Trip Facts

  • Duration:18 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max Altitude:5,190 M
  • Min group sizeAny
  • Holiday typeTrekking

About Lower Dolpo Trek

This region is one of the most isolated areas in the world located on the Tibetan plateau. Opened in 1991, Lower Dolpo area offers one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal. It is situated in mid-western Nepal behind the Dhaulagiri massif. You will see high passes, rugged terrain, a rain-shadow, rare flora and fauna and a prominently beautiful lake. The settlement is mostly on the high regions, with frequent encounters of yak caravans.

Along the trek you will capture mysterious views of ancient monasteries, blue sheep and snow leopards. Its isolation has helped the traditions and ways of life to remain intact for decades. An account of the region in David Snellgrove’s “Himalayan Pilgrimage” and Peter Matthiessen’s “The Snow Leopard”, has given Dolpo a widespread attention and significant popularity.

Requiring special permits to enter, this is a moderate trek taking you to 5,230 m at Numa-La Pass. While the lively settlements on the high altitude is itself wonderful, the turquoise waters of Lake Phoksundo adds a sense of awe to the experience. Phoksundo is the deepest lake of Nepal located in Shey-Phosundo National Park. Quiet villages around Mt. Dhaulagiri and Buddhist Gumbas are scattered throughout the landscape that has diverse culture and sceneries.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek in one of the most isolated areas in the world - on the Tibetan plateau that juts into Nepal near the Dhaulagiri massif.
  • You will lose at least 8-12 lbs
  • Explore remote part of Nepal
  • Study and observe cultural influence of Tibet
  • Study and observe unique life style and its hardship.

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our staff will meet you and take you to your hotel. In the hotel you will be given a brief about your trek.

    Kathmandu valley is the historical and cultural center of Nepal. Here you will visit the renowned Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Bauddhanath, and Swayambhunath Stupa. After lunch, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.

      Today you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. The nearly one-hour journey is best described by the scenic views of mountain ranges of Nepal. Stay at a hotel in Nepalganj.

        In the morning you will take a 45-minute flight to Jhupal over the high mountains with scenic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. From Jhupal, the trek will begin through terraced fields to Bheri River and the narrow gorge and after walking for 2 to 3 hours you will reach Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region.

          On the fifth day, the trek will continue along the southern banks of the river heading upstream. The trail is relatively good where will come across deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River, which at one time was supervised collection center of tolls for the trading caravans. We will stay in the camp for the night.

            From Tarakot, you will follow the upstream path to Tarap-Chu River, crossing the bridge. You will also see Sandul Gompa farther east from where the path leads through terraced farms and quaint villages. Going through a few ups and downs along the trail, you will reach Lahini and set up camp for the night.

              Upon leaving Lahini, you will continue your trek to Nawarpani. The walk is quite exciting as the valley gives in to narrow gorges and in some places you can even jump sides. You will later descend to Chyugur Khola and reach Nawarpani where you will stay for the night.

                In the morning you will head to Kamattarka at the confluence of Tarap-Chu river and Lang Khola. You will leave behind the narrow gorge and step into woods of juniper bushes and wild rose. Another three or more hours of walk and you will reach the village of Do-Tarap. Surrounded by irregular stone walls, this village is inhabited mostly by Magars who have lived here for many generations.

                  Today you will spend resting and acclimatizing. We also recommend you to take a short hike around the village and visit Buddhist Gompas of Bon Gompa and Nyingmapa Gompa.

                    Today you will move ahead to Numa-La Base Camp. As the trail follows along the upper regions of Tarap valley, you will see lush verdant grass on both the sides of a river, a sight completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains located high up in the mountains. Upon reaching Numa-La Base Camp, you will set up camp for the night.

                      Today you will have a relatively long and difficult trek ahead. At first you will cross Numa-La Pass at 5,190 meters. The trail is steep all the way to the top ridge of the pass where the views are great. The landscape is dreamy and up above you will have an incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Dhaulagiri Range. After enjoying the scenery, you will descend to Pelung Tang and stop for the night.

                        In the morning your trek starts with a steep climb to reach the top of Baga-La ridge at 5,070 meters. The ridge offers wonderful views of the landscapes and distant snow-capped peaks of Kanjirowa Mountain Range. After enjoying views from the pass, you will descend for almost three hours to arrive at Dajok Tang for the night.

                          Today your journey will continue at first through incredible pine forests and then through pasture fields - a transition that is distinct and enjoyable. The views of alpine shrubs through most of the way will enchant you until you arrive Ringmo, where you will stay for the night.

                            You will mainly rest and relax on this day in Ringmo. However we highly recommend you to hike to Lake Shey-Foksundo. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal and because of its waters, it is renowned all over the world.

                              Today you will trek downhill to Chepka, from where the trail passess along a massive overhanging rock. En route, you can find important minerals of medicinal value. The route then passes through villages before ascending to the village of Shyanta. You will stay overnight here.

                                Today you will continue the journey following the trail that gently slopes upwards. You will then move ahead to Jhupal via Sulighat. From top of the ridge, you can have spectacular of the mountains and the village of Jhupal. Later in the afternoon, you will reach Jhupal where you can explore the town market and stay overnight.

                                  In the morning you will board a flight to Nepalganj and catch another flight to Kathmandu. Once in the capital, you can spend the rest of the day shopping or in a sauna relaxing your muscles. In the evening you are invited to join a Nepalese dinner hosted by us.

                                    After breakfast, our staff will take you to the Airport three hours ahead of your flight time.

                                      What's included

                                      Included

                                      • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
                                      • 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
                                      • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide 
                                      •  15 nights in local lodges/teahouses during the trek
                                      • Welcome and farewell dinners
                                      • All accommodation and meals during the trek
                                      • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
                                      • Down jacket and sleeping bag and other necessary trekking gears (on hire) and trekking map.
                                      • All permits and necessary paper work (National park permit, TIMS )
                                      • First aid kit.
                                      • All taxes, be it local or 13% government tax.

                                      Excluded

                                      • Visa fee for Nepal (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
                                      • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
                                      • All conservation area and cultural heritage site entrance fees
                                      • Excess baggage charges
                                      • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
                                      • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
                                      • Travel and rescue insurance
                                      • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
                                      • Tips for guides and porters.