Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo trekking area is in the very remote Dolpo (Dolpa) district of Western Nepal bordered by Upper Dolpo and Tibet in the North. Lower Dolpo is a majestic place; it is the home of rarely seen Bön (Bon) religious shrines and monuments alongside the old Buddhist heritages, the great lake of Phoksundo, high Himalayan passes of Bagala (5169m) and Numala (5309m), and the beautiful villages of Dolpo people. The people of Dolpo still use their yaks, keeping the age-old trade tradition with Tibet and other neighboring districts. A well-known and Oscar-nominated movie, ‘Himalaya’, was filmed here and one of the most read books about the Himalaya or Nepal, ‘The Snow Leopard’, by the late author Peter Matthiessen, is based on his journey to Lower Dolpo. We actually recommend watching the movie and reading the book before, or after, your Dolpo experience! Besides Yaks and Snow Leopards, rare Himalayan Blue Sheep roam the mountain slopes of Dolpo.

Due to the sensitive border relation with China, the area was only opened for tourists in 1989 with some restrictions. However, Lower Dolpo, and its neighbor Upper Dolpo, have since welcomed visitors from all over the world. The lower Dolpo trekking trip can be completed in two weeks (starting and finishing in Kathmandu). As we specialize in hidden and less traveled areas of the Himalaya, we have been promoting Dolpo as much as we can. We were one of the first trekking agencies recommended by our clients on a forum like trip advisors after their memorable trip with us. For further details regarding the itinerary options, including linking the trek with Upper Dolpo or other areas, please contact us.

Itinerary for Lower Dolpo Trekking

* Each day trekking time is 4-7 hours, on the pass crossing day it can be up to 10 hours walk. 

** Lower Dolpo trek has many options to extend or combine with other treks such as Upper Dolpo that adds another 7 to 12 days on the trek, or Dhorpatan Hunting reserve about one week or to Jumla and Rara also with an extension of a week.

In the link given below,  you can read a trip report by our client on the well-known TripAdvisor site.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g424945-i19001-k5401356-Lower_Dolpo_trek_with_Three_Jewels_Adventures_trip_report-Dolpo_Karnali_Zone_Mid_Western_R.html

Lower Dolpo Trip Cost Includes

• Kathmandu hotel as per itinerary breakfast and taxes,
• Nepalgunj Hotel before flying to Dolpo, Dunai,
• One welcome meal with staff,
• National Park Entry fee, Local Municipal Entry Fee,
• Special area permit fee from immigraiton office,
• Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and back flight fare of you and guide
• Dunai to Dunai trekking period : Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea or coffee at the time of meal
• One tea break in a day tea or coffee, drinking water (boiled or treated)
• Accommodation: single or double room in local home lodges or Tent
• Porter to carry luggage, extra bag
• Guide entire trip from Kathmandu back to Kathamndu
• Insurance, equipment, bonus, wages for local staff
• Airport pick up and drop

Lower Dolpo Trip Cost Doesn’t Include

• Hotel change or upgrade if applicable in Kathmandu
• Extra porter if required for a specific purpose such as filming, etc
• Additional day trek charge in the case of itinerary change or dates added
• Your travel, rescue, medical insurances,
• Meals in Kathmandu except for hotel breakfast and welcome meal
• Bottled drinking water, and beverages other than tea / coffee during meals
• Hot shower
• Special meals other than mentioned on printed menu, special desert
• Any meals taken outside the lodge stayed
• Personal expenses such as shopping, tipping, donation, offering, etc
• Anything that’s not mentioned under the cost includes section above