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Dolpo Circuit Trek 19 Days | Phoksundo Lake Trek Nepal
19 Days
Challenging
5310 m
Overview
19 Days & 18 Nights
5310 m
Challenging
Spring/Autumn
Tea House
16
Kathmandu
The Dolpo Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, challenging, and rewarding trekking adventures. Located in the far-western Himalayas, the Dolpo region remained largely isolated from the outside world for centuries, preserving its unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient traditions, and untouched mountain landscapes.
Made famous by the book and film The Himalayan Kingdom of Dolpo, this extraordinary journey takes trekkers through hidden valleys, traditional Tibetan villages, high mountain passes, and the spectacular turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and most beautiful alpine lake.
The trek follows ancient trade routes connecting Nepal and Tibet, crossing the challenging Numa La Pass (5,310m) and Baga La Pass (5,170m) while offering breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba mountain ranges. Along the way, travelers experience authentic Himalayan culture, centuries-old monasteries, yak caravans, and some of Nepal’s most pristine wilderness.
For adventurous trekkers seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience, the Dolpo Circuit Trek is among the finest wilderness treks in the Himalayas.
Explore the remote Dolpo Circuit Trek with Zentrek Adventures. Cross Numa La and Baga La passes, visit Phoksundo Lake, discover Tibetan culture, and experience one of Nepal’s most spectacular wilderness trekking adventures.
Trek Highlights
- Explore the remote and restricted Dolpo region
- Visit the spectacular Phoksundo Lake (3,600m)
- Cross the high mountain passes of Numa La (5,310m) and Baga La (5,170m)
- Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and ancient villages
- Discover the traditional settlement of Dho Tarap
- Trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Encounter dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and alpine meadows
- Scenic mountain flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Juphal
- One of Nepal’s most remote and exclusive trekking adventures
Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), attend trek briefing, and complete final preparations.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Short domestic flight to Nepalgunj, the gateway to western Nepal.
Flight Time: 1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
Scenic mountain flight followed by a short trek to the district headquarters of Dolpa.
Flight: 35 minutes
Trek: 3 hours
Follow the Bheri River through traditional settlements and beautiful landscapes.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Enter the remote inner valleys of Dolpo through rugged mountain terrain.
Trek: 4–5 hours
Continue ascending through alpine landscapes and traditional yak-grazing areas.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Reach the remarkable village of Dho Tarap, one of the highest permanent settlements in Nepal.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Explore the village, monasteries, and surrounding landscapes while adjusting to the altitude.
Gradual ascent through open valleys toward the base of Numa La Pass.
Trek: 4–5 hours
A challenging day featuring spectacular mountain views and one of the trek’s highest points.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Another breathtaking high-altitude crossing through dramatic Himalayan scenery.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Descend to the magnificent turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Enjoy a full day exploring the lake, surrounding cliffs, monasteries, and natural beauty.
Descend through forests and river valleys toward lower elevations.
Trek: 5 hours
Complete the trekking portion of your adventure.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Morning flight via Nepalgunj and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Free time for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation before enjoying a traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural performance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight or continue exploring Nepal.
Includes and Excludes
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj with meals.
- 13 nights’ tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
Transportation & Flights
- Airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Kathmandu sightseeing transportation.
- Domestic flights:
Kathmandu → Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj → Juphal
Juphal → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Meals
- Daily breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
- Tea or coffee with meals during the trek.
Permits & Entry Fees
- Dolpo Restricted Area Permit.
- All required trekking permits.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
- Government taxes and permit processing fees.
Trekking Staff
- Experienced government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Necessary porter support.
- Staff wages, accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Safety & Support
- Insurance coverage for trekking staff.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit and essential medicines.
- Complete trek organization and logistical support.
Special Experiences
- Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Swayambhunath entrance fees.
- Traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural performance.
What's Not Included
International Travel
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Any airport departure taxes not included in your international flight ticket.
Visa Fees
- Nepal entry visa fee, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or from a Nepalese Embassy prior to travel.
Meals in Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu, except for the complimentary farewell dinner provided by Zentrek Adventures.
Beverages
- Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and other personal beverages.
- Additional tea, coffee, or snacks purchased outside the included meal plan.
Travel Insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking activities.
- Emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation coverage up to 5,500 meters or higher is strongly recommended.
Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Personal trekking gear and clothing.
- Sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and other equipment unless specifically rented or arranged separately.
Personal Expenses
- Internet and Wi-Fi charges.
- International and local telephone calls.
- Laundry services.
- Battery charging fees at tea houses.
- Hot showers during the trek.
- Souvenirs and personal shopping.
- Any additional accommodation or meals caused by flight delays, early return, or unforeseen circumstances.
Tips & Gratuities
- Tips for trekking guides, porters, drivers, and support staff. Tipping is customary in Nepal and greatly appreciated for excellent service.
Additional Costs
- Expenses arising from natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, flight cancellations, political disturbances, illness, or any circumstances beyond the control of Zentrek Adventures.
- Any services not specifically listed under the “What’s Included” section.
Fixed Departures
Join a group and save on your trekking costs.
| Departure Date | End Date | Status | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
23 Sep 2026
|
11 Oct 2026 | Limited | USD 4400 to 5000 | |
|
2 Oct 2026
|
20 Oct 2026 | Available | USD 4400 to 5000 | |
|
13 Oct 2026
|
31 Oct 2026 | Limited | USD 4400 to 5000 | |
|
1 Nov 2026
|
19 Nov 2026 | Available | USD 4400 to 5000 | |
|
10 Nov 2026
|
28 Nov 2026 | Limited | USD 4400 to 5000 |
Trek Map
View FullscreenFAQs
Difficulty Level: Challenging The Dolpo Circuit Trek is recommended for experienced trekkers due to its remote location, long trekking days, high mountain passes above 5,000 meters, and limited infrastructure. Good physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience are highly recommended.
Spring (April – June) Stable weather Clear mountain views Comfortable temperatures Autumn (September – November) Excellent visibility Dry trekking conditions Ideal for high-pass crossings
Zentrek Adventures specializes in remote Himalayan expeditions, providing experienced guides, expert logistics, and personalized service. Our deep knowledge of Dolpo ensures a safe, authentic, and unforgettable trekking experience in one of Nepal's last true wilderness regions.
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