Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek Map

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Location of the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

To reach the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek you need to take two flights: one to the lowland western part of the country, the next into the high Dolpo region. 

On this trek you will start in the Shey Phoksundo National Park and end in Rara National Park.  In between you will traverse between the two districts and distinctive landscapes for 22 days. 

You will be crossing high mountain passes, crossing rivers, and trekking through forests, dry landscapes and pastures.  All the while the Himalayan mountains will be above you. 

Required Experience for the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

This adventurous trek takes over three weeks to complete as you trek through remote and often desolate countryside.  It is a camping trek, where you will be staying almost every night in a tent. 

Being that it is a long, arduous and remote camping trek, this trek is only suitable for those with advanced trekking experience and a great level of physical fitness.  Sleeping at high altitude is also challenging.  Prior camping and trekking experience is a must for this trek.

Physical Fitness – What You Need to Know

This is a trek for those with extensive trekking experience at high altitude and preferably while camping. It is not a trek for beginners, regardless as to how fit you think you are, or may actually be. 

It takes experience and stamina to complete and enjoy this trek.

While there are some shorter days of around 4 hours, on average you will be hiking for 6 to 7 hours a day.  Sleeping and walking at high altitude takes its toll on most people and you should be prepared for that.

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.  We do not know who will fall prey to the altitude – it has nothing to do with age or fitness level.  That is why we recommend this trek to those who have trekked at high altitude before.

To know more about altitude related illness, check here.

A Day on the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

Early morning at the camp site will look something like this: you will be given hot water to wash while in the camp chef is preparing breakfast.  You will also receive boiled drinking water for the day.  While you enjoy breakfast the guide will give you a quick briefing on what to expect that day, based on the trail and weather.

When you leave the camp you can expect to experience a lot of forest trails, scree slopes, rivers and villages, depending on the day and location. The landscape is stunning and varied throughout this trek, and the mountains are ever present

Lunch will be taken on the trail, and may be a packed lunch prepared earlier that morning.

The day continues with more hiking, perhaps passing gompas (monasteries) of which there are many.    When you reach the overnight camp site, there is hot tea and snacks to enjoy while waiting for dinner to be prepared.

Minimum Number of Trekkers for this Trek

Permits for these areas are 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 – Highlights of the Best on Offer

This trek takes you to two districts in Nepal: Dolpo, being the largest district, and Mugu, being the most remote and underdeveloped district.

While Dolpo is heavily influenced by Tibet, being that it is on the trading route between the two countries, and the people there are mainly Tibetan Buddhists with a few Bon also, Mugu is mainly a Hindu district, with the largest percentage of the population being of the  Chhetri caste.  While we can confidently say the people of Dolpo came, in the distant past, from Tibet for trade and settled in Dolpo – as is evident by the Buddhist artifacts throughout the landscape and villages, it is hard to find a single origin for the people of Mugu.  It appears they are a mix of indigenous communities and incoming settlers from other parts of Nepal.

• The Culture: Buddhist in Dolpo, with a scattering of Bon followers.  Hindu in Mugu.  Dolpo definitely has the most interesting culture, with its monasteries, myths, and bonds with Tibet.  Mugu is far behind the rest of the country in terms of development. Animal husbandry and agriculture is a big source of income, but perhaps the largest is Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus) which is a rare fungus used in herbal remedies and  harvested once a year. Unfortunately this traditional source of income is depleting as it is becoming over-harvested.
• Flora and Fauna: Blue sheep, musk deer,  Himalayan Black Bear and the Snow Leopard can be found in Dolpo.  Most can also be found in Mugu, There are an abundance of rare and special herbs growing in both districts, particularly Dolpo, which are used for healing purposes.
• 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.
• Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain: Crystal quartz makes this mountain shine in the sun.  It is a major draw for the district’s Buddhist community. Shey Gompa sits nearby and is both a settlement and famous monastery with its formation steeped in myth.  
• Rara Lake:  The largest lake in Nepal is very beautiful yet very different from Phoksundo.  You can get right down to the lake edge and even paddle a boat here.  The surrounding countryside is rich in blue pine trees and other lush vegetation, including Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron.
• Rara National Park: It is the smallest national park in Nepal, totally at the other end to Shey Phoksundo National Park.  Yet it has a beauty all of its own.
• Mountains:  You are high in the Himalayas when you are in Dolpo and Mustang with superb mountain peaks and foothills all around you.

Places of Interest on This Trek 

Shey Phoksundo National Park

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, making it very varied indeed.

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. 

The Beautiful Phoksundo Lake

At an altitude  of 3,612 m / 11,850 ft, Phoksundo is not the highest lake in Nepal –  Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m / 16,138 ft is – but Phoksundo is the most interesting.  Maybe.

Its remoteness makes it hard to reach, so anyone who does go there should feel very privileged indeed.  Geologists think (unproven) the lake is the result of a massive landslide 30-40,000 years ago, which dammed the valley, creating the lake. There is some evidence that before that there was glacier influence in this area. 

The lake was made famous by the Eric Valli film Himalaya which highlighted local life in Dolpo in a fictional work which lies very close to reality.   

The Crystal Mountain and Shey Gompa

Sometimes referred to as the Kailash of Dolpo, the Crystal Mountain is located near Shey Gompa.  The village of Shey Gompa is very small and surrounded by red coloured chortens (stupas). Its history is just as intriguing as its location.   Mythology tells that Shey Gompa was built when a follower of Buddha arrived on the back of a flying snow lion to fight  a fierce local mountain spirit. Shey Gompa was built on the site of this battle.

This is the most revered monastery in Dolpo, with the Crystal Mountain also holding spiritual significance to Buddhists. 

The mountain’s name comes from the veins of quartz crystal on its base, which sparkle in the sunlight.   During the full moon in July/ August many pilgrims come to circumnavigate the mountain.

The Stunning Rara Lake

Situated in Mugu, Rara Lake is already receiving more visitors than Phoksundo.  Although also sitting in a remote area, it is possible to access Rara though a short flight, followed by a three hour hike, or by road from the western side.

Rara is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by stunning forests and foothills.  It has similar wildlife to Dolpo, and is a great place for bird watching. 

Due to the topography of the lake, it is possible to go boating here or hike up to a view point to get a complete picture of the lake and its surroundings.

Rara National Park

Rara National Park is the smallest in Nepal, although it does have a large buffer zone.  A buffer zone around a national park is a designated area around the core park area – a transition zone between park and communities.  It provides alternative resources and income opportunities to locals who may, in the past, harvested what is now a national park. It provides locals with the opportunity to have some say in the park management activities. Overall, a buffer zone creates a healthy ecosystem.

Camping Trek in a Remote Area

There are very few larger settlements which can provide accommodation for trekkers in these remote areas.  Camping is the only solution. 

At the campsite we will provide you with a comfortable tent and sleeping mat, a toilet tent and dining tent.  The chef will have his kitchen tent from where he will prepare good, wholesome food and safe drinking water for you.

We will try to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible.  Mother Nature will have her hand in this too – from the star filled skies to the snowy peaks, right through to the icy winds!

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. 

Meals are certainly plentiful and freshly cooked, we find it a good idea to bring some comfort food like dried fruits and nuts, chocolate bars, power bars etc from home.  A bit of luxury for those long days.

Possible Menu While Camping:

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.  Sorry.

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.

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.
• 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 from home or from Kathmandu.

Carrying Your Gear – Porters

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

 Best Time to Come

While Dolpo can be visited for most of the year (except winter) due to the fact it falls in the  monsoon rain shadow, we do not recommend visiting Rara during the monsoon.

Therefore, 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 its not too cold after the winter), and mid-September through to the end of October.  By November it will be getting cold again.

Keep in mind that flights in and out of Mugu (Talcha airstrip) can be delayed by the weather (less so flights from Nepalgunj to Jhupal in Dolpo), and book your flight out of Nepal some days after the proposed date of return to Kathmandu.

Before the Trek

Arriving in Kathmandu

If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival, saving you time and effort.  Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up. 

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 (although we can advise you if you wish.) Booking.com and hostelworld.com will give you a 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.  Our office is also in Thamel.

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), Swayambhunath (also a Buddhist stupa) and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and 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. But there is so much more, from other heritage sites, to nightclubs and trendy hotel bars.

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 Dolpo Rara Lake 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 day.

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

Rara National Park Permit: USD25 per person for the duration of your trek.  (SAARC nationals pay approx. USD10)

We shall organize these permits for you.

Why You Need These Permits

The fees from these permits go back into conservation and cultural preservation of the area to help keep the ecosystem for future generations.

 It is also a way to keep track as to where trekkers are in the area.  When you go through a checkpoint it is noted down, which is invaluable should you get lost between checkpoints. 

Safety on the Trek 

This trek is quite a high altitude one, where you are also sleeping at high altitude. In fact you will be sleeping at over 3,000m / 9842.5 ft for around two weeks Therefore, one of the main concerns for this high altitude trek is altitude related illness.

This is, again, one reason we stress that to undertake this trek you should have prior high altitude trekking experience.

You can, however, take steps to  mitigate the effects of altitude by being sensible and following a few guidelines such as drinking enough water to stay well hydrated, going slowly and taking lots of breaks. Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude illness so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell.

As experienced trekkers you know the risks on the trail and know not to wander off on your own without telling the guide, right? Always be aware of your surroundings in the mountains and let the guide know if you are wishing to go explore on your own.

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

We know as experienced trekkers you know these tips; this is just a reminder.

• 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. While camping you will be provided with boiled drinking water.
• It is important not to skip meals. In case you do not feel up to eating, let your guide know and he will try to arrange something ‘light’ for you that day. And/ or that is when your snacks from home come in handy.
• Do tell your guide if you feel unwell; 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 and porters has already been covered, and because it is a 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, and yes, locals will do the same.  Around Ns150-500 for each gompa is good, with some extra if you light butter lamps.

There is not likely to be any opportunity to buy souvenirs on this trek – but you never know.  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, at any point.

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.  The hotel in Nepalgunj for one night is included.   

Food: When camping you will get breakfast, lunch, dinner,  and afternoon snacks. 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 also have a camp chef who you should also tip. 

This is a long trek with challenging terrain even for locals (which most of our porters are) when carrying weight.  Your appreciation of these amazing men 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, supported, and up to date on information  about the landscapes, people, mountains etc.   And you could not do this trek without the camp chef! 

Please be aware,  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 Bardia National Park.  This is a place for wildlife safaris, much like Chitwan National Park but much more rural and underdeveloped. It is also the exact opposite of the landscape you have been hiking through for the past three weeks!  A change is as good as a rest they say!

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 re-located from Chitwan National Park due to their success in Chitwan where the population is high.

There are a number of hotels and homestays around Bardia National Park and within the buffer zone area, offering a range of facilities.  All hotels offer walking and jeep safaris into the park.

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.