Lower Dolpo trek, located in western Nepal is an exciting program for adventure-seekers from all over the world. It is the less-explored area north of Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range and sharing its territory with the Tibetan Plateau. As it is visited by the domestic and international trekkers, you still find the unspoiled nature and culture far from modernity. Trekkers to Lower Dolpo will visit the crowning jewels of the region – Lake Shey-Phoksundo and Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Lower Dolpo region is blessed with the deepest lake and the largest national park of Nepal.
The national park preserves a complex trans-Himalayan ecosystem with blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, wolves, leopards and the sought-after snow leopard. The region of Dolpo is known for isolated peaks and the last remnants of a vanishing culture. Before reaching the lake, you will trek through scenic villages and remote alpine landscapes passing Buddhist monasteries and yak hordes. The route also takes you through two of the four high passes Dolpo Region trekking: Numa-La and Baga-La. As both the passes are above 5,000 metres altitude, this is a moderate to challenging trek in the trans-Himalayan region. Although the Himalayan high passes are quite challenging to cross, the success rewards one with the excellent views of surrounding mountains.
You will quickly notice the remoteness with sparse human habitation that happen to be some of the highest human settlements on the planet. Opened for the foreign trekkers in 1990, this restricted area is the place where the Oscar-nominated movie “Caravan” from Eric Valley was featured. Just like in the movie, if you happen to be here in spring and summer, you will see yaks and sheep grazing in the low-lying pastures. It is a challenging but popular trek done through the remote and rugged trails guiding you to the hidden valleys of Nepal.
To do this off the beaten path trekking in Nepal, you have to fly to Juphal from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. From Juphal, you trek to Dunai, the district administrative centre of Dolpo region that has almost all types of modern amenities. Then, rest of the days you will be walking along the rugged trail by enjoying the virgin landscapes and forests. While trekking in Lower Dolpo region, you can get a lifelong memory of exploring the lifestyle, customs and costumes of the high Himalayan villages.
Dho Tarap (4,090m) is one of the highest altitude human settlement areas in the world. During the acclimatization day in this ancient valley, you can visit eight different monasteries, a local school and Amchi Hospital.
The entire Dolpo region is divided into two sections: Upper or Inner Dolpo and Lower Dolpo region. Upper Dolpo region trekking takes you around the ancient monastery Shey Gompa that is situated on the backdrop of the Holy Crystal Mountain. It can be connected with Upper Mustang trekking and popular Rara Lake trek to extend the itinerary of Dolpo trek.
Orbit Alpine Adventure has designed Lower Dolpo trek 19 days itinerary for your assistance to experience the hidden gem of Nepal. For the tailor-made trekking packages, you can contact us by using the contact media like email, WhatsApp, phone call or online service.
Highlights
- Scenic flight to Juphal
- Hidden valleys of Lower Dolpo region
- Shey-Phoksundo Lake
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park
- Dho Tarap, one of the highest placed villages in the world
- Best remote trek of Nepal through less crowded trail