Lower Dolpo Circuit Wilderness Trek: 15-Day Luxury Expedition
Lower Dolpo Circuit Wilderness Trek: 15-Day Expeditions
Behind the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges sits Dolpo. This remote district in western Nepal preserves intact Bon and Tibetan Buddhist communities that continue to transport barley, salt, and wool on traditional yak caravans. On this 15-day circuit, you will cross two high passes above 5,000 meters and walk to the waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Expedition Summary
Dolpo remains largely cut off from modern road networks. Its arid valleys and sheer limestone gorges shelter ancient villages like Dho Tarap, which sits at 3,944 meters and serves as one of the highest permanently occupied settlements on earth. Our circuit guides you along deep river defiles, across high-altitude scree fields, and into traditional villages where both the ancient Bon faith and Nyingma Tibetan Buddhism thrive.
The geographic centerpiece of the route is Shey Phoksundo Lake, an oligotrophic body of water sitting at 3,600 meters. Its intense aquamarine color, framed by jagged mountain walls and 900-year-old Bon gompas, provides a distinct visual contrast to the arid pass crossings.
15-Day Route Plan
| Day | Route & Destination | Elevation | Distance / Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | 150 m | 50-min flight; trek orientation |
| Day 02 | Flight: Nepalgunj to Juphal; Trek to Dunai | 2,140 m | 40-min flight; 3 hours walking (10 km) |
| Day 03 | Trek: Dunai to Tarakot | 2,540 m | 5–6 hours walking (14 km) |
| Day 04 | Trek: Tarakot to Laini (Lamachaur) | 3,160 m | 6–7 hours walking (15 km) |
| Day 05 | Trek: Laini to Nawarpani (Toltol) | 3,545 m | 5–6 hours walking (13 km) |
| Day 06 | Trek: Nawarpani to Dho Tarap | 3,944 m | 6–7 hours walking (14 km) |
| Day 07 | Acclimatization: Ribo Bumpa & Drakmar Gompas | 3,944 m | 3–4 hours exploration hike |
| Day 08 | Trek: Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp via Tokyu | 4,440 m | 5–6 hours walking (12 km) |
| Day 09 | Cross Numa La Pass (5,190m); Descend to Pelung Tang | 5,190 m / 4,250 m | 7–8 hours walking (15 km) |
| Day 10 | Cross Baga La Pass (5,070m); Descend to Temche | 5,070 m / 3,995 m | 6–7 hours walking (13 km) |
| Day 11 | Trek: Temche to Ringmo Gaun | 3,641 m | 4–5 hours walking (10 km) |
| Day 12 | Exploration Day: Shey Phoksundo Lake & Thasung Gompa | 3,600 m | Lake walks and photography |
| Day 13 | Trek: Shey Phoksundo to Chhepka along Suligad Khola | 2,678 m | 5–6 hours walking (16 km) |
| Day 14 | Trek: Chhepka to Juphal via Shyanta | 2,475 m | 5–6 hours walking (14 km) |
| Day 15 | Flights: Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu | 1,340 m | Return transit; celebration dinner |
What Is Included
- All domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal return.
- Three nights in city hotels (Kathmandu and Nepalgunj) and 12 nights in wilderness tented camps or mountain lodges.
- Full board meals on trek prepared by an expedition camp chef.
- Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit ($20 per person per week), Shey Phoksundo National Park entry, and TIMS card.
- Wilderness first-aid certified mountain guide, camp cooks, and porters carrying up to 20 kg per pair.
- Comprehensive safety gear: pulse oximeters for SpO2 monitoring, first aid kits, and emergency satellite protocols.
Package Pricing by Group Size
We operate private, customized departures with tiered pricing based on your group size:
| Group Size | Ground Transport (City) | Cost Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 Pax) | Dedicated AC Sedan | $3,950 |
| Private Duo (2 Pax) | Dedicated AC Sedan | $2,490 |
| Small Group (3–5 Pax) | Private 4WD Scorpio SUV | $2,150 |
| Standard Group (6–9 Pax) | Toyota HiAce Deluxe Van | $1,950 |
| Large Group (10–16 Pax) | 20-Seater Coaster Coach | $1,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you trek Lower Dolpo solo or independently?
No. Nepal immigration regulations designate Lower Dolpo as a restricted area. Individual trekkers cannot enter without a government-licensed trekking agency, a licensed guide, and a minimum permit party of two foreign nationals.
What are the physical demands of this trek?
This expedition is graded as challenging. You will hike 5 to 7 hours daily across steep canyon trails, rock-cut paths, and loose scree. Two pass crossings exceed 5,000 meters. We structure a full acclimatization day in Dho Tarap (3,944m) to assist your physiological adjustment before climbing Numa La.
What is the domestic flight luggage limit?
Because STOL flights into Juphal rely on Twin Otter or Dornier planes, luggage is capped at 15 kg per passenger total (10 kg in your main duffle and 5 kg in your carry-on daypack).
Reserve Your Dolpo Expedition
Contact our concierge desk to verify permits, check seasonal departure windows, or tailor your private itinerary.
WhatsApp: +977 985-1421555 | Email: info@theregalretreat.com
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