Lower Dolpo Trek from Jhuphal - 18 Days

Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at hotel.

This day you will prepare for the trekking. We will need passports and VISA details to prepare for Special Restricted Area Permit in Lower Dolpo Region. In the meantime, clients will have free day in Kathmandu, possible to explore around heritage sites or prepare for trekking. Stay overnight at hotel.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: A historic royal palace complex showcasing traditional Newari architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural heritage in the heart of Kathmandu.
• Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple): A sacred hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of Kathmandu and revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhism and a serene place for circumambulation and prayer.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, known for open cremation ghats and spiritual rituals.

This day we will have breakfast at the hotel and get ready to begin the trek. In the afternoon we will drive from hotel to Kathmandu TIA airport. We will have 1 hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, if weather is clear we can see beautiful mountain range of Lanagtang, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas. Nepalgunj is one of the Terai regions of Nepal and is closer to Indian border and temperature is quite hot / warm. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Today we will take early morning flight to Juphal (2440 m), which takes about 45 minutes.

Juphal is a small mountain airstrip located in the Dolpa District of western Nepal. It serves as the main gateway to the Upper and Lower Dolpo regions. Upon landing in Jhuphal, meet your porters, yak man, and then prepare to begin the first day of Upper Dolpo Trek. 

The trek from Jhuphal to Dunai takes about 3-4 hours of walking. Today's trail descends gradually through terraced fields and traditional villages, following the Thuli Bheri River. You will pass through the remote villages and terraced farmland, passing through scenic landscapes with views of rolling hills and deep valleys.

Dunai is the main town and administrative center of Dolpa district, offering lodges, guesthouses, small shops, and basic medical facilities. Stay overnight at lodge. 

The trek begins with a steady walk out of Dunai, following the trail alongside the Thuli Bheri River. As you ascend gradually, the terrain transitions from river valleys and scattered pine forests to more open hillsides. The trail passes a few small settlements and cultivated fields before reaching Beluwa (2,545 m), a quiet and scenic village surrounded by terraced farmlands. This is one of the last places with basic lodging before entering the wilder, more remote sections of the Dolpo region. Overnight at camp or a basic lodge.

Leaving Beluwa, the trail climbs steadily along forested ridges and follows the Suli Gad River upstream. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote, with fewer settlements and denser pine and juniper forests. The path features narrow stretches, wooden bridges, and occasional waterfalls. After several uphill sections, you arrive at Laina Odar (3,370 m) — a quiet cliff-side campsite with dramatic views, often used by mule caravans and trekkers as a resting point before entering deeper Dolpo. Overnight at tented camp.

Today’s trek continues along a narrow and rugged trail beside the Tarap Khola (river), passing through deep gorges, cliffs, and occasional stone shelters used by yak herders. The path includes a mix of gradual ascents and steeper uphill climbs with sections carved into rock faces, offering both adventure and dramatic scenery. You’ll cross several small wooden bridges and pass under high cliffs as the trail weaves through one of the most secluded parts of the region. Arrive at Langa Camp (3,870 m) — a quiet riverside campsite nestled in a high alpine valley. Overnight at tented camp.

Today's trail today follows the upper stretches of the Tarap Khola through a stunning gorge with dramatic cliffs and rocky formations. As you move higher, the gorge widens and the valley opens into broad alpine meadows, signaling your approach to Dho-Tarap — one of the highest and most culturally significant villages in the Dolpo region. The final stretch is gentle, leading through cultivated fields, scattered chortens, and mani walls.
Dho-Tarap (3,944 m) is a beautiful stone-built village where Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions co-exist. The area is dotted with ancient monasteries, including Ribo Bhumpa Gompa and Drakmar Dewa, and offers rich cultural encounters with the local Dolpo-pa people. Overnight at tented camp or a basic lodge.

Take a well-earned rest day in the beautiful highland village of Dho-Tarap, a culturally rich and spiritually significant settlement in the Dolpo region. Spend the day exploring the village’s ancient Buddhist and Bonpo monasteries, visiting traditional homes, and observing local life rooted in centuries-old Tibetan customs. This is also an ideal spot to acclimatize before the upcoming high passes.

You may take a short hike to nearby Ribo Bhumpa Gompa or enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. The rest day also allows for some relaxation and recovery before the physically demanding days ahead. Overnight at camp or basic lodge.

This day after having breakfast in the morning prepare to trek towards Numa La Base Camp which takes about 6-7 hours of walking. 

Leaving the village of Dho-Tarap, the trail ascends gradually along the Tarap Khola valley, passing through open meadows, yak grazing areas, and scattered chortens. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren. The final stretch involves a steady climb to reach Numa La Base Camp (4,440 m), situated in a broad high-altitude valley beneath the imposing Numa La Pass. This is a remote and windswept campsite, ideal for acclimatization before crossing the pass the next day. Overnight at tented camp.

Today is one of the most demanding yet rewarding days of the trek. Begin with an early morning ascent to the Numa La Pass (5,238 m) — the highest point of the Lower Dolpo via Dhorpatan route. The climb is steep and strenuous, but the views from the top are spectacular, offering sweeping panoramas of the Dolpo and Dhaulagiri ranges.

After enjoying the high mountain vistas, descend carefully through rocky slopes and alpine meadows to reach Danigar (4,512 m), a scenic campsite nestled in a wide valley surrounded by rugged cliffs and grazing pastures. Overnight at tented camp.

Today is another challenging but visually stunning day. The trek begins with a tough ascent to the Bagala Pass (5,169 m), one of the highest and most scenic points of the journey. The trail climbs through rocky terrain and scree slopes, often exposed to strong winds. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Kanjiroba, the Dolpo valleys, and distant Himalayan ranges.

After crossing the pass, a steep descent leads down into lush alpine meadows and then into forested terrain as you approach Ringmo village, situated on the shore of the stunning Phoksundo Lake (3,641 m) — Nepal’s deepest and one of its most beautiful lakes. The turquoise-blue water and dramatic cliffs make this a perfect place to unwind. Overnight at a lodge or camp near the lake.

Rest day in Ringmo allows us to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings of this traditional Tibetan-style village. The highlight of the area is the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, with its mesmerizing turquoise-blue waters. We can take short hikes around the lake, visit the ancient Bonpo monastery nearby, and learn about the unique Bon Buddhist culture practiced in the region. The peaceful environment, with prayer flags fluttering and the lake reflecting the surrounding mountains, makes it a perfect place to unwind and acclimatize before continuing the trek.

Phoksundo Lake, located at an altitude of 3,611 meters in the heart of the Dolpo region, is one of Nepal’s most spectacular natural wonders. Known for its stunning turquoise-blue waters, it is the deepest lake in Nepal and holds significant spiritual importance for the local Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist communities. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, the lake’s pristine environment supports rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and blue sheep.

This day after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to trek towards Chekpa which takes about 6-7 hours of walking.

Today’s trail descends steadily from the shores of Phoksundo Lake through forested valleys and terraced fields. The route passes traditional villages and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills. As you approach Chekpa (2,678 m), the landscape becomes more temperate, with warmer air and greener surroundings. This village is a quiet stopover point with basic lodge facilities. Overnight at lodge or camp.

This day after having breakfast in the morning prepare to trek towards Juphal which takes about 5-6 hours of walking.

Today’s trek follows a gentle descent along forested trails and river valleys toward Juphal, the gateway village to Lower Dolpo. The path is mostly downhill with occasional flat sections, passing through traditional settlements and lush landscapes. Juphal has a small airstrip and basic guesthouses, serving as a key hub before flights to Nepalgunj. Overnight at lodge or camp.

This day after having breakfast in the morning prepare to fly towards Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. The flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj is of 30 minutes and again upon arriving in Nepalgunj, another flight to Kathmandu of 1 hour. Stay overnight at hotel. 

Today is your last day in Kathmandu before departure. At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.