Dear trekkers!
Namaste! Welcome to the hidden jewel of west Nepal!
We invite you to join us for a moderate tented camping trek, through the breath-taking Lower Dolpa and Phoksumdo Lake region.
About Phoksumdo Lake: Located in the remote reaches of West Nepal, Phoksumdo Lake is the deepest lake in the country. Situated at an altitude of 3,612meters near the traditional Ringmo village, its crystal-clear turquoise waters are framed by dramatic, rugged mountain peaks.
Shey Phoksundo National Park: Established in 1984, this is Nepal’s largest national park, sprawling across 3,555 sq. km. While it is a vast sanctuary for biodiversity, the local wildlife can be elusive. Though the park faces challenges from its remote nature, the opportunity to see rare birds and few blue sheep.
The panorama: The lower Dolpa region is not famous for high himalayan views, it is good for nature, lans scape and it offers dramatic desert-like high-altitude terrain, deep valleys, and preserved ancient cultures.
How the trek starts & progression: During your 15-days trip, you will spend two nights in Kathmandu. The journey by road is long and the conditions can be challenging. To ensure a comfortable start, we skip the long drive and travel by air.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. We will spend one night here. Next morning short flight from Nepalgunj to Jufal Dolpa airport (2,499m.), the gateway to upper and lower Dolpa trek. You will meet your trekking crew at Jufal airport.
Your adventure begins and ends at Juphal Airport in Dolpa. This true circuit trek showcases the rich diversity of the Himalayan landscape. At the end of the trek, you will fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, where you will spend the next two days. As outlined in the itinerary, you will catch your return flight home or depart for your next destination on Day 15th.
The Ascent: From Juphal, we wind our way toward the sapphire waters of Phoksumdo Lake. We then tackle the heart of the trek, crossing two formidable high-altitude passes: Baga La (5,169m) and Numa La (5,309m). These vantage points offer some of the most expansive views in all of Nepal.
We descend into the ancient Dho Tarap village, continuing through the historic settlements of Khani and Tarakhot. After reaching the bustling Dunai Bazaar, we return to Juphal for our flight back to Nepalgunj and onwards to Kathmandu.
The Landscape: While Lower Dolpa may not be famous for a skyline of 8,000 meters peaks, its true magic lies in its unique topography. This is a land of stark, high-altitude deserts, deep gorges, and vibrant mineral-coloured mountains. Instead of just looking at the mountains, you are walking through a masterpiece of geological beauty-a vast, cinematic landscape that feels more like Tibet than the rest of Nepal.
A Journey into living History: The "Little Tibet" of Nepal, Beyond the turquoise waters of Phoksumdo Lake, the landscape transforms into a high-altitude desert. This dry, rugged terrain is home to a culture that is almost perfectly preserved.
A Tibetan Soul: The religion, architecture, and traditions here are nearly identical to those found in Tibet. This trek offers a deep "Tibetan-style" experience without the logistical hurdles of crossing the border.
Ancient traditions: In the villages of Dho Tarap, you will encounter a society that still practices ancient customs rarely seen elsewhere. This includes fraternal polyandry, where brothers in a family share a single wife to keep land and heritage together.
The cycle of life: The spiritual connection to the land is profound. In keeping with ancient Buddhist traditions, some communities still practice sky burials, where the deceased are offered back to nature and the vultures—a sacred ritual representing the ultimate act of generosity.
The authentic tented experience: The upper Dolpa region, remains wonderfully untouched by modern tourism; you won’t find luxury lodges or fine dining in these remote heights. While basic teahouses and local homestays exist.
To truly embrace the spirit of the Himalayas without compromising on comfort, a fully serviced tented camp is the premier way to experience this wilderness. While a camping trek requires a higher investment than lodge-based trekking, the reward is an unparalleled, private journey with us.
Lodging (Teahouse) Trek: If you prefer a teahouse trek, this is also an option and less expensive. However, the accommodation and meals are not at the same as your standard.
Battery charging: The network is not stable in Dolpa region. We will provide a solar mat battery charger for your mobile, camera, or power bank if necessary.
Note: See below for an overview of the 15-day, Phoksumdo Lake lower Dolpa journey. For complete details on Kathmandu hotels, trekking routes, elevation, walking times, meals, and accommodations, refer to the "Day-by-Day Itinerary" at the bottom of this page.
Safety Note - Animal Caravans: In the lower Dolpa region, you will frequently encounter caravans of Mules transporting goods. If you hear bells ringing in the distance, start looking for a wide spot in the trail to step aside immediately. It’s much easier to find a safe spot early than to scramble when the caravan is right on top of you. Always move to the mountainside (the inner wall) of the trail and wait for the animals to pass. Never stand on the cliff-side edge.
Note: For high-altitude sickness, safety, and rescue information, visit our link at: high altitude sickness - safety and rescue service
Trekking Permit and other: For lower Dolpa Phoksumdo region, required a trekking permit, you need Shey-Phoksumdo National Park, entry permit a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
We will handle the arrangement of these for you. Local government Municipality entry fees will be managed and arranged by your trekking guide on the spot.
To process your trekking permit and TIMS card required in advance, please send us by email:
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Your passport, photo copy (valid for a minimum of six months).
Tented camping equipment: For this trek, we provide two-person shared tents (or single-supplement high-altitude tents) equipped with double mattresses (foam and waterproof), a dining tent, a kitchen tent with all cooking utensils, a toilet tent, and dedicated tents for our staff and porters. We also supply specialized high-altitude gear for the crew, along with a hot water bag in your tent each night to keep you warm.
Daily meals during the trek: A separate kitchen tent fully equipped with all necessary utensils and hygienic food preparation tools. Our kitchen staffs will perfear fresh meals (breakfast - lunch and dinner) evry day for you.
Trekking Crew: For this trek, we send a complete trekking team, including an experienced guide who has completed this route before, a cook, kitchen helpers, Sherpa assistants, and porters. Our entire Nepali team is highly experienced and works seamlessly together - even at altitudes above 4,000 meters, to ensure you have a safe, worry-free journey.
Domestic flight: To maximize your time this itinerary includes about one hours afternoon flight between Kathmandu / Nepalgung. Next morning 35 to 40 minutes flight between Nepalgunj / Jufal airport (Dolpa).
After trek 30 to 40 minutes morning flight between Jufal (Dolpa / Nepalgung. After lunch afternoon flight between Nepalgunj / Kathmandu.
Having a direct flight between Kathmandu and Dolpa would be much more convenient and time-saving for trekkers.However, there are no scheduled direct flights on this route - only chartered flights are available.
Ground transportation: We provide reliable private transportation, including cars, jeeps, and vans as your group size for airport pickup / drop transfers to hotel and travel to and from trekking starting points. For the trekking crew we provide local bus services as itinerary.
Note: For trekking seasons and weather information, visit our link at: Trekking seasons and weather
Life on the trail follows a peaceful, structured rhythm designed to keep you energized and immersed in the landscape.
• Morning a refreshing start: Your day begins early as our staff brings a hot drink (coffee or tea) directly to your tent, followed by a bowl of warm washing water to freshen up. While you pack your duffle bag for the day’s journey, our kitchen team prepares a fresh, hot breakfast. You will enjoy your meal at the table, surrounded by a stunning mountain panorama.
• During the day: During the trek, you can stroll at a peaceful pace, capturing scenic photos and visiting local villages, monasteries, or schools with your guide. A freshly prepared lunch with hot drinks will be served between 11:00 and 13:00. After an hour of rest to recharge, we continue the journey.
• Afternoon at camp: Upon arriving at the campsite, you will find your tent already set up with your mattress and luggage placed inside. After freshening up with warm water, you can relax in the dining tent with hot drinks, biscuits, and cheese.
• Evening dinner: Each evening, our cook prepares a fresh buffet dinner, starting with warm soup followed by at least five different local and international dishes. During dinner, your guide will discuss the day's highlights and brief you on the itinerary for the next morning.
For this high elevation lower Dolpa region, we suggest you take along with you: Trekking boots, light shoes / trainers, woollen socks (x 3) woollen caps, warm hand gloves, warm or fibre pile jacket, down jacket, windproof jacket & trouser, fleece or sweater, shirts (x 2), long and short trekking trousers (and /or long skirt for women), waterproof poncho or umbrella, sun hat, (3x) underwear etc.
Other essential items: Kitbag and padlock, small rucksack, water bottle (1 litre capacity), head torch, personal first aid, sun and snow glasses, sun cream (factor 15+) & lip slave, towel & wash kit, whistle, passport, passport-size photographs, plastic bags, money belt.
Optional: Camera (with high-capacity memory cards and extra batteries), trekking poles / walking sticks, binoculars, notebook, pen etc.
Sleeping Bag: We strongly recommend a down sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C, along with a silk or fleece inner liner for extra warmth. If you do not have your own, high-quality sleeping bag you can rent or purchase in Kathmandu to suit your size.
We are a team of experienced Sherpas who have been leading Himalayan treks and expeditions for many years. Trekkers from all over the globe trust us and return year after year for another trek or expedition.
• In Kathmandu, there are many trekking agencies: some charge high prices without delivering quality service, while others offer low rates but lack experience and support. Regardless of the cost, the mountain views remain the same. But the quality of service that makes all the difference.
• We offer reasonable prices and ‘top-tier’ service across every aspect of your journey without compromise. That is why our clients keep coming back to trek with us again and again.
• When you trek with our team, your investment does more than just book a trip-it ensures a seamless, high-quality experience defined by a warm, family-like atmosphere and total peace of mind.
• While some trekkers explore the Himalayas independently to save money, they often overlook a critical question: "If something goes wrong, what is the plan?"
Trekking in Nepal is vastly different from hiking in Western countries. The landscapes are rugged, conditions are extreme, and weather can change in an instant.
In wilderness, unexpected challenges - from different sickness to sudden weather change can arise at any moment. Without professional support, these situations can quickly become dangerous. We provide the essential safety net and emergency logistics required to keep you safe.
Your journey with us isn’t just a holiday; it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and an unforgettable experience on the trail.
Tips for trekking staff: Tipping is a customary way to appreciate your team's hard work and dedication in helping you reach your goal. You may tip as much as you wish. However, if you are not satisfied with their service, tipping is not necessary.
This trek is designed for anyone who is physically fit, healthy, and passionate about exploring the high Himalayas. We warmly welcome adventurers between the ages of 16 to 70 can join us with confidence. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends, as a family, a senior traveller, a photographer, or a solo explorer with a guide, this journey is for you.
Immersing yourself in this pristine, organic Himalayan environment is a life-changing experience. It is proven to leave you feeling energized, happy, and stress-free—filling your life with sweet, unforgettable memories.
Preparation and Support: You are never alone in your journey. We provide comprehensive information and a full briefing in Kathmandu before you set off. Once on the trail, your guide will provide clear, day-by-day explanations of the plan to ensure you are always informed, comfortable, and safe.
Get in touch: The trekking regions mentioned here are just the beginning. For more information regarding trekking seasons, exact durations, and a competitive, reasonable cost for your group (large or small), please contact us directly.
We pride ourselves on providing a service that is faster, more personal, and more reliable than the rest. We will reply to your email within 24 hours.
Contact us via:
Email: hellokirken@gmail.com
WhatsApp / Messenger: Kirken Sherpa +43 664 55155 46
Direct Call: +43 664 55155 46 / +977 970 5843 789
"Thank you for choosing ''Phoksumdo lower Dolpa'' trek and for being a part of our team. We look forward to trekking with you!"
4 nights in Kathmandu at 3-Star hotel with bed & breakfast on twin sharing basis.
1 night in Nepalgunj twin sharing room with dinner and breakfast.
9 nights camping trek all the meals (breakfast- lunch - dinner) with hot drinks.
❌ Main meals (lunch + dinner) and drinks in Kathmandu.
❌ Personal expenses alcoholic beverages, drinks, laundry services and hot shower.
❌ Medical and travel insurance for the trekkers.
❌ Emergency helicopter rescue charges for the trekkers if necessary.
❌ International airfare (flight ticket) and taxes.
❌ Any kinds of visa for Nepal.
❌ Tips for trekking staffs.
Warm Welcome: Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport, Our representative will meet you at the airport terminal with a personalized sign, handling your luggage, welcome you with colourful flowers, drive to star hotel as your booking. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will be served a refreshing welcome drink at reception while our team assists with your check-in.
First Evening & Briefing: In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. During this time, our Tour Manager will conduct a comprehensive briefing, covering your trekking itinerary, safety protocols, and any other essential information for your upcoming adventure.
3-star hotel as your booking at Kathmandu.
Himalayan Experience Trek welcomes you to Nepal, the land of Himalaya, where we can offer a variety of experiences to make your holidays a truly memorable one in Nepal, India and Tibet, especially adventure trip, remote mountains region of Nepal.
Breakfast + lunch + dinner with hot drinks. 
Approx. 3 hours.
Breakfast + Lunch and Dinner. 
Tented camp. 
Approx. 6 to 7 hours.
Farewell Dinner: Evening our representative will take you for a farewell Nepali typical dinner with a culture program. After dinner back to hotel.
