Lower Dolpo Trek
Dolpo is Nepal’s largest, most isolated, and least developed area. In the past, it was explored and discovered by a few geographers and anthropologists. However, when it was open for trekker's from1989, it became the remote trekking destination in Nepal. In addition, "The Snow Leopard" and "The Himalayan Pilgrimage" of David Snellgrove's book and Eric Valle's Oscar-nominated movie "Himalaya" (Caravan) exposed Dolpo in the international arena. Since then, foreigners start to visit Dolpo for trekking and expedition.
As the Dolpo is the largest district of Nepal, it is divided into three parts Lower Dolpo, Middle Dolpo, and Lower Dolpo in terms of its geographical variation. The Lower Dolpo Trek passes various monstrous mountain ranges. Most of Lower Dolpo treks starts from Lower Dolpo Trek to Dho Tarap or Phoksundo lake.
This article is designed to provide complete information and a guide to the lower Dolpo trek.
How to Get to Lower Dolpo?
How long does it take to complete Lower Dolpo Trek?
What is the price to trek to Lower Dolpo?
When to trek to Lower Dolpo?
Spring Season: MAR – APRL – MAY
Monsoon season: JUN – JUL – AUG
Fall: SEP – OCT -NOV
How Difficult is Lower Dolpo trek?
Does It Safe For Trekking?
Some FAQs for Lower Dolpo Trek
Conclusions
How to Get to Lower Dolpo?
There are many ways to get Kathmandu to Dolpo. Suppose you want to take a long way from Radi, direct bus to Radi from Kathmandu, and requires to change the jeep from one place to another to get Dunai. Another option for Kathmandu to Dolpo is a flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj. The porters will carry your baggage, and the guide will take proper care of you during the trek. Another way to get in Lower Dolpo is to trek from Beni to Lower Dolpo via Dhorpatan and trek from Jumla to Lower Dolpo via Bharbhare Lagna.
How long does it take to complete Lower Dolpo Trek?
The trek’s duration to complete the Lower Dolpo Trek varies according to the starting point of the trek. The Lower Dolpo trek ranges from 7 days to 35 days long. For example, the lower Dolpo trek from Jumla is 9 days. Phoksundo nature trek is 7 days. And if you start from Beni to Lower Dolpo then 2 weeks and more. So depends on which route you have chosen.
What is the price to trek to Lower Dolpo?
There are various Lower Dolpo treks and the cost of the Lower Dolpo trek depends upon the packages offered by the trekking company. The Lower Dolpo trek cost includes the price of flights, food, accommodation, insurance, gear, and the expense of hiring a guide and others.
The airfare from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj costs around $188, and Nepalgunj to Juphal is $177, respectively. But we are advised you to have some additional days if the weather does not allow you to fly or for any unforeseen causes.
If you have quite enough time, and you feel comfortable traveling off-road then you may take the route Lower Dolpo trekking via Radi, and there is no flight cost applied. And there are no tourist hotels and food. You have to adjust to basic lodges and food.
The lower Dolpo trek permit cost is US$20 for the first 7 days and then US$ 5 per day. It obtains from the immigration department and applies through the registered trekking agency — similarly, the fees of guides and porters range from US$22 to US$45 per day basis.
There might be some miscellaneous costs like buying some souvenirs from the folks, tipping to guide, crew members, and others. Generally, the Lower Dolpo Trekking package begins from US$1200 and may price up to US$4000 depending on the duration of your trip, the number of groups, and the Lower Dolpo trekking package you choose.
The price includes your accommodation, meals, guide, crew members, and your domestic airfare in the Lower Dolpo Trekking package.
When to do Lower Dolpo trek?
Doing Lower Dolpo Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Lower Dolpo region is sparsely populated and one of the isolated and remote regions in Nepal which are located mainly a rain-shadow area located behind the giant Dhaulagiri and Kanjiruwa massif. Here are the pros and cons according to the seasons that we generally organized. So you may do what is right for you.
Spring Season: MAR – APRL – MAY-JUN
Trekking in the spring season is ideal anywhere in the world. Flora and Fauna, whatever the creature in the universe dormant all winter, spring back to life, feeding and breeding in the warm temps. But a place like Lower Dolpo trekking in this season makes it difficult due to snows over the pass if there is heavy snowfall during winter. Trekking in the Lower Dolpo region during the monsoon depends upon how much snowfall during winter. If there is heavy snowfall during winter, we may face getting into Lower Dolpo crossing the high pass which may lead to diverting your Dolpo itineraries. In addition, you will get a chance to see local people picking Yarsagumba along the trail.
Monsoon season: JUL – AUG
Trekking during the monsoon season is not ideal all around the world. But Nepal is known as the country for trekkers' paradise where intrepid travelers can do trekking in the summer season. Moreover, the western part of Nepal, such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, and many other western frontiers are located in the rain-shadow areas, where only minimal rainfall even in monsoon. During this time, the high passes are snow-free, green, and blanketed by alpine flora and the landscapes are verdant. But, there is a high possibility of flight cancellation getting into Juphal due to the cloudy weather and heavy rainfall.
Fall: SEP – OCT –NOV
Perhaps autumn is the best period for trekking in Nepal, especially crowded in Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest region. After the summer monsoons, the clear and blue skies offer many wonderful scenic views sparkling nature and massif Himalayas. Additionally, the fall harvest times are also a great opportunity for you to mingle with the locals, many beautiful villages, and communities during the Lower Dolpo trek.
How difficult is the Lower Dolpo trek?
In terms of the level of difficulty, obviously, Lower Dolpo Trek is challenging with at least 2-3 high passes above 5000m and long trekking hours. But not as hard as Lower Dolpo trekking. However, the Lower Dolpo trek journey is feasible for those people who are physically and mentally fit.
Does It Safe For Trekking?
Well, trekking in the Lower Dolpo region is the safer trek in Nepal, because of its plain landscape and good trail. Most of the Lower Dolpo trek route passes through beautiful villages of Lower Dolpo and Middler Dolpo.
Some FAQs for Lower Dolpo Trek
How much does it cost for Lower Dolpo?
The Lower Dolpo Trek cost may differ depending on the services, the number of groups, and the trip duration you have chosen. Basically, it may vary from US$1200 to US$4000 per person for Lower Dolpo Trek is all-inclusive.
How long does the Lower Dolpo Trek?
There are various itineraries for the Lower Dolpo trek. Usually, it takes 14 to 21 days to complete the entire circuit.
What is the difficulty level of Lower Dolpo Trek?
Trek to Lower Dolpo is more challenging. Normal trek hours for the Lower Dolpo trek take 4 to 9 hours each day. Thus, excellent physical condition, patients, and mountain experience are required in order to complete the Lower Dolpo trek. Having said that, the first-time trekker also can do the Lower Dolpo trek.
What are the attractions of Lower Dolpo Trek?
The attractions of the Lower Dolpo are:
- Multiple 5000m plus high passes
- The barren landscape and beautiful hamlets in the foothills of silver shining mountains
- Magical and mystic 'Phoksundo Lake'
- Age-old Bon and Buddhist monasteries
- Dolpo Pa culture and friendly people
- Wondrous camping experience along with the picturesque lands.
What is the best time to trek to Lower Dolpo?
The best time to trek to Lower Dolpo is from May to mid-November. But sometime in July and August, due to the monsoon in Nepal, getting through a flight from Nepalgunj makes a problem. The ideal and best time for Lower Dolpo Trek is September and October.
Lists of Lower Dolpo Trek Packages
Here are a few Lower Dolpo trek packages that we Himalayan Companion offering:
Lower Dolpo Trekking Map
There are several Lower Dolpo Trekking maps are available in the market. For more detail, you can refer to our Dolpo Trekking Map blog.
Conclusions
Lower Dolpo treks are really extraordinary treks in Nepal. Hence, in order to fulfill your dreams of trekking in such a wonderland "Lower Dolpo" this complete guide has helped you to make an idea for Lower Dolpo Trek. If you would be really keen and fit for the Lower Dolpo trek, then let us know further and we are here to companionship for your holiday.
