Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Highlights

• Witness the age-old Bon-Buddhist practices in different monasteries
• Trek to the pristine Shey Phoksundo alongside with an entry to the Phoksundo National Park
• Amazing experience walking in the desert-like rain shadow area of the lower Dolpo region
• Catch the enticing views of Yak Caravan and got to walk on the ancient salt trade route
• Feel enticed by the sight of diverse flora and fauna of the region

The Lower Dolpo Circuit is set in the isolated and remote western region of Dolpo where the landscape and people are more Tibetan than Nepali. This mysterious land has a dry atmosphere and is at high altitude, despite being in ‘lower’ Dolpo. With ever increasing altitudes up to the maximum 5,190m and with days averaging 6 – 7 hours of walking, this two week trek is recommended for experienced and fit hikers. But the rewards are astounding: the crisp, clear blueness of Phoksundo Lake (3,611m); unique flora and fauna; a unique religion; diverse culture; colourful festivals; challenging passes; high snow-covered Kanjirowa Himal peaks and the list goes on!

Much of lower Dolpo falls under the protection of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This has ensured pine, fir and birch forests as well as wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, langur and rhesus monkeys, among others, maintain their strength in today’s world.

Isolated villages of people closely related to Tibetans, and ancient monasteries offer a glimpse back in time are another feature of this area. Additionally, this is one of the few remaining places where the Bon Po religion is practiced. Bon Po is similar and yet different from Buddhism – one difference being practitioners walk anti-clockwise round stupas and shrines.

Phoksundo Lake is almost 500 ha in size and was designated a Ramsar site (wetlands of international significance) in 2008. But most probably, people recognise this lake from the film which was made here about, and staring, the people of this area. Known as Caravan in Nepal, the film was called Himalaya on the international stage.

Naturally there is a reason why this area is remote and isolated – difficult and rough, and at times very high and narrow, paths and mountain passes over 5,000m. But for those who have an interest in the Buddhist and Bon Po culture, are excited by windswept scenery interspersed with pine forests and the possibility of sighting rare mammal and medicinal plant species, this is a truly wonderful trek!

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (Flight)

• Flight time: 50 minutes
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Trek Distance: 150 m / 492 ft

You will be collected from your hotel in Kathmandu by your guide who will take you to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for your short flight to Nepalgunj.

Nepalgunj is in the lowland region of the country known as the Terai.  With its border crossing to India, Nepalgunj is very similar in culture to its neighbor.  And quite different from the area you are about to enter up in the mountains.

There is time to explore the city a little before dinner.

Overnight at Nepalganj – hotel.

Highlights and Challenges

• Amazing birds-eye views from the plane.
• Nepalgunj is as close to being in India as you can get without actually going there.
• Maybe take a rickshaw ride around town for a quick introduction.  
• Nepalganj is noisy and busy.

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Flight) to Dunai (Trek)

• Flight time: 45 minutes
• Trek Time: 3 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 150 m / 492 ft

On arrival at Jhupal airport you will meet your porters and camping crew, grab a cup of tea and a snack, and start off on the hiking part of your adventure!

The trail ascends above the Thulo Bheri Valley  and through cultivated fields to the village of Kalagaunda.  Then you continue past Roop Ghar village with a traditional water mill, and follow the river to Dunai.

Overnight at Dunai – teahouse. 

Highlights and Challenges

• More fantastic views from the plane.
• Start your trek off gently today.
• Leave Nepalgunj in the lowlands far behind.

Day 3: Dunai to Tarakot

• Trek Time: 6 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 2,543 m / 8,343 ft

After breakfast head out to follow the banks of the Thulo Bheri river until you reach a point where you cross the river as the trail continues on the other side. There is a gorge to trek through, and a hill to climb over as you continue by crossing the river again at the settlement of Lawan. 

Your overnight campsite is at the village of Tarakot with its cultivated fields and nearby is an old fortress of an ancient kingdom.  Spend some time exploring the village and fort remains before dinner.

Overnight at Tarakot – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• It’s the first full day of your trek!
• Meeting the locals of Tarakot.
• Your first-night camping

Day 4: Tarakot to Laini

• Trek Time: 6 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 3,160 m / 10,367 ft

The Beri River still features in today’s trek as you cross to the southern side once again before a gentle climb through cultivated terraces, most likely of buckwheat.  You will be hiking high above the river until you need to descend to cross a long suspension bridge at a place called Laisicap.  Before crossing the bridge you will need to show your permits at a police post.

After the bridge, ascend to the village of Kanigaon, then on through the forest as the valley narrows considerably.

Laini is not so much a village but a meadow with seasonal tents which are there for the mule caravans passing through.  It could well be a small business selling tea and noodles is open.  But don’t worry, we have our own wonderful camp chef who will make tea and snacks for you.

Enjoy the mountains in the Churen Himal range today, with Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m / 23,772.9 ft) being the most prominent.

Overnight at Laini – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• The wonderful mountain views.
• Crossing a high suspension bridge.
• Perhaps meeting other trekking groups or even mule caravans at the camp site.

Day 5: Laini to Nawar Pani

• Trek Time: 5 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 3,545 m / 11,630 ft

After an early breakfast, hike over a pass at 3,540 m / 11,614 ft.  You will note, like all passes in this area, the top is marked with Buddhist prayer flags. 

On the other side of the pass there is another river, the Chyugar Khola to cross with the aid of a suspension bridge.   Further on there is another suspension bridge, just after seasonal huts at Tazam, continue on to Nawarpani.

As you are now at an altitude of  3,545 m / 11,630 ft you must start paying attention to your body, looking out for headaches or dizziness. Stay well hydrated.

Overnight at Nawarpani – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Crossing a mountain pass.
• Getting more comfortable with those suspension bridges.
• With the altitude rising, care must be taken not to go to fast on the trail.

Day 6: Nawar Pani to Dho Tarap

• Trek Time: 7 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 4,090 m / 13,418 ft

This is the longest day on the trek so far, so follow your guide’s advice regarding taking lots of short breaks on the way. 

Naturally, your day starts by crossing the river!  Then you climb up on a trail cut into the side of a cliff.  When you come to a chorten (small stupa like shrine) on a ridge you know you have reached an old abandoned border post between Nepal and Tibet, known as Serkam.

Descending into Do Tarap you get great views of the village and landscape. It is interesting to note that Do Tarap is the village which featured in the Eric Valli film ‘Himalaya’.

Overnight at Do Tarap – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Learning that the Tibet/ Nepal border used to be much closer in the 19 century than it is now.
• It’s a long day but tomorrow is less strenuous.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day – Do Tarap

Aside from the opportunity to relax and perhaps spend an hour longer in bed, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, today you can discover something about the interesting Bon religion.

Half an hour outside of the village is a Bon gompa which you can visit and see how it compares to the Buddhist gompa within the village itself.

Bon is a Tibetan religion that shares many similarities and influences with Tibetan Buddhism but is a minority religion in Tibet nowadays. Followers of Bon, say the religion originated in Zhangzhung kingdom, near Mt Kailash.

In 2019, it was estimated to be around 400,000 Bon followers on the Tibetan plateau. During the Chinese cultural revolution, the approximate 30 Bon monasteries in Tibet were destroyed, as were many Buddhist ones.  After 1980 they were allowed to rebuild but we do not know the state of them today.  There are very few Bon monasteries in Nepal, almost completely in Dolpo. Currently, the  spiritual head of  Bon is Menri Trizin Rinpoche

Overnight at Dho Tarap – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Take the time to explore the Bon Gompa.
• Meet the locals, some of whom may remember the making of Himalaya in 1999.
• Relax!

Day 8: Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp

• Trek Time: 6 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 4,440 m / 14,566 ft

An interesting day full of culture.  You will have gathered by now that Dolpo has much human culture, dating back thousands of years with trade along the salt route and across the border with Tibet.  Tibetan Buddhism is the main ‘religion’ in the region, with a scattering of Bon gompas. 

Start the day by climbing to the old Mekyem Gompa with its large Maitreya Buddha statue.   Later you will come to Dorje Phurba Gompa that houses a collection of ancient weapons.  On the way, pass the Crystal Mountain School, the largest school in the area.

Cross a wooden bridge over the Tarap Chu river to the settlement of Mondo, and on through another couple of settlements until you have a final ascent to Numa La Base Camp.

Overnight at Numa La Base Camp – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Visit gompas and villages as you hike towards your overnight camp.
• See a collection of ancient weapons.
• Pop into Crystal Mountain School for a few minutes.
• Knowing that ‘base camp’ means you have a tough day ahead tomorrow!

Day 9:  Numa La Base Camp to Pelung Tang

• Trek Time: 6 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 4,465 m / 14,648 ft

A breathtaking day awaits you. Conquer the high mountain pass to get fabulous mountain views! 

The climb up to the pass is rugged and moraine based, so care should be taken on the rough ground.   The Num La Pass is 5,290 m / 17,355.6 ft high and the way is a bit challenging. But the views from the top are definitely worth it.   Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,794.6 ft), Shey Shikhar (6,139 m / 20,141 ft) and Kanjeralwa (6,612 m / 21,693 ft) are the best on display.

You descend from the pass to a U-shaped valley with scree slopes to cross, carefully.  Continue on to the pastures at Pelung Tang.

Overnight at Pelung Tang – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• A high pass to cross with stunning mountain views.
• Perhaps meeting yak caravans on the trail.
• Underfoot is a little unstable so take care.

Day 10:  Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang

• Trek Time: 6 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 4080 m / 13,385 ft

Follow a switchback trail to High Camp and ascend even further to a ridge.  There are more scree slopes to cross until you reach Baga La Pass at 5,175 m / 16,978.3 ft.  On the top of the pass there are some sacred chortens and wonderful views of the Phoksundo Lake and Norbung Kang peak  (6,085 m /19,963.9 ft ).

On the descent you come down into a large valley as you switchback into Dajok Tang. Claiming to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the western part of Nepal, the valley hosts several waterfalls and is the ideal place to camp overnight.

Overnight at Dajok Tang – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Your first view of Phuksundo Lake from the top of the pass.
• Sacred chortens as well as prayer flags on the pass.
• Waterfalls and stunning landscape at your overnight camp.
• A tricky trail today with unstable sections.  Cross carefully.

Day 11:  Dajok Tang to Ringmo

• Trek Time: 4 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft

You will pass more seasonal herders huts and enter a large valley of pine and juniper as the trail takes you down towards Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake.  As you follow the trail around the hill and to a ridge you get a look at a huge waterfall.  Then you descend through blue pine forests to the barley fields cultivated by the inhabitants of Ringmo village. 

You will get your permits checked here as you make your way towards the beautiful turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.

After lunch you might want to head back into Ringmo village to take a look at the architecture and lifestyle of the locals. 

Overnight at Phoksundo Lake – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Trekking through pine forests.
• Seeing one of the largest waterfalls in Nepal.
• Arriving at Ringmo village.
• Camping at the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

Day 12: Acclimatization Day – Phoksundo Lake

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in this perfect setting of a camp site. Then enjoy the environment: its perfect for yoga or meditation.  Or simply relax.

Like the village of Dho Tarap, Phoksundo Lake also features in Eric Valli’s 1999 film ‘Himalaya’.

This fictional film, yet very realistic of the local lifestyle in many ways, tells the story of villagers who take a caravan of yaks across the mountains carrying salt to trade for grain. The film unfolds and eventually, Tinle dies in the mountains as a result of a snowstorm.

Whereas the main actors are professionals and not from Nepal, Thinle Lhondup, as Tinle, was a native of Dolpo with no previous acting experience.  Sadly, the now elderly Thinle died in 2016 in Dolpo as we believe he would have wanted.   Mention should go to the many locals who played in this film, and to Nepal’s own Jampa Kalsang who went on to star in many other film productions.

Overnight at Phoksundo Lake – camping.

Highlights and Challenges

• Relax by the waters of the Phoksundo Lake.
• Exchange stories and tales with your guide and trekking companions.
• Hike around the area, perhaps visiting some of the local gompas. But do tell your guide first.

Day 13:  Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta

• Trek Time: 4 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 2,520 m / 8,267 ft

Leaving Phuksundo Lake behind is always a sad day.  After breakfast take one last breath of lake air and head off along a steep trail to the top of a hill. Get one more fantastic high view of the lake before descending down and through the villages of Chunuwar and Rechi.  Following the river bank downwards until Chhepka and your overnight stop at Shyanta.  (no info – names?)

Overnight at Shyanta – camping

Highlights and Challenges

• Your final look at Phoksundo Lake.
• Your final night camping.
• Finally you’re back at a lower altitude.
• The highlights must be the photographs and memories you are taking away.

Day 14: Shyanta to Jhupal

• Trek Time: 5 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 2,320 m / 7,611 ft

This is your last day of hiking as you retrace your steps to Jhupal where you will fly from tomorrow.  Jhupal is the gateway to Dolpo district and the starting and ending point of many treks.  With its few small shops and teahouses you can celebrate your wonderful trek with a few soft drinks (or a beer?). 

You will spend tonight in a teahouse so it is likely you will be saying goodbye to your camping crew today.

Overnight Jhupal – teahouse.

Highlights and Challenges

• There may be something to buy souvenir wise in Jhupal.
• We are not really sure, but take a look.
• You have done it!  Trekked round Lower Dolpo and seen may interesting things.

Day 15: Jhupal to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight) – Kathmandu

• Trek Time: 2 hour
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265

Today it’s a short flight back to Nepalgunj then a change of flight to Kathmandu. Look out for your last glimpse of the western Himalayas from the plane window.

Highlights and Challenges

• Final look at the mountains you have been traveling through.
• Being back in Kathmandu – great food and accommodation, but noisy and busy after the wilderness of Dolpo.

Location of the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

Dolpo is divided into Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo but there is no actual boundary between the two.  Whether you are trekking in Upper or Lower Dolpo, you start at the same point – by flying onto Juphal.

To reach Juphal you need to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the western side of the country, and then take another flight from Nepalgunj up to Juphal. 

On the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek you will enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park and trek at comparatively lower altitude (when compared  to Upper Dolpo) to reach Phoksundo Lake via Dho Tarap and then come back to Juphal.

You will still be crossing mountain passes, rivers, forests, dry landscapes and green pastures. 

 Required Experience for the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

This is a two week adventure that, although not as strenuous as some of the other Dolpo trekking routes, is still challenging for a lot of people.  It is also a camping trek which could potentially add to the stress of those who are not used to camping in remote, dry, and high places.

Therefore, we suggest you have some experience at trekking at altitude, and preferably have some experience of camping – or have a very keen sense of adventure.  An above average level of fitness will ensure you enjoy this trek, not just ‘get through it’.

Physical Fitness – What You Need to Know

Do think about your overall standard of fitness before signing up for this trek.  If you are not an experienced trekker with recent treks under your belt, can you increase your cardio and stamina levels before you leave for Nepal? 

The average day is 6 hours of trekking, although there are some shorter days and acclimatization days.  You will be crossing mountain passes at over 5,000 m / 16,404 ft, and sleeping mostly at altitudes over 3,500 m / 11,482.9 ft.  Walking and sleeping at altitude can and does affect people.  Unfortunately, we do not know who it will affect as age and overall fitness seems to not be related to altitude illnesses.  Although of course it is harder on the body if the trekker is not very fit.

By increasing your fitness regime before you come and following our guidelines on how to stay safe at altitude, you can help to mitigate any altitude related illnesses.   Stay hydrated, do not go too fast, be aware of your body, and always let your guide know if you feel unwell. 

To know more about altitude related illness, check here.

A Day on the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

Camping usually means getting hot water (for washing) and hot tea in bed while breakfast is being prepared in the kitchen tent.  After breakfast it’s off on the trail, usually by 8am.

On this trek you will experience a lot of river and stream crossings – by suspension bridge, wooden bridge and even on stones.  There are a number of forests to hike through and yak grazing pastures to cross.  On the tougher side, there are a number of mountain passes to cross.  What you experience daily will depend on where you are on the trekking itinerary.

Mountains are always a feature of any trek in the Himalaya. On this trek one of the other main highlights is Phoksundo Lake.

Lunch is taken on the trail, and when you arrive at your overnight campsite there will be tea and snacks to keep you going until dinner is prepared.

Minimum Number of Trekkers for this Trek

Permits for these area are only given to a minimum of two trekkers.  It is also not viable to conduct a camping trek with less than two trekkers, so keep that in mind when you are booking. If you are alone, please talk with us.

What You Will See on This Trek – More Highlights

• The Culture: Dolpo is heavily influenced by Tibet as it is on the trading route between the two countries.  The majority of the people are Buddhist, and there are some who follow the Bon religion.  Bon is similar to, but pre-dates Buddhism. It is very rare nowadays with only a few Bon monasteries in Tibet and Nepal.
• Flora and Fauna: Blue sheep, musk deer,  Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda and the Snow Leopard can be found across the whole of Dolpo.  It is more likely you will see blue sheep, musk deer and perhaps some monkeys than the more rare mammals mentioned here.
• Phoksundo Lake: Nepal’s deepest lake, made famous in the film ‘Himalaya’. 
• Shey Phoksundo National Park: This park is the biggest in Nepal and covers both Upper and Lower Dolpo.
• Doh Tarap: This village was also featured in the film Himalaya and is home to a Bon monastery, as well as a Buddhist one.  
• Mountains:  You are high in the Himalayas when you are in Dolpo with superb mountain peaks and foothills all around you.

Shey Phoksundo National Park in Detail

Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal at 3,555 square km.  The lowest elevation is 2,130 m / 6,988  ft  while at its highest it is 6,885 m / 22,588.5 ft.

Shey Phoksundo National Park’s climate is perfect for supporting unique vegetation such as herbs used in local medicines.  Unique species of mammals including the Snow Leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan Black Bear, and more, live in this area.  A recent study (published in May 2024) has found there are 30 Snow Leopards living outside of the protected areas in Dolpo. 

Camping Trek in a Remote Area

There are very few larger settlements which can provide accommodation for trekkers in these remote areas so this is why we chose to camp.

But we will try to make it as comfortable as possible for you.  We will provide you with a comfortable tent and sleeping mat, a toilet tent, and a dining tent. The camp chef will have his kitchen tent from where he will prepare good, wholesome food and boil your safe drinking water.

While we will try to make you as physically comfortable as possible, Mother Nature will keep you spiritually comfortable with her star filled skies and her  snowy peaks. With some icy winds thrown in to remind you the Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world!  

Food at the Camp Sites

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner are provided at the camp site.  While breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner are eaten at the campsite, lunch will be taken on the trail.   Food is freshly prepared daily, and you will not go hungry.

It is a good idea, however, to bring some ‘comfort snacks’ from home for those times you need a little pick-me-up.

Sample Camping Menu

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flat bread)

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  

Afternoon snacks may be fried potatoes and popcorn.

We will not buy meat on the trail but will bring some canned meat / tuna fish.  However, there is always vegetarian food available at every meal. 

Tea/ coffee/ hot water is unlimited, with  powdered milk and sugar.

We will not carry alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption at altitude. It’s just too heavy to carry anyway.  Same goes for soft drinks – too heavy to carry.

Drinking Water While Camping

The kitchen tent will provide you with boiled water for drinking.  A Lifestraw is probably the best idea as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria, and if you add sterilizing drops/ liquid to spring water it will be drinkable.  Please bring your own stainless steel bottles – 2 or 3 is good so you always have a supply of water nearby.

What to Bring for a Camping Trek

Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear  you need on any trek.  We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:

• Clothing for the cold at high altitudes.

Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.

• Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
• Stainless steel water bottles.
• A Lifestraw.
• Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc.  And a small first aid kit.
• Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
• Toiletries in small, travel sized containers, and some clothes washing soap.
• Things for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
• Nepali rupees in case there is something you wish to buy on the trek.  There will be limited places to spend money on this trek but you will need money for donations at monasteries, and in the very few places that have a shop.
• Your favorite snacks such as chocolate/ power bars, dried fruits and nuts.

Carrying Your Gear – Porters

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for this trek.  It is also possible for them to carry your gear.  Please be considerate and keep your gear down to a sensible weight of essentials! 

 Best Time to Come

Dolpo can be visited for most of the year (except winter) due to the fact it sits in the  monsoon rain shadow.

Overall, the best time for the Dolpo Rara Trek is in the spring or autumn.  Within these two seasons the best months are April to May (when it’s not too cold after the winter), and mid-September through to the end of October before it starts to get really cold again.

Before the Trek

Arriving in Kathmandu

If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival – just let us know on the booking form. There is a small charge for this.

Hotels in Kathmandu

Included in your trek is camping accommodation on the trail, and one night in a hotel in Nepalgunj.  

You will have to book your own hotel in Kathmandu and booking.com and hostelworld.com will give you a good selection of hotels in Kathmandu.  Thamel is geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, and is a great place to stay while visiting.  We have our office in Thamel also.

Explore Kathmandu

There is so much to see in Kathmandu on a tour or simply exploring by yourself. Highlights of any tour will include Boudhanath (Tibetan area with a large stupa), Swayambhunath (also a Buddhist stupa) and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and burning ghats). There are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.  These are among the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With so much history, don’t forget to take in the newer attractions such as fabulous restaurants and cafes and vibrant nightclubs and live music venues.

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Trekking Permits You Need for this Trek  

For the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek you need the following permits.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Dolpo: – USD500 per person for 10 days.  USD50 per person per day for any additional days.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Lower Dolpo: USD20 per person for one week, US5 per day for an additional days.

Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: USD30 per person for the duration of your trek.

We shall organize these permits for you.

Please remember, permits are only issued to two or more trekkers travelling together.

Why You Need These Permits

The money from permits goes back into the area to help preserve the biodiversity, and culture of the area. 

Additionally, by having your permits checked along the route,  it is a way to keep track as to where you are in the area.  When you go through a checkpoint it is noted down, which is invaluable should you get lost in the mountains.

Safety on the Trek 

Despite this being a Lower Dolpo trek, the altitude is quite high – particularly when crossing mountain passes.  You will also be sleeping at high altitude on a number of days.   These altitudes put people at risk of suffering some sort of altitude related illness.  Unless you’re a Sherpa who somehow have a gene that makes them less susceptible to altitude! 

Meantime, the rest of us can take steps to mitigate the effects of altitude.

Stay well hydrated.  Trek slowly.  Take plenty of short breaks.  Listen to your body.  Listen to the guide. 

Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell.

Please do not venture out on your own!  It is easy to get turned around in the mountains and get lost on a trail.  If you wish to explore an area, let your guide know your plans. 

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

• Trekking poles for stabilizing yourself on risky trails.
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4ltrs of water per day. The camp chef will provide you with boiled drinking water.
• It is important not to skip meals – you need the energy.
• Do tell your guide if you feel even slightly unwell.
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct gear. Bring waterproof gear in case of rain or snowfall even when it’s not forecast.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide in tricky or dangerous areas such as scree slopes.

Expenses You May Encounter

The cost of the trek, namely, transport, food, accommodation, guide, chef  and porters has already been covered.  On this remote camping trek, there really isn’t many places to spend your money.   

You will need money for donations at the monasteries (gompas) you visit.  It is normal for everyone to give a donation.  Around Ns150-500 for each gompa is good, with a little more if you light butter lamps.

You might want to have money to spend in Nepalganj, although your time is quite short there. 

We can suggest you bring around USD5-10 per day just in case there is anything interesting to buy such as a soft drink or packet of local cookies.  It is unlikely there will be souvenirs but we are constantly surprised by enterprising locals.

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: Four domestic flights are included in the cost.

Accommodation: Tented accommodation is included in the cost.  One night in a hotel in  Nepalgunj is included, as is two nights in a teahouse in Jhupal. 

Food: When camping you will get breakfast, lunch, dinner,  and afternoon snacks In the teahouse you will get breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in the hotel in Nepalgunj you will get dinner and breakfast. 

Permits: The permits required for this trek are included in the cost of your trip.

Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek.  Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses:  .

• Trekking / camping gear, good  trekking boots.
• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance.

Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters

It is the norm to tip your guide and porters on treks.  For camping treks, you have a camp chef who you should tip also. 

Your appreciation of the porters and chef can be shown through the tips you give them at the end of your trek.  Your guide is also working hard to keep you safe and supported. 

Please note that 100% of your tips go to the staff. 

We suggest the following:

• Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• For the porters  it is normal to tip around a total of USD150  for each porter.
• Tip the chef USD200 as the norm.
• The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip So, the larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!

Trip Extensions

Bardia National Park

At the end of this trek you will be back in Nepalgunj in the West Terai region of the country.  From there you will take a 50 minutes flight back to Kathmandu.  

If you wish to extend your trip while in the west of the country, we can recommend a wildlife safari in Bardia National Park. There are a number of hotels and homestays around Bardia National Park and within the buffer zone area. These offer a range of facilities but all offer walking and jeep safaris into the park.

Similar to Chitwan National Park, Bardia is more remote and underdeveloped, but has the same wildlife.

The facts: Bardia (or Bardiya) was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 and was given national park status in 1988.  Being the biggest lowland national park in Nepal at 968 square km, Bardia is home to a wide range of wildlife and flora.  The area is sub-tropical so the forests are lush and the grasslands rich with mammals and birdlife.

There are 61 species of mammals and 513 species of birds in the park.  Most interestingly there is a large community (the largest in Nepal) of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants (who are migratory) and Gangetic dolphins.  One Horned Asian Rhinos are not native to this area, but have been located from Chitwan National Park due to their success in Chitwan where the population is high.

The park lies approximately 80 km / 50 miles from Nepalgunj and takes around two hours by private vehicle to reach.  Most visitors spend 3 nights / 4 days there due to its distance from Kathmandu, although you are welcome to spend less or more time!

Should you be interested in visiting the park, please ask us about this. 

**We can also assist you with other trips or treks around the country and in Bhutan and Tibet.  Ask us!**

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.

Includes

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Map

FAQs For Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek:

Related Trip in Dolpo Region

Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek | Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang | Upper Dolpo to Rara Lake | Putha Hiunchuli Expedition