What could be more pleasure-filled than experiencing typically natural space on earth? Lower Dolpo trekking will not only make you walk to natural space but will provide lifetime memory letting you experience unique cultures, unique lifestyles, beautiful sceneries, amazing flora, and fauna. Mountain Routes provides 18 days Lower Dolpo trekking package that will take you to western Nepal.
You will get to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake, live in Buddhism Bon Po Culture, witness Yak Caravan and walk-in desert-like rainshadow region of lower Dolpo and experience best of Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. You will reach the height up to 5190 meters and walk along with Shey Phoksundo National Park.
During this visit, you will get to explore remote regions of Nepal like Tarakot, Khani Gau, Yak Kharka, Tarap Khola, Tokyu Gau etc. Meanwhile, there are some beautiful rivers, adventure-filled cliffs, bridges and obviously beautiful landscapes that you get to pass across.
You get to reach the highest elevation up to 5310 meters during this trip and come across two high passes Numa La Pass and Baga La passes from where you will get to see amazing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other Tibetan ranges. Yaks and sheep would be the next amazing thing that you will get to observe during the trip. The natural state of these animals will make you feel that you really got into something different place.
The best time to make a visit to this place is between April to June, and October to December. The package offered by Mountain Routes is at the lowest possible cost, where the satisfaction of the customer is considered more important than the income of the Travel and Tour Agency. That should be the reason why customers return satisfied from the trip. Meanwhile, we offer flexible and customized trip as per our client’s requirement as well.
Once you land on Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), our representative will be there to receive you. You will be taken to your standard hotel. You can take some rest to overcome your jet lag and tiredness. During the evening, we will have a detailed discussion about the entire trek. Briefings regarding Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek will be explained in brief. In the meantime, you can enjoy the nightlife of Thamel. Or, you have an alternative to research about Lower Dolpo Trek on your own.
After breakfast, we will make a small Kathmandu trip. Visiting around Pashupatinath, the holy place of Hindu and Boudha Stupa, a holy place for Buddhists will make you feel that you are really in an amazing place. We then set aside for lunch, and then move towards the airport to fly to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj will be the first place to travel for Lower Dolpo. This will be a scenic flight of around an hour to western Nepal.
Nepalgunj is located near the border of India and is a sub-metropolitan city located in the Banke district of Nepal. During the evening, we walk around to visit the local market there. Overnight at the hotel of Nepalgunj.
We take the first flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal of Dolpo. This 45 minutes of flight will be filled with scenic beauty as we get to see Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range through the window time and again. Once we land in Jhupal, we interact with people around – manage our luggage and fill the food supply that is required during the trek.
We then begin our trek formally walking above the Bheri River. This day of Lower Dolpo trek of around 3 hours would be easy and interesting. We continue walking till we reach Dunai, the district center. Overnight will be spent at tented camp.
On this fourth day of Lower Dolpo Trek, we leave Dunai, we walk along with Bheri River. We come across Barbung River gorge and catch the trail that goes through pine woods till we reach to open terraced fields. Tarakot is located in a distance from these terraced fields which is surrounded by fort decades ago. We observe the monastery at the junction of the stream.
This used to be the route for trading caravans at times. We finally reach to Tarakot walking around 6 hours with timely rest. Tarakot is located at a height of 2543 meters. We set up our camp at open space on a spur and spend overnight at the tented camp itself.
This would be the next interesting day to trek in the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trekking trial. We leave Tarakot in the morning. Walking across Bheri River gorge, we then catch up on the line of Tarap Chu stream crossing the bridge. This route will be fantastic with mesmerizing views of terraced farmland, an isolated village. We then reach Kola along stream guided terrain. Finally, we reach Khani Gau – where we set up our camp and spend overnight.
On this sixth day, we walk around, pass through steep slopes and come across narrow gorge alongside the river. We then reach small settlements with amazing lifestyles. It’s okay to spend some time here. We then walk further catching the trail which hides at places and then again appears.
So, you can’t even guess how these trails of Lower Dolpo Trek goes ahead. There are some wooden bridges on the way which are broken and then smashed away by the monsoon floods. After around six hours of trek, we finally make it to Tarap Khola. Overnight at tented camp there itself.
This day of Lower Dolpo Trekking will be a normal trek like usual, where we walk around six hours. We start trekking uphill observing scenic landscapes. What makes this day of Lower Dolpo trek more beautiful is the natural flow that we walk along with, where we get the feeling of walking into the wilderness of nature. We then reach Yak Kharka, located at the height of 3800 meters and spend overnight there at tented camp.
On this day we move towards a more isolated region. We reach Tarap Chu and then overcome Lang stream following the trail that will take us through the narrow pathway above tall woods. We then observe bushy plants like wildflowers and Juniper. We gradually walk towards the dry inner Himalayan region observing the natural beauty. Further, we then walk around observing the stone-walled village at Dho.
The architecture of the village would make anyone amazed. Apart, they are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism culture. We reach our ultimate destination of day Dho Tarap after a short walk and then. Dho Tarap is located at 4090 meters. Overnight at tented camp.
With a regular walk, our body will require rest as well. Also, our bodies would require adaption as we gradually ascend to high altitudes. So, this would be our rest and acclimatization day. We walk around Dho Tarap and observe mesmerizing views through the eyes and lens of your camera. A book worm can stay back at camp and go through it, or you can sleep all day in camp as well. We spend the day in the village itself and then spend overnight at tented camp.
This day, we leave Dho Tarap ascending towards the valley at the upper part of the Dolpo Trekking circuit. We then catch rocky trail near the river and then continue the journey along with the plain track. We walk along with greeneries on the riverside. We visualize fertile lands where barley, buckwheat, potatoes, and Himalayan crops are grown.
We walk uphill and downhill observing fantastic and colorful monasteries. After six hours of trek, we then reach the Tokyu village located at the height of 4200 meters. There we meet people from Chiba sect communities. Overnight at tented camp at Tokyu Gau.
Lower Dolpo Trekking route is a natural gift that everyone walking will appreciate. On this day, we walk slowly to the Numala base. We gradually climb to high altitudes. The distance would not belong, but walking uphill with increasing altitude will make the excursion slower. The dotted trail with rocks and steep landscape would be generating energy time and again. Yes, we might need energy drinks this day. We finally reach to Numala base located at the height of 4665 meters and spend overnight there at tented camp.
This will be the next adventure-filled day and also the most difficult day of the entire trip during Lower Dolpo Trek. We initially climb up to Numa La pass which lies at 5190 meters. What makes this day adventure-filled as the steep climbing route at the top of the ridge is equally difficult. Once we reach to Numa La pass, we then fall downhill, follow gorges and then meet brown landscape.
Seeing Dhaulagiri peak right in front would be something that your eyes and brain can never forget. We then descend downward till we arrive at Pelung Tang. Overnight at Pelung Tang tented camp.
Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is not all about walking along with the hills, but providing a lifetime opportunity for experiencing the best trekking pattern across. This day proves it all because this day is regarded to be a technical day of entire Lower Dolpo Trekking days. Initially, the trail is steep uphill till the top ridge of Baga La located at 5070 meters.
Here, you get to visualize a good viewpoint of glorious Kanjirowa peak along with its surroundings. And then you decline almost 1000 meters and till you reach Dajok Tang at 4080 meters. Overnight at Dajok Tang.
This day, we walk gently as we have already crossed the tough parts. This would be a pleasant day in Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. We first cross the pine forest, and then through grazing meadows. Descending from alpine terrain, we move towards down flat land observing how quickly the vegetation changes with a slight geographical variation. We then descend till we reach Ringmo and spend overnight at tented camp there.
This probably would be the best day during the entire Lower Dolpo Trekking. One important reason why people opt for Lower Dolpo Trek is obviously to be around Phoksundo Lake. Shey Phoksundo lake is a freshwater lake among the hills and mountains – and it makes you feel that you are in heaven anyway. We get to observe Yak caravans around, and we will have plenty of time to spend around the lake. It’s okay if we decide to spend overnight at the large platform on the face of the lake itself.
Finally, getting towards the end of the Lower Dolpo Trekking route, we trek down to Shyangta. This would be a rocky trail following Chekpa and passing barren hills along with tiny Bon PO settlements. In around six hours, we will reach Shyangta which would be at the height of 2520 meters.
We walk among birch trees observing spectacular views of mountains and reach Sulighat. We walk in one of the rough trails of Lower Dolpo Trek this day, following the motor road which makes the trial easy as well. We reach Jhupal on this very day – and if possible, we catch a flight to Nepalgunj, else we stay there at Jhupal.
We fly to Nepalgunj on the very first flight and then switch the plane to Kathmandu gathering all the memories that we gained during Lower Dolpo circuit trek. Once we reach Kathmandu, we take a long rest – till the flight back.
Lower Dolpo is one of the least travelled destinations of Nepal. Dolpo is a Remote place situated in Dolpa district of Western Nepal, Surrounded by Himalayan mountain including the famous eight thousand mountain Dhaulagiri. Part of the Dolpo region lies inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Dolpo lies in the latitude of 28° 49′ 59.99″ N and longitude of 83° 14′ 60.00″ E.
Dolpo is far from Kathmandu and travelling from bus to Dolpo is dangerous due to the Road condition so we will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which will take around one hour the air distance from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is 362 KM. From Nepalgunj we will take a flight to Jhupal of Dolpo this will take around 45 mins from Jhupal and from Jhupal our trek will start.
Lower Dolpo trek is a challenging trek as you will be crossing two high passes, Numa La pass and Baga La pass which will be strenuous and difficult. Trekking in Lower Dolpo requires a good physical condition as the trails are steep terrain and the trekker needs to walk for 7 to 8 hours, the High passes, rugged terrain, unpredictable weather makes this trek more challenging. But with a strong commitment and willingness, one can complete this trek easily, you will not need any technical or mountaineering skills in order to complete this trek.
Lower Dolpo is challenging and tough trek. You should start your training one month before the trek. Start your training with a few kilometres of running then slightly increase the pace and the distance. Hike as much as you can. Long hikes in steep hills increase your endurance. You can also cycle in the hills. Focus your training on increasing Stamina, endurance, and strength. Also focus on your diet avoid fast and oily foods, limit alcohol intake. Joining a local gym, swimming club or climbing gym is also a good idea. You should try to involve in more physical activity which will build your strength and stamina. Prepare your body for 7 to 8 hours of hike in rough terrain. You should also be able to spend the nights in tented camps some people find this difficult.
The highest altitude of lower Dolpo trek is Numa La pass at 5238 m.
Lower Dolpo was completely isolated for a long period of time. The accommodation is very simple compared to Annapurna and Everest circuit we do not expect you to have luxurious expectations. We will be spending our nights in Basic homestays and lodges where they provide the simple facilities of bed and food. We will be spending most of the nights in tented camps, as there are very limited lodges. The campsites will be managed by our team. We will provide the necessary items like warm sleeping bags, mattress, and tents
You can get the foods as per the menu of the Tea houses, the tea houses offer limited items of food. The foods prepared by the tea houses are well cooked and hygienic. The food meets the standard quality. while camping the food will be prepared by experienced high altitude cooks they will prepare the food according to our body needs by balancing the carbs, proteins and nutrients. Well, there’s always room for your favourite snacks you can bring Choco bars, power bars and flavoured drink mixes. All the water should be properly treated before drinking, Drinking direct water is not good for health. To save the heavy amount of water you can bring your own purification tablets or life straw. While trekking at high altitude you should at least drink 3 to 4 litres of water per day.
Lower Dolpo trekking offers you the pristine view of mountains, Indigenous culture, Beautiful landscapes, amazing flora and fauna. Some of the top attractions of lower Dolpo are
You will be needing two different kinds of permits for lower Dolpo trekking:
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry permit and
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
Our company will help you to arrange the necessary permits, the cost of the permits will be sent to you Via mail.
Of course, Lower Dolpo is completely Safe to Travel, Our company has been safely running different trips to Lower Dolpo and there hasn’t been a single case of Robbery or Theft. The People of lower Dolpo are Kind and hospitable their lifestyle is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and they believe in compassion and kindness. But if your safety concern is about the Trails, Weather, Altitude then with proper weather forecasting, Experienced Guides, And acclimatization we can complete this trek.
Trekking in Dolpo is a strenuous activity, The unpredictable weather, Steep terrain, Strong winds, High elevation makes this trek more challenging. The Problems also may differ from person to person, For some people walking in steep terrain for 7 to 8 hours may seem a problem, for some adapting the culture and environment may also seem like a big problem, For others, the high altitudes, altitude sickness, air pressure also may be a problem. Every day could bring new problems but if we change our perspective and see those problems as a challenge. Then we will have an opportunity to grow. Our company carefully analyzes the risk factors and take the necessary actions in order to meet the expectations of the client and minimize the problems that we might face on the trek.
Well, many trekkers might feel sick and uneasiness during their trek. It’s common for a trekker to feel a little bit of sickness it may be due to new places, foods, Accommodation, new culture and people, Accidents or altitude. Our company gives you the basic tips and techniques to avoid these sicknesses, all of our guides have received first aid training and they always carry the first aid kit with them in case of emergency. IF you get sick during the trek first our guides will try to identify the sickness and give first Aid treatment accordingly And if the sickness is AMS then we will have to Rest till the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms Get worse and the first aid treatment doesn’t work then we will have to Descend down or call for an emergency rescue Via Helicopter. Email us for the cost of the Helicopter.
While trekking in Lower Dolpo we will be hiking through high altitudes. The highest elevation we will encounter will be 5238m. due to the fewer tree lines or no trees at all. The altitude has less level of oxygen and a lower level of air pressure. Our body is not used to those sudden changes in pressure and needs some time to adjust with the environment. If we hurry and do not give the required time then our body and mind will be the one to suffer from it. The rapid ascent may cause AMS and if not treated then can get worse and we may get HAPE or HACE. But these could be easily avoided through proper acclimatization, layering and the right food.
The best seasons for trekking are autumn and spring.(March, April, May, September, October, November, avoiding the monsoon and winter season.
Your daysack will not weight more than 5 to 6 kilos as you only be carrying waters, chocolate bars and cameras all your backpacks will be carried by our porters. But do not bring unnecessary items as it will just hamper the trek the standard weight that a porter will carry is 25 kgs
