Lower Dolpo Trek
Turquoise lakes and Bon Po villages, fewer permits required
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
5,190 m / 17,027 ft (Numa La Pass)
Best Season
June–September & March–May
Group Size
2–8 (restricted area regulation)
Overview
Lower Dolpo shares the same starting point and turquoise-lake highlight as its Upper Dolpo neighbour but wraps up in roughly two-thirds the time, making the region's raw, little-visited landscape reachable without a three-week commitment. The route follows the Suli Gad river to Phoksundo Lake, then climbs over the Numa La and Baga La passes into the wide Tarap valley, home to Bon Po villages that predate Tibetan Buddhism in the region. It still requires a special permit and camping support, but sees a fraction of the trekkers found on Everest or Annapurna trails.
Trip Highlights
- Phoksundo Lake and Nepal's highest waterfall at Ringmo
- Crossing Numa La and Baga La passes
- Tarap Valley's ancient Bon Po villages
- A shorter, more achievable alternative to Upper Dolpo
- Some of the lowest trekker traffic of any route in Nepal
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2
Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj
Fly Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal, then trek to Dunai (2,140 m).
Day 3–4
Trek to Phoksundo Lake
Follow the Suli Gad river to the shores of Phoksundo Lake (3,612 m).
Day 5
Rest and exploration day
Explore Ringmo village and the Phoksundo waterfall.
Day 6–8
Cross Numa La and Baga La passes
Trek over both high passes (around 5,190 m and 5,070 m) into the Tarap valley.
Day 9–10
Explore Tarap Valley
Visit Bon Po villages and monasteries in the wide upper valley.
Day 11–13
Trek back to Juphal
Descend via Tarakot and Dunai back to Juphal.
Day 14
Fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Return flights back to Kathmandu.
Cost Includes
- All internal flights
- Licensed trekking guide & camping crew
- Full camping equipment and all trek meals
- Restricted area & national park permits
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit
Lower Dolpo Trek — FAQs
Lower Dolpo covers Phoksundo Lake and the Tarap valley in about 14 days, while Upper Dolpo continues further to the remote Shey Gompa monastery over a full three-week itinerary. Both require the same style of camping support.
