Lower Dolpo Trek via Dhorpatan

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.

Today after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to depart for Lower Dolpo Trek via Dhorpatan. At first you will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 25 minute scenic flight to the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara.

Upon arrival in Pokhara get ready to drive towards Dhorpatan whcih takes about 7-8 hours. The drive from Pokhara to Dhorpatan via Burtibang takes you from the west region through scenic hills and river valleys and a rural town marking the gateway to the Dhorpatan region. From Burtibang, the road ascends steadily into the highlands, passing terraced fields and forested ridges before arriving at Dhorpatan (2870 m) — a serene alpine valley within the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Overnight at camp or basic lodge.

This day after having breakfast in the morning prepare to trek towards Thankur via Pagune Lekh cross which takes about 8-9 hours of walking. 

Today’s trek begins with a steady uphill climb through alpine forests and yak pastures leading to Pagune Lekh (3,915 m), a scenic ridge offering excellent mountain views. After a break at the pass, the trail descends steeply through highland meadows and remote terrain to reach the village of Thankur (3,175 m). This is a long and strenuous day, so an early start is essential. Overnight at tented camp.

This day after having breakfast prepare to trek towards Pelma whcih takes about 7-8 hours of walking. 

Today’s trail descends from the high-altitude village of Thankur through mixed forest and river valleys. The route follows rugged trails with some river crossings and gentle ascents and descents before arriving at Pelma (2,425 m), a small settlement nestled in the lower Dolpo region. The descent provides relief after the previous day’s high pass crossing, but the distance makes it a full day of trekking. Overnight at camp.

This day after having breakfast in the lodge, prepare to trek towards Dhule whcih takes about 7-8 hours of walking. 

Today you ascend steadily from Pelma into higher alpine terrain, crossing ridges and valleys with scenic mountain views. The trail passes through mixed forests and yak grazing areas before reaching Dhule (3,410 m), a remote village surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks. This day involves a challenging climb, so pace yourself accordingly. Overnight at camp.

This day after having breakfast prepare to trek towards Phuphal Phedi which takes about 7-8 hours of walking.

Today’s trek ascends gradually through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, passing yak grazing areas and occasional scattered settlements. The trail gains altitude steadily as you approach Phuphal Phedi (3,940 m), a high camp area nestled below the surrounding ridges. This section offers expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Overnight camping near Phuphal Phedi.

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

Today’s trek involves a steady ascent through remote highland terrain. The trail passes across rocky ridges, scree slopes, and alpine pastures as you gradually gain elevation en route to Purbang (4,065 m). The landscapes become increasingly barren and dramatic, with snow-dusted peaks and wide mountain valleys surrounding your path. Purbang serves as a base before the major pass crossing the next day. Overnight at tented camp.

This day after having breakfast in the early morning prepare to trek towards Beluwa via Jangla Pass which takes about 9 hours of walking. 

A long and demanding day begins with a steep ascent to Jangla La Pass (4535 m), the first major high pass of the trek. The climb is tough but rewarding, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Dolpo region and distant Himalayan peaks. After crossing the pass, the trail descends sharply through rocky ridges and forested sections into the warmer, lower-altitude region of Beluwa (2,545 m). The dramatic change in landscape and altitude makes this one of the most varied and scenic days of the trek. Overnight at camp.

After several challenging trekking days, today is reserved for rest and recovery. Spend the day exploring the peaceful surroundings of Beluwa, a culturally rich and serene settlement nestled in the lower valleys of Dolpo. Optional short hikes around the village offer views of terraced fields, forests, and distant hills. Overnight at camp.

Today after having breakfast prepare to trek towards Nawarpani whcih takes about 8-9 hours of walking.

Leaving Beluwa, the trail ascends steadily through dense forests, narrow valleys, and river crossings as you head deeper into the Dolpo region. The route becomes increasingly remote with fewer settlements, offering a true wilderness experience. After a long and gradual climb, you reach Nawarpani (3,475 m), a common camping area set beside a glacial stream. This is a high-altitude campsite, so staying warm and hydrated is essential. Overnight at tented camp.

This day after having breakfast in the morning, prepare to trek towards Langa Camp which takes about 8-9 hours of walking. 

Today’s trek takes you further into the heart of Lower Dolpo along remote and rugged trails. The route follows the river valley with gradual elevation gain, occasional steep sections, and narrow cliffside paths. As you approach Langa Camp (3,870 m), the landscape shifts into high alpine terrain, offering increasingly dramatic views of surrounding peaks and barren hillsides. Langa Camp is a quiet, scenic campsite surrounded by rocky outcrops and open sky. Overnight at tented camp.

This day after having breakfast prepare to trek towards Dho Tarap which takes about 8 hours of walking. 

Today’s trek continues through the scenic Dolpo valley, following a gradually rising trail along the river and through arid hills and canyons. The route passes occasional chortens, mani walls, and grazing pastures before reaching the culturally significant village of Dho-Tarap (3,944 m) — one of the highest human settlements in the world. This village is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, traditional stone houses, and people still living in harmony with age-old customs. Overnight at tented camp or local 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.

Overnight at lodge.

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. 

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu after your adventurous trek. Use this time to relax, explore the vibrant city at your own pace, or visit some of Kathmandu’s iconic cultural and historical sites such as Patan Durbar Square, Pharping or the Thamel shopping district. It’s also a great opportunity to try local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind before your departure. Overnight at your 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.