Lower Dolpo
The Lower Dolpo trek takes you into the heart of one of Nepal’s most remote regions. Between narrow valleys, arid high plateaus, and pine forests, this route offers a remarkable variety of landscapes. The trail passes through isolated villages, such as Tarakot and Dö Tarap, where Tibetan traditions remain strong. The itinerary also leads to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, with its turquoise waters nestled against the cliffs. Less demanding than Upper Dolpo, this trek is still challenging but deeply rewarding, offering both breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj, the major city of western Nepal located in the heart of the Terai, near the Indian border. Overnight in a basic lodge near the airport.
Day 2: Nepalgunj – Juphal – Dunai (2,150 m)
Flight to Juphal, the small airport that provides access to the Dolpo region (flight subject to weather and operational uncertainties). Short walk to Dunaï on the banks of the Thulo Bheri. 3 hours of walking. Organizing loads with the muleteer. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Dunaï – Tarakot (2,500 m)
Ascending the Barbung Chu valley up to Tarakot. 6 hours of walking. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Tarakot – Lahini (3,200 m)
A ridge trail to the confluence of the Tarap and Barbung Chu, where we cross a large bridge, followed by a steep climb up to Lahini. 6 to 7 hours of walking. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Lahini – Maori Odar (3,560 m)
Ascent to Maori Odar via a steep trail, crossing the Tarap Chu several times. 5½ hours of walking. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Maori Odar – Dho Tarap (4,040 m)
Ascents and descents through deep gorges. The valley opens up into an arid landscape. 7 hours of walking. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Dho Tarap
Visit to the village and its surroundings. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Dho Tarap – Numa La Base Camp (4,400 m)
Gentle climb through the villages, then a steep ascent to Numa La Base Camp. 5 hours of trekking. Overnight: Camp.
Day 9: Numa La BC – Numala (5,190 m) – Bagala BC (4,370 m
About 2 hours of ascent to the pass, followed by a fairly steep descent through an arid region. In clear weather, superb views of the Dhaulagiri massif. 5 hours of trekking. Overnight: Camp.
Day 10: Bagala BC (4,370 m) – Bagala (5,070 m) – Yak Kharka (3,700 m)
Gentle then steep ascent to the pass, followed by a gradual descent through rocky terrain. Views of the glaciers. 5 hours 30 minutes of trekking. Overnight: Camp.
Day 11: Yak Kharka – Shey Phoksumdo (3,600 m)
The trail starts with steep sections up to a pass. First views of the turquoise Phoksumdo Lake, followed by a pleasant descent through the forest, crossing a bridge, and then ascending to Ringmo and Phoksumdo Lake. 5 hours of trekking. Overnight: Camp by the lake.
Day 12: Shey Phoksumdo
Rest day, with a visit to the gompa and the village of Ringmo. Overnight: Camp.
Day 13: Shey Phoksumdo – Chepka (2,740 m)
Steep descent, then a traverse along the hillside, followed by a trail along the Suli Gaad through the forest. Beautiful views of the Kanjiroba massif. 6 hours of trekking. Overnight: Camp.
Day 14: Chepka – Juphal
escent through the Suli Gaad valley to Sulighat, followed by an ascent to Juphal. 6 to 7 hours of trekking. Overnight: Camp.
Day 15: Flight Juphal – Nepalganj – Kathmandu
Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj (subject to weather and operational conditions), followed by a flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.
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