18 daysExtreme6,189 mIsland Peak Climbing — 18 Days
From / person
$3,600
Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
14 days5,310 mFrom Juphal (fly via Nepalgunj)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
01 / 08
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
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(14 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 5,310 m · Day 9Fly 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 flight–BreakfastHotel
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
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.
Pickup in Pokhara
Already in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.
- Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Free
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Kathmandu
Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- No hotel, I will book my own$0
- Kathmandu: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
- Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
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
US$20/week for the first 4 weeks, then US$5/weekUS$20 per week for the first four weeks, then US$5 per week. A licensed guide and registered agency are mandatory for this restricted area.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)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.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
Warm hat and gloves for early starts and evenings
Down jacket for the evenings — rent one in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a couple of dollars a day rather than buying
Thermal bottoms for sleeping
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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