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Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek — 2
Lower Dolpo Trek — 3
Lower Dolpo Trek — 4
Lower Dolpo Trek — 5
Home/ Trips/ Lower Dolpo Trek
Restricted Area Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek

Destination Nepal
Duration 18 Days / 17 Nights
Difficulty Strenuous
Activity Trekking
Transport Flight KTM-Juphal
Group Size Max 16 Pax
Accommodation Tea House / Lodge
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude 4,535m / Kagmara La
Trip 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

Lower Dolpo Trek is a 18-day strenuous trekking adventure in Nepal, reaching 4,535m / Kagmara La. Trek to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,612m) — Nepal’s deepest lake — through spectacular Dolpo wilderness. Mantra Adventure provides experienced English-speaking guides, comfortable accommodation, and complete logistics.

Book Your Place

Fixed Departure Dates

All prices per person · Private departures available year-round
Departure Date Trip Status Availability Price / Person
14 Sep 2026
Returns 01 Oct 2026 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Sep 2026
Returns 06 Oct 2026 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
14 Oct 2026
Returns 31 Oct 2026 · 18 days
Peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
19 Oct 2026
Returns 05 Nov 2026 · 18 days
Peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
14 Nov 2026
Returns 01 Dec 2026 · 18 days
Peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
19 Nov 2026
Returns 06 Dec 2026 · 18 days
Peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
14 Dec 2026
Returns 31 Dec 2026 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Dec 2026
Returns 05 Jan 2027 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
14 Jan 2027
Returns 31 Jan 2027 · 18 days
Early bird available 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Jan 2027
Returns 05 Feb 2027 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
14 Feb 2027
Returns 03 Mar 2027 · 18 days
Early bird available 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Feb 2027
Returns 08 Mar 2027 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
14 Mar 2027
Returns 31 Mar 2027 · 18 days
Early bird available 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Mar 2027
Returns 05 Apr 2027 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
14 Apr 2027
Returns 01 May 2027 · 18 days
Spring peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
19 Apr 2027
Returns 06 May 2027 · 18 days
Spring peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
14 May 2027
Returns 31 May 2027 · 18 days
Spring peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
19 May 2027
Returns 05 Jun 2027 · 18 days
Spring peak season 		Filling Fast Limited Seats US $4,450 / person Book
14 Jun 2027
Returns 01 Jul 2027 · 18 days
Early bird available 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book
19 Jun 2027
Returns 06 Jul 2027 · 18 days 		Confirmed Available US $4,450 / person Book

💡 Need different dates? All trips run as private departures year-round.

Request Private Dates
Day by Day

Itinerary

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.

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Every itinerary is fully flexible.

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Pricing

Group Discount Pricing

Travel together, save together. The more people in your group, the lower the price per person.

Group Size Price / Person Savings
1 Pax
US $4,450 / person
Most Popular
2 - 3 Pax
US $4,000 / person
Save $450 10% off
4 - 7 Pax
US $3,690 / person
Save $760 17% off
8 - 13 Pax
US $3,380 / person
Save $1,070 24% off
14+ Pax
US $3,120 / person
Save $1,330 30% off
All prices per person including accommodation & guides No payment required to enquire Private departures available for any group size

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
Before You Go

Essential Tips

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.

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.

Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.

Restricted Area Permit (USD 500–3,000) + relevant national park fees. Mantra Adventure handles everything. No extra hassle for you.

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.

For Lower Dolpo Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.

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.

Be Prepared

Gear & Packing List

Everything you need for this trek — organised by category. Mantra Adventure provides the duffel bag and porter. You carry a daypack with daily essentials.

Duffel bag (70L)
Provided by Mantra Adventure — carried by porter
Daypack (25–30L)
You carry this on trail daily
Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C)
Required above Chhomrong
Trekking poles
Strongly recommended for stone steps and steep descents
Headtorch + spare batteries
Essential for Poon Hill pre-dawn climb and power cuts
Water bottles (2L total capacity)
Reusable — no plastic bottles above Chhomrong
Water purification tablets or SteriPen
Treat tap water above Chhomrong
Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
Charging is limited above Himalaya Hotel
Moisture-wicking base layers (2 tops, 1 thermal bottom)
Merino or synthetic — no cotton
Fleece mid-layer jacket
Core warmth for mornings above 2,500m
Down jacket (-10°C rated)
Essential for evenings at Ghorepani, Deurali, and ABC
Waterproof shell jacket
Gore-Tex or equivalent
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Quick-drying
Rain trousers
Zip-off style recommended
Trekking shirts (3–4)
Long-sleeve for sun protection
Swimsuit
For Jhinu Danda natural hot springs
Waterproof trekking boots
Ankle support essential — break in before departure
Camp sandals or light shoes
Teahouse evenings and Jhinu hot springs
Wool trekking socks (4–5 pairs)
Smartwool or Darn Tough recommended
Warm hat and gloves
Essential for Poon Hill pre-dawn — cold even in April
UV-rated sunglasses
Glacier glasses for ABC — UV intensity high above 3,500m
Buff / neck gaiter
Dust, sun protection, and cold air
Sunscreen SPF 50+
UV is intense above 3,000m — reapply every 2 hours
Lip balm SPF 50+
Wind and cold damage lips quickly above treeline
Hand sanitiser + wet wipes
Essential above Himalaya Hotel where water is scarce
Personal first aid kit
Blister pads, ibuprofen, paracetamol, Imodium, antihistamine
Electrolyte tablets / ORS
Hydration and muscle recovery after steep climb days
Personal medications
Your guide carries the group first aid kit and oximeter
Camera + extra memory cards
Poon Hill sunrise and ABC are peak photography moments
Earplugs
Thin teahouse walls — essential for sleep
Small thermos (500ml)
Hot tea from Himalaya Hotel to ABC — worth carrying
Energy bars / trail snacks (5–6)
For early starts and long days
Dry bags / large zip-locks
Protect electronics from rain and river crossings
Local Nepal Telecom SIM
Best network coverage in Annapurna region

Porter limit: Each porter carries max 15kg. Pack your duffel to under 12kg and carry daily essentials in your own daypack. Gear hire (sleeping bags, jackets, poles) is available in Pokhara.

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