Lower Dolpo
Trans-Himalayan trek to Phoksundo Lake. Restricted area; cheaper than Upper Dolpo but equally remote.
Overview
The Lower Dolpo trek ventures into one of Nepal’s remotest corners — a high trans-Himalayan landscape of deep gorges, ancient Bon and Tibetan-Buddhist villages, and the spectacular turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,612 m). This is wild, infrastructure-light trekking made famous by the film and book *Caravan*.
It is a restricted area requiring special permits, a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers, usually reached by flights via Nepalgunj and Juphal. Largely in the rain shadow, it is also a viable summer-season trek.
Highlights
- ▸Turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,612 m), Nepal’s deepest
- ▸Ancient Bon and Tibetan-Buddhist culture
- ▸Remote trans-Himalayan canyons and high passes
- ▸Genuine wilderness with very few trekkers
- ▸A rain-shadow summer option
What's included — from $2,150
- ✓Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park fee
- ✓Internal flights (Nepalgunj–Juphal round trip)
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse / lodge accommodation on the trail
- ✓Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
- ✓All trekking permits and conservation-area fees
- ✓Ground transport between the city and the trailhead
- ✓Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and lodging
- ✓Government taxes and official paperwork
- ✕International flights to and from Nepal
- ✕Nepal entry visa fee
- ✕Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Meals and accommodation in cities / on rest days
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and bottled water on the trail
- ✕Tips for your guide and porter
- ✕Personal expenses and anything not listed as included
Best time to go
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Lower Dolpo trek cost in 2026?
A guided Lower Dolpo trek typically costs USD 2,200–3,000 per person — higher because of remote logistics, internal flights (Nepalgunj/Juphal) and restricted-area permits, plus guide, meals and lodging/camping.
Do I need a permit for Lower Dolpo?
Yes. Lower Dolpo requires a Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit plus the Shey Phoksundo National Park permit, a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers.
How hard is the Lower Dolpo trek?
It is graded Strenuous — remote, with high passes around 5,000 m, basic facilities and some camping sections. Good fitness, acclimatisation and self-sufficiency matter here.
How many days is the Lower Dolpo trek?
Typically 16–20 days including the flights to and from Juphal via Nepalgunj.
When is the best time for Lower Dolpo?
May to October works well thanks to the rain shadow, with spring and autumn most reliable. Winter is bitterly cold and many routes close.
Related treks
Plan Lower Dolpo with Lekaly
Get this itinerary, offline maps, verified teahouse contacts and permit help in the Lekaly app — or request a quote from vetted local agencies.