The Lower Dolpo Trek takes you to turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake—Nepal's deepest. Cross high passes, discover ancient Bon-po culture, and trek pristine wilderness visited by fewer than 100 people yearly. Your ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure awaits.
Discover the Untouched Wilderness of Lower Dolpo Trek
The Lower Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich trekking routes, offering an extraordinary adventure through pristine landscapes that few tourists ever experience. Located within the expansive Shey Phoksundo National Park in Western Nepal, this 18-day Lower Dolpo Trek takes you to the magnificent Shey Phoksundo Lake—the deepest lake in Nepal at 145 meters deep—and reveals the ancient Bon-po culture preserved in hidden Himalayan valleys.
If you're looking for remote trekking Nepal has to offer, off the beaten trail Nepal adventures, or a restricted region trek Nepal experience, the Lower Dolpo Trek is your perfect destination.
Why Choose Lower Dolpo Trek in 2026?
Unique Selling Points
| Feature | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Shey Phoksundo Lake | Deepest lake in Nepal (3,611m elevation) [primary highlight] |
| Bon-po Culture | Ancient pre-Buddhist Tibetan culture still practiced today |
| Remote Wilderness | Less than 100 trekkers per year—truly off the beaten trail Nepal |
| Himalayan Desert | Unique rain-shadow landscape unlike any other Western Nepal trekking destination |
| High Mountain Passes | Cross Numa La pass (5,190m) and Baga La pass (5,070m) |
| Tibetan Buddhist Culture | Authentic monasteries and traditional villages |
The Lower Dolpo Trek 2026 season is now open for bookings. With fewer crowds and pristine wilderness trek opportunities, 2026 is the perfect time to experience this hidden valleys Nepal adventure.
Lower Dolpo Trek 18 Days Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Juphal (2,475m)
- Day 3: Trek to Dunai (2,280m)
- Day 4: Trek to Chorkaring Syanji (3,090m)
- Day 5: Trek to Kagmari (3,300m)
- Day 6: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) — Shey Phoksundo Lake trek highlight!
- Day 7: Acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake
- Day 8: Trek to Ringmo Village (3,460m)
- Day 9: Trek to Shey Gompa (4,130m) — ancient monastery with Bon culture Nepal heritage
- Day 10: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m) to Bunang (4,200m)
- Day 11: Trek to Khaba (3,800m)
- Day 12: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m) to Trigyang (3,650m)
- Day 13: Trek to Cyclap (3,700m)
- Day 14: Trek to Juphal (2,475m)
- Day 15: Fly to Nepalgunj, then Kathmandu
- Day 16-18: Buffer days for flight delays or extended exploration
This Lower Dolpo Trek 18 days itinerary is carefully designed for proper acclimatization while maximizing your Dolpo region trek experience.
Lower Dolpo Trek Cost and Price Breakdown
Lower Dolpo Trek 18 days itinerary cost Estimate (2026):
| Package Type | Price Per Person | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Group Joining | $2,800–$3,200 | Guide, permits, flights, accommodation, meals |
| Private Trek | $3,500–$4,200 | Personal guide, porters, upgraded accommodation |
| Budget Option | $2,200–$2,600 | Basic service, shared accommodation |
What's Included: Lower Dolpo Trek permit requirements 2026 (Restricted Area Permit + National Park entry), round-trip flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu), experienced English-speaking guide, porter service (2 passengers per porter), all meals during trek, accommodation in teahouses/lodges, first-aid kit and emergency evacuation insurance, all government taxes and agency service charges.
What's NOT Included: International flights and Nepal visa fee, travel insurance (mandatory for restricted region trek Nepal), personal gear and equipment, tips for guide and porters, bottled water and alcoholic beverages.
Lower Dolpo Trek Permit Requirements 2026
Since Lower Dolpo is a restricted region trek Nepal, you need special permits:
- Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit — $500 per person for first 10 days, $50 per person per day after 10 days. Must be arranged through registered trekking agency. Minimum 2 passengers required.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit — NPR 3,000 per person (approximately $25), valid for entire trek duration.
- TIMS Card — NPR 2,000 per person (approximately $17).
Important: You cannot obtain these permits independently. A licensed trekking agency must arrange them, which is why booking with Global Nepal Treks is essential.
Lower Dolpo Trek Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Weather Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Mild temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, clear skies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best time |
| Autumn | September–November | Stable weather, excellent mountain views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best time |
| Summer | June–August | Monsoon rain, slippery trails, leeches | ⭐⭐ Not recommended |
| Winter | December–February | Snow at high passes, very cold | ⭐⭐⭐ Possible but challenging |
Lower Dolpo Trek vs Upper Dolpo Difference
| Feature | Lower Dolpo Trek | Upper Dolpo Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 18 days | 25–28 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate–Challenging | Challenging–Strenuous |
| Highest Point | Numa La (5,190m) | Kang La (5,399m) |
| Main Attraction | Phoksundo Lake | Shey Gompa, Snowmen Peak |
| Permit Cost | $500/10 days | $500/10 days |
| Crowds | Very few (100/year) | Extremely rare (50/year) |
| Cost | $2,800–$4,200 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Best For | First-time Dolpo visitors | Experienced trekkers |
Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty Level: What to Expect
The Lower Dolpo Trek difficulty level is moderate to challenging, suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Daily hiking: 5–7 hours on average
- Highest elevation: 5,190m at Numa La pass
- Acclimatization: Built into 18-day itinerary
- Terrain: Rocky trails, steep ascents/descents, high mountain passes
- Accommodation: Basic teahouses (shared rooms, simple facilities)
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek: The Highlight of Your Journey
Shey Phoksundo Lake is the crown jewel of the Lower Dolpo Trek. At 3,611m elevation, this turquoise lake is the deepest lake in Nepal with a maximum depth of 145 meters.
- Color: Stunning turquoise blue changing with seasons
- Surroundings: Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks
- Culture: Sacred to both Bon-po and Buddhist traditions
- Wilderness: Completely untouched by human development
- Photography: World-class landscape photography opportunities
Ancient Bon Culture Nepal and Bon-po Culture Trek Experience
One of the most unique aspects of the Lower Dolpo Trek is experiencing Bon-po culture, the ancient pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion still practiced in Dolpo.
- Shey Gompa: Ancient monastery (400+ years old) with Bon-po heritage
- Traditional Villages: Ringmo, Chunigham, and Shay preserve authentic lifestyles
- Prayer Flags & Manis: Thousands of stone prayer walls along trails
- Local Customs: Distinct from mainstream Buddhist Nepal
- Tibetan Influence: Strong cultural ties to Tibet across the border
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Lower Dolpo Trek 18 days itinerary cost for 2026?
A: The cost ranges from $2,800–$4,200 per person depending on package type and group size.
Q: What are the Lower Dolpo Trek permit requirements 2026?
A: You need a Restricted Area Permit ($500/10 days), Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit (NPR 3,000), and TIMS card (NPR 2,000).
Q: What is the Lower Dolpo Trek best time to visit?
A: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when weather is stable and trails are dry.
Q: What is the Lower Dolpo Trek difficulty level?
A: Moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Q: What is the Lower Dolpo Trek vs Upper Dolpo difference?
A: Lower Dolpo is 18 days, reaches 5,190m, costs less, and is more accessible. Upper Dolpo is more remote and challenging.
Q: How do I arrange Lower Dolpo Trek from Kathmandu?
A: Book through Global Nepal Treks, who will handle all logistics including permits, flights, guide, porters, accommodation, and meals.
Visit globalnepaltreks.com →
Expert local guides | All permits arranged | Customized itineraries | 24/7 support
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