Lower Dolpo Trek

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.

Fly to Juphal (via Nepalgunj) in western Nepal's Dolpo district — one of Nepal's most dramatic mountain airstrips. Meals: All included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Begin the return descent south from the high Dolpo plateau. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Continue descending through the Barbung Khola valley. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Descend through the restricted zone towards Dunai. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Return to Dunai — a significant altitude drop and return to the inhabited zone. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Trek to Juphal and fly back to Kathmandu. Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Explore Kathmandu Valley heritage sites. Meals: Breakfast.

Buffer day for weather or flight delays. Meals: Breakfast.

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.