Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary - 16 Days

Embark on an extraordinary journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical regions with this Lower Dolpo Trek – 16 Days Itinerary. Hidden deep in the western Himalayas, Dolpo is a land of stark beauty, ancient monasteries, and living Tibetan culture. This trek takes you through rugged mountain valleys, crystal-clear Phoksundo Lake, and over high passes like Numa La (5,310m) and Baga La (5,170m) — offering breathtaking views and authentic wilderness adventure. Perfect for trekkers seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and raw Himalayan landscapes.

  • Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,330m / 4,364ft)

    Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Take time to rest or stroll around the vibrant streets filled with trekking gear shops, cafes, and local culture. In the evening, attend a short trek briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner.

    • Meals: Welcome Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: (1,330 m / 4,364 ft)
  • Day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft)

    🕒 Flight Duration: 1 hour

    After breakfast, take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, located in the lowlands of western Nepal near the Indian border. The town is a bustling gateway to Dolpo and the far-western hills. You can explore the local bazaar or relax at your hotel before tomorrow’s mountain flight.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Nepalgunj
    • Altitude: (≈150 m / 492 ft)
  • Day 03 Fly to Jhupal (2,320m / 7,612ft) & Trek to Dunai (2,850m / 9,350ft)

    🕒 Flight Duration: 35 minutes | Trek Time: 2–3 hours

    Enjoy a short yet spectacular flight to Jhupal, the starting point of the trek, with views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Meet your trekking crew and begin a gentle walk to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo District. The trail follows the Thuli Bheri River, passing terraced fields and small villages. Overnight at a teahouse in Dunai.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Dunai
    • Altitude: (2,850m / 9,350ft)
  • Day 04 Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,540m / 8,333ft)

    🕒Walking Hours: 5–6 hours

    Today’s trail follows the Bheri River, with scenic suspension bridges and beautiful gorges along the way. You’ll pass through pine forests and farmlands before reaching Tarakot, a historic village once serving as a fortress town. Visit the ancient Sandul Gompa, perched above the river junction. Overnight at a teahouse.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Tarakot
    • Altitude: (2,540m / 8,333ft)
  • Day 05 Trek from Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,375m / 11,073ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 6–7 hours

    The trail continues along the Tarap Chu River, crossing several suspension bridges. You’ll follow a rugged trail carved into the cliffs and pass through small settlements of local herders. Reach Laini Odar, a serene camping spot beneath towering rock walls. Overnight in a tented camp.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Laini Odar
    • Altitude: (3,375m / 11,073ft)
  • Day 06 Trek from Laini Odar to Nawarpani (3,475m / 11,401ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 5–6 hours

    A gradual ascent through narrow gorges and pine forests leads you toward Nawarpani. You’ll cross multiple streams and enjoy the sound of cascading waterfalls along the way. The walk offers glimpses of the changing landscapes — from green hills to barren cliffs typical of Dolpo.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Nawarpani
    • Altitude: (3,475m / 11,401ft)
  • Day 07 Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3,950m / 12,959ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 6–7 hours

    As you ascend towards Dho Tarap, the valley widens, revealing breathtaking views of the arid Trans-Himalayan terrain. Dho Tarap is one of the highest human settlements in the world, inhabited by people of Tibetan origin who practice ancient Bon and Buddhist traditions. Explore the charming village and interact with the locals.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Dho Tarap
    • Altitude: (3,950m / 12,959ft)
  • Day 08 Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap

    Spend a full day in Dho Tarap to acclimatize and explore. Visit nearby monasteries, learn about the Bonpo religion, and witness the traditional lifestyle of the Dolpo people. This cultural immersion day also helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude before crossing high passes ahead.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Dho Tarap
    • Altitude: (3,950m / 12,959ft)
  • Day 09 Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,350m / 14,271ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 6 hours

    Today’s trail follows the upper Tarap Valley through yak pastures and alpine meadows. Gradual ascents take you to Numa La Base Camp, where you’ll camp beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop. This is one of the most scenic camping sites of the trek.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Camp/Tent
    • Place: Numa La Base Camp
    • Altitude: (4,350m / 14,271ft)
  • Day 10 Cross Numa La Pass (5,310m / 17,424ft) & Trek to Danighar (4,510m / 14,796ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 7–8 hours

    Start early for the steep climb to Numa La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and other snow peaks are breathtaking. After spending some time at the pass, descend carefully to Danighar, where you’ll camp by the riverside.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Danighar
    • Altitude: (4,510m / 14,796ft)
  • Day 11 Cross Baga La Pass (5,170m / 16,961ft) & Trek to Temche

    🕒 Walking Hours: 6–7 hours

    Today is another challenging but rewarding day as you cross Baga La Pass. The pass offers incredible views of Kanjirowa Himal and the Dolpo plateau. Descend along yak trails and reach Temche, surrounded by green pastures. Overnight at a tented camp.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Temche
    • Altitude: (4,000m / 13,123ft)
  • Day 12 Trek from Temche to Phoksundo Lake (3,600m / 11,811ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 4–5 hours

    A short and scenic trek leads you to Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural wonders. The trail passes through Ringmo Village, home to centuries-old Bon monasteries. The turquoise lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks offers a surreal setting for the evening. Overnight at a lakeside lodge.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Camp
    • Place: Phoksundo Lake
    • Altitude: (3,600m / 11,811ft)
  • Day 13 Explore Phoksundo Lake

    Spend the day exploring Phoksundo Lake and the nearby Tshowa Gompa (Bon Monastery). Walk along the lake’s edge, photograph its stunning reflections, and experience the deep spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place. It’s a perfect rest and exploration day before your descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Phoksundo Lakee
    • Altitude: (3,600m / 11,811ft)
  • Day 14 Trek from Phoksundo to Chhepka (2,838m / 9,311ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 6–7 hours

    Descend through pine forests and waterfalls, retracing part of the trail back toward Chhepka. The walk is refreshing and filled with birdlife and lush vegetation. Overnight at a teahouse in Chhepka.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Chhepka
    • Altitude: (2,838m / 9,311ft)
  • Day 15 Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal (2,499m / 8,199ft)

    🕒 Walking Hours: 5–6 hours

    Continue downhill through terraced fields and traditional villages until you reach Jhupal. This marks the end of your trekking adventure. Celebrate the completion of your Lower Dolpo journey with your crew and enjoy a relaxed evening.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Place: Juphal
    • Altitude: (2,499m / 8,199ft)
  • Day 16 Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

    🕒 Flight Duration: 35 min + 1 hr

    Take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner and share stories of your incredible trek through the wild Dolpo region.

    • Place: Kathmandu