
Lower Dolpo Trek
Duration
14 days
From
$2,790/person
Max Altitude
5,310 m
Difficulty
Strenuous
Starts
Juphal (fly via Nepalgunj)
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Trip Highlights
Scenes from the trail
Day-by-Day Itinerary(14 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 5,310 m · Day 9The Lower Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's last true wilderness journeys, winding through the remote trans-Himalayan landscapes of Dolpa district behind the main Himalayan range. Far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna, this 14-day adventure carries you into a high desert world of ochre cliffs, ancient Bon and Tibetan Buddhist villages, and the spellbinding turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.
From the mountain airstrip at Juphal you trek deep into Shey Phoksundo National Park, climbing past the medieval settlement of Dho Tarap before crossing two demanding high passes, Numa La (around 5,310 m) and Baga La (around 5,070 m). The reward is the shimmering shoreline of Ringmo and a culture that has changed little in centuries.
A Restricted Wilderness
Lower Dolpo lies inside a restricted area, so every trekker must travel with a licensed guide and carry the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit alongside the national park entry permit. This protects both the fragile environment and the unique Dolpo-pa way of life. We handle every permit, flight and logistic so you can focus on the trail.
Who Is This Trek For
This is a strenuous, high-altitude camping and tea-house trek for fit, experienced trekkers who are comfortable with long days, basic facilities and remote terrain. In return you gain access to one of the most pristine and culturally intact corners of the Himalaya.
What's Included
Included
- All domestic flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal and return)
- Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit
- Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porters to carry trekking gear and supplies
- All accommodation: hotels in cities, tea houses and full camping on the trail
- All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Camping equipment, tents, kitchen crew and dining arrangements
- Airport transfers and ground transport
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj other than breakfast
- Personal trekking equipment and gear
- Tips for guide, porters and crew
- Alcoholic and bottled drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Costs arising from flight delays or itinerary changes due to weather
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar–May)
Stable weather, clearing passes and blooming rhododendron in the lower forests make spring one of the two prime windows for Lower Dolpo.
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Dolpo sits in a rain-shadow so it stays relatively dry while the rest of Nepal is wet, but flights to Juphal are often delayed by monsoon clouds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The most popular season, with crisp clear skies, excellent mountain views and snow-free passes after the monsoon.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Bitterly cold with heavy snow that frequently closes Numa La and Baga La; only for very experienced, well-equipped expeditions.
Permits Required
Frequently Asked Questions
On the Trail
See it in motion
$2,790
/ person · all-inclusive
