Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo is located in the vital western part of Himalayan country Nepal. Dolpa is known as one of the rain shadow areas of this country. Lower Dolpo was opened in 1991 for trekking purposes. The focal point of the lower Dolpo trekking area is Shey-phoksundo National Park and Tibetan Monastery. Lower Dolpo is a remote and rugged protected area that is both scenically and culturally attractive. Lower Dolpo trekking crosses the three high passes of Dolpa region like Kagmara La 5115m, Baga La (5190 m), Numa La (5159 m). Special trekking permit is required for doing trekking in lower Dolpo.

Dolpo trekking is the most popular trek in the western part of Nepal. Trekking in the Dolpo region gives an exposure to the high & isolated Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. The major highlight of the Lower Dopa trek includes Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is the largest National Parks covering an area of 3,555 km of Nepal, Buddhist monasteries and traditional culture of local residents. Shey Phoksundo Lake is another prominent factor in the Dolpo region. The lake is totally free of aqua life, which the crystal waters clearly explain. Surrounded by rock, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the World’s Natural Hidden Wonders. Lower Dolpo trek also known as home of herbal land, unspoiled culture as well as Buddhist Monuments. Trekking in Dolpo is an adventure activity that is full of enthusiasm, excitement and an unforgettable experience.

The major rivers in the park are the Khung, Nmajung and Panjang, The Suligad and Jugdual Rivers, which are the major tributaries of the Thule Bheri River; and the Langu River, which drains the high Dolpo plateau to the east and flows westward. The flora found within the park is extremely diverse. The northern regions contain barren areas of the upper Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan slope lands consisting of some rhododendron, Caragana shrubs, and Salix, Juniper, white Himalayan birch, and the occasional silver fir dominates the high meadows of the Himalayas. Less than five percent of the park is forested, with much of it lying in the southern portion.

The Suligad Vally’s flora consists of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, cedar, silver fir, poplar, rhododendron, and bamboo. The park also contains 286 species of ethnological importance. The park provides important habitat for endangered species, including the snow leopard, gray wolf, musk deer, and blue sheep, Goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, leopard, jackal, and Himalayan black bear are also found in the park.

The park is home to six reptiles and 29 species of butterfly, including the highest flying butterflies in the world, Paralasa nepalaica. The park provides habitat for over 200 species of birds, among which include yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snip, white-throated tit, wood Acceptor, and crimson-eared Rosefinch. Most of the precipitation in the area occurs during the monsoon (July-September), although the Dhaulagari and Kanjiroba Ranges from a massive barrier preventing most of the rain from reaching the Trans-Himalayan area. The park contains the transition from a monsoon dominated climate with 1500 mm of annual precipitation in the south (Suligad) to an arid climate with less than 500 mm. a year in the northern slopes. Winters are quite severe, with frequent snowfalls above 2,500 m. and the temperature’s remaining below freezing above 3,000 m through much of the winter.

Lower Dolpo trekking starts from Juphal after a short flight from the terrain town of Nepalgunj which is well-connected by both road and air from Kathmandu. For lower Dolpo trekking it required earlier hiking or trekking experience, normal waking experience is not enough for doing Lower Dolpo Trekking in Nepal. We suggest the lower Dolpo trekking trails for those who have previous trekking experience and physically fit. If a given itinerary is not suitable for you, we design another itinerary for doing Dolpo trek as per your desire and holidays. We operate Lower Dolpa trekking basic tea house or tented camp as per your requirements.