Trip Details
Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trip Style: Camping Trek
Transport: Private Vehicle & Flight
Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge & Camping
Group Size: 16
Max Elevation: Kagmara Pass (5115m)
Highlights
- Enjoy the scenic mountain flight to and from Juphal
- The stunning view of the Phoksundo Lake
- Challenging Numa la and Baga la passes
- Widespread diversity of flora and fauna
- Breathtaking views of the snowy peaks
- Ancient villages and isolated monasteries
- Enchanting Buddhist culture and traditions
- Observation of the remoteness of Nepal
Description
Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is considered to be one of the most remote trekking destinations in Nepal. Lower Dolpo is a camping trek that goes into the mesmerizing nature and people living a very basic life in the hills of Dolpa.
Lower Dolpo Trekking is an adventurous journey to the far west region in Nepal. This trek was opened for foreigners in 1982. It is a journey that will take you to one of the hidden parts of the Himalayas. Only a handful of people get to visit this region. The ancient culture and raw nature of the region will rejuvenate your soul. The bright glistening Phoksundo Lake, panoramic Himalayan mountains, blue sky, thrilling terrain, and isolated villages enhances the journey.
Likewise, you will get an opportunity to know more about the people of Dolpo and ancient Tibetan Buddhism they follow. The people follow this Pre Buddhist religion Bon- Po due to its nearness to the Tibetian border.
The lower Dolpo trek starts with air-flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj ending at the traditional Juphal village. Juphal village is the entry point to the Dolpo region. Passing through the farming lands, rusty roads, and traditional villages you will cross Chanla Pass and the trek towards Numala Base Camp. Enjoying the beautiful Kanjiroba massif you go through Bagala pass and reach the Phoksundo region. After reaching the Phoksundo Lake region, you will get on board on nearby lodges and rest for the day.
Later you will do the sightseeing at Shey Phoksundo Lake and follow the trekking trail towards Pungmo village. Passing the village you will walk towards the Kagmara High Camp and cross Kagmara Pass. Walking past the Kagmara Phedi, you reach Toijum. You will follow the trekking trail of the Kaigaon village and reach Chaurikot. It is located at 3700m. Then you will finally descend your way towards Jumla Khalanga Bazaar. From Jumla, you will take a flight to Nepalgunj and take a flight to Kathmandu.
Note: You can also extend the trek as your schedule. This is the full itinerary of Lower Dolpo Trek. We can change the routes according to your choices. Mount Mania provides you with a complete plan of your trek and takes you through a hassle-free journey. For further inquiries, contact us.
Useful Information
What makes Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Difficult?
The difficulty of the trek depends on the route you take. The total duration of the trek might make the trek difficult for some people. The trek duration is 25 days and you might have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day.
The Lower Dolpo trek comes under the higher altitude trek. In this trek, you will reach the elevation of 5200m. Therefore you might get the symptoms of altitude sickness. The risk from altitude starts at elevations over 2,500m to 3000m. So you should acclimatize as much as you can and also should have more knowledge about altitude sickness.
Here are some symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light-headedness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of uneasiness
- Breathing difficulties
- Intense headaches
- Increased heart rates
When to go for the Lower Dolpo Trek?
Monsoon i.e June to September is the best time to go on Lower Dolpo Trek. There is no to little rain in this part of Nepal as the entire region lies in the rain shadow area.
A very famous festival called Tiji is being celebrated during this time, which attracts many visitors.
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 among the most 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 teahouses.
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 the menu of the teahouse. 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.
Permits and Regulations for Lower Dolpo Trek
The entire Dolpo is a regulated zone so the trekkers traveling in Lower Dolpo will need special permits to enter into Dolpa district. 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 the special trekking permits available from the Department of Immigration.
The permit for Lower Dolpo trek will cost the US $20 per person per week. After that, the trekkers will need the US $5 per person per week. Likewise, permit for Shey Phoksundo National Park will cost the US $27 (Rs.3000) per person. A trekking permit is not available in Dolpo except for the national park. You can get help from us to organize the special trekking permits in Kathmandu.
