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Duration
22 days
Max Altitude
4.9 km
Difficulty
Hard
Best months to visit
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a 22-day strenuous expedition into one of Nepal's most remote and least-explored regions, situated in the Dolpa district of western Nepal. This extraordinary journey takes trekkers deep into the Trans-Himalayan wilderness, where ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, dramatic high-altitude landscapes, and rare wildlife converge in a landscape virtually untouched by modern development. At the heart of the trek lies Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard and a remarkable diversity of Himalayan flora and fauna. The park also encompasses Phoksundo Lake — Nepal's deepest lake — whose impossibly vivid turquoise waters, framed by sheer cliffs and coniferous forests, rank among the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the Himalayas. The route challenges trekkers with three major high-mountain passes: Kangmara La, Numa La, and Baga La, each demanding significant physical endurance and rewarding climbers with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and plateaus. The maximum altitude reached is approximately 4,900 meters at Shey Gompa, a revered monastery that serves as a spiritual focal point of the journey. Beyond its natural grandeur, the Lower Dolpo Trek offers rare cultural immersion. Trekkers pass through the Tarap Valley and remote villages where the local Dolpo-pa people maintain centuries-old traditions rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient monasteries, prayer flags, chortens, and the slow rhythms of high-altitude pastoral life provide a profoundly authentic encounter with a way of life largely unchanged for generations. The trek begins and ends at Juphal, accessible by a short domestic flight from Nepalgunj via Kathmandu. Accommodation throughout the trek is primarily camping, with full board meals provided. The best seasons to undertake this adventure are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when skies are clear and conditions are most favorable for high-altitude trekking.
What's included
✓ All ground transportation by private tourist vehicles
✓ Flight fare from Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu including airport departure taxes
✓ Full board meals (3 times a day) during trekking
✓ Tented accommodation and camping equipment (two-man tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent)
✓ Deluxe 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✓ Professional tour guide for Kathmandu day trip
✓ Monument entrance fees on Kathmandu city tour
✓ Government-licensed English-speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 persons) including their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine
✓ Special trekking permit for Lower Dolpo
✓ TIMS card (Trekker's Information Management System)
✓ All necessary paperwork and permits
✓ Travel and rescue arrangement
✓ Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance show
✓ All government taxes, VAT, official expenses, and service charges
Not included
✕ International flights, airport taxes, and Nepal visa fee
✕ Major meals in Kathmandu
✕ Personal expenses such as bar bills, water, tea/coffee, snacks, shower, battery recharge, and laundry
✕ Personal clothing, gear, sleeping bag, and down jacket
✕ Tipping for guides and porters
✕ Costs arising from flight cancellation, emergency rescue, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, or re-routing beyond operator control
🌿 Cultural Note
The Dolpo region is inhabited by the Dolpo-pa people, who follow ancient Bön and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Trekkers should dress modestly, remove shoes before entering monasteries, walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls, and ask permission before photographing local people or religious sites. The region coincides with important cultural festivals in spring and autumn, offering rare opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies. Carry Nepalese rupees as ATMs are not available in remote areas.
Cancellation Policy — Moderate
Cancellation time is measured from your trip start date.
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