Lower Dolpo Trek - 18 days

Best time to trek to Lower Dolpo

There's no doubt how crucial factors seasonal surroundings plays, when we are planning any expedition. Especially when we are planning to do the camping treks in Nepal, to make the trip go smoothly without any challenges, the best time to do Lower Dolpo Trekking is during Spring and Autumn.

However, as the Lower dolpo lies within the rain shadow area, one can easily undertake this trek in the Monsoon and Winter span of the year as well, only if you are well prepared and have some prior experiences beforehand. Here is a little overview of what each season has to offer and why it's unique.

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

Spring stands out as one of the peak times to visit Lower Dolpo, as it falls under the bloomy seasons offering a greenery lush hills, with the lower trails bloomed with rhododendrons, oaks, pines, the green surroundings just seem like you are at Switzerland of 90's era.The temperature usually ranges from -10 to 15 degrees Celsius and doesn't fall below -12 degrees Celsius, providing perfect humidity to walk 5-6 hours on sunny days and to settle in at the camping tents, all cozy without any heart-pounding freezing nights. 

As this timeframe comes after the end of winter, you can still feel the spark of snowy trails in some sections, but it won't cause any difficulties to trail along with in fact, rewards us with the best views of mountains snow covered. Not only that, as it is the harvesting season of Yarshagumba, we can enjoy the locals engaging in high agriculture farms at higher terrains after crossing the elevation over 3500 meters. 

Meanwhile, if you are planning the Dolpo Trek in Spring, then you can choose after mid- march till then, the snowy pathway at the high passes would already melt making the routeway easy to pass by.

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

Autumn is another season to do the Lower Dolpo Trek, offering a mild temperature from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and usually doesn't go below - 5 degree Celsius, blending perfectly with the weather conditions to begin the hike with and accommodate at chill nights. As it falls right after the end of monsoon, it provides unhindered views of landscapes and mountains without any gloominess. 

Besides, the main festivals of Dashain and Tiharlie around mid-October when we can enjoy the festive aura of the Himalayas and witness how they celebrate such vibrant culture in their unique style, or you could say in a remote auroma.

If you crave looking forward to the best vibes of nature of celebrations with the best unhindered vista, then the Autumn season fits perfectly for you. However, if you are planning to do the trek in the Dolpo region during this finest period, then plan the trip before November.After the end of November, the winter begins here in Nepal.

What to expect in Monsoon and Summer (June to August)?

As the lower Dolpo region sits at the rain shadow region, we can easily undertake this trek to Lower Dolpo however, you must be prepared well enough by setting 2-3 contingency days as the flight to Nepalgunj and Juphal might get delayed due to the rainfall. 

Other than that, after attaining Dolpo, there won't be any problem regarding the route and heavy rainfall. It offers the top-notch views of snowcapped peaks and varied landscapes showing the captivating vista. Apart from that, as it is a non-seasonal time, one can enjoy the solo "ME" time without any crowded trails en route and connect with nature profoundly.

What to expect in winter (December to February)?

Honestly speaking, the trek to Lower Dolpo in winter brings many challenges and strenous situations to settle in at the tent camps as it is the coldest time of the year. Even though you are a pro hiker who has had many experiences at high altitudes, the weather condition is extremely fragile, bringing the heavy snow fall that could lead to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Due to the extreme coldness to -3 degree celsius, it would be too wild to set a camp and also creates blockage in many sections at high sections of high passes before even attaining at Phoksundo Lake that makes the trip incomplete as the only option is either to wait for 4-5 more days or return. 

However, no matter what seasons you are willing to undertake this trek on, Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition ensures that your trip goes smoothly without any fuss with a planned itinerary and medically equipped supporting crews.

Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty

Lower Dolpo Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek in Nepal depending on several factors: firstly, the long duration hike; secondly, the limited amenities within remote sections; and lastly, of course! the risk of altitude sickness as this trek ascends over 3000 meters each day. Meanwhile, it can surely be done by both novice and pro hikers with some prep and customized itinerary at your pace, especially if you are a newbie to such an expedition. 

These three attributes make the odyssey strenous and wild but offer a thrill of adventure at the same time, hence, there are several reasons attached to it.

Long Duration Hike

It consists of a 15-day Dolpo Trek itinerary only within the Dolpo region, excluding the 4 days here in Kathmandu, which is a stretchable journey through the rugged terrains and isolated area. The daily hike comprises 5-6 hours a day, by several ascends and descends and a narrow section which is not an easy task especially for non hikers, but surely can smoothly undertake by some prior preparation and training beforehand to avoid the leg trembling situation.

Remote and Isolated areas

Right from the beginning, the Lower Dolpo Trekking begins with a camping trek at the most remote sections where we must settle in at the tents that can be quite surprising to novice hikers with such expedition that goes all the way through the camping tents. Spending in the tents out of the zero sign of tea houses leads to frustrating situations for beginners.

Not only that, but some section varies with dense forested areas, highly towering landscapes, and only by the dry pathway, with almost no sign of resting lodges in between, so you must be mentally prepared and at least know how such remote treks are undertaken. 

What is the Risk of Altitude Sickness and preventive guidelines during the Lower Dolpo Trekking?

There's no doubt how the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is circulating after crossing the altitude over 3500 meters, as this trek demands a hike exceeding the altitude of 4000 m day and night, the possibility of getting an altitude sickness is a common thing despite being a experienced hiker as well.

Besides that, the route of Lower Dolpo crosses the 2 high passes of Numa La Pass (5309m.) and Baga La Pass (5169m.) with walking back and forth of 5-6 hours, which can lead to altitude sickness if prior preparation isn't done well. If you are quite panicking about whether you can get one, then do not worry; our 18-day Lower Dolpo Trek itinerary is set with a slow pace of hiking to gradually adopt the rising high altitudes. 2 rest days- acclimatization is included in this package to let the body settle in with high elevations to prevent the AMS.

On top of that, our trained guides, porters with medically equipped are 24/7 always there to assist you like a shadow to make the trip pass by without fuss. Hence, you might get a mild case of altitude sickness, and for the severe one, the risk is at a bare minimum as it is a planned itinerary that only ascends by 300-500 meters each day without over doing the hike. 

No matter whether you are a pro trekker or just a beginner, with proper pre-preparation, a tailored itinerary, choosing the appropriate season, carrying the right gear, and a skilled, experienced guide, this trek to the Dolpo can be easily completed without any hassle.

Here are some preventive guidelines that you must consider along the trail

• If you feel any sort of symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite), rapid heartbeat, or feeling out of breath and oxygen, then it is highly recommended to inform the guide immediately. He will do what's best for you and respond instantly.
• As this trek goes by camping section, drink hot soups and waters prepared by the cook guide and carry sleeping bags to feel cozy at night time and avoid the cold freezy situations.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water each day to avoid mouth dryness and also moisten the body. If that sounds too much, then you can also substitute it with juice or fruits that give the body proper hydration to undertake the hike without any chest pain.
• Check your oxygen level- pulse rate at every stopping point by the oximeter (given by us) just to ensure that your body is doing well with the high elevations. If it goes beyond normal, then it is highly suggested to set 1 resting day at the stopping point and then you can continue the hike from the next day.
• Try to maintain the pace and do not over do the hike, thinking about matching the pace of others- remember that everyone has its capability to ascend higher. Overpanicking or overdoing can surely lead to AMS. 

What kind of Accommodation is available throughout the Lower Dolpo Trek?

Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo (Camping site): Throughout the lower Dolpo Trekking Trail, there is no sign of facilitated lodging facilities, which means we'll be settling in camping tents. Even though we can find some accommodations, they aren't used for any commercial purpose. Throughout this Lower Dolpo Trek route, we'll be setting camping tents with the help of the supporting crew, of course!

The tented camps are well maintained, in fact, top notch quality with all the comfortable facilities such as sleeping bag, cozy mattress, pillows, ensuring the comfortability at it's finest. Besides, for the toilets and dining areas, we'll build 5 different camping tents: the restroom with commode, the dining area for the meals section, the kitchen area to cook the foods on, another one to fit in and also store our gears and necessities and 2 different camp tents for over 6 supporting crews. 

In total, there will be at least 10 supporting crew members such as guides, porters, assistant guides, cooks, supporting cooks, and other crew members to carry and settle the camping tents and other heavy logistics, ensuring the trek goes smoothly with no fuss.

Lodging Facility here in Kathmandu before the Expedition

Before the Upper Dolpo Trek gets started, you'll be accommodated at a 3-star hotel here in the city area of Kathmandu (city area). The lodging facilities are highly facilitated with king-sized bedrooms, Double bedrooms, and twin bedrooms with AC rooms (whatever you prefer).

All the amenities such as a swimming pool, attached washroom with bathtub, AC room, hot-cold shower, mini refrigerator, and other essentials such as mini shampoo, toothbrush, soap, hair dryer or everything that are usually given in such highly rated hotels.

The buffet breakfast will be available with room service, it falls on the luxury side of hotels.

Meals and Drinking Facilities during the Dolpo Trek

Our Lower Dolpo Trekking Package covers every standard meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Even though it will be prepared by the guide chef themselves, the food choice will be yours! Just create a balanced diet chart that suits your gut health, and everything will be bought here in Kathmandu, then the foods are prepared accordingly.

Also, if you want, you can just stop by small tea houses at some sections if you feel hungry along the trail, but it will be better if you just carry quick snacks along with you such as protein bars, instant noodles, Snickers, and granola to munch on. The meals will be well prepared, freshly cooked at the camping tent ensuring your well being and covers the hygenic aspect as well. Seasonal fruits and juices will be provided as a complimentary throughout the journey as it keeps you hydrated and provides instant energy to continue the trek.

For the drinking water facilities, the hot boiled water will be given which will be again accessed from here from city area, it is neat and clean without any concerning factor. Also, it is highly recommended to use the water purification tablet to just level up the hygenic level, which will again be provided by us.

Permits for the Lower Dolpo Trek

To do this trek to Lower Dolpo, there are 3 permits required, and to attain these permits, there are 2 rules set by the Government of Nepal. Firstly, it must be attained through a local registered agency, and secondly, you must need a travel partner to hike with, excluding the guide, porter, and supporting crews.

• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit Fee: USD 500 (NRS 74,000) for the first 10 days and an additional USD 50 (NRS 7800) for extra days after 10 days.
• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit Fee: USD 30 (NRS 3800)  to enter the conservation area
• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit Fee: USD 20, i.e, NRS 2500 in the first 10 days and USD 5, i.e, NRS 800 for each extra day after 10  days

Note: After your booking is confirmed with us, the required permits will be arranged by us.

Travel Insurance

To do this Lower Dolpo Trekking, travel insurance is mandatory as this trek passes by the remote areas throughout the trail. Hence, you must get one travel insurance and also make sure that the policy covers the necessities at the isolated location with limited amenities. Please check thoroughly. It includes immediate medical injuries, theft, luggage, aircraft evacuation over 3000 meters, and also flight delay and cancellation.

No, we don't mean this trek to the Dolpo region is dangerous; it is completely safe to undertake the odyssey, as after crossing the altitude over 3500 meters, there are always risks circulating. Hence, we just want you to walk along the trail with a free mind and enjoy it fully without stressing about unfortunate future situations. 

Willing to Sign Up with us? Booking Procedure?

For the booking confirmation, you just need to deposit 10% of the total cost that has been mentioned above. Send us your passport photocopy and 2 photos, and you are 1 step closer to your journey in Nepal.

If you are already late, then you can even do the last-minute booking for the Lower Dolpo Trek, even though it would be quite a hassle to arrange all the requirements at peak seasons. We assure you that your adventure will be completed successfully without any fuss.