Lower Dolpo Trek offers a spectacular trail through a mix of forest and arid countryside in the rain shadow behind the Dhaulagiri range. Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is sum of exceptional trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal. We also cross two high passes- Numa La and Baga La-and reflect on life amidst the tranquil waters of Phoksundo Lake.

Dolpo trekking begins with flights to lowland Nepalgunj and then to the high village of Juphal before an easy walk down to the trading town of Dunai. Lower Dolpo trekking from Dunai follows an ancient trade route to Tibet. It is still in use by yak caravans. It gradually ascends through narrow valleys and gorges, past Tarakot (a former regional capital) to the broad, fertile Tarap Valley. An acclimatisation day at Do offers a unique opportunity to discover the local culture and mountain Buddhist culture.

From the northern end of this valley, the trail turns westwards and summits two 5000m passes, with an overnight stop between them. This tough route offers spectacular high views of pristine alpine valleys. Beyond the passes, the trail climbs high above the Phoksundo Khola Valley floor, passing Nepal’s highest waterfall. This has cut through the debris of an ancient landslide that dammed the Phoksundo Khola to form the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake just beyond the village of Ringmogaon. Spend a day exploring this region: the village; the White Chholing Monastery; and walk along the narrow cliff-side trail on the route to Inner Dolpo and Shey Gompa. A two day walk down the forested Phoksundo Khola Valley leads back to the path to Juphal.

Lower Dolpo Trek is sum of exceptional trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal. The 18-day trek starts with a stunning flight to Jhupal via Nepalgunj and begins our trek through remote locations admiring the beautiful rain shadow landscape of the Himalayas, reflected in the colorful barren slopes of the mountains where the play of light and shadow is a perpetual fascinating spectacle. Dolpo trekking is also one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced.

The best time to trek to Lower Dolpo Trek

Beginning of August till the end of October is the best time to trek in Dolpo Trek. Temperature is ideal during this time of the year. During this time of the year, the entire forests throughout the trials of Dolpo bloom at its best with colorful flowers and the clear blue skies present immaculate and matchless Himalayan views. If you are planning a soft trek in Dolpo, March and April also can be a perfect time but heading high to the elevated passes during March and April may not be a good idea because of the snowy trail through the passes.

Lower Dolpo Trek takes you on a trail that skirts through ancient villages where people still follow old traditions and customs. We can see the beautiful pine forest, oak and juniper inhabited by endangered animals like the Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep and snow leopard . We can also see the snowy peaks and mountains mesmerize us with their beauty.