nepal Adventure through our official website, email, or phone. Our team will assist you with trip customization, itinerary planning, permits, and pre-departure advice. Early booking is advised due to limited flight availability and permit processing times in this restricted region.
