Dho Tarap and Phoksundo Lake Circuit Trek
Embark on an Epic Journey Through the Dho Tarap & Phoksundo Lake Circuit
⏳ 14-28 days
⚡ Difficult
💵 Enquire
Book NowOverview
Venture into the remote and mystical landscapes of Dolpo, where ancient Tibetan culture thrives amidst rugged mountains and turquoise lakes. The Dho Tarap & Phoksundo Lake Circuit takes you through high-altitude valleys, over breathtaking mountain passes, and into some of the most untouched regions of Nepal. From the crystal-clear waters of Phoksundo Lake to the spiritual heart of Dho Tarap, this trek is an adventure of a lifetime—where every step tells a story of resilience, beauty, and tradition.

Explore Dolpo with El Yak Adventures
Choose El Yak Adventures for a unique Himalayan journey that integrates adventure, mindfulness, and a deep connection to local culture.
Pricing
- Cost: Enquire for pricing
- All transportation & accommodations
- Permits, guides, and meals included
- Group discounts available
Duration Options
- Full Trek: 28 days (complete circuit)
- Recommended: 24 days (full experience)
- Express: 14 days (focused trek)
Cultural Experience
- Dho Tarap: Tibetan culture at 4,200m
- Monasteries: Ancient spiritual sites
- Homestays: Live with Dolpo-pa families
Highlights
- Phoksundo Lake: Turquoise waters
- Mountain Passes: Numa La & Baga La
- Culture: Buddhist & Bon heritage
Difficulty Level
- Rating: Difficult
- Max altitude: 5,300m at Numa La Pass
- Second pass: 5,170m at Baga La
Accommodation
- Cities: 3-star hotels in Kathmandu
- Villages: Authentic homestays in Kalang
- Trek: Mix of teahouses and tented camps
Experience the Journey
Step into Dolpo through a filmmaker's lens
Watch as adventurers traverse the dramatic landscapes of this hidden Himalayan gem. This cinematic journey by Nicholas Eager captures the essence of trekking through Dolpo's pristine wilderness—from the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake to the ancient stone villages of Dho Tarap. Experience the challenging mountain passes, warm cultural encounters, and breathtaking vistas that make this adventure truly extraordinary.
Itinerary
Below is a sample itinerary for the anti-clockwise Dho Tarap Phoksundo Lake Trek. Please note that we typically customize itineraries to match each client's needs and preferences, ensuring a unique and personalized adventure.
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend your first evening exploring Thamel's vibrant tourist hub and Basantapur for an authentic taste of Nepali life. We'll brief you on trip details and safety preparations.
On day two, our local guide will take you through Kathmandu's historic sites and introduce you to the culture of the Dolpo-pa people. The day concludes with a special Dolpo cuisine dinner near the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, a site of great significance in the Buddhist world.
We'll take an morning/afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and explore the town. The next morning, we'll catch an early flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. This routing is necessary as there are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Juphal, and weather conditions in the mountains can sometimes affect flight schedules.
After landing in Juphal, we'll enjoy breakfast before taking a 2-hour jeep ride to Dunai, a bustling trading town nestled between rocky cliffs alongside the Bheri River, where we stay overnight at a hotel and prepare for our trekking adventure the next day.
Our trek begins as we follow the scenic Bheri River to Laisicap, a small settlement with tent accommodations. The next day, we continue through rugged terrain to Nawarpani, enjoying spectacular landscapes throughout. On day seven, we push further into the Dolpo region for 5-7 hours before reaching Sisaul, where we'll rest at a tent hotel.
We trek to Kalang village from Sisaul where we'll enjoy a warm homestay with local families. We'll spend an additional day exploring the village and its surroundings, learning about the lifestyle and culture of the local people.
We journey to Dho Tarap, a picturesque valley at 4,200m (13,780 ft) with one of the highest settlements in the world featuring thriving Tibetan culture. We'll spend the next day exploring Dho village, visiting monasteries, and meeting local monks and villagers. On day twelve, we take a short trek to Tokyu, another beautiful village in the valley, where we'll explore spiritual, economic, and social aspects of local life.
We begin our ascent toward Numa La Pass (5,300m/17,400 ft), setting up at base camp to acclimatize. The next day brings a challenging but rewarding crossing of Numa La Pass to reach Yak Kharkha. From there, we trek to Baga La Base Camp, preparing for our second high pass. On day sixteen, we cross Baga La Pass (5,170m/16,960 ft) and descend into Ringmo village, located beside the pristine Phoksundo Lake.
We dedicate two full days to relaxing and exploring Ringmo village and the stunning turquoise Phoksundo Lake. We'll visit local monasteries, interact with villagers, and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of this remarkable place.
We begin our descent, first stopping at Jharana Hotel for grand views of waterfalls and forests. The next day, we trek through lush forests to Chepka, enjoying the rich vegetation and flowing rivers. On day twenty-one, we complete the final stretch of our trek back to Dunai, where we'll rest and celebrate our journey.
We take an early jeep to Juphal and fly to Nepalgunj then back to Kathmandu the same day. In the afternoon and following day, we'll visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath. We'll conclude with a farewell dinner featuring cultural performances before your departure, when our staff will transfer you to Tribhuwan International Airport.
Ready to Ride the Roof of the World?
Reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure now! Contact us for detailed itineraries, group discounts, and custom options tailored to your experience level.
Book Now