Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal+977 9810351300[email protected]
Ancient Buddhist stupas in Lower Dolpo, Nepal with desert mountains in the background.

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Trek the remote Lower Dolpo in 15 days. Cross Numa La and Bagala passes above 5,000m. Restricted area permits included. 2027 dates open.

Duration
15 days
Grade
Very Strenuous
Highest point
About 5,190m / 17,028ft (Numa La)
Group size
1 to 20
Starts and ends
Kathmandu
Best time
October and late April to May; June to September is monsoon

Govt RegdTAAN #1586300+ ★ reviews

  • Three generations of family guides in the Himalayas, independent since 2016
  • Government-licensed Nepal trekking company (Reg 147653)
  • TAAN Member #1586
  • 300+ reviews
  • Secure payment via Himalayan Bank
  • Four-time TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)

Overview

From US$2,0455.0 from 2 reviewsUpdated Sep 21, 2026

Trek Highlights

  • 15-day private trek through Lower Dolpo, including 2 nights at Phoksundo Lake (3,612m), one of the deepest lakes in Nepal, with turquoise water visible from the Ringmo village hillside.
  • Dolpo culture: pre-Buddhist Bon religion, Tibetan-influenced architecture, blue sheep herds on the hillsides. Closed to outsiders until 1989. Still rarely visited.
  • Lower Dolpo restricted area permit required (USD 20 per person per week, plus USD 5 per person for each extra day). We handle the paperwork. Licensed guide required, no minimum group size since 22 March 2026.
  • A private trek with your own licensed guide. Porters by tier: none on Budget, one for every two trekkers on Standard, one each on Luxury.
  • 10% deposit to lock dates, balance paid in person in Kathmandu.
  • Every booking helps fund our Nagarjun Learning Center work at Saldum, where 70 children are taught by one dedicated teacher.

Why I built this trek the way I did

I am Shreejan, the founder of The Everest Holiday. Lower Dolpo feels very different from the rest of Nepal. The region was completely closed to outsiders until 1989, and even now the small-aircraft flight to Juphal is the quickest way in. A rough road now reaches Dunai from Surkhet and Jajarkot, but floods closed it in August and September 2026, so we check it before every departure. From Dunai you walk. Many of the trails are very old, and the Bon religion here is older than Buddhism.

The 15-day route centres on Phoksundo Lake at 3,612m, one of the deepest lakes in Nepal. The Ringmo village hillside above the lake is the photograph people come for: turquoise water below, the Ringmo houses with their flat earthen roofs, and the Kanjirowa range rising behind. We stay 2 nights at Phoksundo so you have a full day to walk along the lake and visit the Bon monastery above Ringmo.

The Bon culture in Lower Dolpo is the reason serious cultural trekkers come here. Bon is older than Buddhism in the Himalayan region, and it is still practised in Dolpo villages alongside Buddhism. The architecture, the chortens (Bon ones are walked round anticlockwise, the opposite way to Buddhist ones), the prayer flags, and the language are all distinct from anything you see elsewhere in Nepal.

We run this as a private trek only. The Dolpo Restricted Area Permit requires a licensed guide, and until March 2026 it also required a minimum of two trekkers. The Department of Immigration scrapped that requirement on 22 March 2026, so you can now book this route as a solo traveller, with a licensed guide included. If you would like company, ask me about our fixed departures.

Every booking on this trip helps us pay the teacher’s salary at our Nagarjun Learning Center in Saldum, where 70 children get free education. The salary is currently funded out of my own pocket. Your trek is what makes that sustainable.

The 15-day Lower Dolpo Circuit is a challenging trek into a remote and restricted part of Nepal. You'll discover a stark, beautiful scenery of arid valleys, witness the incredible turquoise of Phoksundo Lake, and experience the unique local culture, which follows the ancient Bon-Po Buddhist traditions along historic salt trading paths.

What Makes This Trek Worth the Effort

  • Experience the unique spiritual traditions in remote monasteries, including the ancient, pre-Buddhist Bon religion.
  • Trek through surprising, arid valleys in the Himalayan rain shadow, a dramatic and beautiful high-altitude desert.
  • Walk the same ancient trails used for centuries by Tibetan salt caravans and see yaks carrying goods even today.
  • Spot unique animals like the blue sheep and maybe even see signs of the elusive snow leopard in this remote wilderness.
  • Be amazed by the unreal turquoise-blue waters of one of the deepest lakes in Nepal, set within the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park.

15-Day Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Overview

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek takes you into the remote country of western Nepal. The trail passes through the heart of Dolpo, a region known for its dramatic mountain scenery, ancient Tibetan culture, and untouched wilderness. The trek offers a chance to experience a part of Nepal that has remained isolated for centuries, where traditional lifestyles are still preserved.

The route leads through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to one of Nepal’s deepest and most beautiful lakes, Phoksundo. Along the way, trekkers encounter barren cliffs, high passes, turquoise rivers, and hidden valleys that are dotted with traditional villages and Buddhist monasteries. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is strong here, as reflected in the prayer flags, mani walls, and centuries-old gompas that line the trail.

Although considered a challenging trek due to its remoteness and altitude, the rewards are immense. You’ll cross two high passes over 5,000 metres, walk through untouched landscapes, and witness cultural traditions that few outsiders have seen. Unlike more commercial routes, Lower Dolpo offers true solitude, making it ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a raw and authentic Himalayan experience.

It is a long walk through wild country, among people whose families have lived there for generations.

Before You Arrive

For a smooth and easy start, we highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the trek. 

Online Briefing

This is like having our first coffee before the trip, but online!  This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip.  We'll discuss what to bring and what each day will be like and answer any questions.  After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. We'll set up the meeting after the booking process is completed. Also, our trek itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. During the online meeting, please share your preferences, budget, and the standard of the hotel you would like to stay at in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly. 

Your Trek, Your Way

Experience the Himalayas on your terms. We create personal, intimate treks for any group size, from one person up. Whether you select our Budget, Standard, or Luxury package, your adventure will be exclusively for you and your companions, for a comfortable and personal journey from start to finish.

Kathmandu Accommodation

Your hotel in Kathmandu is not included in the trek package. During the online briefing before your trek, we will ask about your preferences and budget, whether you want a simple guesthouse or a five-star hotel, and help you arrange it. Your trek package begins when you leave Kathmandu for the mountains.

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek at a glance

Duration15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Highest pointNuma La pass, 5,190 m (Baga La pass 5,070 m, Phoksundo Lake 3,612 m)
RegionRemote Dolpo, the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, in the rain shadow
DifficultyVery strenuous; a committing, remote trek with two passes near 5,000 m
PermitsLower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey-Phoksundo National Park and TIMS
Best monthsOctober and late April to May; June to September is monsoon

Best time to trek Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

SeasonMonthsWhat it is likeVerdict
AutumnOctober to NovemberClear and dry; the main season in the rain shadowBest overall
SpringMarch to MayClear and dry in the rain shadow, a good second windowGreat, second season
WinterDecember to FebruaryVery cold, the high passes snowed shutPasses closed
MonsoonJune to mid-SeptemberRain, cloud and leeches on the approachAvoid

Permits

Lower Dolpo is a restricted area, so it needs a special permit issued only through a registered agency, for trekkers with a licensed guide. We arrange all three below and include them in your trek price.

PermitCost per person
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area PermitUSD 20/week, +USD 5/day beyond
Shey-Phoksundo National ParkNPR 3,000 (NPR 1,500 for SAARC)
TIMS cardNPR 2,000 (NPR 1,000 for SAARC)

Trekking as a group?

Bring your own group — friends, family, a club, a university society, your workplace, or a cause you are raising money for — and any of the three comfort levels can run as a private group on your own dates. Private or group, the price per person is the same; we never put strangers in your group. The more of you there are, the less each person pays:

Group sizeBudget (per person)Standard (per person)Luxury (per person)
1 personUS$3,705US$4,970US$10,145
2-4 peopleUS$2,045US$3,580US$5,545
5-8 peopleUS$1,115US$2,595US$4,985
9-12 peopleUS$1,115US$2,590US$4,930
13-20 peopleUS$1,055US$2,585US$4,910

The organiser travels free. Get fourteen or more paying people together and whoever organised the group joins the trip free. The one thing the organiser still pays is their own flights and permits, since those are fixed costs we pay out for every person and cannot absorb, and we cover the rest. Your departure is guaranteed on your own dates — from a solo traveller up to a group of twenty, and we never merge you into another trip.

Planning a group? Message me on WhatsApp with the trip, roughly when, and how many of you, and I will send you a price and a plan.

Compare Our Three Packages

  Budget Standard Luxury
Price from USD 2,045 USD 3,580 USD 5,545
Meals Choose your own (approx. USD 15-25/day) 3 meals + tea + fruits + 2L water daily All meals + all drinks anytime (except alcohol)
Room Shared teahouse Private twin w/ bathroom Private deluxe w/ bed heater
Porter Not included 1 per 2 trekkers 1 per trekker (carry nothing)
Guide 1 guide, assistant at 8+ 1 guide per 6, assistant at 7+ 1 guide per 2 trekkers, plus an assistant guide for every 2 more
Transport Local vehicle Shared tourist vehicle Luxury private vehicle
SIM data SIM only Limited data Unlimited data
Best for Backpackers and independent travellers Comfort trekkers, couples, families Premium experience seekers

Himalayas for Every Budget, same guides, same safety, three comfort levels.

Your Trek, Our Family

Shreejan Simkhada doesn’t just run a trekking company, he comes from three generations of Himalayan expertise. His grandfather arranged expeditions, and his family has guided in the Himalayas for three generations. His father served at the Nepal Tourism Board. Shreejan personally designs every itinerary and hand-picks the guide for your group.

Your guide will be one of our Nepal government well-trained professionals, qualified mountaineering experts, all with years of Himalayan experience. Shreejan briefs every guide personally before your trek begins.

Need anything? WhatsApp Shreejan directly: +977 9810351300.

Our Credentials

  • Over 300 reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Trustpilot, 4.9 out of 5 on TripAdvisor
  • Google reviews, 4.9 out of 5 stars
  • TAAN Member (#1586), Government Reg: 147653/072/073
  • Secure 10% Deposit, pay just a 10% deposit to reserve, via Himalayan Bank
  • Three Generations, three generations of family guides in the Himalayas

Solo Trekkers Welcome

Solo trekkers are welcome, and you trek privately with your own guide. Our groups are kept small (1-20 people) so you get a personal experience, not a conveyor belt.

If you would like company on the trail, you can choose to join one of our fixed departures instead.

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

This is a committing, remote trek. Over 15 days you walk 5 to 8 hours a day, often on rough and exposed trails, and cross two high passes, the Numa La and the Baga La, both around 5,000 m. You are days from the nearest road and from help, so you need good fitness, some previous multi-day trekking experience, and enough time built in to acclimatise. It is a remote trek, which is why it stays quiet.

Trek With a Purpose, Changing the World, One Step at a Time

A portion of every booking supports the Nagarjun Learning Center, founded by our family. Today, 70 children receive free education and hot meals daily at our flagship centre in Saldum Village, Dhading District. We have also provided free medical care to 600+ people and reached 275+ women through support programmes. The centre is verified and listed on the UN Partner Portal.

When you trek with us, you are not just climbing mountains, you are building futures. Trek With a Purpose.

Why book with The Everest Holiday

  • Three generations of family guidesFamily-run since 2016 with three generations of guiding heritage. Not an agency — the family that runs the company leads your trek personally.
  • Private group, no strangersEvery trek we run is private. Your group only. We never combine bookings or add strangers to your party. If you book solo, you walk with a guide; if you book as four friends, your group stays four.
  • Nagarjun Learning Center givebackA fixed share of every booking funds the Nagarjun Learning Center — 70 children, 7 community centres, 3 full-time teachers, 600+ medical interventions, 275+ women supported. You can visit the centre before or after your trip; we arrange the visit separately.
  • Government registered, TAAN memberGovt Regd. No. 147653/072/073. Trekking Agency Licence 2090/072, Travel Agency Licence 2838/072. TAAN Member #1586. Over 300 reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Trustpilot. We are a real, audited Nepal company — not a booking-platform middleman.

Day by day

Read this before you pick a tier. The 15 days below are the flying plan. You fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, stay a night there, and take the 40-minute flight to Juphal on day 2. Luxury flies, so Luxury follows this plan exactly. Budget and Standard go by road from Kathmandu to Dunai and back instead, which adds two to three days to the trip and means the first and last days are spent driving.

If you would rather fly on every tier, take the Lower Dolpo Trek with Flights, 15 Days. After the 2026 floods we check the Jajarkot to Dunai road before each departure, and we tell you before you travel if it is closed. Flights to Juphal depend on the weather, so keep a spare day or two at the end. Dunai, where the walking starts, is at about 2,100 m.

1,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000Day 1: 1,300 mDay 2: 2,500 mDay 3: 2,543 mDay 4: 3,160 mDay 5: 3,545 mDay 6: 4,090 mDay 7: 4,090 mDay 8: 4,440 mDay 9: 5,190 mDay 10: 5,070 mDay 11: 4,080 mDay 12: 4,080 mDay 13: 3,612 mDay 14: 2,520 mDay 15: 1,300 m123456789101112131415Highest 5,190 mDay
Altitude in metres: the highest point named in each day’s plan. Hollow dots are rest and acclimatisation days.

Couldn’t find what you’re after? Reach out to our travel experts.

Customise trip

Interactive route map

Altitude chart

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Prices

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek - 15 Days with The Everest Holiday costs $2,045 (Budget), $3,580 (Standard), or $5,545 (Luxury) per person for the 15-day trip. Allow about $20 a day for personal expenses, and buy your travel insurance at home before you travel. Book with a 10% deposit; the balance is payable in Kathmandu.

Budget price by group size
Travellers in your groupPrice per person
1US$3,705
2 to 4US$2,045
5 to 8US$1,115
9 to 12US$1,115
13 to 20US$1,055

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

Book Budget

Himalayan Bank logoSecure payment by Himalayan Bank.

What is included

On the Budget level.

Included

Transportation

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off from Tribhuvan International Airport to the Hotel of your choice.
  • Overland transport from Kathmandu to the Dolpo roadhead at Dunai and back - public bus to Nepalgunj, then shared local jeep via Jajarkot to Dunai, about two days each way. Budget and standard travel in by road rather than by flight, which adds two to three days and runs in the autumn and spring seasons; in the monsoon the road is unreliable.

Accommodation and food

  • During the trek, Food or drinks are not included. 
  • You will stay in a tent at camping sites and homestays and a local teahouse and lodge in a shared room during the duration of the trek.

Guide and porter

  • An English-speaking, Nepal government well-trained guide is provided (one guide for up to 7 trekkers, the restricted-area limit). From 8 trekkers an assistant guide is added.
  • Porter to carry tent and food during camping.

Permits and Expenses

  • Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000)
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
  • All government taxes and official expenses.

Medical Assistance

  • First aid kits are provided, including an oximeter to check blood oxygen levels at high altitudes.
  • Arranging rescue operations in case of an emergency health condition. (funded by travel insurance of the trekker)

Complimentary

  • Company's T-shirt and Cap before the trek.
  • At the end of your trip, you'll have a farewell meal at a restaurant in the area. At the farewell dinner after the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek—15 days, we will provide you a certificate of achievement for successful completion of the trek. 

Benefits

  • Sleeping bags and down jackets: if you do not have your own, please inform us either at your online briefing or after the arrival briefing in Kathmandu before your trek so we can provide you with one for your use during the trek.
  • Free Excess luggage storage at The Everest Holiday store for the duration of the trek.
  • We will arrange a SIM Card for every individual trekker upon arrival in Kathmandu and teach them how to get budget internet packages and top up their services.

Important Note for Budget Travellers

In the Budget package, you travel overland to the trailhead instead of flying. This means your trip will take a few extra days compared to the stated duration — but all transport is included in your package at no extra cost. You save on domestic flight fees while experiencing more of Nepal's varied terrain along the way. The Himalayas are accessible to every budget — and this route proves it.

Not included

Food and Drinks

  • No food or drinks are included in the Budget package. All meals and beverages during the trek are at your own expense. You will order and pay directly at teahouses along the trail.

International Flight

  • International flight cost.

Nepali Visa

  • At Tribhuvan International Airport, you can pay the following fees upon arrival: $30 for a 15-day visa, $50 for a 30-day visa, and $125 for a 90-day visa. Alternatively, you can apply for and receive a Nepal visa from the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country.

(Note: Anyone having a visa before arrival has an express exit through the immigration line. To obtain a visa upon arrival at TIA Kathmandu, you must have the necessary funds in US dollars.)

Accommodation

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek will not be included in this package. So, please let us know your preferences, budget, and standard of the hotel you would like to stay in Kathmandu during the online meeting. So we can arrange it for you accordingly.

Guide and Porter

  • Tip for guides and porters. (Recommended)

Other expenses

  • Excess luggage charges for an extra porter to carry luggage and also any extra cost charged by the airline for extra luggage, as there is no porter in the budget service package; any extra porter service will be charged extra. 
  • All non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, hot water, soft drinks, juice, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included, etc.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances out of our control, like landslides, unfavourable weather, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

Dates

Your trek, your choice, your price. Choose the style that suits you. Book a private departure on any date with just your party, or join a fixed group departure and trek with fellow adventurers from around the world. Same routes, same guides, same quality — 3 comfort tiers on both options. Per-person price follows our group-discount tiers based on YOUR party size (a couple pays less per pax than a solo trekker, 5+ pays less again) — the same tiers apply on both booking types.

Private departure

  • Any date you choose
  • Just your party + dedicated guide
  • 3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
  • Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size

Fixed group departure

  • Scheduled dates (see below)
  • Join other trekkers from around the world
  • 3 comfort tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury)
  • Per-pax price tier set by YOUR party size (same tier as Private)
Book private departureView group departures
Prefer email? Send a question and we will reply within a few hours.

Peak season (Sep–Nov) — our guides book up fast. Get in touch 6–8 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates.

  • Apr 10, 2027 to Apr 24, 2027OpenUS$2,045Book
  • Apr 24, 2027 to May 08, 2027OpenUS$2,045Book

You can trek privately with your own party only. We do not run it in winter, when the high passes are snowed shut, and we avoid the monsoon. Best months: October to November and March to May. Contact us on WhatsApp (+977 9810351300) to choose your preferred start date.

Other dates

Need a different date? Other dates are available on request. Contact us or message Shreejan on WhatsApp.

Fixed departures are dates we have already committed to run. Your party still treks as its own private group with its own guide; we never merge bookings or add strangers, and solo trekkers are welcome on any date. Private departures on any other date you choose are also available. On both, the per-person price is set by the size of your own party.

Shreejan Simkhada, Director of The Everest HolidayShamjhana Basukala, Co-founder of The Everest Holiday

Shreejan and Shamjhana plan every trek personally

Your hosts since 2016. Ask us anything; we reply within hours.

Ask Shreejan on WhatsApp

Equipment list

Only pack what’s needed for the trek to travel light and comfortably. You can store your excess luggage at The Everest Holiday for free. Porters will carry your main trekking bag, but the weight limit is 10 kg for each trekker. Since one porter carries the luggage for two people, we suggest that you and a trekking partner share one large duffel bag (over 60 Liters).

Head
  • Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  • Beanie (for warmth)
  • A neck gaiter or buff (for warmth and sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
Hands
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  • Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
Foot Wear
  • A thick-wool or synthetic pair of moisture-wicking socks
  • waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and excellent traction
  • Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  • Gaiters protect
Upper Body
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  • Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  • Fleece jacket and down jacket (Mandatory)
  • Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Raincoat
  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  • Polypropylene underwear (four)
Lower Body
  • Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  • Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • Wear long underwear or thermal leggings when it is cold.
  • Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
Toiletries
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medium-sized drying towel
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitisers
  • The toilet paper is stored in a Ziplock bag.
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Travel-sized shampoo
  • Nail clippers
  • Small mirror
Bag Packs
  • A duffel bag with a capacity of over 60 litres is intended for porters, with one duffel bag for every trekker.
  • An individual's daypack or backpack with a 20- or 30-litre capacity should be plenty.
Personal Accessories
  • Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  • A two-litre water bladder or bottle (with a protective cover for cold climates)
  • Use water purification methods such as purification tablets, filter bottles, or UV filters.
Extra Items
  • Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  • A portable charger, spare batteries, or a battery pack
  • Two-pin charging plug
  • Basic first aid supplies include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and Diamox (which is used to prevent or lessen symptoms related to mountain sickness).
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Few passport-size photos
  • Passport photocopies
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binocular
Eating & Drinking
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention/relief)
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
Medical/First Aid
  • Water purification (tablets, filter bottle, UV filter)
  • Energy bar
Miscellaneous
  • Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  • Face wipes
  • An extra pair of batteries

Essential information

Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek (15 Days), What You Need to Know

Arrival and Welcome

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be waiting with a sign showing your name. You'll be welcomed with a traditional marigold garland or khada and driven to your hotel in a private car. We ask that you arrive in Kathmandu by 4 pm the day before your trek departs, this gives us time for final preparations. On Luxury the trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and on to Juphal. On Budget and Standard you travel by road to Dunai instead, which adds two to three days to the trip. We collect you from your hotel either way.

Accommodation

Over the 15 days you'll stay in a mix of local lodges, traditional teahouses, homestays, and camps. In some locations along the Dolpo circuit, we'll need to camp or stay in local homestays, all tiers include tents for the camping sections, along with camping equipment, a camp cook, and an additional porter. Where teahouses are available, they're simple, family-run places that give you a real taste of mountain life, with facilities like hot showers, electricity, and sometimes Wi-Fi at a small extra cost. Kathmandu accommodation isn't included in the package, but we can help arrange hotel bookings before and after the trek.

Meals

At altitude, your body works harder and needs proper fuel, plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and hydration. The menu changes depending on elevation, with fewer choices higher up. We strongly recommend garlic soup, fresh vegetables, green tea, hot lemon, and ginger tea. In homestays, local food is provided. During camping sections, the arrangements differ by tier (see below). On Budget, meals and drinks are not included. Standard includes three meals a day, a cup of tea or coffee with each meal and 2 litres of warm water a day. Luxury adds fruit, nuts and unlimited soft drinks. Alcohol and snacks are not included on any tier.

Luggage

On Luxury your own porter carries up to 20 kg of your bag. On Standard each trekker has 10 kg of bag, so the shared porter carries 20 kg. If you book Standard alone there is no porter and your guide carries up to 10 kg of your bag. Budget has no porter, so you carry your own bag. The government limit is 20 kg per porter and we never go over it. The small plane to Juphal has a tighter baggage allowance, so pack light for the flight. An additional porter is required for carrying the tent, camping food, and equipment. Pack your gear in a duffel bag of over sixty litres. You'll still carry a small daypack for your valuables, water, and camera. Extra bags can be stored free at your hotel or our Kathmandu office.

Facilities and Essentials

Water

You can buy bottled water from shops along the trail or drink boiled or filtered water at lodges. We strongly recommend bringing a reusable bottle and refilling it with boiled water, this cuts down on plastic waste and saves money. Never drink untreated tap, river, or well water. For extra safety, carry water purification tablets (available at shops along the trail). The Dolpo trek includes camping sections, so you'll be provided hot water and food at campsites.

Communication

We'll provide you with a SIM card in Kathmandu and show you how to set up data and top up credit. Mobile signal can be patchy at higher altitudes, and in the remote Dolpo region, coverage is particularly limited. Our lead guide stays in daily contact with all trekking teams.

Travel Essentials

Visa

All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal (Indian citizens are exempt). Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, the current fee is USD 50 for 30 days, payable in cash. Citizens of China and SAARC countries receive free visas. We also recommend registering your visit with your country's embassy or consulate in Nepal.

Travel Insurance

This is a remote trek with high passes and limited rescue access, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescue up to 5,500 metres. That is the highest point of this trek, the Numa La pass at 5,190 metres, rounded up to the next 500 metres. A helicopter often cannot land near the passes, so rescue would start from lower ground. Please send us your insurance details within a week of booking, in an emergency, we'll use them to arrange rapid evacuation and hospital transfer.

Currency Exchange

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and major towns, but not on the trail beyond Dunai. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but not at smaller shops or on remote trails.

We recommend carrying cash in NPR for daily expenses. USD, GBP, EUR, and AUD can be exchanged at banks and money changers in Kathmandu.

Extra Expenses

While the package covers most trek costs, you'll need to budget for some personal items: meals and accommodation in Kathmandu, visa fees, snacks on the trail, hot showers, personal gear, and tips for the crew. We recommend roughly USD 20 per day for these extras during the trek.

Trek Season and Weather

The best times for the Lower Dolpo Circuit are spring and autumn. Spring (March–May): Stable, pleasant weather with daytime valley temperatures of 10–20°C, though nights at higher elevations can still drop below freezing. Blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views. Autumn (October–November): Excellent conditions with crisp, clear skies and minimal rain. Daytime temperatures around 5–15°C at higher camps, with nights becoming progressively colder, especially in November. Winter (December–February): Harsh, only for well-equipped, experienced trekkers. Temperatures at high passes can plummet to -15°C or lower, and heavy snow often blocks the routes. Summer/Monsoon (June to mid-September): Warm temperatures of 15–25°C in lower areas but frequent rain, cloudy skies, muddy trails, and a high chance of flight cancellations to the trailhead.

A Typical Day

An early breakfast kicks off each morning. The day's walking is split into two parts: three to four hours in the morning, a one-hour lunch stop, then a shorter afternoon stretch to your lodge or campsite. Dinner is served around 7 pm, when your guide will brief you on the next day's plan. The rest of the evening is yours, relax, explore the settlement, or swap stories with fellow trekkers.

Booking Your Trek

Private Treks

Every trek we run is private, you'll only walk with your own group. We never add strangers to your trip. All itineraries are fully customisable to suit your schedule.

Solo Trekkers and Group Bookings

You are welcome to book on your own, and many of our guests do. If you are travelling alone, you trek privately with your own guide. If you would like company on the trail, you can choose to join one of our fixed departures instead.

Secure Booking

The Everest Holiday is a registered and bonded trekking operator, proud members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment.

You pay the deposit online by card through the Himalayan Bank portal on our website, and we cover the card fee on the deposit. The balance is paid in Kathmandu in US dollars or euros, in cash or by card (card payments carry a 3.5% bank charge). Please send us a copy of your passport within one week of booking, and make sure it has at least six months' validity from your arrival date in Nepal.

Last-Minute Bookings

We recommend booking in advance, but we do accept last-minute bookings when time allows. The restricted-area permit needs 48 hours in government working days, and full payment is required 24 hours before departure. For last-minute treks, contact Shreejan directly at +977-9810351300 or email [email protected]. Please note that last-minute trips may face delays due to circumstances beyond our control.

Our Team

We're a family company, started in 2016, and my family has guided in the Himalayas for three generations. We treat every team member like family. Your guides and porters are experienced professionals from the upper Himalayas who know these mountains intimately. They're trained in wilderness first aid, altitude safety, and speak good English. We cover their insurance, meals, accommodation, and medical care. Don't hesitate to ask them anything, they're there for you.

Flexible Schedule

Your trip dates are entirely up to you. If our listed departure dates don't work, let us know and we'll arrange a trek that fits your schedule.

Trip Extensions

Want to see more of Nepal? We can add activities like a jungle safari in Chitwan or Bardiya, bungee jumping in Pokhara, Bhote Koshi, or Kushma, white-water rafting on the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, or Seti rivers, kayaking in Trishuli or Pokhara, paragliding over Pokhara, zip flying in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Kushma, canyoning at Pokhara or Sukute Beach, or hot air ballooning in Pokhara.

For culture and history, we arrange guided tours of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. Sunrise trips to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are also popular. We can arrange spiritual visits to temples, stupas, monasteries, and meditation centres too. Check our ADD-ON packages when you book.

Ecotourism

We take the health of these mountains seriously. At the start of your trek, every guest receives an eco-waste bag. Please use it for all non-compostable rubbish, snack wrappers, plastic bottles, batteries. Carry it with you as you walk; our guides will show you where to dispose of waste properly at designated collection points. Help us keep the Dolpo region clean for the people who live here and the trekkers who come after you.

After the Trek

Farewell Dinner

Back in Kathmandu, we'll host a farewell dinner where you can share stories from the trail and give us your honest feedback. You'll also receive a certificate of achievement to mark what you've accomplished.

Departure

Let us know your hotel name, room number, and flight details, and we'll arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you'll come back to Nepal for another adventure.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated in Nepal but never obligatory. The amount should reflect the quality of service, the length and difficulty of the trek, and your overall experience. We recommend tipping the crew collectively at the end of the trek.

Questions people ask

How long is the Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek, and what is the difficulty level?

The classic trek is completed in about 15 days. It is a very strenuous trek. While it doesn't involve technical climbing, it requires good physical fitness due to long walking days (5 to 8 hours), rocky trails, and crossing two high passes, the Numa La (5,190m) and the Baga La (5,070m).

What is the best time to go for this trek?

The best times are Autumn (October to November) and Spring (March to May). During these seasons, the weather is generally stable, the skies are clear for mountain views, and the temperatures are pleasant for trekking. Winter is very cold, and high passes can be snow-blocked, while the monsoon (June to mid-September) makes the trails muddy and less ideal.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

While you don't need technical climbing skills, prior multi-day trekking experience is highly recommended. You should be comfortable with walking for several hours a day for two consecutive weeks and be prepared for the challenges of high altitude.

How should I prepare physically for the trek?

You should start cardio and strength training at least 2-3 months in advance. Focus on activities that build leg strength and endurance, like hiking on hills with a backpack, running, cycling, and stair climbing. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this demanding journey.

Can children or elderly people do this trek?

This trek is generally not suitable for young children or elderly persons without extensive high-altitude trekking experience. The remote nature, basic facilities, and the challenge of crossing two high-altitude passes make it suitable for physically fit adults.

What permits are required for Lower Dolpo?

This is a restricted area, so you need three permits: * Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 20 per person per week, plus USD 5 for each extra day) * Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) * TIMS card (NPR 2,000). We arrange all three.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, and it is mandatory. Your insurance must specifically cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,500 metres, emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical expenses. Ensure you have proof of this with you.

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

Yes, most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Please check the latest visa requirements for your country before traveling.

Is it compulsory to have a guide for this trek?

Yes. Because Lower Dolpo is a restricted area, you must trek through a registered agency with a licensed guide. Solo trekkers have been allowed since 22 March 2026, with a maximum of 7 trekkers per guide. Independent trekking is not permitted.

Will there be porters to carry luggage?

It depends on the tier. Budget: no porter for your bag, so you carry your own, and camp porters carry the tents and food. Standard: one porter for every two trekkers, so your bag is up to 10 kg and the porter carries no more than 20 kg, which is the government limit. A solo Standard guest has no porter and the guide carries up to 10 kg. Luxury: your own porter, with a bag of up to 20 kg on the trail. The small plane to Juphal has a tighter baggage allowance, so pack light for the flight.

Are the guides trained for emergencies?

Yes, our licensed guides are trained in wilderness first aid and know the protocols for high-altitude rescue and emergency evacuation in this remote region.

Where will we stay during the trek?

Accommodation is a mix of teahouses (lodges) and homestays in lower villages and camping in tents in the more remote upper sections (like around Numa La Base Camp). Teahouses are very basic. Rooms are shared on Budget and private on Standard and Luxury, where the lodge has them.

Are hot showers, electricity, or Wi-Fi available?

Do not expect consistent modern facilities. In some lower villages, you may find a solar-powered hot shower or a place to charge a phone for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is virtually nonexistent. Higher up, there are no such facilities, and we are fully self-sufficient in our camps.

Is accommodation in Kathmandu included?

Typically, Kathmandu hotel accommodation is not included in the basic trekking package but can be easily arranged for you upon request for before and after the trek.

What kind of food is available on the trail?

In teahouses, the menu is simple, featuring Nepali staples like dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread. In camping sections, our cook will prepare nutritious and hearty meals. Meals are not included on Budget. Standard includes three meals a day with a cup of tea or coffee, and Luxury adds fruit, nuts and unlimited soft drinks.

Is the drinking water safe?

No, you must not drink untreated water. You can buy bottled mineral water in some villages, but to reduce plastic waste, we recommend using water purification tablets or a filter. Our crew will also provide boiled water at camp.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We can accommodate vegetarian diets without any major issues. For other specific restrictions (vegan, gluten-free), please inform us in advance. Options become very limited in remote areas.

What temperatures can I expect?

Temperatures vary greatly with altitude. In lower valleys (below 3,000m), days can be warm (15-20°C), but nights are cold. At higher elevations (above 4,000m), daytime can be 5-10°C, while nights can drop well below freezing, especially at the high passes.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

Yes, this is a significant risk, as the trek goes above 5,000 metres. The itinerary is designed with acclimatisation days, but you must be aware of the symptoms and follow your guide's instructions carefully.

How do I stay safe on the trail?

The trails can be rocky and exposed in places. Good trekking boots, trekking poles, and careful footing are essential. Always follow your guide, especially during the pass crossings.

What should I pack?

Essentials include sturdy broken-in trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag (rated -10°C), a down jacket, thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves, strong sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a headlamp, and a durable daypack.

Do I need any special gear for the passes?

Trekking poles are highly recommended for the steep ascents and descents on the passes. In the spring or after fresh snow, microspikes for your boots might be necessary, and your guide will advise on this.

How do I book the trek?

You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email or phone. Due to the restricted area permit requirements, we recommend booking several months in advance.

How can I pay for the trek?

A 10% deposit, paid online by card, secures your booking and permits, and we cover the card fee on it. The final balance is paid in Kathmandu in US dollars or euros, in cash or by card (card payments carry a 3.5% bank charge).

How do I get to the trek starting point?

Only on Luxury. Luxury flies Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour), stays a night there, then takes the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (about 40 minutes), and the trek begins at Juphal airport. Budget and Standard go by road from Kathmandu to Dunai and back instead: Budget by public bus to Nepalgunj and then a shared local jeep via Jajarkot, Standard by shared tourist vehicle on the same route, about two days each way, which adds two to three days to the trip. We check the Jajarkot to Dunai road before each departure. If you want to fly on every tier, take the Lower Dolpo Trek with Flights, 15 Days.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes, we provide all airport transfers, the including: * Pickup/dropoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu * Transfers between your hotel and the domestic airport * Meet and greet at Juphal airport (on the flight route)

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