Hidden kingdom · Shey Phoksundo Lake · Kang La Pass (5,190m) · Bon culture
Remote, raw, and rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture – Lower Dolpo is for those who seek true wilderness.
A slightly shorter but equally captivating introduction to the mystical Dolpo region — hidden valleys, dramatic canyon landscapes, and the iconic turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake await. Crossing the formidable Kang La Pass at 5,190m, this trek takes you deep into a rain-shadow wilderness where ancient Bon monasteries cling to cliffsides, yak caravans move along salt trade routes, and the Dolpo-pa people live almost entirely as they have for centuries.
Nepal's deepest lake — Shey Phoksundo — shimmers in impossible shades of turquoise and cobalt, framed by ochre cliffs and thundering waterfalls. With fewer than 500 trekkers visiting each year, Lower Dolpo is one of the last genuinely untouched corners of the Himalayas — a perfect blend of raw wilderness and living ancient culture, without the extreme demands of the upper circuit.
Dolpo, Karnali Province
5,190 m (Kang La Pass)
14–18 days KTM–KTM
Trekking: 12–14 days
Moderate–Strenuous
High pass, remote camping
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Crystal clear, stable
Phoksundo Lake · Kang La Pass · Shey Gompa · Bon culture · Dho Tarap
Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri (distant), Phoksundo Peak – the rain shadow creates dramatic desert vistas.
| Peak Name | Height (m) | Viewpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaulagiri I | 8,167 | Phedi, Kagbeni approach |
| Kanjiroba | 6,883 | Phoksundo Lake southern shore |
| Phoksundo Peak | 6,091 | Ringmo village |
| Kagmara Peak | 5,185 | Near Kagmara La (optional) |
| Jungben Peak | 5,762 | Trails above Ringmo |
Lower Dolpo Restricted Permit + ACAP + TIMS. Guide mandatory, minimum 2 trekkers.
| Permit | Cost (USD/NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Dolpo Restricted Permit | $10 first week + $15/day after | ~$100–150 total |
| ACAP | ~$23 | Annapurna Conservation Area |
| TIMS Card | ~$7.50 | Group or individual |
| Total permits ~$150–200 – guide mandatory | ||
| Style | Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (guide + porter) | ~$960–1,200 | Flights KTM↔Juphal, permits, guide, porter, basic meals/lodging |
| Budget (group, no porter) | ~$750–900 | Shared costs, minimal extras |
| Luxury private | $1,500+ | Private jeep, better camping gear, extra days |
From Juphal to Dunai, Phoksundo Lake, Kang La Pass, Shey Gompa, and Dho Tarap.
Basic lodges exist only in lower villages; above Shey Gompa, camping required. Bring a warm sleeping bag (-10°C).
Temperatures drop to -15°C on passes – expedition‑quality layering required.
Acclimatization at Ringmo and Shey Gompa – drink 4–5L water daily, ascend slowly.
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, ataxia = descend 500m immediately.
Drink 4–5 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics AMS.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,500m.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 6,000m. Rescue from Dolpo ~$5,000–8,000.
125mg twice daily – consult doctor. Start from Dunai (2,140m).
Juphal flights weather‑dependent. Keep 2–3 buffer days.
The Dolpo-pa follow pre-Buddhist Bon and Tibetan Buddhism – clockwise around stupas, remove shoes.
Juphal → Dunai → Chhepka → Ringmo → Kang La Pass (5,190m) → Shey Gompa → Dho Tarap → Dunai
Book your Lower Dolpo trek with Lila – expert local guides, proper permits, and the adventure of a lifetime.