2 Groups Available
Dolpo
Lower Dolpo Base Camp Trek
Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a spectacular Himalayan adventure through the remote landscapes of western Nepal, exploring the rugged wilderness of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Known for its dramatic mountain scenery, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and ancient spiritual heritage, the trek offers an unforgettable combination of high-altitude adventure and cultural discovery in one of Nepal’s least-visited regions.
The classic trekking circuit connects Tarakot, the Tarap Valley, Do Tarap, and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. Along the route, trekkers pass through deep river valleys, arid mountain landscapes, alpine meadows, and traditional settlements where centuries-old Himalayan customs remain an important part of daily life.
One of the trek’s greatest challenges is crossing the high mountain passes of Numa La (approximately 5,190 m) and Baga La (approximately 5,170 m). These demanding crossings reward trekkers with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba, subject to weather and visibility.
The culturally rich Tarap Valley, particularly Do Tarap, is another major highlight, offering opportunities to discover traditional Dolpo architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and the ancient Bon religious tradition. The journey culminates in the striking turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural landmarks, framed by dramatic cliffs and pristine mountain wilderness.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Overnight in Nepalgunj. – You fly to the western Terai, the gateway city for the remote Dolpo region, and prepare for the early flight into the mountains.
A dramatic flight lands at Juphal, followed by an easy walk down to Dunai, the district headquarters on the Bheri River.
The trail follows the Bheri River upstream along a gentle path with sweeping views, passing villages and terraces before reaching the historic fort town of Tarakot.
You turn into the Tarap valley and follow the Tarap Chu through forest and a narrow canyon, climbing steadily to the small settlement of Laini.
The path continues up the gorge, crossing the river on several bridges, with the vegetation slowly changing as you gain altitude.
The canyon opens into the wide Tarap valley, an open high-altitude basin with stone-walled fields, monasteries, and the villages of Do Tarap.
A day to rest at altitude, explore the villages, and visit the Bon-Po and Buddhist monasteries while preparing for the high passes.
You walk up the upper Tarap valley along the grassy riverside to a high camp at the foot of the Numa La.
A demanding climb to the Numa La rewards you with views of Dhaulagiri and the Tibetan plateau, followed by a descent to the camp at Pelung Tang.
A steep climb takes you over the second pass, the Baga La, before a long descent to the pastures of Dajok Tang.
A gentler walk through forest leads down to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake and the Tibetan-style village of Ringmo.
Explore the lakeshore, Ringmo village, and the Bon monastery, and enjoy a relaxed day after the high passes.
You descend past the Phoksundo waterfall and follow the Suli Gad valley through forest and wooden bridges to the village of Chhepka.
The final stretch follows the river out of the national park and back to Dunai on the Bheri River.
A short climb brings you to Juphal, where you spend the night close to the airstrip before the flight out.
After a scenic flight out of the mountains and a connection in Nepalgunj, you return to Kathmandu, concluding your Lower Dolpo journey.
What’s included
Included
- All necessary Nation Park permit and Paperwork.
- All necessary trekking transfers
- The best local tea house accommodation during trekking.
- Experienced license holder guide (English Speaking, first aid, eco-trained).
- A Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in trekking itinerary days (An item at once).
- Tea/Coffee or Himalayan Sea buckthorn juice in Breakfast
- A complete first-aid medical kit (Handled by Guide/Sherpa)
- All relevant fees, taxes and Levies
- Trekking Maps and Trip Completion Certificate
Not included
- International flight fares.
- Nepal Visa Expenses and worldwide Airfare
- Meals, Extra activities in city.
- Accomodations besides trekking itinerary days.
- Trekking Costs like Drinking Water, Soft & Hard Drinks, Juice, Phon Calls, Web Utilize, Battery, Charging, Clothing, Hot Shower, Gift, Extra Porters etc.
- Individual Trekking Gears and Equipment. (Can be rented from Mt. Mate’s gear rental shop)
- Individual Any Kinds of Health or Travel Insurance. (It is obligatory to decrease the conceivable cost in case of crisis clearing).
- Costs emerges due to hindrance and delays within program schedule due to climate issues or Health problem issues.
- Tipping to trekking crew members (Mandatory) and donating.
- Anything besides in trekking includes.
Packing list
Clothes: Base layers, light warm and down jackets, trekking pants and t-shirts, socks, under garments, warm beanie, sun hats, buff, water cover, wind proof and warm gloves.
Shoes: Trekking boots, sneaker and slipper.
Trekking gears: Trekking bag, sleeping bag, trekking poles, crampons, head light, hot-water bottle, sun glass etc.
Sanitary: Shampoo, towels, toilet papers, tissues, tooth brush, tooth paste etc.
Health: Anti-sunburn cream, lip balm, nasal inhaler, balm, water purifier and mountain first aid kit and medicines.
Electronics: Cameras, cell phone with data pack, charger, power bank etc.
Documents: Original Passport, Nepali rupees for expenses.
Gallery
Safety & permits
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit - arranged by your guide before the trek begins
- Lower Dolpo area trekking permit - arranged before the trek begins
- Ticketing: Monasteries, Museums and viewpoint entry ticketing can occur according to place of interest.
- Licensed Guide: Trek with Certified licensed guide/sherpa through a government.
- Health: Train with cardio, strength, endurance exercises and get a medical check-up, if necessary, before.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage.
- Altitude Safety: Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, eat well and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness
- Weather: Follow your guide’s advice, use proper gear and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
- Emergency Support: Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or face any difficulty.
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2 Groups Available