Trekking
Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek provides an excellent trekking experience in the mountainous western region of Nepal. Opened in 1982 to foreigners, the region has since become a popular hiking spot for trekkers. Due to its remote fragile terrain, it needs special trekking permits from the Nepal immigration office. With its isolated places, Lower Dolpo has its beauty and it became well known as the Hidden Treasure of Nepal. The 18 day Lower Dolpo Trekking coincides with visits to the Kathmandu Unesco World Heritage Sites. Next, we travel to Jhupal via Nepalgunj and continue our trek through remote locations admiring the stunning Himalayan rain shadow scenery, mirrored in the colourful barren slopes of the mountains. The trek crosses three high peaks, Kagmara La (5,115 m), Numa La (5,159 m), and Baga La (5,190 m) above sea level. The journey will take us within Shey Phoksundo National Park and lead us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake at an altitude of 3,611m surrounded by enticing fauna and flora. The trek's key draws are the ancient Buddhist monasteries, the Tibetan plateau, the local people's captivating lives and their fascinating history. The Dolpo people adopt ancient Tibetan Buddhism known as the Bon Po because of its proximity to the Tibetan border. The windswept landscape interspersed with pine forests and the prospect of rare mammals such as exclusive snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, Langur, Rhesus monkeys and medicinal plant plants makes this trek a beautiful one.
Overview
Destination
Nepal
Altitude
4510m
Region
Dolpo Region
Season
Spring and Autumn
Difficulty
Hard
Accomodation
Hotel, Tea House & Tent
Duration
19 Days
Itinerary
Day
1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day
2 : Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day
3 : Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day
4 : Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m) & trek to Dunai (2140m)
Day
5 : Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2537m)
Day
6 : Trek from Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,370m)
Day
7 : Trek from Laini Odhar to Nawarpani and Toltol (3523M)
Day
8 : Trek from Taltol to Dho Tarap (3,944 m)
Day
9 : Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap
Day
10 : Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m)
Day
11 : Trek to Danighar (4,631m) via Numa La Base Camp
Day
12 : Trek to Temche (4000m) via Baga La pass
Day
13 : Trek to Phoksundo (3,600m)
Day
14 : Explore the Phoksundo Lake
Day
15 : Trek to Chhepka (2838m)
Day
16 : Trek to Juphal
Day
17 : Fly to Nepalgunj
Day
18 : Fly to Kathmandu & Leisure Day at Kathmandu
Day
19 : Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu (1,300m)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour.
A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
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.
Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m) & trek to Dunai (2140m)
Today we catch a 35-minute long flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As we land in the Juphal, our trekking journey starts. We descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the Roop Ghar with water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai. Overnight in lodge.
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2537m)
Today, we trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, 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. Overnight in lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Laini Odar (3,370m)
Breakfast and trek to Laini Odar via Laisicap(2775m) and Kaigaon(2950m) passing river with gret views of Himalaya including Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal. Laini Odar is a wonderful camping site with a beautiful waterfall nearby.
Day 7: Trek from Laini Odhar to Nawarpani and Toltol (3523M)
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. Overnight in lodge.
Day 8: Trek from Taltol to Dho Tarap (3,944 m)
Breakfast and an interesting trekking along the banks of Tarap Khola mostly via Ghyamghar and Langa. Dho Tarap is a fascinating settlement that manifests the real attributes of Dolpo. This famous settlement of Dolpo nestles high above a wide valley and was a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the ancient days.
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap
Rest and Explore Dho Tarap and its monastries like Ringo Bumpa Monastery, a sacred monastry built 1000 year ago by Jigme Nyima Gyaltzen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to get rid of evil spirits wondering in the region. The monastery resembles the architecture of Samye Monastery in Tibet. Kakar Labrang Monastery White valley temple dating back to 12th century, Kakar Gompa is the popular monastery of Dolpo that belongs to old sect of Nyingma- pa sect of Buddhism. Funded by the king of Mustang the monastery was began to build by Urgyen Tenzin.
Drakmar Dewa Monastery high above on a hill southwest of Dho, Drakmar Monastery nestles beautifully on the red cliffs. Nine hundred years old monastery has the images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Dorje Phurba and the visions of Guru Rinpoche inside it. Along with the stupa, a book found here has translated 100 words of Buddha.
The vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. So make your decision wisely while choosing the monastery you prefer to explore from the pool of many.
Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m)
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. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Trek to Danighar (4,631m) via Numa La Base Camp
A Challenging day trek to Danighar via Numa La Pass (5310m), a hard steep uphill trek to Numa La top for 4 hours with majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Norbung Kang and Churen Himal and from the top the trek is relatively easy following the Gyambo Khola.
Day 12: Trek to Temche (4000m) via Baga La pass
Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another pass, Baga La (5170m). 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 (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Trek to Phoksundo (3,600m)
Trek down to Yak Kharka, and ascends again towards Ringmo through the lush vegetation of pines, junipers and cypres with the stunning views of towering cliffs and the highest waterfall in Nepal on the right, the trail finally stretches to Ringmo, a famous Bon settlement in the region. The final thirty minute downhill trek from Ringmo finally brings us to the mesmerizingly beautiful lake, Phoksundo.
Day 14: Explore the Phoksundo Lake
We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 15: Trek to Chhepka (2838m)
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. Overnight in lodge.
Day 16: Trek to Juphal
Trek to Juphal via Shyanta and Kalagaonda thorough arid landscapes first and then beautiful fields of barley and wheat surrounded by strong trees that include walnut, peach and apricot. Juphal, a large village with beautiful marketplace.
Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj
Fly to Nepalgunj. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu & Leisure Day at Kathmandu
Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.
Day 19: Departure
Finally, it’s SEE OFF TIME. There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. You will be picked from the Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours earlier than your flight time with a hope to see you again. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Includes
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle,
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast on sharing basis,
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek,
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek,
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary,
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip),
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle,
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary,
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide),
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter),
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation,
- Wongchhu Peak Promotion trekking duffel bag, cap and trekking map,
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS),
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader),
- All government and local taxes,
- Daily Dispatches on: www.wppnepal.com,
- Welcome and Farewell dinner.
Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner),
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
- If required to change from airplane to helicopter flight to/from Jhupal (i.e. weather) , additional costs will be shared by clients,
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks on trek - Personal trekking equipment,
- All personal expenses, including Nepal Visa (for country entrance),
- Personal medical and evacuation insurance,
- All other additional charges for additional services, including recommended TIP,
- Additional tips for tour guide, others as one sees fit,
- Personal purchase.
Equipments
1.0 Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Credit/Debit card
- Passport size photo (6 pieces)
- Insurance paper and contact address
- Family contact number
2.0 Upper Body Wear
- Thermal Top Base Layer (2 Pcs)
- Fleece Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Gore-Tex Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Down Jacket (1 Pcs)
- Cotton T-Shirt (2 Pcs)
3.0 Lower Body Wear
- Thermal Bottom Base Layer (2 Pcs)
- Fleece Trouser (1pcs)
- Gore-Tex Pant (1 pcs)
- Mid Weight Pants (1Pcs)
- Light Weight Quick Dry Trekking Pants (2-3 Pairs)
- Gaiters for trekking boots
4.0 Headwear
- Sun Cap
- Fleece Hat/ Warm Hat (1-2 Pcs)
- Neck Gaiter (2 Pcs)
5.0 Handwear
- Thin fleece gloves
- Wind stopper/screen tap gloves
6.0 Footwear
- Normal Socks (2-3 Pairs)
- Trekking Shoes (Gore-Tex)
- Slipper (1 Pair)
7.0 Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
- Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
- Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
- Sleeping bag Liner
- Inflatable Pillow
8.0 Trekking Equipment
- Power Bank
- Pee Bottle
- Altimeter watch
- Pocket Knife
- Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
- Satellite Phone with credit
- Battery
- Headlight 500-700Lumens
- Spare Tape Slings/240cm
- Unlock Carabiner
- Lock Carabiner
9.0 Bag packs
- Rucksacks 35 L -50 L
10.0 Sun stuff
- Banana Boat/ Nivea Sun Cream (-20 Spf)
- Lip Guard -20 (Spf)
- Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)
11.0 Toiletries (Personal)
- Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Towel
- Garbage Bag
12.0 Eating & Drinkings
- 1 ltr. Water Bottle
- 1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
- Spoon / Fork (opt.)
- Bowl (opt.)
13.0 Medical / First Aid
- Brufen / Ibuprofens
- Antibiotic
- Diamox
- Paracetamol
- Handy Plaster
- Crack Bandage
- Tincture Iodine
- Ondem
- Cetirizine
- Electrolyte
- Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
- Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
- Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
- Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
- Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
- Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
- Menstrual Products
14.0 Miscellaneous
- Nail cutter
- Umbrella /Raincoat
- Hot water bag
- Camera
- Trails Maps
- GPS Tracker (Recommended)
- Hand & Toe Warmer
Map
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