18-Day Lower Dolpo Trek Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After some rest, you may visit the office for a briefing about the Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner hosted by Marvel Treks.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, meet your trekking guide for final permit preparation and a trip briefing.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft)
Begin your Lower Dolpo adventure with a scenic domestic flight to Nepalgunj, a vibrant town near the Indian border. After checking in, explore local markets and nearby attractions.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Nepalgunj
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Duration: ~1 hour
Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,502m) and Trek to Dunai (2,850m)
Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, enjoying stunning Himalayan views. From Juphal, begin trekking through terraced farmlands toward Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo, following the Bheri River.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Flight: 45 minutes | Trek: 2-3 hours
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m)
Follow the southern bank of the Bheri River through gorges, suspension bridges, and remote villages to reach Tarakot, an ancient trading village perched above the river.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Laini (3,160m)
The trail follows the Tarap Chu River, crossing it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. Continue through terraced fields and villages to reach Laini.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 7: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m)
The valley narrows into dramatic canyons, requiring careful navigation across rocky terrain and river crossings. Reach Nawarpani after a challenging but rewarding trek.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (4,090m)
Enter the inner Himalayan dry valley, passing juniper forests and wild rose shrubs. Arrive at Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village practicing Bon Po and Chaiba traditions.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap
Rest and acclimatize. Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about traditional Dolpo lifestyles, customs, and religious practices.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m)
Follow the upper Tarap Valley through scenic grasslands and monasteries before climbing toward Numa La Base Camp.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 11: Cross Numa La Pass (5,190m) to Pelung Tang
This is the most challenging day of the trek. Ascend to Numa La Pass, offering panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the vast Dolpo landscape, then descend to Pelung Tang.
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 12: Cross Baga La Pass (5,070m) to Dajok Tang
Climb to Baga La Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Kanjiroba and surrounding peaks, then descend to Dajok Tang.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: ~6 hours
Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m)
A relatively easier walk through alpine meadows and pine forests leads to Ringmo, a beautiful Tibetan-style village.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 14: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m)
Visit the iconic Phoksundo Lake, the highlight of the trek. Explore monasteries and enjoy stunning views of the turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs and forests.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2,520m)
Descend through Chepka and cliff-hugging trails, passing natural mineral springs believed to have healing properties.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2,320m)
Continue descending through forests and villages to Juphal, concluding the trekking portion of the journey.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 17: Flight to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by Marvel Treks.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 18: Final Departure
After breakfast, the team will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.
