Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

Trip Duration

16 days

Trip Grade

Hard

Highest Altitude

5,238 m

Accommodation

Teahouse/Lodge, Tented Camp

Transportation

Bus/Car

Group Size

2-10

Best Season

Autumn, Spring

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Overview

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek, located in one of Nepal’s most isolated regions. So, It provides daring travelers with a singular and captivating tour through a region unspoiled by modernity. This extraordinary walk reaches deep within the Dolpo region, where you can find untamed landscapes and traditional Tibetan culture.

Lower Dolpo offers a beautiful tapestry of scenery that will captivate you. From snow-capped peaks to dry deserts, tumbling waterfalls to clear lakes, it showcases a diverse and breathtaking landscape. Moreover, Dolpo, which lies in the western region of Nepal, which wasn’t accessible to outside trekkers until the late 1980s. As a result, travelers embarking on a trek through Dolpo have the opportunity to step back in time and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.  The restricted access to this region has contributed to its pristine charm, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an untouched and timeless culture.

Furthermore, For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a chance to immerse themselves in a distinctive cultural and natural surroundings, the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is the ideal option. The journey commences in Juphal, a small airstrip located in the Dolpo district. Travelers can easily reach Juphal by taking a short flight from Nepalgunj. The road from Juphal meanders through historic trade routes, isolated settlements, and breathtaking valleys.

Furthermore, while hiking through the beautiful woods of pine, oak, and rhododendron, you will come across a variety of animals.  Among them are the elusive snow leopard and the critically endangered musk deer. The captivating Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. It is a deep blue gem set within the gorgeous Himalayas.

Trekkers can find peace and quiet at this holy lake. It is bordered by stony cliffs and offers a bizarre image. Moreover, there are numerous possibilities to explore the distinctive culture and traditions of the area during the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek. So, You will see the Dolpo people’s daily activities as you travel through traditional Tibetan villages. That’s why the people of Dolpo maintained their ancient Buddhist practices and continue to live in harmony with the hard yet beautiful surroundings.

Highlights of Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is a popular trek in the Dolpo region of Nepal that takes hikers on a loop through the remote and isolated region of Lower Dolpo. Here are some highlights of the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek:

  • Stunning mountain scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu.
  • Cultural experiences: The trek passes through several traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages, giving hikers the opportunity to learn about local culture and way of life.
  • Unique flora and fauna: The Dolpo region is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and many species of birds and mammals.
  • Physical challenge: The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is a challenging trek, with several steep ascents and descents. It is suitable for fit and experienced hikers.
  • Scenic views: The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, and terraced fields.
  • Relaxation and rejuvenation: The trek provides an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature in a peaceful and serene setting.
  • Unique experience: The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is a less crowded and less frequently visited trek compared to other popular treks in Nepal, making it a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Trip Map

Best season to visit

Dolpo Region entirely lies in the Rain shadow area which makes Monsoon season (June- September) the best time to trek Dolpo. Its favorable temperature and especially a festival called Tiji is celebrated during this time which makes it more ideal season. Moreover, spring and autumn is also one of the best time to trek Dolpo. You can see the clear atmosphere, and blue sky during this time.

Packing List

Clothing and equipment 

Woolen t shirts/shirts  Backpack
Thermal top/bottoms  Passport
Fleece jacket  Passport size photographs
Down jacket  Permit and travel insurance
Raincoat  Suns cream and lip balm
Underwear  Travel towel
Trekking trousers  Wash kit
Sleeping trousers  Safety kit
Hiking shorts  Power bank
Water proof pants  Summer/winter hat
Daypack  Buff/bandana
Sleeping bag  Water bottles and water purifier
Hiking boots  Trekking poles
Hiking shocks  Charger/adapter
Camp shoes  Money/cash
Gloves and beanies  Camera

 

Dates of Trip

PRICE
DEPARTURE DATE
TRIP STATUS
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
March 1, 2023 - March 16, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
March 17, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
April 2, 2023 - April 17, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
April 18, 2023 - May 3, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
May 4, 2023 - May 19, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
May 20, 2023 - June 4, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
June 5, 2023 - June 20, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
June 21, 2023 - July 6, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
July 7, 2023 - July 22, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
July 23, 2023 - August 7, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
August 8, 2023 - August 23, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
August 24, 2023 - September 8, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
September 9, 2023 - September 24, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
September 25, 2023 - October 10, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
October 11, 2023 - October 26, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
October 27, 2023 - November 11, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
November 12, 2023 - November 27, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
November 28, 2023 - December 13, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
December 14, 2023 - December 29, 2023
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
December 30, 2023 - January 14, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
January 15, 2024 - January 30, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
January 31, 2024 - February 15, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
February 16, 2024 - March 2, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
March 3, 2024 - March 18, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
March 19, 2024 - April 3, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
April 4, 2024 - April 19, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
April 20, 2024 - May 5, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
May 6, 2024 - May 21, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
May 22, 2024 - June 6, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
June 7, 2024 - June 22, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
June 23, 2024 - July 8, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
July 9, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
July 25, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
August 10, 2024 - August 25, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
August 26, 2024 - September 10, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
September 11, 2024 - September 26, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
September 27, 2024 - October 12, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
October 13, 2024 - October 28, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
October 29, 2024 - November 13, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
November 14, 2024 - November 29, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
November 30, 2024 - December 15, 2024
Guaranteed
1110

450Save 660

16 Days
December 16, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Guaranteed

Group Discount Prices

No. of Persons
Price per Person
1 Persons
2 Persons
3-5 Persons
6-9 Persons
10-14 Persons
15-17 Persons
17-25 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperature and weather
The average temperature in Lower Dolpo ranges from 14-20 degree Celsius. In winter the temperature rises from -3 to -11 degree Celsius. Winter season can be extremely cold and receive lots of snowfall. However, it is comparatively warmer in summer.
Food and accommodation
Accommodation - Lower Dolpo is one of the most remote part of Nepal. There is no proper facilities of transportation and communications along with lodges and hotels. In only few places you can luckily find teahouses run by local people there. Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is more of a camping trek. You need to be ready to camp overnight if you don’t find any teahouses. Food- it is quite similar with foods also. Not much varieties are available. Being highly influenced by Tibet, you can find some Tibetan dishes along with Nepali traditional food Dal, Bhat, and vegetables.
Transportation
Bus- you can take a bus from Kathmandu to jumla via Surkhet and you need to trek from jumla to Dolpo. Or you can also take a private jeep from Kathmandu to jumla. Or you can go from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and again take flight from Nepalgunj. Airplane- airway transportation is available from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj which takes 55 minutes. From Nepalgunj you can take another flight to Dolpo airport Jhupal) which takes 35 minutes. Or you can also take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla which takes 35 minutes and trek from jumla to enter Dolpo.
Communication and electronics
Dolpo being very remote part of Nepal, there is no electricity provided in many parts. However you can luckily get electricity in very few places to charge your electronics. Wi-Fi service is available in Shey Phoksundo area only. That is why, you need to take extra batteries and power banks with you.
Permits/fee
Every trekkers entering Dolpo district needs a special permit since the entire Dolpo is a regulated zone. Shey Phoksundo National Park entry Permit- this permit will cost you 27-30 $ (3000NRS). Lower Dolpo Restricted area permit- it is required to everyone travelling to Dolpo district. It cost you 20$ (2000 NRS) Upper Dolpo restricted area permit- this permit takes 40$ to those who needs lower Dolpo permit.
Guides/porters
Guides and porters are very important part of this trek. Dolpo region is very remote place, only handful of people visit this place. You may not have enough idea and knowledge about the directions, villages and tourist spots. Guides can lead you through all of this. They might charge you around 30- 35$ per day. Porters are available to help you carry your belongings however they must not exceed 20 kilos. So you can share one porter for two people. They might charge you around 25-30$ per day.
Safety/fitness
Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is certainly among the difficult one, however it depends on which route you take and how long it is. You have to walk for 6-7 hours per day at least for 25-27 days. It is mandatory to have high level of fitness so that you can enjoy your journey without any difficulties. You need to practice light exercise, running, jogging and build your muscle strength before your journey starts. Even though it is lower Dolpo it lies at the elevation of 5200m, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. You have to more careful than ever, stay hydrated throughout your journey, eat nutritional food, and check your oxygen level time to time and walk slowly so that you can adjust with increasing heights. If you ever feel any symptoms of altitude sickness like nausea, increased heart rates, breathing difficulties etc. you need to talk to your guide, your friends or anyone near you.
Other requirements
Insurance policy- high mountains are not the kind of places you want to travel without insurance policy. Travel insurance has become the part of trekking requirements. If you ever have some medical emergencies your travel insurance will have to bear it and that is why you need to mention the details about the places you are going and altitudes you will be reaching. Valid visas/passports – all foreigners except Indians are required to have valid visa and passports to enter Nepal. The visa application will need the passport having minimum 6 months of validation along with your passport size photo. You will receive your visa upon your arrival at tribhuwan international airport

Booking Details


  • A detailed certificate from marvelMarvel Treks and Expedition (after accomplishment)
  • A complimentary raincoat to shed you during the rainy season. (returnable)
  • A Complimentary Duffel Bag throughout the trek from our company. (returnable)
  • A warm complimentary Down Jacket during the entire trek on behalf of Marvel Treks. (returnable)
  • A complimentary sleeping bag for your icy trek. (returnable)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trek.
  • The essential climbing gear like mountain axe, trekking sticks, etc, for your need throughout the trek. (returnable)
  • Delightful complimentary Authentic Nepali cuisine as dinner to embark on your arrival and departure
  • Critical complimentary First Aid Service (in times of need)
  • An informative trekking map for you to cherish on behalf of our company
  • Trendy Sunhat and t-shirt as souvenirs on behalf of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the crucial services about airport transfer to and from the hotel via a private tourist vehicle ($40)
  • TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management Systems )($10)
  • National park entry fees / ACAP permits / Conservation entry fees. ( $30)
  • All essential local tax and, office service charges Gov tax ($100 )
  •  Lower Dolpo Special Permit ($55)
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Kathmandu hotel or similar) ($40)
  • Porter Guide ($560)

  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for all the Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra nights in any city that’s not accommodated in the itinerary of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the International flight checks and airfares.
  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
  • Additional porter fees along with tips for guides and porters.
  • Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
  • Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
  • Tips for our staff’s drivers.
Price: US$835 per person

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

$835.00 $835.00,

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