Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo Trekking offers a mesmerizing journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditional ethnic culture and civilizations deeply rooted in the Buddhist religion while traversing the untouched geography of the Dolpo region. Rich in flora and fauna, the trek takes you through the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park, along breathtaking waterfalls and narrow valleys, on a route that remains relatively uncrowded.

The adventure begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. This flight offers stunning aerial views of Nepal’s diverse topography, setting the tone for the adventures ahead. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, a representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can relax and explore the surrounding area.

The journey continues with an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal. This 45-minute flight provides a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscapes of western Nepal. After landing in Jhupal, the trekking journey begins with a hike to Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpa district. This initial trek passes through scenic villages, terraced fields, and dense forests. The trail involves walking alongside the riverbank and encountering the unique culture and traditions of the Dolpo people. Four to five hours of trekking bring you to Dunai, where you’ll spend the night in a local lodge.

With a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you’ll start the trek to Tarakot. This day involves passing through diverse landscapes, terraced fields, and forests. The trail includes ascents and descents, providing varied and engaging terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Buddhist villages and interact with locals, gaining insight into their unique culture and Tibetan influences. The trek involves walking alongside the Thuli Bheri River and crossing several suspension bridges, adding excitement to the journey. After 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Tarakot, where you’ll spend the night in a teahouse.

The next day’s journey takes you to Laini, passing through several monasteries and crossing a suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River. The trek from Tarakot to Laini is marked by serene landscapes and cultural encounters, taking about 6-7 hours. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse at Laini, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

From Laini, the trek continues to Nawarpani. This part of the trek involves walking through traditional villages, lush forests, and along the riverside of Tarap Khola. The 5-hour trek to Nawarpani offers a tranquil experience amidst nature’s beauty. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse, enjoying the hospitality of the locals.

The trek to Dho Tarap is one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of the journey. The trail passes through lush forests, alpine meadows, and fresh rivers, offering stunning views along the way. After 6-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Dho Tarap, a village with a rich cultural heritage and ancient monasteries. This village is inhabited by Bon Po and Chaiba communities, with significant Tibetan influence. You’ll spend the night in a local teahouse.

To help adjust to the high altitude, the next day is reserved for acclimatization at Dho Tarap. This day allows you to explore the village, visit nearby monasteries, and interact with locals. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness and to enjoy the journey fully. The day can be spent appreciating the area’s beauty and learning about local traditions and culture.

After a day of acclimatization, the trek continues to Numa La Base Camp. This part of the journey involves walking alongside the Thakchiu Khola, with stunning landscapes and mountain peaks in view. The trail becomes rougher as you approach the base camp, taking about 6-7 hours. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse at Numa La Base Camp, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

The most awaited part of the trek is crossing Numa La Pass, one of the most adventurous segments. The day begins with a steep and rocky ascent towards Numa La Pass, which stands at 5190 meters. The 4-hour trek to the summit provides breathtaking views of mountain peaks and alpine meadows. After reaching the summit and enjoying the mesmerizing scenery, you’ll descend to Pelung Tang, where you’ll spend the night.

The following day involves crossing Baga La Pass, another challenging but rewarding part of the trek. The trail to Baga La is rugged and involves steep ascents and descents. Upon reaching the summit of Baga La at 5070 meters, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of mountain peaks and surrounding landscapes. After appreciating the beauty from the summit, you’ll descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

The journey then takes you to Ringmogaon, a relatively easy trek through pine forests and alpine vegetation. The 3-4 hour trek to Ringmogaon allows you to enjoy the serene surroundings and the fresh air. You’ll spend the night in a local teahouse, preparing for the next day’s exploration.

One of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo trek is the exploration of Phoksundo Lake. This beautiful day involves ascending towards Shey Phoksundo Lake, known for its turquoise waters and surrounding beauty. The lake is surrounded by numerous mountain peaks, creating an eye-appealing experience. After exploring the lake and visiting a Bonpo Monastery, you’ll return to Ringmogaon for the night.

The journey then descends from Ringmogaon to Shyanta, passing through the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This part of the trek involves walking alongside Phoksundo Lake, passing through lush forests and barren rocky terrain. The trail includes several suspension bridges and takes about 5-6 hours to reach Shyanta, where you’ll spend the night in a teahouse.

The penultimate day of the trek takes you back to Juphal, the village where your trekking journey began. The descent to Juphal passes through lush trees with stunning views of mountain ranges. Walking alongside Suli Khola and passing through Kageni and Sulighat village, you’ll reach Juphal after 4-5 hours of trekking. You’ll spend the night in a local teahouse, reflecting on the incredible journey.

Finally, you’ll fly back to Nepalgunj from Juphal after finishing your morning meal. The 35-40 minute flight offers a last glimpse of the stunning landscapes of Lower Dolpo. From Nepalgunj, you’ll either fly back to Kathmandu on the same day, subject to flight availability, or spend an additional night in Nepalgunj. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you’ll be taken to your hotel, where you can rest and reflect on your unforgettable adventure.

The Lower Dolpo Trekking package includes several amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. This includes airport pick-up and drop-off services, hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, guided city tours, experienced guides and porters, necessary trekking permits, and all meals during the trek. Additional services such as travel insurance, donations, tips, and sightseeing entry fees in Kathmandu are not included in the package.

Lower Dolpo Trekking is an unparalleled adventure that offers trekkers a chance to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the initial flight to Nepalgunj to the final descent back to Juphal, every day of this trek is filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re walking alongside pristine rivers, exploring ancient monasteries, or crossing high mountain passes, the Lower Dolpo trek promises an adventure of a lifetime.