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Beni to Dolpo
Also known as: Dolpo Trek / Dolpo to Jomsom Trek
Distance: 250 km
Duration: 18 - 22 days
Country: 
Nepal
NepalEmbark on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Beni to Dolpo Trek, a trail that unveils the remote wonders of the Nepalese Himalayas. This extraordinary trek takes you on an unforgettable adventure, where you'll traverse through rugged terrain, verdant valleys, and ancient villages. What sets this trek apart is its isolation and pristine beauty, as it leads you to the hidden gem of Dolpo, a region renowned for its untouched wilderness and mystical aura. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Dolpo people, known for their unique traditions and warm hospitality. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, encounter rare wildlife, and be captivated by the raw, untamed beauty of the landscapes. The Beni to Dolpo Trek promises an extraordinary odyssey, offering a rare opportunity to experience nature at its most awe-inspiring and pristine, making it an adventure of a lifetime that beckons the daring spirit of the intrepid traveler.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure treking Beni to Dolpo. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
- 18 - 22 days, 250 km, +5,500 m, 5,400 m high point
- daily: 5 - 8 hours, 10 - 15 km, +300 - 800 m gain
Route
- through hike
- starting in Beni
- ending in Dolpo
Cost
- $1,850 - $2,849 guided
When to go
- April and May
- September and October
Permits
- 2 permits are needed
- costing around $67 total
Guide mandatory?
- yes
- Trekking permits will not be issued to individual trekkers in those trekking areas. Require minimum 2 Pax to do this trekking because it is a restricted area.
Accommodation
Teahouses, CampingThese are pictures taken while trekking Beni to Dolpo. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Beni to Dolpo, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Trek from Beni to Dolpo, a challenging and scenic route through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
Day 1
Beni to Babiyachaur (950 m)
Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +150 m
Begin the trek by walking from Beni to Babiyachaur, passing through terraced fields and small villages.
Day 2
Babiyachaur to Dharapani (1,400 m)
Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +450 m
Continue the trek, ascending through lush forests and crossing suspension bridges over rivers.
Day 3
Dharapani to Muna (1,900 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +500 m
Today's trek takes you through picturesque landscapes and traditional settlements.
Day 4
Muna to Lumsum (2,500 m)
Distance: 20 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +600 m
Journey from Muna to Lumsum, enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Day 5
Lumsum to Dhorpatan (3,200 m)
Distance: 16 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +700 m
Trek to Dhorpatan, a beautiful village known for its pristine landscapes and wildlife.
Day 6
Rest Day in Dhorpatan (3,200 m)
Take a rest day in Dhorpatan to acclimatize and explore the surroundings.
Day 7
Dhorpatan to Nisi Dhor (3,600 m)
Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +400 m
Continue the trek towards Nisi Dhor, passing through alpine meadows and forests.
Day 8
Nisi Dhor to Tallo Sera (3,900 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +300 m
Trek to Tallo Sera, a remote village surrounded by towering mountains.
Day 9
Tallo Sera to Kaigaon (4,300 m)
Distance: 22 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hoursElevation change: +400 m
Pass through yak pastures and cross high passes on the way to Kaigaon.
Day 10
Kaigaon to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m)
Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -700 m
Reach the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, one of the highlights of the trek.
Day 11
Phoksundo Lake to Chepka (2,670 m)
Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -930 m
Descend to Chepka, a small village situated along the Phoksundo River.
Day 12
Chepka to Jhupal (2,400 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: -270 m
Conclude the trek with a hike back to Jhupal, enjoying the final views of the Himalayas.
The trek is 6 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 7 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 9 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 4 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 3 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 6 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Beni to Dolpo weather
How is the weather on Beni to Dolpo, and when is the best time to go.
The Beni to Dolpo trek offers stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. The best time for this trek is during the months of April, May, September, and October when the weather is relatively stable and favorable for trekking.
The best time to trek Beni to Dolpo is in these months:
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
Be prepared for unpredictable weather changes, especially during the shoulder seasons, as mountainous regions can experience rapid shifts in conditions.
Beni to Dolpo Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Beni to Dolpo route offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, with a range of services available to support trekkers throughout their journey.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on this route include teahouses and camping. Teahouses are common along the trail and provide basic lodging with shared facilities, while camping offers a more remote and adventurous experience.Food
Food is available along the route, mainly in teahouses and lodges. Trekkers can expect a variety of local and basic international dishes, with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.Guides
Experienced guides are available for hire to accompany trekkers on the route. The cost of hiring a guide may vary depending on their experience and the duration of the trek. Guides can offer valuable insights into the local culture, assist with navigation, and enhance the overall trekking experience.Porters
Porters are available to carry the trekker's heavy belongings, allowing them to trek with less weight and physical strain. The cost of hiring porters typically depends on the weight of the load and the distance covered. Hiring porters not only eases the trek but also supports the local economy.Medical facilities
Medical facilities along the route are limited, with only basic clinics available in some villages. Trekkers should carry a well-equipped first aid kit and any personal medications. It's essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.Gear rental
Renting trekking gear, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles, is possible in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek. However, it is advisable to bring personal gear and essentials for comfort and familiarity.Transport
To reach the starting point in Beni, trekkers can use public buses or hire private vehicles from Kathmandu or Pokhara. After completing the trek in Dolpo, options for return transportation include buses or internal flights.Internet / Phone
Communications on the route can be limited, especially in remote areas. Trekkers should not rely solely on internet connectivity or mobile signals. Wi-Fi availability is limited to major villages, and it's advisable to inform family and friends about communication challenges in advance.ATMs
ATMs are not readily available on the route. It is recommended to carry enough cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara to cover expenses during the trek.Shops
Villages along the route have small shops where basic supplies such as snacks, water, and toiletries can be purchased. However, the variety of products may be limited, and prices can be higher due to the remote location.Beni to Dolpo Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Beni to Dolpo
If you're planning to trek the Beni to Dolpo route, you'll find a range of accommodation options available to cater to different preferences and budgets. The accommodations on this trail are basic but provide essential amenities for trekkers. You can choose from teahouses and camping options.
Beni to Dolpo permits
What permits are needed for treking Beni to Dolpo
To trek from Beni to Dolpo, you'll need to obtain several permits that allow access to this stunning region.
1. Restricted Area Permit (Dolpo)
- $40 (~4,500 in the local currency)
- The Restricted Area Permit allows entry to the Dolpo region, known for its pristine landscapes and unique culture.
- Issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- $27 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- The ACAP Permit is required as a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which the Beni to Dolpo trek passes through.
- Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the entry point in Besisahar.
Beni to Dolpo access - getting there
How to get to Beni to Dolpo
- Public Buses: Public buses are available from Kathmandu or Pokhara to reach Beni, the starting point of the trek. From Dolpo, you can take public buses back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Private Vehicles: Hiring a private vehicle is a more comfortable and flexible option. You can arrange private transportation to and from Beni and Dolpo according to your preferred schedule.
- Domestic Flights: Another option is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, the nearest airport to Dolpo. Flights offer convenience and save time, but they can be subject to weather conditions and availability.
- Combination of Bus and Flight: Some trekkers opt for a combination of public buses and domestic flights. You can take a bus to Nepalgunj or Juphal and then fly back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Beni to Dolpo. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Beni to Dolpo video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Shey Gompa Side Trip
add 3 - 4 extra days
Take a side trip to Shey Gompa, an ancient monastery situated in a stunning high-altitude desert landscape.
Kagmara Pass Detour
add 3 - 5 extra days
Detour to Kagmara Pass, a challenging high-altitude pass offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.
Beni to Dolpo questions
What to know about trekking Beni to Dolpo
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Beni to Dolpo Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Beni to Dolpo route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Beni to Dolpo trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
