Where Exactly Is Lower Dolpo in Map?

• 31 May 2025
• Hillary Treks

Download map

Lower Dolpo is a remote region in the northwest of Nepal, located in the Dolpa district of Karnali Province. It lies close to the Tibetan border and shares many cultural and religious traditions with it. This area is part of Shey Phoksundo National Park, one of the largest national parks in Nepal. The elevation of Lower Dolpo ranges from 2,500 meters to 5,238 meters. It spans approximately between 28.99° and 29.29° N latitude and 82.85° and 83.54° E longitude, covering key spots such as Dunai, Phoksundo Lake, and Dho Tarap. If you’re planning a trek in this area, a Lower Dolpo trek map is essential for understanding and navigating your journey smoothly.

Dolpo is rich in history; it was a part of the ancient salt trade route between Tibet and Nepal. It is separated from Upper Dolpo by high Himalayan passes like Numa La and Baga La. To reach Lower Dolpo, you’ll first take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and then another short flight to Jhupal Airport, the gateway to Dolpo. From Jhupal, you can walk or take a jeep to Dunai, the starting point of the trek.

Lower Dolpo Trek Route & Itinerary

The Lower Dolpo Trek is a 15-day adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote regions. It is perfect for those who are searching for the best Lower Dolpo trek map to explore this hidden gem. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Jhupal in the Dolpo region. From Jhupal, you’ll start your treks towards Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. The path then takes you through traditional villages like Tarakot, a village located near the Bheri River. The route continues to Laini and Nawar Pani. You’re still at lower points, so you cannot witness many mountain views.

From Dho Tarap onwards, the trek offers incredible mountain views. As you reach Numa La Base Camp (5,310m), you will get your first views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Norbu Kang in the distance. While moving towards Danigar, you’ll continue to see Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m), and at Banga La Pass (5,170m), you can witness panoramic views of Kanjirowa Himal (6,883m) and Churen Himal ranges. After the pass, you’ll descend to Yak Kharka, then continue towards Phoksundo Lake. If you are interested in exploring the stunning water spots and landscapes in detail, consider the Phoksundo Lake trek for a dedicated adventure. Finally, the trek ends with descents to Shyanta and Jhupal, and finally back to Kathmandu.

Where to get a Permit from?

To trek in Lower Dolpo, you need mainly two permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit. The RAP is required because Lower Dolpo is a restricted region as it lies closer to the Tibetan border. These permits can only be issued by a registered trekking agency, so you cannot trek solo in this area. Our agency, Hillarysteptreks, provides such permits quickly and reliably, so do visit us to make your trek completely stress-free.

When you book your trek with us, we will manage all your paperwork, documents, and logistics, so you don’t need to worry about it. You don’t have to stand in a line or deal with confusing forms. Our team will arrange your flights and provide experienced guides and porters. Since it is a 15-day trek through a remote and restricted area, hiring a licensed guide and a porter is highly recommended. The total price for this trek offered by our company is $2,300, but if you come in a group, you can get a discount of around $250 to $300 per person.

If you’re planning a Lower Dolpo cultural Trek, let us take care of everything and make your journey memorable. Book Your Dolpo Adventure Today!