Lower Dolpo Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotels in Cities & Tented Camp during Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,310 m/17,421 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	2 to 15 Pax
Duration:	17 Nights/18 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Enjoy Trekking to the Lower, Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo National Park and visit Phoksundo Lake at 3,610 m
Enjoy the Wilderness of Dolpo with many Endangered Wild animals including Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard
Visit Bon Po Gompas, Buddhist Monasteries, Bon-Po Villages and witness Tibetan Culture
Trek Into High Passes of Numa La Pass at 5,310 m and Baga La Pass at 5,170 m
Visit Nomadic Herding Settlements and Winter Settlements
Visit Highest Human Settlement Village of Dho Tarap at 4,040 m and Yak Caravans
Visit Bon Village of Ringmo and Thasung Choling Bon Gompa
Witness Suligad Waterfall of 167 m, one of the highest waterfalls
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Nepaljung (150 m/ 492 ft)-50 Minutes

Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2,500 m/8,202 ft) and trek to Dunai (2,000 m/6,560 ft)-3 hours

Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,540 m/8,333 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Laini Odar (3,375 m/11,073 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Nawarpani(3,545m/11,627 ft)-6 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Dho Tarap(4,080 m/13,385 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 09: Acclimatization at Dho Tarap

Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4,350 m/14,272 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Danighar (4,510 m/ 14,797 ft) crossing Numa La Pass (5,310 m/17,421 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka(4,000 m/13,123 ft) crossing Baga La Pass(5,170 m/16,962 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,610 m/11,845 ft)-4/5 Hours

Day 14: Explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village

Day 15: Trek back to Chhepka (2,670m/ 8,760 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 16: Trek to Juphal (2,500 m/8,202 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 17: Morning Fly back to Nepaljung and connect to Kathmandu

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the rewarding and off the beaten treks in western part of Nepal. As Dolpo Region separates between Lower and Upper part, this Lower Dolpo Trekking takes you to the various ancient villages, Bon Po religion- a Pre Buddhist religion, beautiful landscapes, highest passes and the mesmerizing turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake. Also called as Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking routes Dolpo has to offer to the trekkers. Lower Dolpo Trekking starts with city sightseeing in Kathmandu and 1 hour flight to Nepaljung. From Nepaljung, we take a 35 minutes scenic flight to Juphal which is the starting and ending point of our trek. Our trail goes to Dunai, Tarakot, and various beautiful villages to Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a flat valley with high settlements and many sacred monasteries. We cross two high passes of Numa La Pass (5,310 m) and Baga La Pass (5,170 m) and get to Phoksundo Lake. We visit Bon Po Monastery and Bon Po village in Ringmo. Both passes give us the beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and few Tibetan peaks. During the trek, we encounter Yak Caravans those still maintain the ancient salt trade with Tibet. After Phoksundo Lake, we pass few winter settlements and follow the trail to Chunuwar, Reychi, Chhepka, Shyanta, Kageni and finally ends at Juphal.

The best season for this trek is Spring and Autumn and fully organized Camping Trek is the only option to indulge in this beautiful trail. For those, who want options in Dolpo Region, please consider Upper Dolpo Trek or Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350m/4,430 ft)

Upon arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will pick you from the airport and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can take a full day rest or go for sightseeing or for shopping equipment if you have to buy any. In the evening, there will be trek briefing with our Trek Guide and crew member. After briefing, we will take to Nepalese restaurant to familiarize you with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Nepaljung (150 m/ 492 ft)-50 Minutes

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive to domestic airport for 50 minutes flight to Nepaljung. This is one of the biggest towns in western Terai and business hub of the area. Upon arrival at Nepaljung, transfer to hotel. Later on, roam around Nepaljung town and to Bageshwori Temple, a very famous Hindu temple of Goddess Bageshwori, Durga and also another famous temple of Lord Shiva with mustache next to her.

Accomodation: Overnight at Soaltee Hotel in Nepaljung.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2,500 m/8,202 ft) and trek to Dunai (2,000 m/6,560 ft)-3 hours

After breakfast at hotel, we drive to airport for 35 minutes scenic flight to Juphal passing Mahabharata Range and beautiful landscape. Upon arrival at Juphal, we prepare for the trek and commence our trek to Dunai which is the administrative capital of Dolpo. We walk descend passing by beautiful villages alongside of the Bheri River. In the evening, you can walk around Dunai town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Dunai.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,540 m/8,333 ft)-5/6 Hours

Our trail goes to the upstream trail that banks Bheri River. Our first leg will be on the pleasant leveled path trail until we reach Byasghar. After Byasghar, we trek along the river side on northeast. We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue our trek, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced field of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of Bheri River. Most of the people are Magar following Tibetan Buddhism. In some cluster, ‘Kaike’ dialect is spoken which is nowhere spoken.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Tarakot.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Laini Odar (3,375 m/11,073 ft)-5/6 Hours

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 (7246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar. Laini Odar is the winter settlement of people of Dho Tarap.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Laini Odar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Nawarpani(3,545m/11,627 ft)-6 Hours

Today, our trail goes on a steep trail which switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow and opens as we continue further. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, Chhyugar lies at the bank of small stream which we cross from where we reach Nawarpani.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Nawarpani.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Dho Tarap(4,080 m/13,385 ft)-6/7 Hours

We start our today’s journey by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap River 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 and used to be famous trading point among the traders of Tibet and Mustang. Dho Tarap is a fascinating settlement that manifests the real attributes of Dolpo is the highest settlements of Human.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Dho Tarap.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Acclimatization at Dho Tarap

Today we spend full day around Dho Tarap as preparation for crossing passes. We spend visit monasteries including Ribo Bumpa Monastery which is one of the sacred monasteries of Dolpo and dated back 1000 years and resembles the architect of Samye monastery in Tibet. People of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and prefer Tibetan style Somba (boots with upturned toes) for shoes. Most people follow Bon-Po and Nyigmapa (Buddhist Sect) religion.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Dho Tarap.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4,350 m/14,272 ft)-5/6 Hours

Today our trail heads towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger. To the northwest direction of the main trail, we see the dramatic views of Shering Gompa which is the house for the monks in the region. Then we continue through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Numa La Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Danighar (4,510 m/ 14,797 ft) crossing Numa La Pass (5,310 m/17,421 ft)-6/7 Hours

Today is the most challenging and adventurous part of the trek as we are heading towards Numa La Pass. We ascend through steep trail up on top of endless ridges on the rugged and rough trail. In 4 hours, we get to the tops of the pass with prayers flag. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the Jaw dropping 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.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Danighar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka(4,000 m/13,123 ft) crossing Baga La Pass(5,170 m/16,962 ft)-5/6 Hours

Today, 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 and Norbung Khang. Also we get the fantastic view of Phoksundo Lake. After spending some time at the top, we descend down to Yak Kharka. As we continue descending, we slide into deep ravine and cross the frozen stream to open space. The final push down is a beautiful meadow of Yak Kharka (Temche).

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Yak Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,610 m/11,845 ft)-4/5 Hours

We ascend to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a highest Suligad waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in Dolpo region. Just few minutes walk take us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Phoksundo Lake.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village

Today we spend the day exploring Ringmo village and the area nearby the tranquil Phoksundo Lake. We can walk nearby to Yak Drop Point at Eric Valley’s CARAVAN Documentary. Phoksundo is a beautiful alpine turquoise colored freshwater lake. With the view of Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m) in the background, we relish the sheer beauty of Phoksundo Lake. The beautiful Phoksundo Lake, Thasung Choling Gompa, a Bon Monastery, Ringmo Village, peak of Kanjirowa Range in the back drop from the Monastery, various monasteries, chortens reward the trekkers with the beauty of nature and long back culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp at the bank of Phoksundo Lake.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek back to Chhepka (2,670m/ 8,760 ft)-6/7 Hours

Leaving behind the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, we head towards the village of Chhepka. We ascend along the steep trail for half an hour until we reach the top of the hill which offers the last view of Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to the village of Chunuwar (Jharana Hotel), followed by Rechi. From there, we walk along the river bank with ups and downs until we arrive in Chhepka.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Chhepka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Trek to Juphal (2,500 m/8,202 ft)-6/7 Hours

Today we trek through rocky path alongside the Bheri River. We will have lunch in Kageni (2,270 m). Accompanied by the beautiful landscape in the background, we continue to trek and leave the Shey Phoksundo National Park. From Suligad, we then head east towards Juphal Airport passing through the small village of Kalagauda. After 2 hours of uphill walk, we finally arrive in Juphal.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Juphal.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Morning Fly back to Nepaljung and connect to Kathmandu

In the morning, we fly to Nepalgunj and connect to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel, we will transfer you to airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland Arrival transfers and departure transfers with office representative.
3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
1 Night Accommodation at Soaltee Hotel in Nepaljung with dinner, breakfast and applicable taxes.
Kathmandu/Nepaljung/Kathmandu flight with transfers in Kathmandu and Nepaljung.
Nepaljung/Juphal/Nepaljung flight with necessary transfers in Nepaljung.
All Inclusive Upper Dolpo Camping Trek (13 Nights / 14 Days) with Experienced Trek Guide, Cook and Kitchen Team, porters and other necessary support team.
Comprehensive First Aid Kits and Duffel Bag.
Meals, Accommodation and Insurance for Trek Team.
Shey Phoksundho National Park Fees and Trekkers Information Manual System,TIMS Fees.
Restricted Lower Dolpo Royalty.
24/7 Assistance from Kathmandu Office.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fee, USD 50/- for 30 Days.
Personal nature of expenses like bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Tips to Guides and Porters (It is not mandatory but highly recommended).
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.