Lower Dolpo Trek
तल्लो डोल्पो यात्रा- Distance
- 150 km
- Duration
- 14–18 days
- Max Elevation
- 5,194 m
- Best Seasons
- June–November (rain-shadow; open during monsoon)
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
150 km
Duration
14–18 days
Max Elevation
5,194 m
Start: 2,475 m
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Round trip
Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo is among Nepal's most mysterious destinations - a high-altitude rain-shadow desert of the Tibetan plateau sheltered by the Dhaulagiri massif. The Bön Buddhist culture (predating Tibetan Buddhism) survives almost unchanged at remote monasteries around Shey Phoksundo, Nepal's deepest lake.
Upper Dolpo (permits USD 500/week) includes the deeper inner valleys around Shey Phoksundo. Lower Dolpo (USD 10/week) covers the area around the lake and Phoksundo National Park.
Shey Gompa ('Crystal Mountain monastery') has been an active Bön pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. Peter Matthiessen's 1978 book 'The Snow Leopard' recounts a journey to this area.
The Shey Phoksundo National Park (3,555 sq km) is Nepal's largest protected area and has the highest estimated density of snow leopards in the world.
Waypoints & overnight stops
5 waypoints along the Lower Dolpo Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juphal Airport | 2,475 | Airport | Yes | |
| 2 | Dunaiडुनाई | 2,140 | Town | Yes | |
| 3 | Tarakot | 2,685 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Shey Phoksundo Lakeशे फोक्सुण्डो ताल | 3,611 | Lake | Yes | Ramsar-listed; Nepal's deepest lake (145 m) |
| 5 | Shey Gompaशे गुम्बा | 4,190 | Monastery | Yes |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
USD 10 per week
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit
NPR 3,000
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Shey Phoksundo Lake - Nepal's deepest lake at 145 m, turquoise blue
Shey Gompa - ancient Bön (pre-Buddhist) monastery at 4,190 m
Crystal Mountain - sacred pilgrimage peak
Ruk and Ringmo villages - Tibetan Bön Buddhist culture
Snow leopard sightings (highest density in Nepal)
Flora & fauna
The Lower Dolpo Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Tibetan juniper
- Seabuckthorn
- Wild garlic
- Plateau grasses
Fauna
- Snow leopard (highest density in Nepal)
- Blue sheep (bharal)
- Himalayan wolf
- Himalayan vulture
More treks you may like
Lower Dolpo Trek FAQ
How long is the Lower Dolpo Trek?+
The Lower Dolpo Trek is approximately 150 km and typically takes 14–18 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Lower Dolpo Trek?+
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: USD 10 per week. Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Lower Dolpo Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Lower Dolpo Trek is 5,194 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Lower Dolpo Trek?+
The best seasons for the Lower Dolpo Trek are June–November (rain-shadow; open during monsoon).
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.