Trip Overview
The Lower Dolpo Circuit offers an extraordinary adventure into a secluded corner of western Nepal, where Tibetan culture thrives amidst a breathtaking, high-altitude desert landscape. This challenging two-week trek, ideal for experienced and physically fit hikers, takes you through increasingly elevated terrain, reaching a maximum altitude of 5,190 meters and involving daily walks of six to seven hours.
The rewards for your efforts are immense. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning, crystalline blue waters of **Phoksundo Lake** (3,611 m), a Ramsar site recognized for its international significance. The region is a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna, protected within **Shey Phoksundo National Park**, ensuring the survival of pine, fir, and birch forests, along with elusive wildlife such as the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, and various monkey species.
Beyond its natural beauty, Lower Dolpo provides a rare window into a bygone era. Isolated villages inhabited by people with strong Tibetan ties and ancient monasteries offer a glimpse into timeless traditions. This is also one of the few places where the ancient Bon Po religion is still actively practiced. Similar to Buddhism but with distinct rituals, Bon Po followers, for instance, circumnavigate stupas and shrines in an anti-clockwise direction.
Phoksundo Lake holds a distinguished place, not only for its stunning natural beauty but also as the iconic setting for the internationally acclaimed 1999 film “Himalaya.” This powerful drama, known as “Caravan” in Nepal, vividly depicted the lives and struggles of the region’s indigenous people, bringing the raw allure of Dolpo to a global audience. The film, directed by Éric Valli, garnered significant recognition, including nominations and awards for its cinematography and music, underscoring the profound visual impact of the lake and its surroundings.
The very remoteness of Lower Dolpo, characterized by rugged, high, and narrow paths and mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters, is precisely what preserves its mystique. For those drawn to rich Buddhist and Bon Po cultures, exhilarating windswept vistas punctuated by pine forests, and the potential to encounter rare mammals and medicinal plants, the Lower Dolpo Circuit is an unparalleled trekking experience.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: From Valley Haze to Terai Heat—Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Flight Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Day 2: Into the Mountains—Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Flight) & Trek to Dunai
Trekking Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Day 3: Following the Bheri-Dunai to Tarakot
Trekking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Day 4: Ascending the Valley—Tarakot to Laini
Trekking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Day 5: Higher and Deeper—Laini to Nawar Pani
Trekking Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Day 6: Reaching the High Valley—Nawar Pani to Dho Tarap
Trekking Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization and Cultural Immersion—Dhoo Tarap Exploration
Activity Duration: Approximately 3 hours of gentle exploration
Day 8: Towards the High Pas—Dhoo Tarap to Numa La Base Camp
Trekking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Day 9: Summit of Silence—Numa La Base Camp to Pelung Tang via Numa La Pass
Trekking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Day 10: From Lofty Heights to Sheltered Paths—Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang
Trekking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Day 11: The Turquoise Beckons—Dajok Tang to Ringmo
Trekking Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Day 12: Where Dreams Reflect—Phoksundo’s Azure Heart
Activity Duration: Approximately 5 hours of exploration
Day 13: Retracing Steps—Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta
Trekking Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Day 14: Homeward Trail—Shyanta to Jhupal
Trekking Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Day 15: Homeward Bound—Jhupal to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight)
Flight Duration: Approximately 2 hours (combined)
Trip Includes
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Accommodation: 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu.
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Flights: Kathmandu to Pokhara round-trip airfare.
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Trekking Team: Experienced guide, cook, kitchen staff, and porters.
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Permits: All Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees.
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Transportation: All necessary ground transportation.
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Staff Welfare: Comprehensive insurance for all staff and porters, covering emergency medical evacuation, hospitalization, and life/disability benefits, reflecting our commitment to their safety and well-being.
Trip Excludes
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International Flights: Your airfare to and from Kathmandu.
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Personal Treats: Bar bills, alcoholic drinks, and any personal shopping.
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Staff Gratitude: Tips for your guide, porters, and support staff.
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Your Safety Net: Personal Travel Insurance.
Note: For further details, you are kindly requested to contact us.
