Lower Dolpo Trek
Nepal · 18 Days · Strenuous
Restricted Area Trek From US $5,250 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
18 Days / 17 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Flight KTM-Juphal
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
4,535m / Kagmara La
Overview
Trek to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,612m) — Nepal's deepest lake — through spectacular Dolpo wilderness.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 4,535m / Kagmara La
- Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $4,450 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $5,250 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $6,450 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $4,450 | US $5,250 | US $6,450 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $4,000 | US $4,720 | US $5,800 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $3,690 | US $4,360 | US $5,350 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $3,380 | US $3,990 | US $4,900 |
| 14+ Pax | US $3,120 | US $3,670 | US $4,520 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your guide. Lower Dolpo is an accessible introduction to the extraordinary landscape of western Nepal — the Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal's most beautiful natural wonders, and the ancient Bon monastery of Rigmo are the highlights. Welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Juphal (2,475m)
📍 Juphal
Fly to Juphal (via Nepalgunj) in western Nepal's Dolpo district — one of Nepal's most dramatic mountain airstrips. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Juphal to Dunai (2,140m)
📍 Dunai
Trek down to the Suli Gad River and follow it to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Dunai to Suligad (2,390m)
📍 Suligad
Begin the ascent towards Phoksundo Lake up the Suligad Khola gorge through sub-tropical forest and terraced villages. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Suligad to Phoksundo Khola (3,000m)
📍 Phoksundo Khola
Continue up the gorge as it narrows and the vegetation transitions to juniper and blue pine forest. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Lake (3,640m)
📍 Phoksundo Lake
Arrive at Phoksundo Lake — Nepal's deepest lake at 145 metres and one of the most visually extraordinary places in Asia. The water is translucent turquoise-green, surrounded by vertical cliffs and reflecting the peaks above. The Ringmo village sits on the lake shore with a Bon monastery. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Phoksundo Lake Exploration
📍 Phoksundo Lake
Full day to explore the lake and its environs. Hike to the waterfall at the lake's inlet, visit the 1,000-year-old Bon monastery in Ringmo, and watch the extraordinary light change on the water through the day. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Kagmara La Base Camp (4,350m)
📍 Kagmara La Camp
Ascend towards the Kagmara La pass — the highest point of the Lower Dolpo trek — camping below the pass for acclimatisation. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Cross Kagmara La (4,535m), Descend to Palam (3,520m)
📍 Palam
Cross Kagmara La (4,535m) — a high rocky pass with views over the entire Dolpo plateau to the north and the Barbung Khola valley to the south. Descend to Palam. Walking time: 7–8 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Palam to Dho Tarap (4,080m)
📍 Dho Tarap
Trek to Dho Tarap — one of Nepal's most remote villages, sitting on a wide plateau with a cluster of whitewashed houses and an important monastery. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3,500m)
📍 Tarap Khola
Begin the return descent south from the high Dolpo plateau. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Tarap Khola to Laisicap (2,990m)
📍 Laisicap
Continue descending through the Barbung Khola valley. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Laisicap to Tarakot (2,540m)
📍 Tarakot
Descend through the restricted zone towards Dunai. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 14
Day 14: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m)
📍 Dunai
Return to Dunai — a significant altitude drop and return to the inhabited zone. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 15
Day 15: Dunai to Juphal, Fly to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Trek to Juphal and fly back to Kathmandu. Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 16
Day 16: Kathmandu Sightseeing
📍 Kathmandu
Explore Kathmandu Valley heritage sites. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 17
Day 17: Reserve / Spare Day
📍 Kathmandu
Buffer day for weather or flight delays. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 18
Day 18: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. Phoksundo Lake and the ancient Bon culture of Lower Dolpo are among Nepal's most extraordinary treasures. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Lower Dolpo Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Restricted Area Permit (USD 500–3,000) + relevant national park fees. Mantra Adventure handles everything. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Lower Dolpo Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 4,535m / Kagmara La. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.