Lower Dolpo Trek 18 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle and Domestic Flights
  • Activity Cultural Tour and Trekking
  • Best Season Cultural Tour and Trekking
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 12 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5,360 m /17580 ft

Highlights

  • Visit world Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
  • Scenic flight to and from Napalgunja/ Jubal
  • Explore Phoksundo Lake and National Park
  • Crossing over Numa-La and Baga-La
  • Shey Gompa- the Buddhist monasteries
  • Pristine mountains, Flora & Fauna, unique culture

Lower Dolpo Trek Introduction 

Trekking in the Dolpo modern adventure of a special kind mixed with old-world experiences where you witness a region, its lifestyles, its culture & its religion that refuse to be caught up in the present synchronization of time but rather have chosen to live in enchanting periods of yore but are yet warm & congenial to guests who hail from a highly developed world looking for heavenly solicitude in the quiet of the wilderness that is Dolpo. A unique characteristic of trekking in the Dolpo region is trips to this area can be done throughout the year which also means the peak monsoon period because of the rain shadow zone formed by the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna range of mountains.

The Lower Dolpo is a rugged area & most of its landscapes are virgin territory very less trodden by outsiders; this trek graces trails that cut across the three high passes of the Dolpa region – they include the Kagmara La 5115m, Baga La (5190m), Numa La (5159m). Special trekking permits are required for visiting the lower Dolpo region. Because of its harsh cold climate, Lower Dolpo is also well known as the home of some of Nepal’s most valuable herbals, its unspoiled ancient culture & medieval Buddhist Monuments.

This trek is the most popular in the western Himalayas of Nepal & visitors get to see the real Isolated Himalayan valleys, resembling the true Tibetan highlands. One of the best attractions of this region is the Shey Phoksumdo National Park which stands as the lord protector of this lovely tough remote region. The park, bordered by huge rocks, lush green forests & silver-grey peaks glittering in the sunlight & even lovelier under starry moonlit skies is said to be one of the world’s most natural hidden wonders

The trek gets on track at the STOL airstrip of Juphal after a short flight from the flatlands town of Nepalgunj which is well connected by both road and air from the Kathmandu valley. A physically fit person with some trekking experience can do this trip anytime from April to October. November can be a bit dicey as the passes are covered by snow. The Lower Dolpo trek is loaded with all the thrills & excitement that can only be found in this part of the world where only the bold & the brave dare. Should you require an itinerary that suits your convenience, please don’t hesitate to let us know, it can be tailored to suit your needs for a lifelong experience.

 

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Adventure Club Trek. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa etc) you will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a welcome dinner.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

The exciting day begins with a cultural tour of various medieval sites in Kathmandu. We drive to visit the UNESCO-listed world heritage sites- Pashupatinath temple (the biggest Hindu shrine), Boudhanath (largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal), Swayambhunath (A fine Buddhist Stupa at the hilltop of Kathmandu), and the Kathmandu Durbar Square (an open museum and abode of Kumari). Coming back from the sightseeing, take part in a short briefing and trip preparation.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

After breakfast, we transfer to the domestic airport for an hour-long flight to Nepalgunj, which lies in western Nepal, right on the border with India. There are good views from the right side of the plane as we fly close to the Himalayan Mountains. Nepalgunj is known for its local bazaars, which have goods with cheap price rates. It is the largest city in the Terai with a hot and humid climate. Waiting for the next day's flight, we can walk around the local marketplace.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we take a 45 minutes flight to Juphal (2,320m), the main airport of the Dolpa district. The terrain of Dolpo is similar to the Tibetan terrain. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staff will welcome you. Our first-day adventure begins with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital and it is administrated headquarters of the Dolpo region. Here we have ample time for a leisure walk around the village. 

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,850m

The second day begins with breakfast and starts the trek following the Bheri River bank. While walking, we pass exciting gorges, wooden and steel bridges, and a beautiful pine forest. Somewhere, the trail is about to touch the Bheri River. Walking above, we reach the open, wide, and colorful part of Tarakot

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,543m

Beginning the trek from Tarakot, we follow the Tarap Chu River. We cross the River twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. It is located between the Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River. We continually walk through the farming land and pass the beautiful hidden villages. We reach Laini for the rest.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,160m

After breakfast, we climb steep uphill and later walk above the Tarap River. The hilly gorge here is stunning as we cross numerous gorges. The trail is slippery but due to the beautiful scenery it offers, we do not feel it thrilling. After several climbs up and down, we trek down to the Chyugar stream and gradually walk to Nawarpani.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,545m

After breakfast, we begin to climb up to Kamattarka, which is between Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing the gorge, we head further through the juniper and rhododendron forest. Now the arid region increases more and more in the inner Dolpo valley. Dho Tarap is a stone-walled town of Bon Po and Chhaiba communities. It is populated by some Tibetans and mostly by the Magar communities. Dho Tarap is one of the famous areas to collect Yarsagumba. There is a monastery of the Nigmapa sect and also the Bon Po sect. 

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,090m

The rest and acclimatization day at Dho Tarap is a wonderful opportunity to explore the nearby monastery. Physical rest is needed when we are ascending to the alpine altitude. You can see the spiritual lifestyles of the local people. Even the garments are unique. All the things they wear, eat, pray and others are similar to the Tibetan culture.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,090m

From Dho Tarap, we ascend towards the upper part of the Tarap valley. The views of grassy meadows are exciting. These kinds of sceneries are very much usual in this part of Dolpo. Following the bank of the Tarap Chu River, we reach the Tokyu Gaon. Exploring the colorful monastery, we extend our excursion to Numa La base camp

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,440m

Probably the toughest day in this trek, today we have to ascend the Numa La pass  (5,190m). After breakfast, we climb gradually to the top (5190m). The views surpass your imagination along with Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). The real beauties of Dolpo can be seen from here. Still, the hills are barren and some areas of land are cultivated. Trek down through the steep trail, we reach Pelung Tang.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,465m

We have breakfast and begin the trek early in the morning. Crossing the Baga La Pass (5070m) is one of the challenging parts of this trek. From the top of Baga La, the spectacular view of Mt. Kanjirowa and the surrounding panoramas can be seen. Totally mesmerizing. Then we trek down to Dajok Tang and take a rest.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4080m

From Dajok Tang, we trek to Ringmo, mostly through the Pine forest and sometimes through the fine meadow. Although the route is ascending and descending, the trail is good. Then we reach Ringmo steadily, which is one of the traditional Tibetan villages.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,600m

Today we head to Phoksundo Lake. The beauty of Phoksundo Lake cannot be described in words or sentences. The pristine lake is the most stunning attraction in the Dolpo region (Shey-Phoksundo National Park). Sitting beside the lake and thinking of the heavenly pleasure will be a lifetime experience. Also, the setting is highly preferable for meditation. Enjoy the dinner in a peaceful setting.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,600m

First, we descend to Chhepka through the rocky trail. The jaw-dropping rock formation is superb.
This part is also wonderful for medicinal plants and minerals. The villages are scattered and we pass some of them. The white-washed houses and fluttering flags bid farewell and gradually we climb up to Shyanta.

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,520m

  • AccommodationTented camp.
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m

Today, we fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and connect the flight to Kathmandu. However, the flights can be delayed due to bad weather, so it’s better to have an extra day. If the weather is fine, we fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj on the same day. However, you can not underestimate it. Then transfer to the hotel and rest. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Farewell Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you was a wonderful experience over the weeks. We are sure you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Private Arrival and Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu on B/B basisi (3 nights)
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj as listed in itinerary. 
  • Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu with world heritage entrance fees and private vehicle.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal- Round trip) including airport departure taxes.
  • Full board meals prepared by our cook (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) with tea/coffee. 
  • Welcome and farewell dinners.
  • English-speaking, government-licensed Trekking guide trained in Wilderness First Aid.
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers:1 porter). 
  • Staff costs including their salary, accommodation, food, transportation, domestic airfare and medicines.
  • Assistant trekking guide  (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Insurance covering all staff, including porters.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • Special Lower  Dolpo trekking permit and all government taxes.
  • Camping equipment (two man tents, dinning tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents)
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • Comprehensive First aid medical kit.
  • Adventure Club Trek bag/duffel bag T-shirt and  trekking map.
  • All  government and Local Taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa:
  • Lunch and dinner in Kahmandu  (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks, laundry, phone call:
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills.
  • International air fares/ flights (Fares and flights can be arranged upon the request).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Hot shower during the trekking
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Insurance with helicopter evacuation
  • Tips for guide, porters, driver (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory.

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