Lower Dolpo Trek-Trekking Lower Dolpo Hiking

Lower Dolpo Trek known as lower Dolpo circuit trek is a must do trek in Nepal to enjoy a real wonders of Dolpa. The Trek will take you to Buddhist village of Ringmo to beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake at 3,600 m. Lower Dolpo Trek crosses two high passes-Baga La at 5,070 m and Numa La at 5,190 m into Do Tarap village at 4,040 m, an area inhabited by people practicing polyandry and pre-Buddhist religion called "Bon Po".

The Lower Dolpo Trek takes you through ancient villages like Dho Tarap, where people still follow centuries old traditions and customs. You will also past forests of pine, oak and juniper inhabited by endangered animals like the Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep and snow leopard.The snow peak mountains mesmerize you with their majestic beauty during Lower Dolpo Trekking. The Baga La at 5,070 m and the Numala Pass at 5360 m is the highest point of the trek, from where you will enjoy the panoramic vista of the Dhaulagiri Himal to the south and Tibetan mountain range like Kugung La and Khyung La to the north.

The Phoksundo turquoise-blue waters lake set in a cliff between rocks that rise above 2,000 m.The clear mountain skies and peaks of Kanjiroba is simply breathtaking. The Shey Phoksundo lake is surrounded by a villages enrich with Buddhist and Bonpo culture. Excursions to ancient monasteries/gompas and Bonpo shrines surrounds the sacred lake.

The most adventurous treks in Nepal, Lower Dolpo Trek has opened for trekkers since 1991.The Lower Dolpo is behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau to the north side of the Himalayas. Lower Dolpo a rain shadow area of Nepal, so you can trek in the monsoon. The natural embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna, great scenery, a beautiful lake, isolated Buddhist monasteries and the traditional Tibetan cultural makes Lower Dolpo Trek much more popular nowadays. The Lower Dolpa Trek trail goes from 1650 meters to 5136 meters above sea level.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will meet you there and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 02: Kathmandu- Nepalgunj.
From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel or lodge.
Day 03: Fly Nepalgunj- Juphal / Trek Juphal- Dunai (2150m)
Today we take a 35 minutes flight to Juphal. Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai (2150m). Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. We stay overnight in Dunai.
Day 04: Dunai to Tarakot(2540m, 5-6 hrs) Trek
Breakfast and trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail of Bheri river. A plesant trek passes small villages with monastery, mani stones and cultivating fields. Tarakot is a small settlement that nestles high above Thuli Bheri River was once a famous trading point as it was the capital of ancient independent kingdom Tichorung. Most of the natives of the village belong to Magar tribe and the most of them practice Tibetan Buddhism as their religion.
Day 05: Tarakot to Laini Odar(3375m, 4-5 hrs) Trek
Breakfast and trek to Laini Odar via Laisicap(2775m) and Kanigaon(2950m) passing river with gret views of Himalaya including Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal. Laini Odar is a wonderful camping site with a beautiful waterfall nearby.
Day 06: Lain Odhar to Nawarpani
Breakfast and a spectacular trek via Chhyugar(3440m) and Toltol (3530m) through the deep gorges with scary cliffs.
Day 07: Trek to Dho Tarap (3950m, 6/7 hrs) Trek
Breakfast and an interesting trekking along the banks of Tarap Khola mostly via Ghyamghar and Langa. Dho Tarap is a fascinating settlement that manifests the real attributes of Dolpo. This famous settlement of Dolpo nestles high above a wide valley and was a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the ancient days.
Day 08: At Dho Tarap for Acclimatization
Rest and Explore Dho Tarap and its monastries like Ringo Bumpa Monastery, a sacred monastry built 1000 year ago by Jigme Nyima Gyaltzen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to get rid of evil spirits wondering in the region. The monastery resembles the architecture of Samye Monastery in Tibet. Kakar Labrang Monastery White valley temple dating back to 12th century, Kakar Gompa is the popular monastery of Dolpo that belongs to old sect of Nyingma- pa sect of Buddhism. Funded by the king of Mustang the monastery was began to build by Urgyen Tenzin.

Drakmar Dewa Monastery high above on a hill southwest of Dho, Drakmar Monastery nestles beautifully on the red cliffs. Nine hundred years old monastery has the images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Dorje Phurba and the visions of Guru Rinpoche inside it. Along with the stupa, a book found here has translated 100 words of Buddha. The vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. So make your decision wisely while choosing the monastery you prefer to explore from the pool of many. welcome
Day 09: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4350m, 4-5 hrs) trek
Breakfast and trek so Numa la base camp viaa crystal mountain school, Health post and authenticall traditional Tokyu village (4209m) with dramatic views of Shering Gompa which is the house for the monks in the region.
Day 10: Trek to Danighar(4510m) via Numa La Pass(5310m, 6/7 hrs) Trek
A Challenging day trek to Danighar via Numa La Pass (5310m), a hard steep uphill trek to Numa La top for 4 hours with majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Norbung Kang and Churen Himal and from the top the trek is relatively easy following the Gyambo Khola.
Day 11: Trek to Temche(4000m )via Baga La Pass(5170m 5-6 hrs) trek
A demanding trek goes vertical uphill climb to Gaga La pass, it ofers great view of Norbung Lang Peak and the entire Phoksundo Lake and then trek descend down to the beautiful meadow Temche(4000m).
Day 12: Trek to Phoksundo(3600m)
Trek down to Yak Kharka, and ascends again towards Ringmo through the lush vegetation of pines, junipers and cypres with the stunning views of towering cliffs and the highest waterfall in Nepal on the right, the trail finally stretches to Ringmo, a famous Bon settlement in the region. The final thirty minute downhill trek from Ringmo finally brings us to the mesmerizingly beautiful lake, Phoksundo.
Day 13: Explore the Phoksundo Lake
Explore Ringmo village, Phoksundo Lake and its monastries. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas )and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these.
Day 14: Trek to Chepka ( 6 hrs) trek
Breakfast and trek uphill and downhill via Chunuwar and Rechi through forest of pines, birches and bamboo with last view of Phoksundo lake.
Day 15: Trek to Juphal (6 hrs) trek
Trek to Juphal via Shyanta and Kalagaonda thorough arid landscapes first and then beautiful fields of barley and wheat surrounded by strong trees that include walnut, peach and apricot. Juphal, a large village with beautiful marketplace.
Day 16: Juphal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Fly to Nepalgunj and then finally to Kathmandu.
Day 17: In Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu for relax, shopping or Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
Day 18: Kathmandu Airport
You will have final transfer to Kathmandu airport for your return flight.

Cost Included:

• Airport arrival and departure transfer
• Twin Share Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
• All internal airfares including taxes: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal / Jupal to Kathmandu.
• Twin Share Hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj with full meals.
• All permits - Dolpo trekking, Special Restricted Permit for inner Dolpo, TIMS card.
• All camping equipment including tents, sleeping pads and dinning tent and staff tents.
• All food and beverages on the trek- breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner.
• Trekking staff - Guide, cook, kitchen boys, Sherpa and porters for both personal and trek equipment. Staff will have to leave 8 days early with our equipment, food and fuel to walk in to where our plane lands.
• Insurance and expenses for trekking staff.
• Farewell dinner. All taxes.

Cost Not Included:

• Airfare to Kathmandu and return.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu with the exception of the farewell dinner.
• Alcoholic and mineral beverages during the trek.
• Tips for the Nepal staff.

Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty
This is a challenging home stay and camping trek. You need to walk 6 to 7 hours each day crossing two high passes above 5000m. So, a good preparation is required to enjoy Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek.

Lower Dolpo Trek Season
June to November is the best time to go on Lower Dolpo Trek. There will be a little rain in this part of Nepal as the entire region lies in the rain shadow area. Similarly, Spring and Autumn is also a good time to go on Lower Dolpo Trek. You will get to trek in a clear atmosphere during this time. The temperature in this season makes the trek more convenient than in other seasons.

Food and accommodation in Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo is remote area of Nepal. There is no means of transportation and communication available. The trail is also not developed like other trekking region and has very limited teahouses. You will get the basic rooms in tea houses. People trekking to Lower Dolpo mostly stay in a camp. There are no tea houses available in some regions. Therefore, you will camp for most of the trek. The food served on the teahouse will be as per menu of tea house. The menu will have limited items and basic food. As the region is highly influenced by Tibet, you can expect to find Tibetan dishes on the menu.

Lower Dolpo Trek Permit
Trekking to Lower Dolpo also need a special permits. It is compulsory that people trekking in Lower Dolpo will also require Shey Phoksundo National Park permit. A group of two persons is necessary in order to obtain special trekking permit of Lower Dolpo. The permit costs US $20 per person per week. After that, the trekkers will need to pay US $5 per person per day. Likewise, permit for Shey Phoksundo National Park will costs USD 30 per person. A trekking permit is not available in Dolpo except for the national park. we do take care of all your lower dolpo trekking permit once you book this trip with us.

Solo Trekkers
Solo Trekking in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.

Weather and Temperature
The weather on this trek will vary season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek you will experience hot conditions with temperatures up to 25 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures in an altitude of 5000 m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -15 Celsius.

Insurance for Dolpo Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Dolpo Trek because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches and other mishaps. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Dolpo Trek Packing List
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Dolpo trek. The guide will check your gear in Kathmandu before departure for the trek. Each porter will be carrying for 2 people’s belongings which they carry from a strap on their head), so be mindful and considerate as you pack. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucksack/backpack is 1 kg. The weight limit of your day rucksack or backpack is 5 kg.
Footwear
Walking Boots. 
Trail shoes. 
Sandals. 
Walking socks.
Clothing
Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (goretex or similar)
Trekking trousers. 
Soft Shell Trousers.
Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top. 
Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece or synthetic leggings.
Medium weight down jacket.
Heads and Gloves
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses. 
For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles 
A pair of Gaiters. 
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag. Overnight lows down to -15 Celsius. 
Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag. 
Sleeping mat 
Day pack. 
Two water bottles
Pee bottle. 
Sunscreen and Lipbalm with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books and cards etc.
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Duffel bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes. 
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. 
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best)
Re-hydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Water filter
Power bank
Poncho/rain coat

Documents:
Flight info(required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance certificate(required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cove
Health and Safety:
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle

Drinking Water On Lower Dolpo Trek
Drinking plenty of water is a must.Please drink at least three litres of water while trekking each day.Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek. You have to purchase your water throughout the trek. It is typically around 100 to 200 rupees. That’s why packing a Steripen is a fantastic idea — you can fill up at the taps, and you won’t have to buy any water or waste unnecessary plastic!

Dolpo Guided Trek
Guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking holiday. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. Dolpo Trek is not possible independently as well.

Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. You’ll also need to budget for tips for your guides and porters as well. Since there are no ATM along the way, we’d suggest to be over-prepared so you don’t run out of money. We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek. The amount of money you need to take Mohare danda trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.

Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $10-$20 USD per day per person and porter: $10-$15 USD per day per person. If you want to give more you can it depends on their services to you.There is no limit tipping guide and porter.

Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Altitude Sickness
Travelers to altitudes higher than 2,500 m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Medical Facilities and Treatment
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.