Lower Dolpo Trekking
Lower Dolpo, located in the remote western Himalayas of Nepal, is one of the country’s most spectacular and least explored trekking regions, offering a rare combination of natural beauty and Tibetan cultural heritage.
Lower Dolpo, located in the remote western Himalayas of Nepal, is one of the country’s most spectacular and least explored trekking regions. This fascinating area lies in a rain shadow behind the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges, making it suitable for trekking even during the summer. Opened to trekkers in 1991, Lower Dolpo offers a rare combination of natural beauty and Tibetan cultural heritage.
The heart of the trek is Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, covering 3,555 km². The park features Shey Phoksundo Lake — an extraordinary turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dramatic cliffs. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, devoid of aquatic life, making it a truly otherworldly sight. Lower Dolpo is also home to ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the Crystal Monastery of Shey Gompa. The region’s unspoiled culture, herbal lands, and traditional villages offer a rich cultural experience. The trek crosses three high
Trip Facts
Maximum Elevation
5360m
Best Season
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for optimal weather and trail conditions.
Accommodation
Both teahouse and tented camp options. Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Tented Camping in remote areas.
Transportation
Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, tourist luxury buses, cars, vans, and jeeps. Domestic flight tickets for major trekking routes.
Grade
Strenuous (Grade C) - involving altitudes of 4,500–5,500 meters, remote and rugged trails with high passes, and increased risk of altitude sickness.
Group Size
Maximum a group size is 15 to 20 persons. Smaller groups can be arranged.
Location
Remote western Himalayas of Nepal, primarily within Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Route
Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park, crossing Kagmara La (5,115m), Baga La (5,190m), and Numa La (5,159m) passes.
Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, covering 3,555 km², home to stunning landscapes and rare wildlife.
Shey Phoksundo Lake, an extraordinary turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dramatic cliffs, famous for its crystal-clear waters.
Cross three challenging high passes: Kagmara La (5,115m), Baga La (5,190m), and Numa La (5,159m), offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Explore centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the Crystal Monastery of Shey Gompa, and interact with local Tibetan-speaking communities.
Spot endangered animals such as the snow leopard, gray wolf, musk deer, and blue sheep, and over 200 species of birds and 29 species of butterflies in their natural habitat.
Witness diverse plant life ranging from rhododendrons and junipers to blue pine and silver fir forests.
Experience one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally preserved Himalayan areas, offering a truly remote and unspoiled trekking experience.
Trek through a rare rain shadow area with dry, sunny trekking conditions even during monsoon months.
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight both way.
- Nepalgunj to Dunai both way flight.
- Accommodation during the trekking: Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
- Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple: lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and pickles—unlimited refills!), Noodles/Pasta (fried noodles, garlic pasta, or ramen), Momos (dumplings stuffed with veggies or meat), sandwiches (egg, cheese, or tuna), soup (garlic, mushroom, or veggie—popular for warmth and hydration) etc.
- Dinner: Dal Bhat, Curries (veggie, potato, or chicken with rice or chapati), Thukpa (local noodle soup), Pizza, Pasta, Fried Rice/Noodles, Desserts (apple pie, rice pudding, or Snickers rolls etc.).
- Lower Dolpa special trekking permit.
- Shy-phaksundo National park permit.
- Local Entry permit / Entrance fees.
- Entrance fees in Monastery/temple.
- Trekking Guide: A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder professional equipped English-speaking guide.
- Support Sherpa: if the group size more than six persons, we provide one extra Sherpa to support the group.
- Porters: One Porter between each 2 members while on trek (Maximum weight for a porter is 25 Kg). If you are single booking the porter cost need to pay extra, please add the cost add on option.
- Accommodation, meals, daily salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of Asian Hiking Team staffs (guide, Sherpa, porter).
- Trekking Map /Itinerary: Asian Hiking Team provides free a copy of trekking map /trekking Itinerary to our client.
- Sleeping Bag: Asian Hiking Team provide sleeping bag, the sleeping bag is (-20 degrees). If you are planning high passes trekking/ camping trekking or climbing you should be need to bring your own which is -30.
- T-short: Asian Hiking Team provide the company T-short for a souvenir.
- Certificate: Asian Hiking Team provide Trekking/Hiking/Tour/Climbing success certificate for your memory and awardees.
- First Aid: First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or ill until professional medical help is available. Its goal is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. Asian Hiking Team staff carry the basic first aid. You need to bring your own personal medicine with you. If you are trekking in high altitude should be bringing Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more). You can buy here in Kathmandu any pharmacy.
- Farewell dinner: Asian Hiking Team provide a farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural programs the last day of the trip.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement service: You should bring insurance, must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
- Accommodation: If you stay an additional day, you need to pay an extra cost.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner are not includes in Kathmandu.
- Hot drinks: Tea/ Coffees/ Hot water, hot showers etc.
- Cold/soft drinks: All cold drinks, alcohol drinks, beer, bottle water etc.
- Snacks: Pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate, or local chyura (beaten rice) for quick energy boosts between meals.
- Personal trekking gears & clothing (some of the equipment is possible to rent in Kathmandu): please check in check list for equipment list
- Internet / Wi-Fi/Telephone: There are almost all trekking reason you can buy internet/ Wi-Fi service in the hotel. It is also possible to buy the NCAL or NTC Sim card for telephone or use data.
- Insurance: Medical evacuation in case of emergency, expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
- Kathmandu: During the sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara the entry fees for Temple or Monastery, Durbar Square are not includes on the cost.
- The tip for guide or porter: It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is often left as a small present or in addition. Tips are a common practice in many cultures and are often expected for services. It is not fix amount, so you can own decide.
- Porter: Asian Hiking Team provide one porter between two members. If you want to hire the additional porter, the cost in not includes.
- Sherpa/ Guide: If you want personal Sherpa/guide, it is not including on the cost.
No Fixed Dates Available
Enquire us for booking
Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.
Tailored add-ons include:
Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops (start US$20/night during the trekking & start US$40/night in Kathmandu).
Porter/Sherpa Service: Let our skilled porters carry your gear so you can focus on the breathtaking beauty of the Nepal Himalaya. Each porter can transport up to 25 kg and can be shared by two trekkers. The cost per day US$ 22.
Helicopter: Flight in mountain areas depends on weather so you can...
Accommodation Upper Mustang/Dolpa trekking:
Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
Tented Camping: Tented camping is a classic and essential part of trekking, peak climbing, and expedition in remote areas of the Himalayas where teahouse accommodation is unavailable. Asian Hiking Team provides Tent (2-person or single occupancy Dom and Box tent depends on area and numbers of days), Sleeping mat (foam or inflatable), Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent (group use - for expedition), Kitchen equipment and utensils (carried by support crew), Power bank or solar charger, heater, Generator (for expedition) etc.
Meals:
During the hotel/Guest house trekking, there are international menu so you can choose whatever you like. During the...
Nepal’s rugged terrain and remote mountain regions require a combination of transportation modes to ensure safe, efficient, and scenic travel. Asian Hiking Team offers a range of transportation options to suit your needs and itinerary, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, tourist luxury buses, cars, vans, and jeeps. We also arrange domestic flight tickets for major trekking routes to help you save time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of Nepal's diverse landscapes.
Kathmandu (KTM) ro Nepalgunj (KEP)
Multiple daily flights operate on this route: typically around 6–8 flights per day by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines. Flight duration: Approximately 50 minutes, covering about 360–366 km
Nepalgunj (KEP) to Dunai (Dolpa District)
Flights to Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpa District, are operated by Tara Air under Dolpa route schedules. Typical schedule: TA 717, departing Nepalgunj at 06:30 AM and arriving Dolpa (Juphal/Dunai) around 07:15 AM (approx. 45 minutes). All flights are depends on...
General Climate Overview
Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)
Climate: Mild and temperate Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience: Summer: 19°C – 35°C Winter: 2°C – 12°C Pleasant weather year-round, with occasional winter chills and summer showers
Mountain Region (High Himalayas)
Climate: Alpine to Arctic Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:
Autumn (September–November)
Best trekking season Clear skies, excellent mountain views. Warm days, cold nights (as low as -10°C at high altitudes). Ideal for long and high-altitude treks.
Winter (December–February)
Cold and snowy, especially above 3,000 m High passes often closed: Thorong-La, Ganja-La, Chola, Renjo-La, etc. Best for lower-altitude treks in the middle hills Short days, brilliant sunshine
Spring (March–May) Second-best trekking season
Warm days, occasional snow at high altitudes Rhododendron bloom and abundant birdlife Hazy views in late spring due to dust and smoke...
To trek in Upper Dola a restricted area in northern Nepal, foreign nationals must obtain a Restricted Area Permit issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through a registered trekking agency. We need three different permits.
1 Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
Required because entry to Upper Dolpo passes through Lower Dolpo which is also a restricted zone. Foreigners: USD 20/week + USD 5/day beyond the first week and last week of the trekking. Coverage Areas: Thulibheri municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11), Tripurasundari municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11), Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 3), Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8 and 9), Jagdulla Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6), Mudkechula Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9), Kaike Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to...
Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.
Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are to navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide are fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide is friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.
Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carrying trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.
Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carrying light...
Trekking in Nepal is categorized into grades based on altitude, terrain difficulty, remoteness, and daily walking hours. The most widely used grading system includes Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Challenging.
Easy (Grade A)
Altitude: Up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) Walking Hours: Max 3–5 hours per day Terrain: Well-established trails, gentle ascents/descents, minimal steep sections. Who is it for? Beginners, families, or those with limited time seeking cultural experiences and Himalayan views.
Moderate (Grade B)
Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,700 ft) Walking Hours: Max 7 hours per day Terrain: Mixed trails with some steep climbs and high passes, moderate altitude gain. Who is it for? Trekkers with average fitness and some prior hiking experience.
Strenuous (Grade C)
Altitude: 4,500–5,500 meters (14,700–18,000 ft) Walking Hours: Max. 8 hours per day, often for 2–3 weeks Terrain: Remote, rugged trails with high passes; risk of altitude sickness increases. Who is it for? Fit trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience, able to handle high altitude.
Challenging (Grade D)
Altitude:...
Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Trekking in the Himalayas poses risks of Altitude Sickness (AMS). The body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, a process known as acclimatization.
Types of Altitude Illnesses (Acute Mountain Sickness AMS)
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain
- High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH): Bleeding in the retina Common Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Dizziness, mild weakness
- Swelling of hands and face Severe Symptoms (Seek Immediate Descent):
- Severe, persistent headache
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Confusion, loss of coordination
- Bluish lips or face
- Coughing blood-tinged sputum
- Coma or unconsciousness Prevention Tips:
- Drink 4–5 liters of fluids daily (avoid alcohol)
- Ascend slowly and rest...
Asian Hiking Team strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation, air ambulance/helicopter rescue insurance. You should be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, cover for this type of travel. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time. If this is not done or impossible for practical reasons, then you will not be allowed to continue with our trekking/climbing trips and will not be entitled to any refund for services not provided. Your insurance must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
Recommended Insurance Company in Nepal (Only for Nepali)
- Neco Insurance Co Ltd....
Landline and mobile phone services are available in Nepal. The network covers Kathmandu, major cities and towns and most of Nepal, except some rural Himalayan places. The Nepal Telecommunications Corporation is the national service supplier. There are also private service suppliers such as Hotels and private communication centers also provide long distance telephone, internet and fax facilities. You can get SIM card either NTC or N Cell with data to use the internet. The price for SIM card US$ 1, and you need to recharge as you require. You can buy a SIM card inside the airport or anywhere in Kathmandu or major cities. You need to bring a passport copy with Nepali visa and one passport size picture.
To call from outside, the country code for Nepal is “977” and the area code for Kathmandu is “1”. To call Nepal from other countries: 00 + country code (977) + city...
Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.
All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.
At Asian Hiking Team, we believe that every journey should be both transformative for the traveler and respectful to the host environment and communities. Responsible tourism isn’t just a practice—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate, lead tours, and engage with people and places.
Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations while encouraging a greener way of traveling.
Our eco-conscious practices include:
- Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 20 to reduce environmental pressure.
- Using stainless steel mugs for tea/coffee to reduce single-use waste.
- Relying on gas for cooking instead of wood fires, preserving forests.
- Carrying out waste from high altitudes for proper city disposal.
- Avoiding the use of soap near natural water sources.
- Using reusable containers and encouraging travelers to bring their own refillable water bottles.
- Leaving campsites...
Trekking Poles : Poles come in handy for balance and easing impact to your knees. Get collapsible poles that can attach to your backpack and fit into your Duffel.
Backpack : You may choose to bring a smaller "day pack" for your airline travel carry on, and this can be used on the trek if you want to carry a smaller (35 liter or so), light trekking pack. You need a pack big enough for your clothes, water, camera, food, etc. during the day.
Pack Cover : Waterproof rain cover for your trekking pack.
Sleeping Bag : Bring a sleeping bag comfortable to -20 for trekking, however it is better to bring -30 to -35 for climbing. During the trekking in hotel/guest house -20 is fine but on the tented home you need -30 or -35. Down is lighter and much more compressible. Keep in mind that many of your nights will be much warmer than -20, especially on the trek in to base camp.
Duffel Bags : Asian Hiking Team provide one duffel bags each member as you want. We normally pack all our equipment in large Duffel bags. Make sure they are well labeled with indelible ink as well as a travel tag. The duffels go on the trek/climb with you and will be carried by porters or yaks. Except for them to get wet and muddy, so rugged, waterproof duffels are good. Bags with wheels are nice for the airport, but the porters and yaks don't like to carry them, so don't bring wheeled bags (or at least not two of them). You will also store some travel clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu while trekking, so a small additional bag with a lock might be handy. Bring 5 large plastic garbage bags to pack gear inside duffels to protect gear from rain.
Hiking Boot : These boots provide more stability and ankle protection against protruding limbs and rocks than hiking shoes do. Mountain walking or hiking boots are designed for mountain and hill walking, backpacking and mountaineering.
Sport sandals : Sandals (such as Teva's) are lightweight and tough, doubles as shower slippers.
Socks : Three/Four sets of warm socks.
Jacket : Lightweight waterproof-breathable construction with a hood -20 Down Jacket.
Pants : Lightweight waterproof-breathable hiking pants with full-length leg zippers. Mountain Hardware Compressor Pants or anyone.
Trousers : Water-resistant hiking pants (for TK), North Face and Patagonia are good brands, avoid jeans, pants with zip-off legs can come in handy.
T-Shorts : 1/2 pair of t-shorts (for TK), walking shorts. Loose and comfortable, preferably nylon, which (for men) double as a swimsuit. (Avoid shorts which are too revealing.) T-shirts (TK/TR).
Over-shirt : 1 long-sleeved over-shirt, light to medium weight and breathable, to protect you from the sun and bug bites. Hemp, linen or cotton is recommended.
Mid-Layers : Fleece or Soft Shell layering pieces that work well with the rest of your clothing. A Soft Shell jacket and an expedition weight long john top will work well.
Base Layers : 2 synthetic tops and 1 bottom. Zip neck tops are the way to go.
Light Gloves/ Leather gloves : A warm insulated glove with leather palm will be worn a lot of the time. Polypropylene or fleece. Leather palms handle the fixed line better. Or good abrasion resistant climbing glove for the rock sections.
Belt : 1 belt, cotton or nylon lashing strap doubles as a gear strap.
Hat : Wool or fleece stocking hat with ear protection and Sun hat.
Neck Gaiter/Buff : Neck Gaiter and/or a Buff (highly recommended), Baseball hat and Bandana.
Underpants/panties, Bra : 2–3 pairs of underpants/panties and bras.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months) : It is easy to get your Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport, bring a passport photo. Bring a copy of the information pages and a couple of extra passport photographs. Carry these in a separate location. You'll be glad you did if you ever lose a passport.
Camera : with spare batteries, and film or memory cards, but keep it reasonable and weight. Consider a small USB drive to make it easy to share photos with your teammates.
Bathing Suit & Toiletries : Towel, Toothpaste and brush, floss, mini hairbrush, razor, soap, mini bottle of shampoo, travel mirror, nail clippers etc.
Travel Wallet : Some type of secure travel wallet is a must. Remember a pen for travel documents.
Headlamp : Bring a good LED headlamp with 2 sets of lithium batteries for cold conditions.
Water Bottles : 2 wide mouth plastic water bottles with insulated covers. A small Thermos bottle is great for cold mornings. Bring a pee bottle too (optional).
Water purification : Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua or similar) or iodine crystals (Polar Pure). One bottle of Potable Aqua (enough to treat 25 liters) should be more than sufficient.
Eyewear : Bring good sunglasses with side protection. For contact lens wearers, ski goggles with light color lenses (for use at night) might be useful in windy conditions. The ski goggles are essential for all climbers in really stormy conditions and can serve as an emergency backup for broken or lost sunglasses.
Vision correction : Bring extra prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them. Lens solutions are not widely available in Nepal, bring enough for the duration.
Wrist Watch : With alarm and night light. An altimeter watch is useful.
First Aid : Hand sanitizer (Pirelli), moleskin or Compete, athletic tape, aspirin (some climbers take a baby aspirin every day up high) and/or ibuprofen / acetaminophen, Imodium, Band-Aids, antacid, insect repellant, ear plugs, and two rolls of toilet paper in quart Ziploc bags (we will have a supply at Base Camp), small towel, soap/shampoo.
Prescription Medications : Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems, Antibiotic for GI problems, Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more), Tylenol 3 or similar for severe headaches, Asthma medication, if any history.
Skin Care : Sun block lotion (at least #30 protection factor -- have at least one smaller tube (1 oz) that can fit in your pocket) and lip salve. Put your lip protection on a string and hang it from your neck. That way you'll use it. It also works great for your nose.
Personal Snack Food : The food is great on the trek, but you might enjoy a few snacks/chocolates.
MP3 Player and Books : As you want to read on the way to trekking. Plan on sharing books on hotel/guest house or MP3 player. Chemical Hand Warmers (not compulsory).
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