Lower Dolpa Trek-18 Days
Duration
18 days
Activities
Tour-Trekking
Max Altitude
(5115m /16781ft)
Group Size
02-08
Expedition Overview
Facts of the trip
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Arrival On
Kathmandu
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Departure From
Kathmandu, Nepal
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Accommodation
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and camping basis accommodation during trekking
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Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
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Best Time
October-December, February- Jun
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Transportation
Private Jeep and Domestic Flight
The Lower Dolpa Trek offers an unparalleled adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote and scenic regions, nestled in the Dolpa District, a hidden gem in the Himalayas. This trek takes you through ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, vast alpine meadows, and rugged, dramatic landscapes. Starting from Jhupal, trekkers pass through the Dunai Valley, which is dotted with traditional stone houses and vibrant monasteries. As you journey through the Tarakot and Dho Tarap valleys, you are immersed in an environment where Tibetan culture and Buddhist traditions remain strong, and the landscape gradually transitions from lush forests to the high-altitude desert.
The Lower Dolpa Trek is not just about breathtaking natural beauty, but also about the unique culture and traditions of the people who live here. The trek brings you close to Phoksundo Lake, a serene and pristine glacial lake surrounded by steep cliffs. As you venture deeper into this isolated region, the trek becomes more challenging with higher altitudes and diverse terrain. Although the trek is considered moderate in difficulty, it offers one of the most authentic trekking experiences in Nepal, away from the crowds, making it perfect for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and cultural immersion in the remote corners of the Himalayas.
Highlights of the Lower Dolpa Trek (18 Days)
- Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m): The trek leads you to the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s largest and most beautiful glacial lakes. The lake’s crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by rugged cliffs and snow-capped peaks, provide a serene and breathtaking backdrop, making it a highlight of the trek.
- Remote and Rugged Terrain: The Lower Dolpa Trek takes you through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in Nepal. The trail winds through deep gorges, barren landscapes, and alpine meadows, offering trekkers a sense of true adventure and exploration in an untouched part of the country.
- Dolpa’s Unique Culture: Dolpa is home to a distinct culture, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Along the trek, you’ll pass through ancient villages such as Ringmo, Dho Tarap, and Saldang, where you can explore traditional Tibetan-style monasteries, stupas, and chortens, offering deep cultural immersion into the local way of life.
- Shey Gompa and Buddhist Monasteries: The trek includes a visit to the sacred Shey Gompa, one of the most important monasteries in the region. This monastery, located near the base of the Crystal Mountain, is a spiritual center where you can witness the deep Buddhist traditions and lifestyle that have been maintained for centuries.
- Breathtaking Mountain Views: As you trek through the remote region of Dolpa, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, and Other Annapurna peaks. These towering, snow-covered mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the barren landscapes, offering spectacular photo opportunities.
- Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Dolpa is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep. The trek takes you through pristine forests, high-altitude meadows, and alpine valleys, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Lower Dolpa Trek is a challenging but rewarding journey that offers cultural immersion, pristine landscapes, and the chance to explore one of the most remote and untouched regions of Nepal. The trek is perfect for those seeking adventure, solitude, and an authentic Himalayan experience.
Itinerary
Check Available Dates
| Start | Finish | Duration | Gurop Size | Price | Status | |
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| 01/10/2024 | 18/10/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 08/10/2024 | 25/10/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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| 15/10/2024 | 01/11/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 22/10/2024 | 08/11/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 04/11/2024 | 21/11/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 11/11/2024 | 28/11/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 18/11/2024 | 05/12/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 25/11/2024 | 12/12/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 02/12/2024 | 19/12/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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| 09/12/2024 | 26/12/2024 | 18 | 02-10 |
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$2200 |
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Cost Details
What's Included
- Pick up and drop from international airport.
- Kathmandu accommodation (4 nights tourist standard deluxe hotel with breakfast)
- All land transfer as per given itinerary (private car/van)
- Sightseeing tour with experience local guide.
- One night deluxe hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Shey Phoksundo national Park Entry Permit
- TIMS trekking permit.
- Lower Dolpa (Restricated area entry fees: US$10 per week for the first four weeks and US$20 per week there after)
- Accommodation:
- Teahouse (twin sharing basis room)
- Camping (twin sharing tow men tent) / dining tent, toilet tent.
- Meals (3 meals / B.L.D) while on the trek.
- Experienced English speaking guide / leader, necessary experience local helpers.
- All program according to itineraries on full board.
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency
- Domestic airfare
- Personal expenses
- All bar bill
- Expenses of personal nature i.e. soft/hard drinks, tips etc
What to Expect
Accommodation:We will be staying at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, and camping basis accommodaton during the trek. All rooms (hotel and tented camp) are on twin-shared basis. Single bedroom will be arranged on request and will cost additional. Fourteen Summit will arrange full camping gears, dining tent, kitchen tent, table, chair, toilet tent, twin-shared basis sleeping tent, mattress and sleeping bag.
Meals:
All meals will be provided during the camping trekking (We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee). In Kathmandu, breakfast will be available. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners taking place for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the camping, where we spend the night and pack lunch on our way to next destination.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements:
Lower Dolpa trek is a modorate trek. Trekkers who can walk up to 5-6 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail and basic hiking experience will consider this trip fulfilling and enjoyable. It is a good idea to prepare for the Lower Dolpa trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least for a month prior to the start. Trekking around Lower Dolpa should be relatively fine for those who have experience in trekking in high altitudes. Determination, good physical health, positive attitude and average physical fitness are good preconditions for a successful accomplishment of the trekking. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skills are required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Fourteen Summit before booking the trek.
Best Time to Travel:
The best time for trekking to Lower Dolpa is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate and guarantees amazing views throughout the trip.
Equipment List
Fourteen Summit has compiled a list of necessary equipment, personal medical supplies and symptoms of medical condition likely to face during trekking / peak climbing. Also, please do understand that items listed below should be considered as an essential summary.
We highly recommend you to be familiar with all of your equipment and basic understanding of medical Conditions related to high elevation.
Your document to travel to Nepal:
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines
Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towel
Rain coat
Personal Clothing items
Head:
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Upper Body:
T-shirts
Weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands:
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body:
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene supplies;
Two tubes lip sun cream, at least 1 large tube regular sun cream (min. factor 30), some after-sun lotion in case you do get a sunburn
One toothpaste/brush set;
One hand sanitizer gel
1 (fast drying) synthetic towel
Medical Supplies:
Personal prescription medications; Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb.
Small personal first-aid kit; (Simple and Light): first-aid tape, plasters (Band-Aids),alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc. (The leaders will have more extensive first-aid kits)
One skin blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium) (one regular package)
Anti-headache medication (Aspirin or Ibuprofen) (one regular package)
One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine.
One course antibiotics for chest infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One course antibiotics for stomach infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One small bottle anti-altitude sickness medication: Diamox (Acetylzolamide), available locally, for more about this medication, please contact us or your doctor
One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions AND chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer.
Earplugs
Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.
Photo and Video
FAQ
The Lower Dolpa Trek stands out due to its untouched landscapes, remote trails, and deep cultural significance. Unlike popular treks such as Everest and Annapurna, this trek explores an isolated part of Nepal, where ancient Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions are still preserved. The trek features barren high-altitude deserts, deep river gorges, and stunning mountain views, with the highlight being Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful and unspoiled alpine lakes. Trekkers also get the chance to visit Tibetan-style villages, interact with Dolpo’s indigenous people, and witness their centuries-old way of life.
The Lower Dolpa Trek is considered moderate to challenging, requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance. The trek involves steep ascents, high-altitude passes (such as Numa La and Baga La), and long trekking days (6–8 hours daily). The trails can be rough and unpaved, and due to the region’s remoteness, there are limited facilities along the way. While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Since Lower Dolpa falls within a restricted area, trekkers need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can only be issued through a registered trekking agency. Additionally, trekkers need a Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, as the trek passes through the protected national park. Unlike other trekking regions, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is not required for this trek.
The best seasons for the Lower Dolpa Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring offers mild temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and lush greenery, making the landscape vibrant and scenic. Autumn provides clear skies, stunning mountain views, and stable weather, making it an ideal time for trekking. Winter (December–February) is extremely cold, with heavy snowfall making high passes difficult, while the monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rainfall and landslides, making trails slippery and challenging.
The trek begins from Jhupal, which is accessible by a flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpa Airport). To reach Nepalgunj, trekkers must first take a flight or drive from Kathmandu. The flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal is scenic but often delayed or canceled due to unpredictable mountain weather, so trekkers should plan extra buffer days. From Jhupal, the trek continues towards Dunai, Tarakot, and Shey Phoksundo Lake, following ancient trade routes.
Unlike the well-established teahouse treks in Everest or Annapurna, the Lower Dolpa region has basic lodges and homestays, with some areas requiring camping due to the lack of infrastructure. The accommodation is simple, with basic rooms, shared facilities, and limited amenities. Food options include Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, potatoes, tsampa (barley flour porridge), Tibetan bread, and yak butter tea. Since supplies are brought in by mules or carried by locals, food variety is limited, and trekkers should carry energy bars and snacks.
Since the Lower Dolpa Trek reaches elevations over 5,000m, altitude sickness is a real concern. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), trekkers should acclimatize properly, ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Carrying Diamox (altitude sickness medication) and trekking with an experienced guide is highly recommended. If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude is necessary.
The Lower Dolpa region lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of Nepal’s most ecologically diverse areas. Trekkers may encounter rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and red panda. The region is also home to numerous bird species, including the Himalayan griffon, Tibetan partridge, and Danphe (Nepal’s national bird). The trek passes through dense pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests, high-altitude grasslands, and stunning alpine landscapes, making it an incredible experience for nature lovers and photographers.
The Lower Dolpa Trek is one of Nepal’s most isolated and less-traveled routes, with minimal human settlements and no road access. Trekkers will pass through small Tibetan-influenced villages, where locals still practice traditional farming and trade with Tibet. There is no mobile network or internet in many parts of the trek, and emergency medical facilities are nonexistent. Due to the region’s remoteness, trekkers must be self-sufficient, carry essential supplies, and be prepared for unexpected challenges.
The Lower Dolpa Trek is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, away from crowded commercial trekking routes. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and raw Himalayan wilderness. Unlike other treks, this journey takes you into a mystical world of Tibetan Buddhist culture, with stunning landscapes ranging from deep canyons and barren hills to turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Though challenging, the rewards include authentic cultural encounters, breathtaking scenery, and a true sense of adventure in one of Nepal’s most remote and untouched regions.