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Lower Dolpo Trek 

Lower Dolpo Trek  Lower Dolpo Trek  Lower Dolpo Trek 

Duration

15 Days

Start-End Point

Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grade

Trek Grade

Accommodation

Lodge

Best Season

March to Dec

Max Altitude

5238 M

Group Size

1-15 Pax

Transportation

Flight

Trip Cost

Group Size: 1

Per Person

$2,300

Total

$2,300
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Trip Highlights

  • Discover Shey Phoksundo Lake: Visit Nepal's deepest and most spectacular turquoise alpine lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine Himalayan landscapes.
  • Experience Ancient Bon and Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Explore centuries-old monasteries, traditional Dolpo villages, and the unique Bon religion that has flourished in this remote Himalayan region for generations.
  • Trek Through Shey Phoksundo National Park: Walk through Nepal's largest national park, home to blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, and diverse alpine flora.
  • Cross Remote High Mountain Passes: Challenge yourself on scenic high-altitude passes, including Numa La Pass (5,318m) and Baga La Pass (5,170m), with breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolpo Himalaya.
  • Explore One of Nepal's Most Remote Trekking Regions: Experience authentic wilderness, ancient yak caravans, untouched valleys, and peaceful trails far from the crowded Everest and Annapurna trekking routes.

The Lower Dolpo Trek presents a captivating journey through isolated and breathtaking landscapes, setting it apart from popular trekking regions like the Annapurna and Everest regions. The Lower Dolpo Trek offers a unique opportunity to explore remote and lesser-explored areas of Nepal. As you traverse the Lower Dolpo trail, you’ll experience the serenity and tranquility of the untouched surroundings.

The highlight of the Lower Dolpo trek is the exploration of Shey Phoksundo Lake, a pristine and mesmerizing turquoise lake. Along the way, you’ll encounter Buddhist monasteries and immerse yourself in the ancient Bon Po culture, adding a cultural dimension to your trekking experience. The Lower Dolpo region offers an enriching encounter with traditional practice and belief, renowned for its distinct cultural heritage.

Description

In addition to the cultural aspects, the Lower Dolpo trek itinerary allows you to witness the incredible biodiversity of the region. The area is home to a range of plant and animal species, including some endangered ones. The trek offers a chance to appreciate the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this remote and protected environment.

The Lower Dolpo trek itinerary typically takes around 15 days to complete and includes a combination of basic tea house accommodations and homestays. During the trek, there are three nights and four days of camping, which provide an opportunity to experience the rugged and pristine beauty of the high passes, such as Numala Base Camp (4,440m), Danigar (4,510m), and Yak Kharka (3,982m).

History

Notably, the Lower Dolpo region opened to foreign travelers in 1990. Even today, it remains a restricted area with limited access. The trails in this region are remote and less frequented, adding to the sense of adventure and exploration. Local communities still rely on yak and sheep caravans for trade with Tibet, showcasing a traditional way of life that has endured for centuries.

The Lower Dolpo trek unveils hidden valleys, enchanting landscapes, and unique cultural encounters. The main highlight of the Trek is Phoksundo Lake and several high passes, it is an adventure and enthralling path, a reasonably tough trek that connects with a part of the Great Himalayan Trail (upper Dolpo trek) and Rara Lake to Dhorpatan Circuit trek. It offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the untouched beauty and charm of Nepal’s remote regions.

Lower Dolpo Trekking Permit Cost

Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo trek are restricted areas requiring trekkers to obtain a special permit to enter the region. The Permit for the Lower Dolpo trek costs US$30 per person for the first 10 days. For each additional day beyond the initial 10 days, trekkers must pay an extra fee of US$5 per person per day.

Additionally, trekkers must obtain a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. The cost for a TIMS card is NPR 2000 (approximately US$20) for individual trekkers and NPR 1000 (approximately US$10) for group trekkers.

Lower Dolpo trek is only permitted through a registered trekking agency and with a licensed guide. The agency will arrange the necessary permits on behalf of the trekkers. It is important to check the current permit fees with a registered trekking agency or the Department of Immigration of Nepal before planning the trek.

Flora and fauna

Phoksundo Lake in Lower Dolpo sits at 3,612 meters above sea level. Rhododendrons and pine trees surround this charming lake. Moreover, wild animals- Himalayan Thar, musk deer, Danphe, and Monals protected under the Phoksundo National Park. The trails are natural stone steps.

Isolated region

The lower Dolpo area is a restricted but isolated paradise and area of Nepal. The mountains are gray hills and dry alpine grazing deserts. Strong winds and dust are common during the day, and greenery is visible throughout the trek. Therefore, this trek is isolated from other treks.

Trek Duration

lower Dolpo trek 15-day journey begins with a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another 30-minute flight to Juphal, the start of the trek. This trek discovers the beautiful villages of Dunai Bazaar, Phoksundo, Dhotrap, Numala Base Camp, and the beautiful blue color Shey-Phoksundo Lake with around green valley pine forest.

Local agency

Nepal Wilderness Trekking is a reliable trekking agency in Nepal, that leads the Lower Dolpo trek expert team, we are sure, that you will have quality time with our experienced guide and porters, the guide is Knowledgeable, responsible, and familiar with the region, trekking trails, history, people, cultures of the Dolpa region.

Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights

Shey Phoksundo National Park: The trek takes you through the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is home to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.

Ancient Tibetan monasteries: The region is known for its ancient Tibetan monasteries, including the Shey Gompa, which dates back to the 11th century. These monasteries offer a glimpse into the unique Bon Po religion and Tibetan culture of the area

Remote traditional villages: Experience the unique culture and traditions of the Dolpo people. You can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their daily life and customs.

High-altitude passes: The challenging high-altitude passes like the Kang La Pass (5,350m) and the Jeng La Pass (5,090m), offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Scenic landscapes: Known for its rugged and remote landscapes, deep valleys, waterfalls, and barren hillsides.

The lower Dolpo trek is quite challenging, with high-altitude passes like the Kang La Pass (5,350m) and the Jeng La Pass (5,090m). You will need to have a good level of fitness and acclimatization to undertake this trek. The best time to do the Lower Dolpo trek or the Jomsom Dolpo Trek is from March to May and from September to November.

Physical preparation

What’s crucial is a willingness to prepare physically and mentally, and to respect the demands of the environment. Proper acclimatization ensures trekkers can fully enjoy the journey, absorbing the breathtaking landscapes and immersing themselves in the local culture. Ensure that, you bring the recommended equipment, such as a boot rated for -25°C. A sleeping bag and poles are provided by the company. Remember, a quality sleeping bag can make your trip enjoyable, while a poor one can make it miserable.

Note

It is recommended that you arrive in Kathmandu 2 days before you start your trek. Arriving 2 days early is beneficial because you need to make the permits, learn about the trek you are doing, and familiarize yourself with the routes. Additionally, you might need to buy or hire trekking equipment if needed. By adding some extra days besides the actual trekking days, you can enjoy your trip to Nepal to the fullest. Consequently, this will allow you to focus on your journey without having to worry about last-minute preparations.

Itinerary (15 Days)

Cost Included

  • All land transport and flight tickets from Kathmandu to Nepalganj- Jhupal- Nepalganj- Kathmandu.
  • National Park Conservation and lower Dolpo special trekking permits and TIMS fees.
  • Lodge Accommodation and 3 times meals a day during the trekking.
  • 3-night tent trek
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide licensed by the government, familiar with the area.
  • One porter for every two to three participants. (Note: An additional cost applies for solo clients requiring a porter.)
  • Meals: Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and various European dishes are available three times a day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One main course is provided per meal during the trek.
  • guide and porter Wages, equipment, insurance, and other facilities to staff.

Cost Excluded

  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance (which covers helicopter rescue Evacuation in case of emergency.
  • Personal expenses.
  • All bar bill.
  • Items of a personal nature, i.e., Soft/hard drinks, tips, etc.
  • Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes"
  • Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

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Price per person

USD 2,300 / pp

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