Lower Dolpo trek offers outstanding trekking experiences in the remote western part of Nepal. This trek was opened for foreigners in 1982. Since then, the area has become a very popular destination for trekkers. Lower Dolpo has its own unique charm with its remote areas and it was well known as the ‘hidden treasure of Nepal’. The trek crosses over three high passes, Kangmara La (5,115m), Numa La (5,159m), and Baga La at (5,190m). The trek will take us through protected areas and leads us to amazing ‘Phoksundo Lake’ surrounded by attractive flora and fauna. Lower Dolpo is located in karnali region of Nepal and it requires special trekking permits from the migration office because of its remote sensitive geography.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft) |
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing & getting prepared |
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 1 hour |
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo) (2,320m/7,610ft) and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 45 mins flight, 2-3 hours trek |
Day 05: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m/8,341ft): 5-6 hours |
Day 06: Tarakot to Laini (3,160 m/10,365 ft): 6-7 hours |
Day 07: Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m/11,627 ft): 5-6 hours |
Day 08: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft): 7-8 hours |
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization |
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m/14,563 ft): 6-7 hours walk |
Day 11: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m/17,023ft), camp at Pelung Tang (4465m/14,645 ft): 6-7 hours |
Day 12: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m/16,630ft), trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m/13,382ft): 6 hours |
Day 13: Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft): 3-4 hours |
Day 14: Hike to Phoksundo Lake |
Day 15 : Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m/8265 ft): 5-6 hours walk |
Day 16: Shyanta to Jhupal |
Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu |
Day 18 : Final departure |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Majestic Himalaya will pick you up from the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing & getting prepared
Today we see world Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 1 hour
After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo) (2,320m/7,610ft) and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 45 mins flight, 2-3 hours trek
We fly to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.
Day 05: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m/8,341ft): 5-6 hours
After breakfast our trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Our trail also includes a tremendous gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the colorful, terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River.
Day 06: Tarakot to Laini (3,160 m/10,365 ft): 6-7 hours
We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. After ascending and descending for a while, we finally reach Laini.
Day 07: Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m/11,627 ft): 5-6 hours
We climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani.
Day 08: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft): 7-8 hours
We begin today’s trek by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. After walking for several more hours, we reach the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects).
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m/14,563 ft): 6-7 hours walk
We trek towards the upper Tarap valley enjoying views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains. A few hours’ good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a rough trail before reaching the Numa La Base Camp.
Day 11: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m/17,023ft), camp at Pelung Tang (4465m/14,645 ft): 6-7 hours
Today is going to be the toughest and one of the longest days of our trek. After breakfast, we begin crossing the Numa La pass on a steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the ridge we get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Day 12: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m/16,630ft), trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m/13,382ft): 6 hours
After breakfast we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views.
Day 13: Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft): 3-4 hours
We spend most of today’s trek on trails alongside beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo Village. The village is a traditional Tibetan village of the Dolpo region.
Day 14: Hike to Phoksundo Lake
Today we explore the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shores. We see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. The scene is even depicted in a Hollywood movie ‘Caravan’ shot mostly in this location. On our way to the lake, we also tour a nearby monastery. Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake’s shores.
Day 15 : Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m/8265 ft): 5-6 hours walk
We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta.
Day 16: Shyanta to Jhupal
We march towards Jhupal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. From atop a ridge, we get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply taking a rest.
Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 18 : Final departure
Today your Nepal trip comes to end. Our one of staff will drop you off at airport. We wish good and safe journey.
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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
