Dolpo or Dolpa is the largest district of Nepal yet also one of the most secluded regions situated at the far western region of Nepal. The extremely remote area of the higher altitude spreads along the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the biggest national park in Nepal established with an aim to preserve the trans-Himalayan ecosystem, cozying against the stunning Dhaulagiri to the southeast with Tibetan borders in the north. The southern Lower Dolpo is influenced by Hinduism while the Upper Dolpo has a great influence of the Tibetan culture and has largely preserved many of the remaining vestiges of the traditional Tibetan culture.
Dolpo is a land of cultural fantasy bestowed with the richness of nature in terms of flora and fauna and the spectacular landscapes that is a feast to the eyes. With very sparse settlements, Dolpo was opened for the trekkers only recently but has already been on the top as a number one destination for the trekking lovers all around the globe. Everything about Dolpo is tempting from the traditional lifestyle of the people in this region and their distinct culture to its fascinating landscapes.
Trekking in Dolpo is in fact a lifetime achievement and a rewarding experience. This trip is the perfect chance to explore the hidden Shangri-La in the beautiful kingdom of Himalaya and get an insight into distinct life of the people in Dolpo region. Lower Dolpo trek officially commences from a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, Dolpo from where we start hiking through the rusty trails and the rain shadow areas into the remote Dolpo accompanied by the spectacular landscapes.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- The spectacular and breathtaking landscapes and views of the Himalayas.
- Explore the largest national park, Shey-Phoksundo National Park.
- Explore the Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake of Nepal.
- The significant and ancient monasteries of Dolpo.
- Explore the abundantly large variety of flora and fauna.
- The friendly and welcoming people and their unique culture and tradition.
- The distinct culture and tradition of the Tibetan Buddhist.
- Explore the wilderness of the Himalaya.
- Numa La Pass and Baga La Pass.
- Captivating view of the Kanjirowa Himal.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will be there to receive you at the airport and then transfer you to your designated hotel.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
We fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which is located in the western region of Nepal. It takes about an hour to Nepalgunj on air. The diversified land of the Terai has a mixed race of community and is often a place of tourism hub with well-facilitated and easily accessible modern amenities.
Overnight at Nepalgunj.
Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, Dolpo (2320m) and then trek to Dunai (2850m)
We take a short yet scenic flight from Nepalgjung to Juphal. Lying on the foothills of the Himalayan, Juphal is a charming little town feasting the eyes with the stunning views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri towards the north. From Juphal, we trek along the gorgeous Bheri River past the terraced farmlands until we reach Dunai, the administrator headquarter of the Dolpo and also our stop for the night.
Overnight at Dunai.
Day 4: Dunai to Tarakot (2543m)
Following breakfast, we continue our trek towards Tarakot today. As we follow the easy ascending trails, we come across some deep ravines and hanging bridges with tree lines of pines along the way. On walking further, we will come upon the charming village of Tarakot nestled along the south bank of the Bheri River on the top of a hillock.
Overnight at Tarakot.
Day 5: Tarakot to Laini (3160 m)
We continue moving forward to reach our onward destination, Laini, today. We move ahead towards the Sandul Gompa that needs crossing over the Tarap Chu River twice. Thereupon, we keep on moving ahead through the trails that take us to Laini after combined trails of uphill and downhill along rural settlements and colorful terrace farmings.
Overnight at Laini.
Day 6: Laini to Nawarpani (3545m)
Our next destination Nawarpani takes about six hours of walking from Laini. Initially, the trails are somewhat steep with the twirling roads along the Tarap Chu River. With the valley shrinking and narrowing at places, today will be quite an exciting journey of jumping and mixture of ascents and descents. Continue walking further to Chyugar Khola and Nawarpani is just a while away.
Overnight at Nawarpani.
Day 7: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4090m)
We commence our journey further today with careful ascent towards Kamattarka which is the meeting point of the Tarap Chu River and the Lang Khola. The arid valleys of the inner Himalayan region welcome us ahead with the timberland far behind us. Several hours of continuous walking through the narrow valley brings us to the secluded village of Do Tarap built and enclosed with stone walls. Do Tarap is tremendously inhabited by the Magar community alongside a few Tibetans.
Overnight at Do Tarap.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Do Tarap
We leave this day for rest and acclimatization as it is quite necessary for us to cope up with the altitude and the environment and also some rest is needed because of the continuous and rigorous walking. This day gives a perfect opportunity to get along with the people and learn and experience their culture and tradition. Explore the monasteries nearby.
Overnight at Do Tarap.
Day 9: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m)
Today, we move towards a bit higher altitude towards Numa La Base Camp through the upper Tarap valley accompanied by the consecutive parallel grasslands on both sides of the river. Walking along the banks of the Tarap Chu River with the spectacular views of the Tarap valley and its picturesque landscapes of the vast plains and the colorful high ranging mountains is a definite treat to the eyes. We pass along the village of Tokyu consisting of a Buddhist monastery through the uneven paths and reach Numa La Base Camp in due course of time.
Overnight at Numa La Base Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Pelung Tang (4465m) via Numa La pass (5190m)
Following breakfast, we start our trekking journey further toward Pelung Tang where our camps will be set up. We follow the ascending trails to Numa La Pass which is situated at an elevation of 5190 m along the vertical trails making its way to the top of the pass. This is going to be the longest day with a very tough and arduous journey. The sweeping view of the mountain ranges of the Dolpo up to the Mount Dhaulagiri is just spellbinding. We then gradually descend down to the Pelung Tang from the Numa La Pass.
Overnight at Pelung Tang.
Day 11: Cross Baga La Pass (5070m) and then trek to Dajok Tang (4080)
The landscape and the snowcapped mountain peaks along with the Mount Kanjirowa look amazing from the top of the Baga La Pass. We reinitiate our journey from Pelung Tang today towards Dajok Tang with a decent mount to the top of the Baga La Pass. Surrounded amidst the captivating views of the nature, we then slowly plummet down towards our next stop, Dajok Tang.
Overnight at Dajok Tang.
Day 12: Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3600m)
Our destination next is Ringmo, a traditional village dwelled by the Dolpo Tibetans. Our trails today get relatively easy with little uphill and downhill walk as we saunter along the beautiful alpine forest covered in pine trees. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo village located on the southern end of the Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Overnight at Ringmo.
Day 13: Hike to Phoksundo Lake (3612m)
Today, we hike and explore the Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, and a definite piece of heaven on earth. The sparkling crystal clear water of the lake is drained out by a river forming a majestic waterfall in-between Ringmo and Sunduwa which shapes into a giant cotton ball like structure landing 100 feet below. The beautiful pine forests around the waterfall surrounded with the panoramic views of the mountain ranges add more beauty and spark to it. Occasionally, some wild animals like the musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan Thar may come and join us along the journey.
Overnight tented camping.
Day 14: Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m)
We continue our journey today to Shyanta following the descending trails passing through Chepka and further bringing us to an overhanging rock. Follow the route through some settlements and take a mount to Shyanta where we will be staying for the night.
Overnight tented camping.
Day 15: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal
The trails beginning from Shyanta can be seen covered with lush vegetation of fir trees. We move all along with gigantic mountains towering above us. Continue walking past the Sulighat until you finally reach Juphal where our trekking journey comes to an end.
Overnight at Juphal.
Day 16: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kahmandu:
From Juphal, we board a scheduled flight to Nepalgunj and consequently to Kathmandu. Explore the city of Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and the holy temple of Pashupatinath, both of which are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Take a stroll around the streets of Thamel and Basantapur, a fascinating tourist site.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 17: Sightseeing Kathmandu
We visit some other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu today. We drive towards Bhaktapur and explore the traditional Newari city. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square embodies the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Nepal. Patan Durbar Square located in the district of Lalitpur is another place to visit. Also, visit and explore the popular Buddhist shrines of Boudhanath and Swyambhunath. This will help you explore and learn about the authentic Buddhist religion and its principles. You can go out and about exploring the city life and the night life of the capital city Kathmandu for your last night in Nepal.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure Day
We leave you to pack your bags and get ready for your final departure.