19 Nights & 20 Days
Moderate to Adventurous
5,238 Meters / 17,185 Feet
2 people require
April to November
Lower Dolpo trekking is a fabulous country to visit once in your life experience and feel its wilderness in the land of elusive snow leopard and herd of blue sheep within beautiful areas of Lower and Inner Dolpo.
Probably one of the most remote adventure destinations in Himalaya where walk leads you into fascinating and scenic landscapes from tree forest of pines and spruce to barren dry terrain with impressive villages enriched with Buddhist and ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism religions.
Lower Dolpo Trekking is located with Nepal’s largest national park called Shey-Phoksundo with an area of 3,555 sq. km including from Jhupal around lower Dolpo towards beautiful Phoksundo lake and beyond to Shey Gompa (Upper Dolpo restricted area).
The country is full of beautiful landscapes and cultural villages, where walking starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to land at Nepal Far South West in Nepalgunj city, located close to India border as well with a strong Indian influence.
From Nepalgunj taking another short flight to mountainous region to reach a Jhupal within Lower and Inner Dolpo area, and then starts trekking past Dunai, the headquarter town of Dolpo district.
A walk leads to a number of villages of Hindu Malla Thakuri farm villages unto scenic and magnificent country at Phoksundo Lake also called Ringmo Lake due to its closeness village of Ringmo, where you can explore and witness the Dolpo interesting culture of Buddhism and Bon sect worships.
From Phoksundo Lake crossing the high pass of Baga-la and Numa-la Pass above (5,000m) with incredible views of peaks and its beautiful country, then reaching the impressive village of Tokyu and Dho-Tarap visiting its nice village and monasteries as walk leads towards wide Dho-Tarap valley around Yak grazing fields.
Slowly following the Dho-Tarap River to reach another nice Tarakot village, known for its importance the gate and entrance of old Trans-Himalayan Caravan route, where walk finally ends at Dunai and then back at Jhupal for the scenic flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj to complete our memorable and wonderful adventure Lower Dolpo Trekking.
Distance : 5 km
Driving Time : 30 minutes
Max Altitude : 1,300m/4,265ft
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and after time in getting refreshed, that evening you will be invited to a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu. You will also receive a trip briefing before retiring for the night at the hotel.
Max Altitude : 1,300m/4,265ft
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath’ and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion as well as provides opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure.
Driving Time : 30 minutes
Flight Time : 50 minutes
Max Altitude : 150m/492ft
On the third day, you will board a spectacular 50 min afternoon to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj (150m). The journey over the hills and valley is a splendid experience as you arrive in the largest city in the steamy Terai. Nepalgunj lies in the border region of western Nepal and India. Upon your arrival at the airport, a vehicle will be waiting for you to escort you through old villages and countryside to the Hotel. Since the temperature 28 degrees at night, you will sleep in the comforts of air conditions at your Hotel room.
Walking Time : 3 hours
Driving Time : 30 minutes
Flight Time : 45 minutes
Max Altitude : 2,140m/7,020ft
Today after an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Juphal, a super scenic flight of 45 minutes brings you at Juphal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Himalayan peaks to the north. On arriving at Juphal our other trekking staffs will receive you. Our first day adventure begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 3 hours to camp at Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. You have time to stroll around for local knowledge.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 2,540m/8,333ft
Today after breakfast we start our trek continues along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meter above the river, to Tarakot where colorful terraced field greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu (river). The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. Overnight camp is made by the river about 150m below the village, near the police post or we climb a steep ridge for an hour to the village on a spur, where there are chorten in a Gompa on the edge of grassy plateau, with a solitary tree. We settle camp for overnight.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 3,370m/11,056ft
We follow the trail on the southern bank of Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 3,523m/11,558ft
Today the trail follows through the deep gorge of Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out from steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that brings us to Chhyugar. We then cross a small stream and a couple hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo.
Walking Time : 3/4 hours
Max Altitude : 3,944m/12,939ft
Moving alongside the bank of Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days.
Max Altitude : 3,944m/12,939ft
Today is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour 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 of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre-Buddhist) is about half an hour’s walk.
Walking Time : 4 hours
Max Altitude : 4,440m/14,566ft
Today we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp.
Walking Time : 7 hours
Max Altitude : 4,631m/15,193ft
Today we begin to trek towards Numa La Pass (5,238m), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through steep trail up on top of endless ridges on the rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Churen Himal Range along with Norbung Kang (6,085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 3,982m/13,064ft
Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Yak Kharka via another pass, Baga La (5,270m). We make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail. As we move higher, we might require extra efforts due to rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6,085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Yak Kharka.
Walking Time : 3 hours
Max Altitude : 3,733m/12,247ft
After breakfast our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo.
Max Altitude : 3,733m/12,247ft
This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and a chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and with a great view.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 2,838m/9,311ft
Today the trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. The trail then goes through forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Max Altitude : 2,475m/8,120ft
Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat.
Max Altitude : 2,475m/8,120ft
We keep an extra day in case the flight gets canceled due to bad weather condition or delayed due to some reasons.
Driving Time : 30 minutes
Flight Time : 2 hours
Max Altitude : 1,300m/4,265ft
We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city.
Max Altitude : 1,300m/4,265ft
Today is your last day in Kathmandu and is an opportunity to do all the bits and pieces you thought of doing over the past few weeks including any last-minute shopping, returning to places that you enjoyed or didn’t get a chance to visit before your trek. Do let us know if would like help organising anything for today.
Distance : 5 km
Driving Time : 30 minutes
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. You are free until it is time for us to transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again.