Lower Dolpo Trek
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Lower Dolpo Trek Summary
- Dolpo Hike Duration: 16 Days
- High Altitude: 5,070m/16,634 feet
- Trekking Hour: 6 Hours
- Group-Size: 2 – 12 People
- Best Time to Hike: April, May, June, September, October, and November
- Trip Mode: Tent Trek
- Meals on Trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Transportation : Car/Plane/Bus
Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is renowned for its isolation and is home to the famous Shey Phoksundo National Park. It’s a protected area that features the stunning Phoksundo Lake, known for its beautiful flora and fauna. Dolpa, located in the Karnali region of Nepal, requires special permits from the government.
Furthermore, this Dolpo Trek includes three challenging high passes: Kangmara La (5,115m), Numa La (5,159m), and Baga La (5,190m). They are dry territory, unproductive, and isolated. Despite the harsh living conditions, the local people are humble and friendly, always greeting visitors with smiles.
Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, is located here, making the trek increasingly popular. The hike ascends to Shey Phoksundo Lake and Phoksundo Nature Park, providing insights into the local tribe’s lifestyle. Tourists can explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, typical villages, and the impressive Tibetan highland landscapes.
Likewise, Dolpo to Rara Trek, or Shey Phoksundo to Rara, is another remarkable route that takes over 25 days, passing through Phoksundo Lake. In addition, the main attractions are Rara Lake and Shey Phoksundo Lake, combining Nepal’s largest and smallest national parks.
Tourist can find a variety of vegetation, including alpine meadows, dense forests of pine, and juniper trees. The region also features unique plants like medicinal herbs and diverse high-altitude flora. Landscapes of Shey Phoksundo National Park and the lifestyle of the local inhabitants, who still trade commodities like salt, cotton, barley, and rice with Tibet, add to the trek’s unique appeal.
How much does Lower Dolpo Trek Package Cost/Price?
The cost of a lower Dolpo trek package with a local agency Gokyo Treks & Expedition ranges between US$ 2350 to US$ 3250. In the given package price includes transportation, a guide, porters, hotels and food accommodation and hiking permits, facilities.
We have also low-season discount deals for group leaders. For example, if you could bring 10+ travelers (except you) on your trip, you are treated as a group leader. So you can hike the lower Dolpo for free.
It’s a standard trip package price for 16 days trekking in the lower Dolpo territory. If you are 2 people for lower Dolpo trek cost US$ 2490 for 16 days trek as per plan. We can modify the trek route and the prices according to your wishes also. Here is the price list for the lower Dolpo treks in Nepal.
Price Per Person for 16 days Lower Dolpo trek package for 2024 and 2025.
| Number of Tourist | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US$ 3250 |
| 2 Person | US$ 2490 |
| 3 Person | US$ 2475 |
| 4 to 6 person | US$ 2425 |
| 7 to 9 Person | US$ 2395 |
| 10 and more than 10 Person | US$ 2350 |
If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on the cost given on a tab button.
Itinerary
Lower Dolpo Trek detail itinerary
Wilderness Dolpo is a classic trail with 16 days itinerary compared to most walks into the remote corner of Nepal. The particular route is designed for world travelers who wish to hike in a more relaxed manner than take a look at this itinerary. However for travelers who wish to do it quickly but are walking with limited time wise than ask us for a tailor-made itinerary.
1 DayArrival in Kathmandu valley. Lower Dolpo restricted area trek permit arrangements.Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, we pick you up and transfer you to a hotel in Kathmandu with a private vehicle. We need your original passport with Nepal’s Visa to prepare Lower Dolpo restricted area permit. After some hours of official formalities making Dolpo permits, we fix for meeting to introduce your guide, and he will brief you on the Dolpo circuit trek.
In the afternoon, our guide will come to your hotel to proceed to drive to Kathmandu domestic terminal hall. Around midday, take a Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight which takes about one hour roughly.
In the Morning, fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal in 35 minutes. Trek from Jhupal to Dunai is roughly about 3 hours of walking and then overnight at Tent Camp. Gokyo Treks agency’s professional cook cooks a delicious meal for you.
Trek from Dunai to Tarakot which takes around 6 hours of walking and then overnight at Tent Camp.
Trek from Tarakot to Laina Udar takes around 7 hours of walking and then overnight at Tent Camp.
Trek from Laina Udar to Sim Udar takes around 6 hours of journey. Stay overnight at Tent Camp.
Trek from Sim Udar to Dhotrap hiking trail takes around 7 hours. Search for the best camping ground to stay overnight.
This day, Tourists can visit Gompa and the local villages. Stay overnight at the same place.
Dho Tarap to Numala Base Camp hiking trail is not very difficult however it takes around 6 hours. Stay overnight at Tent Camp.
Numala Base Camp to Numala Pass is tough hiking as the highest elevation where we need to cross is located on 5,115 meters. Cross the pass and hike to Danayghar which takes another couple of hours of hiking. Stay overnight at Tent Camping.
Trek from Danayghar to Bagala Pass is an adventure hiking trail. Tourists can reach the Bagala Pass highest viewpoint at 5,100 meters. Cross the summit and walk further at Yak Kharka where we fix our tent camp to stay overnight.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Shey Phoksundo Lake marks a soft adventure hike in the Dolpo section. Phoksundo Lake is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in Nepal’s Shey Phoksundo National Park, located at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters above sea level in the Dolpa District.
145 meters deep in Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake in Nepal and is located in the far west of Nepal. The Phoksundo Lake has a water surface of 494 ha (1,220 acres) and was declared a Ramsar site in September 2007. The lake is up to 145m (476 feet) deep, measured using echo-sounding technology.
Shey Phoksundo lake altitude of 3,611.5 meters is in a wilderness area and isolated trek route in Dolpa District, Nepal. It is 494 HQ in size with a water volume of 409,000,000 m³ and a discharge of 3.715 m³/s.
Hike to Shey Phoksundo lake covers the lush forest and rocky hills which makes the surface watercolor is unique. During the Dolpo circuit trek, travelers can hike to the Tibetan village of Ringmo and also explore sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa.
Trek from Shey-Phoksundo Lake to Rechi hiking trail is awesome. Trailhead descends down at Rechi village which is located at an altitude under 3,000 meters. Set up the campsite to stay overnight in a tent camping.
Today, we have a soft adventure hike from Rechi to Kagani village. The journey takes around 7 hours of easy hiking to reach Kakani village.
It’s the final day of the Dolpo circuit trekking tour and the journey to Juphal airport takes around 4-hour hikes. Reaching Dolpo airport, the kitchen crew set up a campsite and prepare a special farewell dinner for a successful trip. The hiking crew can enjoy delicious food with some farewell drinks and sings famous trekking songs and dance moments.
Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and continue to fly to Kathmandu airport. Transfer to Thamel hotel and open for last-minute shopping in Thamel on your own. If you need your guide to help you to find good shops? talk with the guide. Otherwise, we will have a special dinner in the evening together in the typical Nepali kitchen. Trip ends and we wish you a wonderful journey back home.
Not satisfied with above plan?
Are you interested in planning a custom trip? this might take 2 to 3 minutes.
Cost
How much does Lower Dolpo Trek cost?
It’s a 17 Days Classic lower Dolpo Trek price start at US$ 2350 and might reach up to US$ 3250 per person on double occupancy basis. Gokyo Treks and Expedition agency notify this express lower Dolpo Trek Package price for 2024 and 2025 based on group size you are travelling with.
For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour plan, we add a 3 to 5-star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu, and a 3-star category hotel room in Nepalgunj airport with breakfast. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGE PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. International tour leaders are highly encouraged to get discounts and attractive complimentary.
Lower Dolpo trekking package price include:
- Kathmandu international airport transfer on your arrival with a private vehicle.
- 2 Nights double bedroom accommodation in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
- Double bedroom in a standard hotel with Air condition room in Nepalgunj town.
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal & Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu round trip with tax.
- Tent camp accommodation during the trekking days in the Dolpa mountain region trekking.
- 16 Breakfast, 14 Lunch, and 14 Dinner served with hot Tea/coffee during the trek routes.
- All the essentials camping and kitchen equipment.
- An experienced and licensed holder English speaking local trekking guide.
- An assistant guide will provide for 7 plus group tourists.
- Required supporting local porters and donkeys to carry food and luggage.
- Lower Dolpo Special trekking permit issued by Immigration of Nepal.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entrance permit and fees with local taxes.
- Food / Salary/accommodation and medical or accidental insurance of all the trekking staff.
- Farewell dinner party after the trip completion in Kathmandu.
- Updated lower Dolpo trek map, and trek certificate – keep yourself
- Agency’s duffel bag (50 liters capacity), and trek poles if Necessary – return after the trek.
- First aid medical kit including Oximeter to check your Oxygen level, Pulse rate to monitor every day to prepare for high altitude risk.
- In a worst case, help with all Helicopter Rescue and evacuation arrangements (but not the rescue bills).
- Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.
Lower Dolpo trekking package price exclude:-
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during your staying in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj city.
- All types of drinks during your staying in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj city.
- Battery charges, laundry service, phone calls.
- Personal trek equipment Personal nature expenses, donation and bar bills, and clothing.
- -10 comfort fresh Sleeping bag rental cost per piece US$ 2 per day.
- Kathmandu city monuments entrance fees and transportation on the second day as described above.
- Travel Insurance which covers emergency rescue, evacuation, personal loss, or damage.
- Any donation and monument entrance fees.
- Gratuities for guide, cook, and porters [Tip is a culture, so they expect highly].
Group join
We can organize private Lower Dolpo Trekking starting on any date that works for you. Please contact us for more information.
FAQ
Question: Is pick-up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?
Answer: Yes sure. If you provide us with your flight details and request us to pick you up, our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.
Question: Do I need the experience to do Lower Dolpo Trekking?
Answer: Yes, prior trekking experience is highly recommended for the Lower Dolpo Trek. It has a remote terrain, high altitude, and difficult passes require good physical fitness, stamina, and the ability to handle long days of hiking. While not mandatory, experience with multi-day treks and acclimatization to high altitudes will greatly enhance your safety and enjoyment of the journey.
Question: What kind of accommodation and food can I expect in the Lower Dolpo Trekking?
Answer: We provide you tent camping accommodation during the trekking routes. However we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.
In the same way, at the tent camping trek days, our professional cook will prepare a delicious range of mostly vegetarian meals. Such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, rice curry, bread, soups, and fresh vegetables (variety depending on the season.
Question: Will I have a shower along the journey to lower Dolpo?.
Answer: As you are in the camping trekking days, we provide you a hot water bucket, you will take a bucket shower.
Question: How do I get drinking water on Dolpo Trekking?
Answer: We provide you Aqua purify normal water as you wish along the journey.
Question: Can I charge my mobile phone or camera or other batteries on my Dolpo trip?
Answer: As you are going through a tent trekking, there are some local houses en route where you can recharge the battery. But often not possible to get better-charging places thus, we recommend you bring an extra pair in case.
Question: Are there any communication facilities on Lower Dolpo Trekking?
Answer: Only some places stay telephone but not internet connection at all.
Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?
Answer: We recommend booking your trip with us as early as possible. While we strive to accommodate last-minute bookings, a 25% advance deposit is required to secure your reservation. This deposit allows us to make all necessary arrangements for your trip however, the remaining payment can be settled upon your arrival in Nepal.
Question: Who will carry my luggage on this Lower Dolpo express trekking?
Answer: We provide donkeys/yaks to transfer your luggage, food supplies, and all camping gears.
Question: How much distance do I walk each day?
Answer: When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain, and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances for each day, however, you have to be prepared to walk roughly about 5 hours each day.
Question: Do I need walking poles on Lower Dolpo Trekking?
Answer: It is always better to hike with walking poles. Learn how to use trekking poles for balance and stability, whether on the sidewalk or on trails. Walking poles can help prevent slips and falls. They are just recommended but not compulsory.
Lower Dolpo Trek highlights and side trips
Although you are hiking the main classical trail at Dolpo, there are still many interesting things to see on your side trips. These types of facts are also marked as the top highlights of Dolpo trekking.
- Phoksundo Lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and the spectacular scenery clearly ranks it with the most scenic summits in the world.
- Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park offers everything they would not expect in their wildest dreams, from the gigantic Himalayas to the deepest lakes
- Discover the challenging Numa la and Baga la high passes along the route.
- Ancient and isolated villages, Buddhist monasteries, Enthralling culture, and tradition.
- The territory of Snow Leopards with many other wild animals often will have a chance to see on your journey.
- Experience the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the region
- Dho Tarap is a village in Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality of Dolpa District in the Karnali Zone of north-western Nepal.
Best time for Lower Dolpo Trek
The best time for a trek to Lower Dolpo in the far western region of Nepal is during the May to October months. During these months, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making for ideal trekking conditions. Likewise, at the spring season brings blooming wildflowers and lush vegetation, while early autumn offers stunning mountain views and colorful landscapes.
Lower Dolpo Trek difficulty and require fitness
This Lower Dolpo Trek is considered moderately to highly difficult due to its remote terrain, high altitude, and challenging passes. Trekkers need to be in good physical condition, with stamina and endurance to handle long days of hiking and steep ascents. Prior trekking experience and proper acclimatization are essential to manage the trek’s demands and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Notes for Lower Dolpo trekkers!
This Dolpo trekking information stated above is just a sample guideline, possible to modify at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Factors such as local politics, landslides, flight cancellations, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control can occasionally lead to changes in the itinerary during the trek.
While it’s unlikely that the itinerary would be significantly altered, if necessary, the trip leader will decide on the best alternative option, considering the group’s best interests. We strive to minimize the impact of any changes, but please understand that we cannot be held liable for the outcomes of such changes or delays.
What makes Lower Dolpo Trek special?
Trek to lower Dolpo is a very special for tourists due to its unique natural attractions and cultural richness. This trek covers remote, unspoiled regions of Nepal, showcasing deep valleys, and pristine lakes. It offers a rare chance to experience traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyles, visit ancient monasteries, and enjoy the solitude of less-traveled path, making it an unforgettable adventure.
We at Gokyo Treks and Expedition believe in quality services. First safety and success satisfaction is our prime concern. We are a team of professional, skilled, and licensed local guides who know the destination much better than others.
Lower Dolpo Trek Review
Best Agency, Excellent service
Great trek, run by competent people, a special guide called SOM Shrestha and Kamal Khatri and a nice carrier. Fantastic landscapes and unforgettable encounters. Gokyo Treks is the right agency to make a trek in Nepal!!! Thanks at all!. – Cristiano Lissoni, Milano, Italy.
Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you Christiano for the time to review your trek with us. We hope to welcome you again for your trip in the Himalayas again.
From US$ 2621
5% Off US$ 2490| No. of people | Price Per Person |
| 1 | USD 3250 |
| 2 | USD 2490 |
| 3 | USD 2475 |
| 4 - 6 | USD 2425 |
| 7 - 9 | USD 2395 |
| 10 + | USD 2350 |
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