Lower Dolpo Trek
Why Trek Lower Dolpo?
- Remote Authenticity: One of Nepal's least developed regions
- Ancient Culture: Preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions
- Stunning Landscapes: From Phoksundo Lake's turquoise waters to arid Himalayan deserts
- Wildlife: Chance to see snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan wolves
Trek Overview
- Duration: 18-23 days (including flights)
- Max Elevation: 5,151m (Kang La Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging (remote, high altitude)
- Best Season: May-October (avoid July-August monsoon)
- Permits Required: Special Restricted Area Permit + Shey Phoksundo National Park entry
Key Highlights
1. Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Nepal's deepest lake (145m)
- Turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs
- Visit ancient Bon monasteries along shore
2. Ancient Monasteries
- Shey Gompa (Crystal Mountain Monastery)
- Tsakang Gompa (Cliffside meditation caves)
- Yangjer Gompa (With ancient Buddhist texts)
3. Unique Culture
- Bon Po Religion: Pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition
- Salt Trade Routes: Follow ancient caravan paths
- Traditional Villages: Ringmo, Tarakot, Dho Tarap
Detailed Itinerary (21-Day Classic Route)
| Day |
Route |
Elevation |
Highlight |
| 1 |
Kathmandu → Nepalgunj |
150m |
Flight preparation |
| 2 |
Nepalgunj → Juphal → Dunai |
2,850m |
First views of Dolpo |
| 3-5 |
To Phoksundo Lake |
3,600m |
Waterfall views |
| 6 |
Acclimatization Day |
- |
Explore Ringmo village |
| 7-10 |
To Shey Gompa |
4,500m |
Cross Kang La Pass |
| 11-14 |
Dho Tarap Valley |
4,000m |
Nomadic settlements |
| 15-18 |
Return to Juphal |
- |
Different valley route |
| 19-20 |
Fly to Kathmandu |
- |
|
Permits & Logistics
- Restricted Area Permit: $500/10 days (required)
- National Park Fee: $30
- Guide Requirement: Mandatory (no solo trekking)
- Nearest Airport: Juphal (45min flight from Nepalgunj)
Challenges to Prepare For
- Altitude: Multiple passes over 5,000m
- Basic Lodging: Simple teahouses or camping
- Long Days: 6-8 hour hiking common
- Weather: Cold nights even in summer
- Limited Communication: No phone signal most areas
Packing Essentials
- Warm sleeping bag (-10 degree celsius rating)
- Water purification system
- Cash (no ATMs beyond Nepalgunj)
- Solar charger
- Trekking poles (for steep descents)
- Basic medical kit
Cost Breakdown
- Permits/Fees: $600-$800
- Flights: $400-$600 (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal)
- Guide/Porter: $30-$50/day
- Food/Lodging: $25-$40/day
- Total Estimate: $2,500-$3,500/person
Pro Tip: Combine with Upper Dolpo (requires additional permit) for a 35+ day epic Himalayan journey following Peter Matthiessen's "The Snow Leopard" route.
Why This Trek Stands Out
- Lower Dolpo remains one of the last truly unspoiled Himalayan regions, where:
- Ancient salt caravans still operate
- The Bon religion thrives unchanged
- You might trek days without seeing other tourists
- Traditional Tibetan culture survives intact