Lower Dolpo Circuit detail itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team representative will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu

Trekking management day hotel, including B&B service

Day 03: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj by flight and transfer to the hotel

Day flight to Nepalgunj, enjoying scenic views throughout the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many regions as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian Border. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek from Juphal to Dunai 2,150m, 3-4 hours

Flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj – 35 minutes. As we land in Juphal, our trekking journey starts. We descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the Roop Ghar with a water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai. Overnight at a tented camp in Dunai.

Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot 2,540m, 5-6 hours

Trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks the Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced field of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight at a tented camp in Tarakot.

Day 06: Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar 3,375m, 4-5 hours

We follow the trail on the southern bank of the Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon, which offers a wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7,246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascent on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar. Overnight at a tented camp in Laina Odar.

Day 07: Trek from Laina Odar to Toltol 3,523m, 6-7 hours

The trek trail follows through the deep gorge of the Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out of steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that bring us to Chhyugar. We then cross a small stream, and a couple of hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo. Overnight at a tented camp in Toltol.

Day 08: Trek from Toltol to Dho Tarap 3,950m, 6-7 hours

Moving alongside the bank of the Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild roses and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point for the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days. Overnight at a tented camp in Dho Tarap.

Day 09: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp 4,350m, 4-5 hours

Trek head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside the Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp. Overnight at the tented camp in Numa La Base Camp.

Day 10: Trek from Numa La Pass to Danighar 4,510m via Numa La Pass 5,310m, 6-7 hours

Our trek begins towards Numa La Pass (5,310m), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through a steep trail up on top of endless ridges on the rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and the Churen Himal Range, along with Norbung Kang (6085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola, followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar. Overnight at a tented camp in Danighar.

Day 11: Trek from Danighar to Temche-Yak Kharka 4,000m via Baga La Pass 5,170m, 5-6 hours

Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another pass, Baga La (5,170m). We make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail. As we move higher, we might require extra efforts due to the rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6,085m) and other peaks, along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche. Overnight at a tented camp in Temche.

Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Shey Phoksundo Lake 3,600m, 4-5 hours

Trek descend to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmo, passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in the Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.

Day 13: Explore around Shey Phoksundo Lake

We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful, turquoise color lake, which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area. Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.

Day 14: Trek from Shey Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka 2,678m, 5-6 hours

Trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill, which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. The trail then goes through the forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka. Overnight at a tented camp in Chhepka.

Day 15: Trek from Chhepka to Juphal 2,475m, 5-6 hours

Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal, passing through the villages of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat. Overnight at a tented camp in Juphal.

Day 16: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj — Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Buffer day for flight delay and cancellation due to bad weather

We keep an extra day in case the flight gets canceled due to bad weather conditions or is delayed for some reason. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Kathmandu

Your safety day for your international flight. The hotel includes with B&B Service.

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

Our team representative drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled flight.

The Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is a mesmerizing trekking adventure that takes you through the remote and rugged landscapes of the Dolpo region in Nepal. Dolpo is located in the northwestern part of Nepal and is known for its pristine beauty, unique Tibetan culture, and untouched wilderness. The Lower Dolpo Circuit trek offers an opportunity to explore this hidden gem and witness its natural and cultural treasures.

Here is a detailed overview of the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek:

Trek Duration of the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek

The trek typically takes around 14 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and individual preferences. This duration includes both trekking and acclimatization days.

Trek Difficulty: The Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is considered to be a challenging trek. The trail involves long daily walks, high-altitude passes, and rugged terrains. Previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

Trekking Permits for Lower Dolpa Trek

As the trek takes you to a restricted area, you need to obtain special permits to enter Dolpo. The two primary permits required are the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit. These permits can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

Please note that this itinerary is just a guideline and can be customized according to your preferences and time constraints.

The best time to do the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather and optimal high Mountain trek conditions in the Dolpo region. Spring (April to June): This is the post-winter season when the weather starts to warm up, and the trekking trails become vibrant with blooming flowers and rhododendrons. The temperature is generally mild, with clear skies and excellent visibility. It’s a great time to witness the beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and panoramic mountain views.

Autumn ( End of August to October): This is the post-monsoon season when the weather is stable, and the skies are generally clear. The temperature is comfortable, making it ideal for trekking. The autumn months offer breathtaking views of the mountains, and the overall trekking experience is enhanced by the festive atmosphere during the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar festivals.