Jagadulla Lake is a freshwater lake situated at Jagdulla Rural Municipality in Dolpa District of Nepal. This pristine lake is a hidden gem in Dolpo where most of the people frequent the widely popular Shey Phoksundo Lake. Many people might not have heard of Jagdulla Lake, let one visit it. Such delights can be found all around the mythical land of Dolpo.

The largest district in Nepal, Dolpa, is located in the western Karnali Province.   The area is known for its snow-capped peaks, secluded, old towns, abundant animals, gorgeous Buddhist monasteries, and stunning lakes. With an intriguing culture and traditions, the locals are straightforward and kind. Fundamentally connected to Tibetan culture are the local cultural practices.

At a height of 4700 meters, Jagdulla Lake serves as a destination for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. The lakes in the Dolpo region namely Phoksundo, Jagadulla, Regma, and Putha—are revered by the locals who think they can wash away sins and cure all illnesses. As a result, the lakes hold special meaning for the Dolpa people. 

The grassland is also famous for picking Yarchagumba during its seasons. A well-known and reputable medicinal herb, yarchagumba is a legendary herbal substance that is beneficial to persons with a variety of medical issues. Found in the mountain meadows of Nepal at an altitude of 4000-5000 meters, it is a well-known anti-aging tonic that adds natural appeal to the pursuit of a long, healthy life. It is also referred to as the Himalayan Aphrodisiac.

Short Itinerary of Jagadulla Lake Trek

Day 1	Flight or Drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 2	Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, Dolpa and to Liku
Day 3	Trek from Liku to Hurikot
Day 4	Trek from Hurikot to Jagadulla Lake
Day 5	Explore Lake and Relax
Day 6	Trek Back to Hurikot
Day 7	Drive to Jumla

Detailed itinerary of Trek to Jagadulla Lake

Day 1: Drive to Nepalgunj

You can choose between taking a flight or a bus to go to Nepalgunj. It takes about 10-12 hours to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu by a bus. Additionally, Summit Air offers a direct route from Nepalgunj airport to Juphal Airport in Dolpa.

Day 2: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal Airport, Drive to Likhu

The drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is long and arduous. The next day we suggest you take an early morning flight that takes you to Juphal Airport, the gateway of Dolpa region. Juphal is situated at Tripurasundari Rural municipality of Dolpa district. Without wasting much time, you can then take a jeep to Likhu, a place at Jagadulla Rural Municiplaity. The off-road trail is very difficult and will test you but the landscape on the way is beautiful. You stay overnight at Likhu at a homestay.

Day 3: Trek to Hurikot, Kaigaun

It takes about six hours to get to Kaigaun from Likhu. Kaigaun is a village at Jagadulla Rural Municipality, also called lower Jagadulla. This part of the region is quite remote so it is very difficult to get any connecting vehicles to reach there.

Day 4: Kaigaun to Jagadulla Lake

You step onto the newly found route of the lake. There was no established trail leading to Jagadulla Lake until recently. However, the local Yarchagumba harvesters have discovered a passage on the western side of the Tang tunge Patan (grassland) that goes all the way to Jagadulla Lake. On this day, you can make the 8 to 9-hour push to get to the lake.

You better be ready for camping and have enough food to last you for a few days because there are no settlements higher up. It’s also advised that you bring a native porter or guide with you.

Day 5: Explore Jagadulla Lake

You can rest your incredibly worn-out legs on this day. The local harvesters forage for yarchagumba in the fields that lead to the lake and those that surround it. You can also explore the lake’s old heritage, such as the gumbas. For followers of the Hindu and Buddhist religions, the lake is a sacred destination and has immense significance.

Day 6: Trek Back to Kaigaun

It’s time to go back the way you came after admiring the beauty of this undiscovered treasure in the enigmatic Dolpa region. Depending on your preferred route back to Nepalgunj, you will swiftly descend to settlement and find your way to Jumla or Juphal.

Also View: Tsho Rolpa Trek – Rolwaling Valley – YTROT