15 days Phoksundo lake Dolpa:
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.
The authentic camping experience: Because this region remains wonderfully untouched by modern tourism, you won't find luxury lodges or fine dining here. While a few basic tea houses exist along the trail, they do not yet meet the comfort standards most trekkers desire. To truly embrace the spirit of the Himalayas, a fully serviced tented camp is the only way to experience this wilderness in comfort and style.
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.
Journey Highlights: 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.
Your adventure begins and ends at the Juphal Airport in Dolpa. This trek is a true circuit that showcases the diversity of the Himalayan landscape.
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.
Please Note: For all the specific route details, camping and trip information, please follow the ''day - by - day itinerary'' at the bottom of this site.
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.
High acclimatization: Safety is our top priority. Once we ascend above 3,000 meters, proper acclimatization becomes essential to ensure your body adjusts to the thinning air.
To prevent altitude sickness, we follow the gold standard of high-altitude safety: "Climb High, Sleep Low." This means we may hike to a higher elevation during the day to stimulate your body’s adaptation, but we always return to a lower altitude to sleep. This practice significantly reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and ensures a safer, more comfortable journey during the trek.
Altitude Symptoms: If you feel symptoms of high- altitude (Headache, vomiting, loss your appetite, Dizziness and trouble falling asleep) stop to ascending immediately descend as possible. Eat enough garlic soup, take lots of hot drinks and rest. Next day you will feel better, if not your guide will look for another solution.
Emergency Helicopter Evacuation: Your safety is our absolute priority. In the event of serious illness or injury, our guides are trained to act immediately. They will maintain constant communication with our Kathmandu-based agency to coordinate a rapid response.
We can arrange an emergency helicopter evacuation from any point on the trail back to Kathmandu within a few hours (weather permitting). To ensure a smooth and life-saving rescue, we require all our guests to have travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
Our team will handle all the logistics with your insurance provider and the helicopter operators so that you can focus entirely on recovery.
Travel Insurance: Unfortunate illness or injury can happen to anyone, anywhere. In the remote mountain regions where we trek, your safety is paramount. Because ground transport to the nearest clinic can be slow, we rely on rapid aerial response.
• Helicopter Rescue from Kathmandu or Pokhara offers the fastest rescue service but is extremely expensive.
• Action Required: We strongly advise you to issue a 'comprehensive travel insurance policy' from your home country or in Kathmandu. Your policy must specifically cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses at high altitudes (up to 5,000m.)
Pro Tip: Please Always carry a digital and printed copy of your insurance certificate and the 24-hour emergency contact number for your provider.
Weather patterns in the mountains and Himalayan regions have become more unpredictable recently due to the effects of global warming. However, here is a general guide to the seasons.
Spring (March – May): Spring is one of the best times for spectacular, clear views in the Lower Dolpa Phoksumdo regions. The stable weather brings excellent visibility. During this season, the trails come alive as rhododendrons and various other wildflowers blossom in their brightest colours.
Autumn (September – November): Autumn offers some of the most stunning, uninterrupted views of the high Himalayas. With crisp air and perfect trekking temperatures, the days are exceptionally enjoyable for mountain photography and trekking.
Winter (December – February): While the low elevations offer clear skies and clean air with excellent visibility, the higher altitudes near at Numa La and Baga La pass may heavy snowfall, making the trails difficult to navigate. Temperatures drop significantly during the mornings and nights.
While some trekkers explore the Himalayas independently to save on costs, they often overlook a critical question: "If something goes wrong, what is the solution?" Trekking in Nepal is vastly different from hiking in Europe or Western countries. The terrain is rugged, the altitudes are extreme, and conditions can change in an instant. When you trek with us, your small investment does more than just book a trip-it ensures a seamless, high-quality experience defined by a family atmosphere and total peace of mind.
Safety First: In the wilderness, unexpected challenges, from altitude sickness to unpredictable weather can arise at any moment. Without professional support, these situations can quickly become life-threatening. We provide the essential safety net and emergency logistics required to keep you safe.
The Service Difference: The mountain panorama remains the same for everyone, but the quality of your journey is defined by the service you receive. By booking through a government-registered agency like ours, you gain access to:
• Expert Guidance: Professional guides who are fluent in the local culture, trail secrets, and shifting weather patterns.
• Reliable Support: Dedicated porters to handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to walk freely and focus on the scenery.
• Stress-Free Logistics: We manage every detail, from your date of arrival to departure, so you never have to worry about the "what ifs."
Your journey with us isn’t just a holiday; it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and a happy, stress-free life on the trail.
About Kathmandu: Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The valley is the cultural and historical heart of Nepal. Often described as a "living museum," home to three ancient cities, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which were once separate kingdoms.
Thamel is the main tourist hub. It’s a maze of narrow streets filled with trekking shops, cafes, massage, and different souvenir shops.
Heritage tours: A heritage tour of the Kathmandu Valley is essentially a journey through an "open-air museum." The valley is unique because it hosts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a relatively small radius.
During your tours you will visit Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhu and Boudha Stupa with a professional city guide. When walking around Buddhist stupas or Hindus Temples, always walk in a clockwise direction.
Hotel Accommodation: At Kathmandu you will spend two nights before the trek and two nights after the trek total four nights and one night at Nepalgunj at 3-star hotel.
Twin Sharing: Your room will feature two separate single beds. If you are traveling as a couple and prefer a large bed, it is best to request a "Double Room" in advance, though "Twin" is the default for most tour bookings.
Bed & Breakfast: Your stay covers a buffet breakfast each morning. Lunch and dinner are usually at your own expense.
Dining and Daily Meals: Kathmandu and other major cities are a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide array of restaurants that serve high-quality, diverse cuisine. You can indulge in authentic Nepalese Dal Bhat Tarkari with spicy achar or sample Tibetan staples like Momos (dumplings) and Thukpa (noodle soup).
For international palates: Many establishments feature expertly prepared Indian curries, Chinese stir-fry, and Continental flavours such as pasta, steaks, and wood-fired pizzas. Most restaurants provide extensive vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that whether you crave spicy local flavours or mild international dishes, there is something to satisfy every appetite.
Trekking crew (Nepali staff): An adventurous trek is only made possible by the dedication of an experienced trekking crew. Our team consisting of a professional guide, cook, Sherpa helpers, kitchen staff, and porters, is committed to making your journey safe and comfortable.
Trekking guides & Sherpa helpers: Our team will handle the logistics, including setting up all tents and managing the campsites.
Porters: They will take the weight off your shoulders by carrying all heavy luggage and equipment.
Cook & kitchen staff: You will be served fresh, hot, and delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared daily.
Professionalism: Our entire Nepali team is highly experienced and works seamlessly together, even at altitudes above 4,000m, to ensure you have a worry-free experience.
Daily activities and meals: Experience the rhythm of life on the trail with our well-organized daily routine. We take care of every detail so you can focus entirely on the beauty of the Himalayas.
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.
Tented camping equipment: For the tented camping trek, we provide two man sharing double tents or single supplement high altitude tents with double (Foam + waterproof) mattresses, dining tent with folding table and stools, kitchen tent with kitchen utensils, toilet tent, shower tent, staff and porter’s tent. High altitude equipment for the staff and porters.
Trekking equipment check list: 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 Requirements: 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 bags are available to rent or purchase in Kathmandu to suit your size.
Trekking Permit and other fees: For Lower Dolpa region, required a trekking permit, you need Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit and 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.
Transportation: To ensure your arrival and departure are as smooth as possible, we provide private vehicle car, van or bus as group size, transfers for all your airport needs.
Domestic Flights: To maximize your time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas, we include a flight from Kathmandu / Nepalgunj to Jufal (Dolpa) begin your journey, and a return flight from Jufal (Dolpa) / Nepalgunj to Kathmandu at the conclusion of the trek.
Note: For specific travel times and distances, please refer to the Day-by-Day Itinerary at the end of this page.
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 and 70 to 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: For more information regarding trekking seasons, exact durations, and a competitive, reasonable cost tailored to your group size, please contact us directly. We pride ourselves on providing a service that is faster, more personal, and more reliable than the rest.
Contact us via:
Email: hellokirken@gmail.com
WhatsApp / Messenger: Kirken Sherpa +43 664 55155 46
Direct Call: +43 664 55155 46
"Thank you for choosing ''Phoksumdo lower Dolpa'' trek and for being a part of our team. We look forward to trekking with you!"
| Trekking season | March to May, September to November. |
| Kinds of trek | Tented camping trek. |
| Max. elevation | Numa la pass 5,309m. |
| Group size | 02 to 12 persons. |
| Total cost per person | Euro 2,990.00 |
Single supplement per person Euro 280.00 extra cost.
The above-mentioned cost includes all the government taxes.
Group rates is available, can be negotiate.
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.
