Lower Dolpo Trek – 18 days

An enthralling journey filled with remote trekking, high mountain passes, yak caravans in the remote lower Dolpo region

Lower Dolpo Trek offers an outstanding trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal.  Lower Dolpo Trek was opened in 1982 for the trekkers.  The trek crosses three high passes of this region such as Kangmara La (5,115m), Numa La (5,159m) and Baga La (5,190m). Lower Dolpo is home to popular Shey Phoksundo National Park. Our trek leads us through the protected area and takes us to superb Phoksundo Lake with beautiful flora and fauna. It is situated in Karnali region of Nepal and requires special trekking permit from the immigration because of the restricted area. Dolpo region is a very dry and unproductive area. So, the daily life is very difficult but they were very humble and friendliness with their smiling faces. Population of Dolpo region is very low which is less than 5000.

Lower Dolpo Trek begins from Juphal and ends at Juphal. It is a moderately strenuous walk along the lower part of Dolpo. Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of Nepal which is situated at the height of 3,611.5 m in this region. Since the route opened, it become very popular among the trekkers and this route is famous treks in the western Nepal. Beautiful lakes, ancient villages, people life style, Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan plateau and the traditional culture are the main attraction of the trek.

Due to its nearness to the Tibetan border, Dolpo people follows Tibetan Buddhism. Dolpo’s inhabitants still earn their livelihood by trading items like salt, cotton, barley and rice in Tibet. During the trek, we also come across traders walking with yaks laden with such items.

Please note that trek itinerary day to day is just guideline, it can be minimize as well as prolong as your wish. Trek can be done from March through May and September to December in Nepal according yours time frame.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will pick us up from the airport and take you to your hotel. Welcome to Nepal Dinner with Local Cultural Show

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered 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. Himalayan Glacier will brief us regarding our trek as well as provide us with an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast

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. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Tarakot.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Laini.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Nawarpani.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Do Tarap.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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). Overnight in Do Tarap.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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).  After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Ringmo.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight at Phoksundo.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Shyanta.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Overnight in Jhupal.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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 hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 18: Final departure

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today!  Our representative will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

If you need more detail of this trip, please contact me at anil.blon@gmail.com or you can call me at 00977 98510 24915. I will be more than happy to assist any kind of  your trip to Nepal ( accommodations, tours, trek, domestic tickets, transportation, etc)