Dolpo Circuit Trek via Phoksundo Lake

Highlights of Dolpo Circuit Trek

Phoksundo Lake: Experience Nepal’s deepest and most stunning turquoise lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and alpine landscapes.
Remote Wilderness: Explore one of Nepal's most isolated regions, offering pristine nature, rugged trails, and a sense of adventure.
High Himalayan Passes: Cross challenging passes like Baga La (5,214 m), Numa La (5,238 m), and Ghami La (5,700 m) for unparalleled views of the Himalayas.
Cultural Exploration: Discover ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, traditional villages like Dho Tarap, and experience authentic Bonpo culture.
Panoramic Mountain Views: Witness awe-inspiring views of peaks like Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, and other snow-capped giants.
Diverse Landscapes: Traverse lush forests, barren high-altitude deserts, deep gorges, and glacial rivers.Dhaulagiri, and other snow-capped giants.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot unique flora and fauna in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, including blue sheep, snow leopards, and Himalayan birds.
Authentic Camping Adventure: Enjoy nights under the stars in remote campsites, far away from civilization., snow leopards, and Himalayan birds.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with the local Dolpo-pa people, learning about their traditional lifestyles, farming, and spiritual practices.
Scenic Flights: Experience thrilling mountain flights from Nepalgunj to Juphal and Jomsom to Pokhara.

Dolpo Circuit Trek via Phoksundo Lake

This challenging 18-day trek through Lower and Upper Dolpo in western Nepal is tailored for extremely fit hikers seeking an exhilarating high-altitude adventure. The rewarding journey encompasses five arduous passes over 5,000 meters, including the towering 5,700m Ghami La.

The constantly breathtaking scenery defies description, from the turquoise jewel of Phoksundo Lake to pristine wilderness where blue sheep roam. You’ll experience a profound immersion in Tibetan Buddhist culture still thriving here. The rare chance to glimpse elusive snow leopards makes this a thrilling trip for wildlife lovers too.

Lower Dolpo highlights include the crystal waters of Phoksundo Lake, made famous by the film Himalaya, and the picturesque village of Chharka where time stands still. Ancient Bon-Po traditions persist in this region isolated from the modern world.

Venturing into roadless Upper Dolpo means accessing a high-altitude snowbound kingdom rarely visited by outsiders. Enjoy the privilege of solitude and nature’s magnificence, with towering peaks surrounding you. Just you, your dedicated trek crew, blue sheep, lammergeyers, perhaps wolves or snow leopards.

With multiple days spent above 5,000m, this trek requires excellent fitness and acclimatization. Approaching the finale at Ghami La may bring snow, adding an extra challenge but also a magical blessing to your crossing.

Re-entering civilization after this epic 18-day odyssey may bring mixed emotions. But an overwhelming sense of awe and achievement will surely accompany you home from conquering one of Nepal’s most demanding and rewarding treks.

Itinerary for Dolpo Circuit Trek via Phoksundo Lake Expand all

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day preparing for your trek or exploring the city.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj (150 m)

Take a one-hour flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling town near the Indian border. Prepare for your journey into the Dolpo region.
Overnight: Hotel in Nepalgunj
Day 3: Flight to Juphal (2,475 m) – Trek to Rupagad (2,120 m, 3 hours)

Fly to Juphal and start trekking along the Bheri River to reach Rupagad. Enjoy the scenic trail through traditional villages.
Overnight: Camp
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka (2,670 m, 6 hours)

Follow a trail through lush forests and picturesque landscapes to reach Chhepka, a small village en route to Phoksundo Lake.
Overnight: Camp
Day 5: Trek to Jharna (3,000 m, 6-7 hours)

Continue trekking through a mix of dense forests and rugged trails to Jharna. Experience the untouched beauty of the Dolpo region.
Overnight: Camp
Day 6: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m, 3-4 hours)

Reach the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
Overnight: Camp
Day 7: Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake

Take a day to explore the turquoise lake and its surroundings. Visit the nearby Ringmo village to experience local culture.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8: Trek to Baga La Phedi (4,200 m, 5 hours)

Ascend gradually to Baga La Phedi, the base of the challenging Baga La Pass, surrounded by panoramic mountain views.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9: Cross Baga La Pass (5,214 m) to Beyond Danigar (4,800 m, 8-9 hours)

Conquer the Baga La Pass, enjoying awe-inspiring views of Kanjiroba and surrounding peaks before descending to Danigar.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10: Cross Numa La Pass (5,238 m) to Tokyu (4,200 m, 8 hours)

Challenge yourself with the Numa La Pass, offering expansive Himalayan vistas, before descending to Tokyu village.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11: Trek to Dho Tarap and Moran (4,200 m, 3½-4 hours)

Explore the culturally rich village of Dho Tarap, known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, and trek further to Moran.
Overnight: Camp
Day 12: Cross Jhyarkoi La (5,360 m) to Camp (4,600 m, 8 hours)

Tackle the steep climb over Jhyarkoi La Pass and descend to a campsite surrounded by alpine wilderness.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13: Cross Mo La Pass (5,035 m) to Chharka (4,100 m, 6 hours)

Experience the remote beauty of Chharka village, descending after crossing the Mo La Pass.
Overnight: Camp
Day 14: Trek to Nakhkham Khola Camp (4,600 m, 7-8 hours)

Follow the rugged trail along the Nakhkham Khola River, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Overnight: Camp
Day 15: Trek to High Camp (4,900 m, 5-6 hours)

Prepare for the highest pass by trekking to High Camp, with stunning views of snow-covered peaks.
Overnight: Camp
Day 16: Cross Ghami La Pass (5,700 m) to Lake Camp (4,800 m, 8-9 hours)

Cross the challenging Ghami La Pass and descend to a serene campsite near a glacial lake.
Overnight: Camp
Day 17: Trek to Ghami (3,490 m, 7-8 hours)

Descend through changing landscapes, passing through alpine meadows and steep gorges to Ghami.
Overnight: Camp
Day 18: Trek to Ghami Village (3,520 m, 6-7 hours)

Continue descending to reach the traditional village of Ghami, surrounded by agricultural fields.
Overnight: Camp
Day 19: Drive to Jomsom (2,720 m)

Take a scenic drive to Jomsom, a gateway to the Annapurna and Mustang regions.
Overnight: Lodge in Jomsom
Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara

Enjoy two scenic flights back to Kathmandu with a brief stopover in Pokhara. Relax or explore Kathmandu in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, concluding this remarkable trek.

Trip Infos

Accomodation Hotels in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jomsom. Camping during the trek.
Meals 3 meals during Trek
Best season Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Transportation Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj–Juphal, Jomsom–Pokhara). Drive from Ghami to Jomsom.
Guiding method Local English Speaking trekking guide.