Lower Dolpo trek in Nepal

The Lower Dolpo trek in Nepal is a mesmerizing and newly opened remote trekking route only from 1990. It takes you through the pristine landscapes of the Dolpo region, which lies in the northwestern part of the country. The lower Dolpo gained significant attention after the release of the Movie “Himalaya” in the 1999 (Oscar nominated movie directed by Eric Valli). It is also known as “Caravan” in some regions. 

The lower Dolpo trek is one of the least frequented by tourists compared to some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal due to its high altitudes and rugged terrain, making it a unique and adventurous experience. The region is renowned for its diverse landscapes including deep gorges, lush forests, arid plateaus, and pristine rivers. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri and other towering peaks. The trek also involves several high passes cross including the Numala Pass and the Baga La Pass, which offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

One of the key highlight of the trek is the Beautiful Phoksundo Lake (an alpine fresh water oligotrophic lake) located within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is also a part of the larger Shey Phoksundo  Ramsar site, designated as a wetland of International Importance in 2007. 

The lake is lies within the Trans- Himalayan region, at an elevation of 3611 meters (11849 feet) above sea level. It holds religious significance for both Buddhists and followers of the Bon religion, which is an indigenous spiritual tradition of the Himalayan region. The area around the lake is dotted with several monasteries, chortens, and stupas. Similarly, the lake and its surroundings are home to diverse flora and fauna.

Moreover, the national park is a habitat for various endangered wildlife species including the musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, grey wolf, Himalayan tahr, leopard, jackal and Himalayan black bear. The park is also a home to six reptiles, 29 species of butterfly, and over 200 species of birds.

Overall, the lower Dolpo trek is a captivating and off- the- beaten- path adventure in Nepal that takes ypu through remote and rugged landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and astonishing natural beauty.

1) Trekking permits for lower Dolpo

Since the Lower Dolpo is a restricted area, you will need to obtain special trekking permits to enter and you should be accompanied by a licensed guide or a porter.

1) The Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

2) The Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

2) Trekking seasons for Lower Dolpo

The best time to undertake for Lower Dolpo is during the spring and autumn seasons. The weather is more stable and the trails are generally accessible during these times.

3) Foods and Accommodations in Lower Dolpo

Lower dolpo is not developed like other trekking region and has very limited tea houses. Trekkers trekking to this region mostly stay in a camp. You will get the basic rooms in tea houses and in some regions tea houses are also not available. Therefore, you will camp for most of the trek.

The tea houses will have limited items and basic food. As the region is highly influenced by Tibet, you can expect to find Tibetan dishes like momos, thukpa, buckwheat pancakes, various potato- based dishes, tsampa, and dal bhat (a staple dish in Nepal).

4) Travel Insurance for Lower dolpo

Any trek in Nepal, including the Lower Dolpo Trek, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage. When buying travel insurance for the Lower Dolpo trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance. 

5) Guide and Porter for Lower dolpo

It’s always suggested to trek with a knowledgeable experienced licensed guide or join a trekking agency (Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd) to assure safety and utilize your time in a best way. As we provide highly experienced guide who is familiar with terrain, prompt in safety performance and always carry essential safety equipments, first aid kids and gear to enhance your trip experience without compromising on safety. Moreover, we provide guide and porter with their insurance for safety reason.