Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Trip GradeStrenuous
Duration21 Days
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude5360m
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size10
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeJune, July, August, September, October

The far-flung and isolated trekking to Lower Dolpo region takes you to an unspoiled region of Far Western region of Nepal. Lower Dolpo Trek follows the trail that the locals follow to the Phoksundo National Park. The Dolpo region lies in the restricted area, for this reason, a special permit is required to trek here. Not to mention, this trek is one of the most exciting and challenging treks on an off-the-beaten-trail with lofty hills. All the natural scenic beauty that you will view during the trek will leave you awestruck. This region is mostly inhabited by the Tibetan people and the Buddhist communities who follow their unique culture and traditions.

The major highlights of the Lower Dolpo trek are the Shey Phoksundo National Park and The Tarap valley. The allurement of this trek is the natural and cultural diversity, audacious high passes and the pristine lakes. The 21-day trek begins with a domestic flight from Kathmandufollowpalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you will take a morning flight to Jhupal which is the starting point of our trek. Moreover, You trek through semi-desert region combined with densely forested path filled with pine, rhododendrons, bamboo, and juniper trees along with trails made up of huge meadows, brown landscape, and terraced colorful fields. Also, you will get to witness endangered animals like snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and so on during your visit to Shey Phoksundo National Park.

The trekking trail takes you through two high passes: Numa La (5360m), the highest point of the trek, and Baga La (5070m). Not to mention, both these passes offer astounding views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the Tibetan ranges—Kugung La and Khyung La. Another highlight of the trek includes the pristine turquoise Phoksundo Lake, split between rocks that rise 2000m into the clear mountain skies. Not to mention, it is also the deepest lake of Nepal.

Moreover, the people of Dolpo follow ancient Tibetan Buddhism known as the ‘Bon Po’ due to its nearness to the Tibetan border. The Dolpo people still earn their income by trading items of salt, cotton, barley, and rice in Tibet. The trek also includes visits to the ancient monasteries (gompas) and Bon Po shrines surrounding the Phoksundo Lake. All in all this trek is a perfect option for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Itinerary

This is our day-to-day regular itinerary. If you are looking for customized, feel free to contact us or WhatsApp: +977 9851070284

Trip PlanExpand all
Day 01:

You will heartily be welcomed by our representative at the Tribhuwan International Airport. From thereon, you will be dropped at the hotel for relaxing. After that, you will be given a brief orientation of the Upper Mustang Trek by our representative.

Day 02:

After having our early morning breakfast, you will have a full day sightseeing plan at Kathmandu. Also popular as ‘the city of Temples’, you can visit the world heritage sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Explore the beauty of the city, its culture, and tradition on this day. Furthermore, you will be prepared for trekking overnight. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03:

After having our breakfast, we take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Throughout the flight, we enjoy the spectacular views from up above. Located in the western region of Nepal, Nepalgunj is an important business area for many regions. Moreover, we can even stroll in the busy city of Nepalgunj.

Day 04:

Today we leave behind Nepalgunj and head towards Jhupal. After having our breakfast, we take an early morning flight to Jhupal. The flight would be approximately 35 minutes long. Moreover, Jhupal is the starting point of our trek. Descending through local villages and terraced fields we head to the Bheri River. Finally, we reach Jhupal. Overnight at Jhupal camp.

Day 05:

After having our early morning breakfast, we move towards Tarakot. Following the upstream trail that banks, we head to Bheri River. Further, we trek along the paralleled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. Also, come across deep gorges, suspension bridges, and far-flung villages as we ascend the hill. Finally, we reach Tarakot as we continue to trek further through dry stones and terraced field.

Day 06:

Today we start our trek from Tarakot to Khani Gaon. The walk would take approximately 5 hours. The walk is a strenuous one as you ascend through some steep uphill on narrow trails. Further, you will trek past enchanting villages and streams on the route. As you walk past local schools, you will reach Khani Gaon. It is a Newar village which is also known as Dalle Pokhari.

Day 07:

After having our breakfast, we initiate our trek to Tarap Khola. The trek would take approximately 5 hours. After breakfast, we begin our walk to the Tarap Khola site. There are multiple trails to reach there. Descending towards a valley from the quite bare country we head towards Tarap. The path narrows when we reach to a gorge followed by the bushy area of wild rose and juniper. Also, you might see the herds of blue sheep. Finally, we reach Tarap Khola.

Day 08:

Today we leave behind Tarap Khola and head towards Yak Kharka. The walk would take about 5 hours. The walk from here leads to the upper valley following the Tarap Chu (river) most of the way, the trail passes through the summer grazing pasture and few farm settlements. Moreover, the trail goes ahead crisscrossing the same river twice reaching to our overnight camp

near the tributary Lang Chu.

Day 09:

After having our early morning breakfast, we start our trek towards Dho Tarap. The trek would take about 6 hours. The trek begins with a gradual ascend at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarapchu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. Further, the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. After 3 hours or more walk, we reach the village of Dho Tarap. Moreover, the village is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. The major inhabitants of Dho Tarap are few Tibetans and mostly Magars

Day 10:

Today we explore the village of Dho Tarap. After having our breakfast, we initiate our exploration of the village. A free day visit will give you get a chance to know the local people. Also, you will be amazed by the unique culture and the hospitality they provide. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Moreover, the people of the region are both Bonpo and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon is about half an hour's walk.

Day 11:

Today, we head towards Tokyu Gaon after having our early morning breakfast. The walk would take approximately about 5 hours. The trail follows the plain valley of Tarap with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of Inner Dolpo. An astonishing view of the north face of Mt. Dhaulagiri dazzles your eyes in the morning sun. The trail on the enchanting trail of Tarap chu is truly amazing. Comprised of vast plains in high mountains extending twenty-kilometers the path moves along the river Tarap Chu. The land is cultivated and extends about 20 kilometers. We set our tent at Tokyu monastery.

Day 12:

After having our breakfast, we start our trek from Tokyu gaon to Numa La. We head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu. Not to mention, it is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we traverse through 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 the camp.

Day 13:

Trekking continues with the crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m. Further, the track leads to a lofty climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa La with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow-capped peaks. Consequently, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of the downhill walk takes to Palungtang 4,465m or further for the overnight camp just before Baga-la or Basi-la pass.

Day 14:

After spending a night at the pass, we cross the Baga La pass. After having our breakfast, we initiate our trek. Ascending up to the top of Baga La pass, from where we will get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. Moreover, we spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the enchanting views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

Day 15:

Our destination for today is Ringmo. We reach Ringmo after approximate 7 hours of walk from Baga La pass. The trek starts with a loft ascend to reach the rim of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow-capped peaks of Kanjiroba Himal range. Further after a great moment here our walk leads to a descend for 2 hours through the pine forest. We head through on 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.

Day 16:

Today we will spend an entire day at Ringmo. After having our breakfast, we wander the valley. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo, walk part way around the lake is interesting and relaxing. Also, we will hike up to the magnificent Phoksundo lake.

Day 17:

After spending an entire day at Ringmo, we start our trek towards Chepka. The trail has ups and downs through the forest. Descending down the ridge we head towards Chepka. During the trekking trail, we will get to see some stunning views of nature.

Day 18:

Today our trek is a short one as we head back to Jhupal from Chepka. We walk along the Bheri River with enjoying and reminiscing the memories of the trek from there while ascending. Further, we stop at Jhupal to the small airstrip. It is our last camping of the journey.

Day 19:

The adventurous trekking journey has come to an end. After having our early morning breakfast, we take a flight from Jhupal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj airport. The flight would be memorable as it gives a breathtaking glance of the Himalayas from above the clouds.

Day 20:

Today we spend our entire day exploring the capital city Kathmandu. Also popular as ‘the city of Temples’, you can visit the world heritage sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Explore the beauty of the city, its culture, and tradition on this day. Furthermore, you will be prepared for trekking overnight. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21:

Your spontaneous adventure to the Himalayas has come to an end. You will be taking back some best trekking memories along with you. Not to mention, your Upper Dolpo Trek would be a worthy as well as a memorable one. You will leave your hotels and pack your luggage and leave for the airport. Our representative will drop you at the Tribhuvan international airport.

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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Accommodation three star hotel with breakfast Kathamndu and Nepalgunj
  • Lunch and dinner kathmandu and  Nepalgunj at tourist resturant
  • Flight from Kathmandu Nepalgunj Kathmandu 
  • Flight from Nepalgunj Dolpo Nepalgunj 
  • Lower Dolpo Restrict special Permit and National park 
  • Trekking starting point drop and pick up by private Jeep
  • 3 meals a day while trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as indicated by the itinerary.
  • Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis local lodges / Camping Tent.
  • All trekking guide and porter insurance and related permit & fees.
  • English speaking, professional guides and porters.
Excluded
  • International air fare to/ from Nepal.
  • Meals at airports 
  • Entry Visa fee
  • Insurance which covers medical, emergency evacuation, lost, theft expenses.
  • Drinks,Laundry fee.
  • Personal gears and expenses.