LOWER DOLPA TREK
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Trip Style
Trekking -
Activity Levels
Moderate -
Duration
17 Days -
Price (USD)
per person -
Group Size
4 pax -
Elevation (m)
Overview
A spiritual journey to one of the least inhabited and remote regions of Nepal that offer high altitude passes, a pristine turquoise blue lake, and exposure to an ancient 8th century Tibetan culture. Venturing into this mountainous region is like stepping back in time where people have adapted to the harsh conditions while maintaining a smile on their face. This trek will teach you a lot about the flora, fauna, and incredible beauty of the place, but more importantly, it will give you a new perspective on life and what it means to be free!
The Lower Dolpo trek takes you into the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to a number of endangered species, such as the elusive snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, jackal, and Himalayan black bear.
The Dolpo region lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park in the western part of Nepal, between the Tibet plateau and the Dhaulagiri range.
The “Bon” people in this region practice a distinct form of Tibetan Buddhism that is reflected in their homes and daily lives.
The Dolpo region is divided into two parts Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. The trail begins at Jufal which is reached after a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then fly to Jufal (2499m). The highest point of the trek is at Shey Gompa (Crystal Monastery), an 800-year-old Tibetan monastery and one of the most famous in all of Nepal. The trail takes you through the Annapurna, Kanjiroba, and Dhaulagiri ranges and to the crystal clear waters of Phoksundo Lake (3612m). You will see the unspoiled culturally rich Bon and Buddhist villages. The trail will lead you through three high altitude passes, Kagmara La pass (5115m), Numa La Pass (5159m) and Baga La Pass (5190m) and to villages rich in tradition and culture: Tarakot (2540m), Laini Odar (3375m), Nawarpani, Dho Tarap, Danighar(4510m), Temche (4000m) and Chhepka. Prior to heading over Numa La Pass you will go via Numa La Base Camp (4350m).
If you want to preview what lies ahead on your trek to Lower Dolpo, then we recommend you take a peek at these movies. Dolpo was the location for the Oscar-nominated movies “The Himalaya” and “The Caravan” and for the German documentary Dolpo Tulku. It wasn’t until 1989 that the southern part of Dolpo eventually opened up to trekkers
Sherpa Guide services guarantee this trek will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Your journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a short flight to Jhupal where your adventure begins.
Highlights of Lower Dolpo Trek
• Views of Dhaulagiri Kingirowa and other massive Tibetan peaks.
• Shey Phoksundo National Park, Tibetan Plateau & Dhaulagiri range.
• Breathtaking high altitude passes Kagmara La pass (5115m), Numa La Pass (5159m) and Baga La Pass (5190m).
• Explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and witness the local culture & traditions.
• Trek through the magnificent Dho Tarap Valley with its harsh landscape.
• Navigate deep gorges and rivers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1,400m)
On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by Sherpa Guide Services staff and transferred to your respective hotels followed by a briefing regarding your Dolpo trek, hotels, lodges on the route and the dos and don’ts followed by an evening welcome dinner.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1,50m) Duration: 45 minutes’ flight.
Today we will take a 50-minute afternoon flight to Nepalgunj located in Nepal’s distant south west. We will spend our first night here.
Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (2320m) & trek to Dunai (2,850m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
In the morning we take our 35-minute flight to Jhupal in Dolpo and after arrival has a short trek along the riverside to Dunai where we stay the night. Dunai is a major town in the district and has markets and shops to wander around in the afternoon.
Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,540m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we follow the Bheri River and pass several small villages with their monasteries, Mani stones and cultivated farmland. Tarakot was once the capital of Tichorung, an ancient independent kingdom. Most of the inhabitants of Tarakot are of the Magar caste and practice Tibetan Buddhism. We will stay here the night.
Day 5: Trek from Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,375m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
We have a four to five-hour trek today via Laisicap (2775m) and Kanigaon (2950m) before reaching Laini Odar. Along the trail you can expect to see the Himalayan Mountains of Putha, Hiunchuli and Churen Himal. Tonight we camp at Laini Odar with its close by waterfall.
Day 6: Trek from Laini Odar to Nawarpani (3,475m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trek today offers fantastic views of Chhyugar (3440m) and Toltol (3530m) mountains as we pass through deep gorges and towering cliffs. Tonight we stay at Nawarpani.
Day 7: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3,950m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We follow the trail for six to seven hours along the banks of Tarap Khola via Ghyamghar and Langa villages. We continue and then reach Dho Tarap, which epitomizes the unique villages found in this region. Dho Tarap sits perched above a wide valley and was once a famous trading post for traders coming from Tibet and Mustang. Tonight we camp at Dho Tarap.
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap.
Today we can rest as well as stay active and wander around Dho Tarap with a visit to the 1000-year-old Ringo Bumpa Monastery built by Jigme Nyima Gyaltsen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to ward off evil spirits wandering the region. Nearby Dho Tarap are other monasteries, such as the Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and the Bon Gompa monastery, Shipichowk. Health officials recommend you stay active while acclimatizing to better prepare you for trekking at higher altitudes.
Day 9: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,350m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today we head out on a four to five-hour trek via the Crystal Mountain School, past the health post, and through Tokyu Village (4209m). There are some incredible views over the local monastery of Sharing Gompa, home to many monks from this region. Tonight we will stay at Numa La Base Camp.
Day 10: Trek from Numa La Base Camp to Danighar (4510m) via Numa La Pass (5,310m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We have a six to seven-hour physically demanding trek today as we head to Numa La Pass where we have spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Norbu Kang, and Churen Himal. Tonight we stay at Numa La Pass.
Day 11: Trek from Numa La Pass to Temche (4000m) via Baga La Pass (5,170m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today’s trek is about six to seven hours and is quite physical as we climb a steep trail to Gaga La Pass from where we have great views of Norbung Lang Peak and the turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake. We will stay here the night below the pass at Temche.
Day 12: Trek from Temche to Phoksundo Lake (3600m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we initially head down to Yak Kharka before heading up to Ringmo passing through forests of juniper, pine and cypress and then on to the stunning blue Phoksundo Lake. We will stay here the night near the lake.
Day 13: Explore Phoksundo Lake.
Phoksundo Lake amazingly never freezes despite the altitude. From the lake we can look down at the typical Tibetan Ringmo Village. Looking upward from the lake you can see several glaciers. There are also several Bon monasteries to visit while staying here.
Day 14: Trek from Phoksundo to Chhepka (2,838m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we begin by trekking on an undulating trail to Chunuwar and Recchi passing through birch, pine and bamboo forests as we leave behind Phoksundo Lake. Tonight we will stay at Chhepka.
Day 15: Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal (2,499m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our trek today is about five to six hours via the villages of Shyanta and Khangadanda passing through cultivated fields of barley and wheat until we get to Jhupal where we stay the night. Jhupal has a large market that is worth a wander around.
Day 16: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu.
Today we fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.
Day 17: Drive to the Airport to head back to that lovely place we call ‘home’’
our represented and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at Sherpa Guide Services will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. This thrilling adventure in the amazing remote region of the Dolpo will give your lifetime memories of a vacation worth its weight in gold. Farewell dear friends! Till we meet again.
Service Included
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Thre night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- One night’s hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Twin sharing tented accommodation and other equipment during the camping trek. We will provide full waterproof two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, Table with chairs, kitchen utensils, toilet tents, etc.
- All necessary paper works and Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permits fee.
- Trekking Permits for Lower Dolpo Restricted Area.
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Lower Dolpo Trekking map, one in a group.
- Assistant guide for groups of 6 or more people.
Service Not Included
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
- Your Travel insurance.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
- All kind drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic)
- Personal shopping and laundry etc.
- Personal trekking Equipment.
- Any extra activities and items not mentioned in “our services section”.
