
Lower Dolpo Trek
Trip Facts
Duration
18 Days
Difficulty Level
Challenging
Destination
Western Region
Trip Gallery





Trip Overview
A Journey into Nepal’s Remote Western Himalayas
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a journey into one of Nepal’s most isolated and enchanting corners — a land of high passes, deep valleys, turquoise lakes, and timeless culture. Tucked away in the far-western region of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border, Lower Dolpo remains untouched by mass tourism, offering a trekking experience that feels truly wild and authentic. The trail takes you through rugged Himalayan landscapes, narrow gorges, windswept plateaus, and fertile valleys dotted with traditional villages that have preserved their Tibetan Buddhist and ancient Bon Po traditions for centuries. Life here moves at a slower pace, and every encounter — whether with a yak caravan, a monk chanting in a centuries-old monastery, or a herder tending to sheep on a high meadow — feels like stepping back in time.
The trek begins with a scenic mountain flight to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo, and quickly immerses you into the heart of this mystical land. You will walk alongside the Bheri and Tarap Chu rivers, cross suspension bridges, and climb steadily through pine forests, grassy pastures, and rocky canyons. Villages such as Tarakot and Do Tarap reveal a unique blend of Tibetan architecture, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and fields of buckwheat and barley thriving in the high-altitude air. One of the most memorable parts of the journey is crossing two dramatic high passes — Numa La Pass (5,190 m) and Baga La Pass (5,070 m) — where the views stretch endlessly over the snow-capped peaks of the Dhaulagiri range and the wild mountains beyond.
A highlight for many trekkers is the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, whose deep turquoise waters mirror the surrounding cliffs and forests. The traditional village of Ringmo, perched on the lake’s edge, is home to the ancient Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old monastery that is both a spiritual and cultural treasure. From here, the journey gradually descends through lush forests, waterfalls, and warm, welcoming villages before returning to Juphal.
Unlike the popular trekking routes of Annapurna or Everest, Lower Dolpo offers peace, solitude, and an unfiltered connection to nature and culture. The region’s remoteness means that daily life here is still shaped by the seasons, and the people maintain traditions passed down for generations. This trek is physically demanding — with long days of walking, high altitudes, and remote camping — but the rewards are extraordinary: untouched landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and the deep satisfaction of exploring one of Nepal’s last true wilderness areas.
For trekkers who dream of venturing far beyond the beaten path, immersing themselves in centuries-old traditions, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Himalayas, the Lower Dolpo Trek with Landscape Adventure promises not just a journey, but a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will stay with you forever.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Your Lower Dolpo adventure begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our team from Landscape Adventure will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the lively Thamel district. After check-in, you can relax or take a short stroll through the colorful streets. In the evening, you’ll join your guide for a trek briefing over a traditional Nepali dinner, giving you a taste of the local flavors and culture.
Highlights:
Warm welcome by our team at the airport
Introduction to Kathmandu’s vibrant atmosphere
Trek briefing over a Nepali welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
Today is about exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu while making final trek preparations. You will visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple — each offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and local traditions. In the afternoon, we’ll double-check trekking permits and gear.
Highlights:
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Discover Buddhist and Hindu culture side by side
Final preparation for Dolpo adventure
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight to Nepalgunj (150 m)
A short scenic flight takes you from the cool Kathmandu Valley to the subtropical lowlands of Nepalgunj. The city is a vibrant mix of Nepali and Indian culture, with busy markets and warm weather.
Highlights:
Scenic mountain and lowland views from the plane
Experience the cultural mix of the Terai region
Overnight in a warmer climate
Overnight: Hotel in Nepalgunj
Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,475 m), Trek to Dunai (2,140 m)
This morning, we fly into Juphal, a small mountain airstrip surrounded by stunning hills. From here, a gentle 3-hour trek follows the Bheri River through terraced fields and small villages to reach Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.
Highlights:
First close-up views of Dolpo landscapes
Easy introductory trek along the Bheri River
Experience life in a remote mountain town
Overnight: Teahouse in Dunai
Day 5: Dunai to Tarakot (2,541 m)
We follow a scenic riverside trail along the Bheri River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through charming villages. Tarakot was once an important fortress town along the old salt trade route to Tibet, and its historic charm is still visible.
Highlights:
Gentle trekking along a beautiful river valley
Discover the history of an old fortress town
Interact with locals in traditional settlements
Overnight: Teahouse in Tarakot
Day 6: Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,160 m)
The trail climbs gradually, following the Tarap Chu River. We walk through pine forests, meadows, and past small farming villages. Our destination, Laini Odar, is a dramatic cliffside campsite with beautiful views.
Highlights:
Trek through scenic forests and meadows
Follow the peaceful Tarap Chu River
Camp in a dramatic cliffside location
Overnight: Camp at Laini Odar
Day 7: Laini Odar to Nawarpani (3,545 m)
The trail narrows into the Tarap Gorge, with paths carved into rocky cliffs. This is a remote and beautiful section of the trek where you’ll often see yaks and mountain goats grazing.
Highlights:
Walk through a spectacular canyon
Spot wildlife in the highlands
Experience true wilderness trekking
Overnight: Camp at Nawarpani
Day 8: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090 m)
We enter the wide Tarap Valley, a high-altitude settlement with unique Tibetan-style houses. Do Tarap is culturally rich, home to both Bon Po and Buddhist monasteries, where locals wear traditional robes and jewelry.
Highlights:
Trek into one of Dolpo’s most beautiful valleys
Meet locals in traditional Tibetan dress
Learn about Bon Po and Buddhist traditions
Overnight: Teahouse in Do Tarap
Day 9: Acclimatization & Exploration in Do Tarap
A rest day to adjust to the altitude. We explore the village, visit local monasteries, and enjoy the peaceful highland surroundings. You’ll have time to connect with locals and understand their daily lifestyle.
Highlights:
Safe acclimatization before higher passes
Explore ancient monasteries
Enjoy traditional Dolpo hospitality
Overnight: Teahouse in Do Tarap
Day 10: Do Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440 m)
The trail climbs steadily into alpine terrain with fewer settlements and more open landscapes. We camp at the base of Numa La Pass, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Highlights:
Enter the high alpine wilderness
See yaks and sheep grazing in open pastures
Sleep under the stars at a mountain base camp
Overnight: Camp at Numa La Base Camp
Day 11: Cross Numa La Pass (5,190 m), Trek to Pelung Tang (4,465 m)
We start early for the toughest but most rewarding day, crossing Numa La Pass — the highest point of the trek. From the top, you’ll see a panorama of the Dhaulagiri range and surrounding mountains.
Highlights:
Conquer the highest pass of the trek
Breathtaking Himalayan views
Sense of achievement at over 5,000 m
Overnight: Camp in Pelung Tang
Day 12: Cross Baga La Pass (5,070 m), Trek to Dajok Tang (4,080 m)
Another early climb takes us over Baga La Pass, offering equally impressive views. We descend to a lush pastureland at Dajok Tang.
Highlights:
Cross the second high mountain pass
Spot Himalayan blue sheep along the trail
Relax in a green meadow campsite
Overnight: Camp in Dajok Tang
Day 13: Dajok Tang to Ringmo / Phoksundo Lake (3,610 m)
We trek through pine and juniper forests before reaching Ringmo Village, located beside the turquoise Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Highlights:
First glimpse of Phoksundo’s turquoise waters
Traditional Tibetan-style houses in Ringmo
Serene forest and lakeside walks
Overnight: Teahouse in Ringmo
Day 14: Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake
A full day to enjoy the beauty of Phoksundo Lake. Visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa monastery on a cliff above the lake and explore the lakeshore trails.
Highlights:
Explore a sacred Tibetan monastery
Stunning photography opportunities
Peaceful lakeside atmosphere
Overnight: Teahouse in Ringmo
Day 15: Ringmo to Shyanta (2,520 m)
We descend through forested trails with glimpses of waterfalls and small villages until we reach Shyanta.
Highlights:
Descend from high alpine to lower hills
Pass traditional farmlands
Gentle trekking through pine forests
Overnight: Teahouse in Shyanta
Day 16: Shyanta to Juphal (2,475 m)
A short final trek brings us back to Juphal, where our Lower Dolpo trek officially concludes. This is a perfect evening to celebrate with your trekking crew.
Highlights:
Final mountain views
Farewell celebration with crew
Reflection on an epic trek
Overnight: Teahouse in Juphal
Day 17: Flights to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu
We take early morning flights from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and then onwards to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or souvenir shopping.
Highlights:
Scenic mountain flights
Leisure time in Kathmandu
Hot shower and comfortable hotel stay
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
Our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Lower Dolpo journey with Landscape Adventure.
Highlights:
Warm farewell from our team
Last views of the Kathmandu Valley
Take home memories of Dolpo’s untouched beauty
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Package prices may vary based on group size, season, and special requirements. Contact us for group discounts and custom pricing options.

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We prioritize your safety with experienced guides, comprehensive medical kits, and emergency evacuation plans. All our treks follow responsible tourism practices.
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