18-Day Lower Dolpo Trek in Nepal with Phoksundo Lake and High Passes
About This Tour
The Lower Dolpo Trek takes you deep into Nepal's remote western Himalayas, combining dramatic mountain scenery with rare cultural immersion. This journey passes...
Duration: 15 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Dolpo, Phoksundo Lake · Languages: English
About Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Lake
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What's Included
- All airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle
- Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu
- Guided Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with entrance fees
- Tea house / homestay accommodation during the trek
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking days
- Experienced local trekking guide
- Shey Phoksundo National Park permits and local taxes
- All required domestic flights
- Food, accommodation, salary, and insurance for trekking staff
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Extra nights in Nepalgunj due to weather delays
- Porter service (recommended: 1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Horse riding during the trek
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks
- Tips for guides and porters
Itinerary
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1Day 01
18-Day Lower Dolpo Trek Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After some rest, you may visit the office for a briefing about the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner hosted by Marvel Treks. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Welcome Dinner Day 2: Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, meet your trekking guide for final permit preparation and a trip briefing. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft) Begin your Lower Dolpo adventure with a scenic domestic flight to Nepalgunj, a vibrant town near the Indian border. After checking in, explore local markets and nearby attractions. Accommodation: Standard Hotel in NepalgunjMeals: BreakfastFlight Duration: ~1 hour Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,502m) and Trek to Dunai (2,850m) Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, enjoying stunning Himalayan views. From Juphal, begin trekking through terraced farmlands toward Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo, following the Bheri River. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerFlight: 45 minutes | Trek: 2-3 hours Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m) Follow the southern bank of the Bheri River through gorges, suspension bridges, and remote villages to reach Tarakot, an ancient trading village perched above the river. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Laini (3,160m) The trail follows the Tarap Chu River, crossing it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. Continue through terraced fields and villages to reach Laini. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 7: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m) The valley narrows into dramatic canyons, requiring careful navigation across rocky terrain and river crossings. Reach Nawarpani after a challenging but rewarding trek. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 8: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (4,090m) Enter the inner Himalayan dry valley, passing juniper forests and wild rose shrubs. Arrive at Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village practicing Bon Po and Chaiba traditions. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 7-8 hours Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap Rest and acclimatize. Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about traditional Dolpo lifestyles, customs, and religious practices. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m) Follow the upper Tarap Valley through scenic grasslands and monasteries before climbing toward Numa La Base Camp. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 11: Cross Numa La Pass (5,190m) to Pelung Tang This is the most challenging day of the trek. Ascend to Numa La Pass, offering panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the vast Dolpo landscape, then descend to Pelung Tang. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 12: Cross Baga La Pass (5,070m) to Dajok Tang Climb to Baga La Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Kanjiroba and surrounding peaks, then descend to Dajok Tang. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: ~6 hours Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m) A relatively easier walk through alpine meadows and pine forests leads to Ringmo, a beautiful Tibetan-style village. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 3-4 hours Day 14: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) Visit the iconic Phoksundo Lake, the highlight of the trek. Explore monasteries and enjoy stunning views of the turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs and forests. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 15: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2,520m) Descend through Chepka and cliff-hugging trails, passing natural mineral springs believed to have healing properties. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 7-8 hours Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2,320m) Continue descending through forests and villages to Juphal, concluding the trekking portion of the journey. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 7-8 hours Day 17: Flight to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by Marvel Treks. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Day 18: Final Departure After breakfast, the team will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
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