The Dolpo is a remote and spectacular region of the Himalayas. Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal. This rough and spectacular trekking will bring you to beautiful turquoise colored lakes, rushing rivers, and over high passes.
You can admire the legendary peaks Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. The Dolpo is also the homeland to some rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. This trek gives you a chance to visit isolated villages, the authentic monasteries, the fortified villages (dzong), and to meet local Tibetan people: farmers, shepherds, nomads, and monks. The region is home to the original Buddhist Bon religion.
From Kathmandu, the Lower Dolpo & Shey Phoksunda Lake adventure starts with two domestic flights to Juphal. Towards Dunai, the path follows on a relatively easy trail. It is a large village and has a couple of small lodges. From Dunai to Tarakot, it is still easy going. Here, you’ll find an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning ‘fortress’.
Before the Gorkha dynasty, Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong. Leaving the village, you’ll trek through the gorges of Tarap Chu. You pass through narrow gorges with the river rushing through them. You might see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep, and goats. Also, it is possible to meet locals taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter.
After the gorge, you will enter the Tarap valley. The valley is lushy and green, and wide open. There are about ten villages with cultivated fields. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several gompas, and you will pass some ancient chortens.
Beyond the valley, a couple of very tough but adventurous days follow. Continuing, two high 5000+ passes will follow. The views from these high passes are stunning. Once we arrive at Ringmo, we will take a rest day. A short day hike to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake should not be missed. The views of the lake are amazing and beautiful. We will pass by the lake on the trail towards the airstrip of Juphal. At this point, your Lower Dolpo & Shey Phoksundo Lake trek ends. Finally, you travel back to Kathmandu.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Final preparations for the trek
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hrs.)
Day 4: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m - 45 min.) and trek to Dunai (2140 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Tarakot (2450 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Khanigaon (3150 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Darap Khola (3700 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Yak Kharka (3800 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Dho Tarap (4020 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 10: Resting day at Dho Tarap for acclimatization
Day 11: Trek to Numa La base camp (4400 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 12: Cross over Numa La pass (5190 m) and trek to Pelung Tang (4465 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 13: Cross over Baga La pass (5070 m) and trek to Dajok Tang (4080 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Ringmo (3600 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 15: Exploration day at Shey Phoksundo Lake
Day 16: Trek to Chepka (2970 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 17: Trek to Juphal (2475 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 18: Flight from Juphal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Day 19: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– 1 night in a hotel room in Nepalgunj; breakfast included
– Free use of tent equipment, including one tent for two persons and a light sleeping mattress
– Return flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter/ donkey service for carrying luggage/ tent equipment / cooking equipment; 12 kg private luggage per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide, porters and the cooking staff
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner. Tea/ coffee/ hot water/ drinking water
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Dolpo Restricted Area Fee, Shey Phoksundo National Park entrance fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
– All other beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide, porters and cooking staff
