Dolpo Trekking is one of the most challenging trek which allow you to explore the remote and sparsely populated areas of Nepal.
Lower Dolpo Trekking, trekking in Nepal to a restricted area of Nepal offers to explore the hidden natural and cultural wonders of Doplo Region. Lower Dolpo trekking route covers visiting of Shey Phoksundo National Park the largest national park of Nepal where wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Goral, Himalayan Tahr, Bear and even endangered snow leopard can be found.
Dolp0 Trekking also offers to explore Shey – Phoksundo Lake – the deepest lake of Nepal with no aquatic life. It also offers to collect superb views of snowcapped mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Kyanguripa and other mountains. Lower Dolpo Trekking also offers to experience challenging passes of Numala Pass (5,115 m) and Bagala Pass (5,100 m).
Hotel with breakfast in Nepalganj
Domestic flight tickets and airport tax (Kathmandu – Nepalganj – Juphal – Nepalganj – Kathmandu)
During the trek:
One guide and necessary porter
Staff insurance, wages, equipment and local transport
3 meals a day during trek and accommodation in local house and tent for 2 nights
Trekking permit and conservation fee
Kitchen equipment, cook during camping period as mention above in the program
Lunch and dinner in Nepalganj
Hotel in Kathmandu
Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency.
Personal expenses and tips for staff
Sleeping bag
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45minutes flight over the high mountains brings you at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our trekking staffs will receive you. Our first-day adventure begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Explore Dunai in the evening.
After breakfast we will continue our trek to Tarakot . There we can see deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. The colorful terraced field of Tarakot greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans.
After breakfast, we continue our walking to follow the Tarap Chu river upstream, crossing by the bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot.The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, finally, descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini.
After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chyugur Khola. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. (B, L, D)
After breakfast we head towards Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours walking, we leave the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley, both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. (B, L, D) Drive Pass: Parliament House, Lake Garden, Bird Park, Railway Station and National Museum.
This will be our rest day. On this day we can visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views. We can interact with people also.. 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. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre-Buddhist) is about half an hour’s walk. (B, L, D).
After having our morning breakfast we will continue our journey towards upper Tarap valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of Inner Dolpo. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours’ good walks take us to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village, our walk continues further up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.
This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes. An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8167m) after getting to the top of Numa La we will descend to camp at Pelung Tang.
After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight.
After having breakfast we walk downhill to Ringmo. In this trek, we go through the forest where we can see so many yaks gazing.
After breakfast our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for 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..
Finally this will be or rest day in Ringmo and we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake; remember the harrowing scene in ‘Himalaya’ when Thinley’s yak caravan attempted the ‘Devil’s Trail’. Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldana and Thinje. This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way around the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with great views. Overnight at camp
Trek downhill to Chhepkal. From Chhepka the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Chhepka.
Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like.
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.