Beni Dolpo Trek - 22 Days

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The Beni Dolpo Trek, also known as the Lower Dolpo Trek, is a 22-day journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally untouched regions. The journey starts from the village of Beni in western Nepal, the trail crosses through the Dhaulagiri foothills, climbs over high mountain passes, and finally enters the legendary Hidden Valley of Dolpa - also called “Ba Yul” where you can explore ancient Bonpo monasteries.

Duration
22 Days
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5,010m.
Group Size
1-12 Pax
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Travel Style
Trekking
Best Time
Sep-Nov & March-May

Unlike the busy, crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna, the Beni Dolpo Trek takes you through less-crowded villages where the Tibetan culture has been preserved, far away from mass tourism. The region was opened to foreign trekkers only in 1991, and it is a restricted area that requires special permits. During the journey, you will cross high passes including Jangla Bhanjyang (4,535m) and Phagune Dhuri Pass, walk along the Thuli Bheri River, and experience rain-shadow landscapes that make Dolpo geologically and culturally unique in Nepal.

The Beni Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's hidden and less-explored treks,ideal for trekkers who seek less-crowded trails and want a true wilderness adventure. With our licensed guides, all permits arranged, and a well-managed pace itinerary, we make this remote journey safe, comfortable, and deeply rewarding.

Beni Dolpo Trek Highlights

  • Cross the Jangla Bhanjyang Pass (4,535m) with panoramic Dhaulagiri views
  • Visit ancient Bonpo monasteries – one of the oldest pre-Buddhist traditions
  • Explore the Hidden Valley (Ba Yul) of Lower Dolpo
  • Walk through pristine rain-shadow wilderness rarely visited by trekkers
  • Spot rare wildlife including blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards
  • Experience authentic Tibetan-Buddhist culture in remote villages
  • Stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba Peak, and Norbu Himal
  • Trek through traditional villages of the Sherpa, Magar, and Tibetan ethnic groups
  • Scenic flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj through the Himalayas

Why Choose the Beni Dolpo Trek?

The Beni Dolpo Trek stands apart from the other Nepal treks for many reasons:

True wilderness experience: Like in the Everest and Annapurna region, you will meet hundreds of trekkers daily, but in Beni Dolpo, you may not meet any foreign trekkers often. The trail is mainly used by local yak herders, traders, and pilgrims.

Cultural authenticity: The people of Dolpo follow Bonpo, an ancient religion that is older than Buddhism in Tibet. When you visit the Bonpo monastery near Phoksundo Lake, it feels like going back in time. The villages in Dolpo still live the traditional Tibetan way, untouched by modern tourism.

 Less crowded: Dolpo is a protected, restricted, hidden, and less-explored region, with only a few trekkers trek each year. During the trekking journey, you will meet fewer trekkers compared to any other trek.

Geographic Uniqueness: Lower Dolpo lies behind the Dhaulagiri mountains, so it gets very little rain. The land is dry with deep canyons and dramatic views - very different compared to the green trails of Everest or Annapurna. 

Why Book the Beni Dolpo Trek with Higher Limits Trek?

17 + years of trekking experience: Government-registered Nepali company guiding remote Himalayan treks since 2009.

All permits arranged: We handle all the required permits for the Beni Dolpo Trek.

Experienced Dolpo guides: Our guides are experienced and licensed, and they understand the culture and know every village on the trail.

No hidden cost: The cost is transparent pricing with clear inclusion and exclusion, no surprise or extra cost along the journey.

Medical Kit & Oximeter: Your guide carries a first aid kit and an oximeter in case of any emergencies during the trek.

100 % guaranteed departures: Once you book your trek, there is 100 % guarantee that your trip will run.

Tailor – made itinerary: You can customize the Beni Dolpo trek according to your preferences.

Farewell dinner included: A cultural farewell dinner in Kathmandu will be organized at the end of your trip.

Trip completion certificate: A small memento of your big achievement.

Short Itinerary Outline

Beni Dolpo Trek - 22 Days Detailed Itinerary

1Day

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport & transfer to Hotel

Our airport team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival day. You will have a hassle-free transfer to hotel from airport. The remaining day is free for rest and enjoy your bustling surroundings.

2Day

Half day Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley

It is a day for Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and trek preparation. We will arrange a professional tour guide for you and a private car/van/bus with a driver to explore between monuments. The Tour guide will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa, the historical and cultural sites you’ll visit today.

After completion of your day tour, you will be meeting with your trek guide at our office/hotel. He will brief you about the Trek and all the essentials. The Thamel has many trekking gear shops, where you can buy missing gear in the late evening if you need.

3Day

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni

The drive from Kathmandu to Beni is one of the most scenic and culturally rich highway journeys in Nepal. The road gradually transitions from bustling city landscapes to peaceful countryside, terraced hills, deep river valleys, and charming rural towns. This route is commonly traveled by trekkers heading toward the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mustang, and Manaslu regions.

4Day

Trek from Beni to Tara Khet via Singa Bazaar

To reach Singa Bazaar you walk along the bank of Beni river with views of villages at some distance. Singa Bazaar is a village with tea shops, lodges, hotels, beautiful terraces and typical houses. Leaving Singa Bazaar, you move through quite flat land all the way to Tara Khet passing through villages. Stay overnight in lodge.

5Day

Trek from Tara Khet to Danyga Khola

This day you trek through gentle ascent until you reach Panchey (1700m.) passing villages, few trees and green hills. Now crossing a suspension bridge over Beni River you arrive at Tokra (1820m.), a village. Descending gently for couple of minutes, you reach Junla (2020m.), mostly considered as a pass. The trail appears to be quite flat passing through villages, sparse forests and green hills and you reach Danyga Khola. Danyga village lies at the bank of Danyga Khola. 

6Day

Trek from Danyga Khola to Dharapani

The trail is ascending and descending at the beginning and later moves through flat land all the way to Dharapani. En route you can enjoy the spectacular views of green hills, forests, typical houses and mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Mana Pathi Himal and other unnamed mountains. Dharpani is a village with good infrastructure. Stay overnight in lodge.

7Day

Trek from Dharapani to Muna via Sibang

At first you trek through gentle flat land with green hills on both sides. After some distance, the path goes quite up for a long distance passing through villages, forests covered with pine, oak, rhododendron and local vegetation. Before you enter Muna, you have to trek through flat for couple of hours. Muna is a large village with good infrastructure. Stay overnight in lodge.

8Day

Trek from Muna to Jaljala La via Lumsum and Moreni

To reach Lumsum you have to trek through steep ascent passing through the oak and rhododendron forests with views of Dhaulagiri, Mana Pathi and few other unnamed mountains. The path is steep up until you reach Jaljala La passing through Moreni, a village. This is best described as hunting area. Stay overnight in lodge.

9Day

Trek from Jaljala La to Dhorpatan via Gurjakot

The trails until Gurjakot are steep descent and then it moves through flat land all the way to Dhorpatan. You walk along the bank of river passing through forests covered with oak, pine, rhododendron, juniper and other local vegetation. Gurjakot is a small village mostly dominated by people who follow Tibetan culture. There are chortens, mani walls and prayer flags fluttering in the bridge. On the other hand, Dhorpatan is a point where roads from Baglung, Beni, Rolpa and Rukum meet. Stay overnight in lodge.

10Day

Rest day at Dhorpatan.

You can visit monastery, chortens and local markets. Hiking green hill will give you another pleasure. Stay overnight in lodge.

11Day

Dhorpatan to Takur via Phagune Dhuri Pass

Leaving Dhorpatan you head uphill up to Phagune Dhuri Pass passing grass land and sparse forests. This pass is surrounded by green hills and you can see villages at some distance from the top. Now the trail goes steep down passing villages, terraces and a suspension bridge over Pelma Khola (stream). As you cross bridge you begin to follow gentle ascent path through terraces and local villages all the way to Takur. Stay overnight in lodge.

12Day

Trek from Takur to Pelma

The supposed trail moves down all the way to Pelma crossing a wooden bridge over Pelma Khola. On the way, you can see several villages, terraces, green hills and local people. Pelma is a village and people living in and around this area are not well to do. Stay overnight in lodge.

13Day

Trek from Pelma to Dhule

Yamakhar (2480m.) and Gorba Khola (2930m.) takes about seven hours. Crossing Pelma Khola the trails go steep up all the way to Dhule. En route, you pass through picturesque villages, terraces and green hills. Stay overnight in lodge.

14Day

Trek from Dhule to Seng Khola via Nautale Bhanjyang

The beginning part of the trail moves through the pine, rhododendron, and juniper forests along the steep ascent path until you reach Nautale Bhanjyang. You can enjoy the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri range and other unnamed mountains. Nautale Bhanjyang, atop a ridge is a grass land where local people bring yak and sheep for grazing. To reach Seng Khola you trek through gentle ascent for couple of hours and the trail turns steep up all the way to your destination. Seng Khola is a village which lies at the bank of Seng River. Stay overnight in lodge.

15Day

Trek from Seng Khola to Purpang via Paanidal Pass

You trek steep ascent all the way to Purpang following rocky and dry land. En route you come across alpine grass land. From Panidal Pass you can have panoramic views of Dhaulagiri range, Kantagaton Himal, Nurbukang Himal and other unnamed mountains. While heading towards Purpang, you cross rocky and slippery trail. Stay overnight in lodge.

16Day

Trek from Purpang to Sahar Tara via Jangla Bhanjyang and Tokar

The trail you follow is steep ascent up to Jangla Bhanjyang passing through rocky trails. You are accompanied by panoramic views of Norbu Himal, Kantagaton, Dhaulagiri, Serkeam Himal and few others. Crossing Jangla Bhanjyang, you begin to follow gentle descent all the way to Tokar. It is a small village surrounded by hills. To reach Sahar Tara, you again follow steep descent passing through few villages and sparse vegetation. Stay overnight in lodge.

17Day

Trek from Sahar Tara to Kanigaon

Tarakot (2550m.) and Yalkot Khola (2520m.) takes about seven hours. Crossing several villages you walk downhill all the way to your destination. Tarakot is a small village. Stay overnight in lodge.

18Day

Trek from Kanigaon to Dunai

Leaving Kanigaon, you begin to follow gentle descent along the bank of Thulibheri river passing through villages and terraces. Dunai, headquarter of Dolpa district lies at the bank of Thulibheri river. Stay overnight in lodge.

19Day

Trek from Dunai to Juphal

After walking through flat level path for some hours you begin to follow gentle ascent path passing through villages, terraces and sparse vegetation. You find farmers cultivating paddies around this area. Stay overnight in lodge.

20Day

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj

We take flight from Juphal (Dolpo) to Nepalgunj, the flight is one of the unique short flights in Nepal. It connects the remote beautiful mountains of Dolpa District with the city of Nepalgunj. This route is important for tavelers and trekkers trekkers completing the Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo, or Rara–Dolpo crossings, as it provides the fastest way to return to the southern plains.Stay overnight at lodge.

21Day

Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

The flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu is a smooth and scenic 50-minute journey that whisks one away from the warm, flat Terai plains into the rolling mid-hills and finally the lush Kathmandu Valley. Outside the airplane windows, shortly after leaving Nepalgunj, enormous farmlands and winding rivers give way to forested ridges, terraced slopes, and scattered hilltop villages. As one approaches Kathmandu, the landscape dramatically rises, and on clear days, even distant Himalayan peaks can be glimpsed before descending into the bustling capital city at Tribhuvan International Airport.

22Day

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Home

As we have successfully completed the trip, it is time to return home or embark on your next journey. Even you can join our next adventures trips in the Himalayas if you wish too. If not, our airport team will take care of your airport escort and say you our last goodbye till the next adventure holidays.

Still Confuse?
No worries — Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Cost Details

Includes

  •  Airport transfer on arrival and departure with an escort.
  • Two nights' accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast before and after the trek.
  • Guided Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour with private tourist vehicles.
  • Lower Dolpo Restricted Area permit
  • Trekking Map of the Dolpo region.
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with a cup of tea or coffee during the trek.
  • Guest/Tea House Accommodation during the trek on a twin shared basis. (18 Nights).
  • Seasonal fruits after dinner while on the trek.
  • An experienced, knowledgeable, and helpful local Trekking Guide with his Food, drinks, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, accommodation, and local tax.
  • All local transportation to Kathmandu by tourist bus, car, flight, and van.
  • Juphal –Nepalgunj- Kathmandu fly ticket.
  • Medical kit box and Oximeter
  • Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket & Duffel Bag if necessary, which need to be returned after the trip, & these are the use one.
  • All government taxes & paper works.
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter rescue services.
  • Trip completion certificate.
  • A farewell Dinner and Cultural Program with the team of HLT.

Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Meals (Lunch and Dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Trekking Porters (available on Add-on)
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
  • International flight and departure tax
  • Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fee even during the trek
  • Personal Trekking Equipment and Expenses
  • All kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, drink water, chocolate bars and Bar bills etc
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower, heater, camera battery charge etc
  • Helicopter Rescue evacuation fees if in case of emergency & Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Anything not mentioned on price includes section.

Add-Ons & Options

The price of the trip is depence on services you take from us so that we have plenty of options on Add Ons section such Helicopter, Porters, Private Transport, Extra Guides and so on.

We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on the trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-25Kg (about 10-12Kg from each of you) and we suggest you to hire a one porter for two trekkers.

Still Confused? Consult an Expert.

Equipment Lists for Beni Dolpo Trek - 22 Days

Packing List :

While packing for “Beni DolpoTrekking,” warm clothing is important to ensure comfort and safety, while non-essential gear such as a knife may simply come in handy. Here we have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:

(Note: This is just a guideline to help you on your preparation.)

Upper Body Layers
+
  • Warm down jacket or insulated jacket
  • Thermal inner layer (especially in winter)
  • Fleece or sweater (layering is recommended)
  • Windproof or waterproof outer shell
  • T-shirts 
  • A thick pullover/fleece
  • Rain Coat (Necessary)
  • Windstopper
  • Water & windproof four-season down jacket (Can be rented in Kathmandu)
Lower Body Layers
+
  • Shorts/Skirt for sunny days
  • Trousers/track suit or long pants
  • Thermal long underwear 
  • Thermal leggings (during colder months)
  • Comfortable trekking pants or warm trousers 
Footwear & Accessories
+
  • Walking Trekking boots
  • Sandals for rest (Shoes should be waterproof)
  • Warm socks (Woolen is best)
  • Shoes with good grip (ground can be icy or uneven)
Head & Sun Protection
+
  • Warm woolen hat
  • Sun protection hat (cap)
  • Flashlight with spare batteries 
  • Sunglasses with UV protection (sunlight is strong at high altitude)
  • Lip balm with SPF
Personal & Medical Kits
+
  • Personal prescription medications (if any)
  • Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever, etc)
  • Motion sickness tablets (if prone to air sickness)
  • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
  • Tissue or pocket wipes
  • Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
  • Energy snacks (Chocolate, dry fruits, energy bars)
Travel Documents
+
  • Passport or valid ID (required for flight check-in)
  • Cash for personal expenses or optional breakfast
  • Travel insurance copy (digital or printed)
Miscellaneous
+
  • Camera or smartphone for photography 
  • Extra camera batteries (cold weather drains battery faster)
  • Power bank
  • Small backpack

Essential Information

Permits Required for Beni Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo is a restricted area, so you need special permits for trekking. Higher Limits Trek will arrange everything for you:

Lower Dolpo Restricted Area permit - issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Good news for solo trekkers: Since March 2026, Nepal has changed the rules. Now, solo trekkers can get a restricted area permit (before, you needed at least 2 trekkers in a group). However, you still need a licensed guide and must book through a registered trekking agency. 

What you need to do:

  • Send us copies of your passport and 2 passport-size photos
  • We arrange all permits before you arrive
  • A licensed guide will travel with you-this is required by law

TIMS Card is NOT required for Lower Dolpo. The restricted area permit replaces it.

Meals / Food:

Every day’s Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner are included in the package during the trek. This will be a dish of Nepali, Indian, or Continental cuisine cooked by the lodging you stay at.

Accommodations/Hotels:

The whole trekking is a tea house trekking which means we will stay at simple tea house lodge accommodations during the trek, which will be wood and stone houses with outside toilets and bathrooms mostly.

Electricity:

Almost everywhere, electricity is available on these trekking routes, but still please be prepared with a 2-pin plug, power bank, spare batteries, and a head lamp, etc.

Health and Experience Required:

This trekking involves five to seven hours of walking per day. However, it is a part of this trek at a very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical or training requirements, but high altitude experience & walking are a benefit.

Related Reading

Want to learn more about trekking in Nepal? Here are some helpful guides from Higher Limits Trek that may be of interest to you:

Hidden and Less-Explored Treks in Nepal

Nepal Restricted Area Permit 2026 Update

Best Time to Trek in Nepal

Beni Dolpo Trek - 22 Days FAQs

The trek takes 21 days, including arrival in Nepal, trekking, acclimatization, and return.

The trek is challenging, requiring good physical fitness, high-altitude trekking experience, and endurance. It involves long trekking days, steep ascents, and remote terrain.

No, this trek is not suitable for beginners due to the high altitude and remote nature of the route.

It is not recommended for children or older travelers unless they are very fit and experienced in high-altitude trekking.

The required permits for Beni Dolpo trek is:

  • Dolpo Restricted Area Permit 

Higher Limits Trek & Expedition will arrange the required permits for you.

You can issued permits in Kathmandu and Phokara, however if you book your trip with Higher Limits Trek & Expedition then we will handle the permits for you.

Solo trekking is possible, but hiring a licensed guide is strongly recommended for safety, navigation, and local cultural insight.

Yes, drinking water is available but tap water is not safe to drink directly. You can:

  • Buy bottled water (limited at high altitude)
  • Use boiled or filtered water provided by lodges

We encourage using refillable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should cover trekking, high-altitude emergencies, medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue if necessary.

The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).

Yes, all guides provided by Higher Limits Trek & Expedition are licensed, experienced, and trained in first aid. 

Yes, we prioritizes safety with experienced guides, proper planning. So this trek is safe.

No, credit cards are not accepted on the trails, as all the teahouses and local shops operate on cash, so it is important to carry enough Nepali Rupees for personal expenses.

The highest point is Jangla Bhanjyang Pass at 4,535m. The trek also crosses several other high passes. 

Yes, high-altitude sickness can be a risk factor for some trekkers during the journey, especially when gaining height quickly. It is more common for first-time trekkers who are not used to high-altitude surroundings. 

To reduce altitude sickness you need to drink plenty of water, eat well, take rest and listen to your guide's advice. 

Teahouses and lodges offer a basic variety of meals, such as:

  • Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables)
  • Noodles, pasta, soup, pizza
  • Tibetan bread, eggs, potatoes
  • Tea, coffee, and hot drinks

If you hire a porter, no. You do not need to carry your main luggage during the trek. A porter will be assigned to carry your duffel bag, allowing you to walk comfortably and fully enjoy the journey. However, we recommend carrying a small daypack with your daily essentials such as water, snacks, a camera, and important personal items.

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