Lower Dolpo trek is remote and isolated trekking in Nepal. The trail goes through a hidden trail inside Phoksundo National Park. The area is a beautiful rain shadow covered by the Himalayas. Reach several typical remote villages and flat valleys. Cross over 5000 meters passes (Numa La and Baga La) which provides you picturesque views of mountains and beautiful landscapes. Phoksundo Lake is another major attraction in this trekking. Entire trekking is with a camping arrangement. The trekking itinerary has enough preparation time in Kathmandu including one full day of exploration of UNESCO heritage sites.
Overview
Lower Dolpa is one of the few areas where Pre-Buddhist religion is still in practice. It is also one of the restricted trekking areas of Nepal. Special trekking permits have to obtain from the department of immigration before entering. Only a registered trekking company is authorizing applying for its permit. The best season for trekking is from March to November. Several high passes can be blocked during the winter season of December to February month.
Highlights
- Age-old Bon- Buddhist practices in Monasteries.
- Pristine Shey Phoksundo Lake.
- Phoksundo National Park.
- Birch and Silver fern forest.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at TIA, Kathmandu, and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation.
Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj
Day 4: Fly to Jhupal and trek to Dunai
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot
Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Laini
Day 7: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani
Day 8: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap
Day 9: Acclimatization and rest
Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp
Day 11: Trek from Numa La Base camp to Pelung Tang
Day 12: Trek Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang
Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo
Day 14: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Lake
Day 15: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta
Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Jhupal
Day 17: Fly back to Nepalganj and Kathmandu
Day 18: Final departure
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival at Tribhuban International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and Stay overnight 1350m.
The company representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. We need your original passport to obtain a restricted lower Dolpo trekking area permit for the next day. Talk about your whole trip if time permits.
Day 2 :
Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation. Stay overnight at Hotel
After breakfast in the hotel, our tour guide will lead you to major heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. It includes the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar squire. Back to the hotel and stay in trip briefing along with trekking Leader and guide. If you still need any trekking equipment, our guide will assist you around the market.
Day 3 :
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj (45m.) Stay overnight at hotel in Nepalganj
Drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu. take 45 minutes flight to Nepalganj. Nepaljung is a lowland region in the western part of Nepal near the Indian border. The temperature here is hot up to 48 degrees in the month of March-August. It is also the gateway of Humla Simikot further to Tibet border Taklakot. we can visit the local market nearby Hotel.
Day 4 :
Fly to Jhupal, Dolpa (2,320m.) and trek to Dunai (2,850m.) 45 mins flight and 3 hours trek. Stay overnight at camp.
Take breakfast early in the morning at the Hotel. drive to the airport taking a flight to Jhupal. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its northeast. Here, we meet our trekking supporter and start to walk. Reach Dunai and stay overnight at camp.
Day 5 :
Trek Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m.) 6 hours.
After breakfast 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. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 6 :
Trek Tarakot to Laini (3,160m.) 6-7 Hours.
We walk alongside the Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and the Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. After ascending & descending for a while, we finally reach Laini. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 7 :
Trek Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m.) 5-6 Hours.
We climb on a steep trail and walk along a 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. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 8 :
Trek Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (4,090m.) 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. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 9 :
Acclimatization and rest at Dho Tarap.
We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. We also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpa people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. 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). Stay overnight at camp.
Day 10 :
Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m.) 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 Dolpa up to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.). After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang. Stay overnight at camp
Day 11 :
Trek to Pelung Tang crossing via Numa La Pass (5,190m.) 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). After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 12 :
Trek to Dajok Tang cross via Baga La Pass (5,070m.) 6 Hours. (4,080M/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. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang (4080m.). Stay overnight at camp.
Day 13 :
Trek Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m.) 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 in the Dolpo region.
Day 14 :
Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,612m.)
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 Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake’s shores. Stay overnight at camp.
Day 15 :
Trek Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m.) 5-6 Hours.
We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals that are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta
Day 16 :
Trek back to Jhupal.
We trek 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 back to Nepalganj and Kathmandu.
Early in the morning take a flight to Nepalganj from Juphal, connecting the flight to Kathmandu from Nepalganj. Transfer to hotel and rest. Evening dinner with Trek and Climb Adventure team in Nepali cultural restaurant.
Day 18 :
Final Departure
Free time till departure. it is important to reach an international airport 3 hours from your original flight time. A representative from Trek and Climb Adventure assists you up to the airport.
Cost Includes
- Arrival and departure transfer.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj with twin sharing on Bed and Breakfast plan.
- Lodging while on trekking with twin sharing tent camp.
- Domestic airport transfer
- Flight tickets (KTM - KEP - DOP, and vice versa).
- Kathmandu valley sightseeing with a tour guide.
- Special trekking permit and National park fee.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System).
- Government license holder trekking guide, Kitchen team, and supporters.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
- Camping gears.
- First aid kids
- Service charge and Government tax.
Cost Excluded
- Travel insurance and Personal medical expenses.
- Expenses of emergency evacuation in case needed
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu.
- Bottle beverage and bar bills
- Tip
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