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Turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake on the Lower Dolpo Trek, far-western Nepal
Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek

14 days5,310 mFrom Juphal (fly via Nepalgunj)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

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

Stand on the shore of turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal
Cross two wild Himalayan passes, Numa La (5,310 m) and Baga La (5,070 m)
Explore the medieval village and monasteries of Dho Tarap
Trek through the remote rain-shadow wilderness of far-western Dolpa
Experience authentic Bon and Tibetan Buddhist Dolpo-pa culture
Spot blue sheep and, with luck, signs of the elusive snow leopard
See the spectacular Phoksundo waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal
Journey far off the beaten path, away from crowded mainstream trails
Cross the wild Numa La and Baga La passes to the turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake on this 14-day Lower Dolpo wilderness trek through far-western Nepal.
The Gallery

Scenes from the trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary(14 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 5,310 m · Day 9
1502.7k5.3k5,310 mD1D3D5D7D9D11D13D14

Fly west from Kathmandu to the hot lowland city of Nepalgunj near the Indian border. Rest and prepare for the early mountain flight to Dolpa the next morning.

150 m1 hr flightBreakfastHotel

The 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.

Low: -8°C High: 15°C Possible leftover snow on Numa La and Baga La early in the season.

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.

Low: 2°C High: 18°C Little snow; muddy lower trails and flight uncertainty are the main concerns.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

The most popular season, with crisp clear skies, excellent mountain views and snow-free passes after the monsoon.

Low: -10°C High: 12°C Generally clear passes; cold nights at altitude.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Bitterly cold with heavy snow that frequently closes Numa La and Baga La; only for very experienced, well-equipped expeditions.

Low: -20°C High: 4°C Deep snow blocks the high passes for much of the winter.

Permits Required

Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

USD 20

USD 20 for the first week, plus USD 5 per additional day. A licensed guide and registered agency are mandatory for this restricted area.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

NPR 3,000

NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, per person.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

On the Trail

See it in motion

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$2,790

/ person · all-inclusive

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