Lower Dolpo Trek - 19 days

Lower Dolpo Trek
  • Duration:19 Days
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 5238 Meters
  • Max Group Size: Min 4
  • Best Time: March-May, September-November
Highlights
  • Visit the remote and culturally rich settlements of the Dolpo region
  • Witness Tibetan lifestyle and primitive Bon-Po religion
  • Explore the Shey Phoksundo National Park housing various flora and fauna
  • Relish the sights of glorious Phoksundo Lake and the serenity around it.

One of the most challenging and exciting treks in the remotest regions of Nepal, the Lower Dolpo Trek is truly a testament to the immense treasures of natural and cultural inclinations in Nepal. Comprising unexplored terrain lying close to Tibet in the North. The Dolpo opened for trekking in 1989. This Trek route explores the land where the more incredible inhabitants of the Dolpo region have preserved their age-old culture and tradition of the Bon-Po religion, which predates modern-day Buddhism. The Trek also offers scenic solitude in the pristine Shey Phoksundo National Park and Phoksundo Lake.

The 19-day trek Lower Dolpo Trek begins upon your arrival at Kathmandu. Following a scenic sightseeing tour of some of the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu day Tour,  You’ll fly to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Juphal Airport connects Dolpo to the rest of the country. The trek begins at Juphal and gradually ascends through Dunai, Tarakot, Laina Odar, and Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp. Climbing the Numa La Pass (5238m) is the highlight of the trek. From the top of the pass, you can relish the majestic scenery of the entire landscape. You are starting from the barren territory of Dolpoand spanning as far as Mustang.

Afterward, you’ll trek through Danighar and the Tench, and cross Baga La Pass (5090m).  Another high pass in the region, before arriving at Phoksundo Lake. Its southern bank is home to more than 20 Buddhist Chortens. After exploring Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding.  You’ll retrace your path and head back to Juphal before catching your flight back to Kathmandu. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to some of the exotic.  Himalayan wildlife includes Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and the endangered species of Snow Leopard. You can undertake Lower Dolpo Trek throughout the year.  However, the autumn and spring seasons guarantee accessibility and the best weather.

Tour Trekking Company has been one of the leaders in Nepali tourism where we are solely focused on offering memorable experiences to our clients. In order to do so, we bring new trips with excellent services required for the journey.  And accompany travelers with experienced local guides.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Ace Vision Treks & Tours representative will warmly greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and bring you to your hotel. You’ll meet your trek guide and discuss the trip. In the evening, explore thamel Yourself. 

  • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
  • Accommodation:Hotel

The activities for the day comprised of a tour around the culturally and historically rich Kathmandu City. Accompanied by a tour guide and a private car, you’ll visit some of the hallmarks inside Kathmandu including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites have had a great part in forming the city as it is today. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

    After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive to the airport and fly to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj welcomes you with warm weather. Located on the western front of Nepal in the Terai region, the flight covers around 515kilometers from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Once at Nepalgunj, you can choose to take a stroll around the markets, known as Hat Bazaar in local terms, or visit a local zoo. 

    • Time:1: 20 min
    • Accommodation:Motel

    You’ll wake up early today and take a short flight to Juphal (2475m). The town is the first while entering the Dolpo region, otherwise, one must trek or ride on a horse for days to enter the Dolpo district. From Juphal, you’ll begin the trek and head towards Dunai village. The trail begins with a pleasant walk along with the terraced fields beside the Bheri River.   Dunai serves as the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. 

    • Max. Altitude:2, 140m.
    • Time:3-4 hours

    The trail continues along the Bheri River. You’ll cross deep gorges, hanging bridges, and sparse settlements en route. After 5-6hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Tarakot where you'll be welcomed by the colorful terraced fields. Tarakot is an old forted town located on the hillock to the south of the Bheri River. 

    • Max. Altitude:2, 540m.
    • Time:5-6 hours

    You’ll walk alongside Tarap Chu River just ahead of Tarakot before reaching SandulGompa. The popular gompa lies at a juncture between BarbungKhola and Tarap Chu River. You’ll ascend along the uphill trail enjoying the majestic scenery of Putha Hiunchuli (7246) and Chure Himal range before arriving at Laina Odar. 

    • Max. Altitude:3, 375m.
    • Time:5-6 hours

    The trail continues through the deep gorge of the Tarap River. You’ll walk on wooden planks and flat stones towardsChhyugar. The next destination on the trek is Nawarpani which lies in the conjunction of the Nawarpani, Tarap, and Thanjam rivers. You’ll cross a small stream and hike for a couple of hours until you arrive at Toltol. Toltolserves as the winter settlement for the inhabitants of Upper Dolpo. 

    • Max. Altitude:3, 523m.
    • Time:5-6 hours

    The air starts getting thin so, it can be a bit difficult to trek forward. The trail ascends gradually towards Langa Camp at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Klang Khola. You will encounter wild rose and juniper bushes en route. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the village of DhoTarap which is famous for its inhabitants who still practice Bon Po and Chaiba religions. 

    • Max. Altitude:3, 944m.
    • Time:6-7 hours

    You’ll spend the day acclimatizing at DhoTarap. You can visit nearby monasteries and observe the ethnic culture of the inhabitants. Due to its close proximity to Tibet in the north, the villages in the area resemble their northern counterpart. You may also witness the local herding yaks in the nearby grass fields. 

      The trek continues from DhoTarapand moves towards Numa La Base Camp (4440m). The trail leads toUpper Tarap from where you can enjoy the view of lush grassland on both sides of the Tarap Chu River. After a few hours of trekking through the Tarap valley, you’ll arrive at Tokyu. You’ll continue along the rugged trail and arrive at Numa La Base Camp which is located at the foot of Numa La Pass (5238m). 

      • Max. Altitude:4, 440m.
      • Time:4-5 hours

      From Numa La Base Camp, you’ll make your way towards Danighar via Numa La Pass (5238m). The uphill hike mostly encounters rocky trails and steep ascents. You'll ascend through the steep trail towards the top. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with the extraordinary views of Dhaulagiri Peak (8167m), ChureHimal, and Norbung Kang ranges. After briefly exploring the top, you’ll start descending down along the GyamboKhola towards Danighar.

      • Max. Altitude:4, 510m.
      • Time:6-7 hours

      You’ll make a steep ascent along the shabby trail and move to the higher ground. The trek requires extra effort as you’ll rapidly gain elevation. At the top, you’ll encounter numerous BuddhistChortens, the majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m), and the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. You’ll descend to a deep ravine and cross (5,170m.) a frozen stream to reach Temche.

      • Max. Altitude:3, 995m.
      • Time:5-6 hours

      You’ll descend to Yak Kharka from Temche and continue the trek to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested trail with lush oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress trees. After a brief trek, you’ll arrive atRingmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in the region. A short hike from Ringmowill brings you to the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. 

      • Max. Altitude:3, 600m.
      • Time:5-6 hours

      You’ll explore Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding places. The day begins with the exploration of the nearby shows monastery (the lake-shore Bon Monastery) which lies on a ridge atop Phoksundo Lake. The locals believe that the monastery was built some 900 years ago. You’ll descend to Phoksundo Lake and explore the Buddhist Chortens lying on the Southern banks of the lake. Phoksundo is popular for its pristine turquoise color and scenic surrounding. 

        From here, you’ll gradually make your way back to Juphal. You’ll continue along the riverside trail and climb the steep ridge to the top of the hill which offers a magnificent view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. You’ll descend for a while and make your way to Chunuwar village. The trail advances through the pine and birches forest towards Chhepka village through numerous detours. 

        • Max. Altitude:2, 678 m.
        • Time:6-7 hours

        Leaving Chhepka you’ll head towards Juphalvillage passing through the Shyanta and Kageni villages en route. From Shyanta, you’ll trek through a forested path that leads right to the check post of SheyPhoksundo National Park. You’ll exit the parking area and make your way towards Juphal through a suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River. You’ll encounter the colorful fields of barley and wheat on the trail.

        • Max. Altitude:2, 475m.
        • Time:5-6 hours

        You’ll take the earliest possible flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. In Kathmandu, you can spend the remainder of the day as you wish. 

        • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
        • Accommodation:Hotel

        A day is kept in hand to cover any flight delay or cancellation. If you’re already in Kathmandu, you can enjoy time exploring the town. You can consider visiting Thamel and enjoy local cuisines in some of the finest diners. There are plenty of other attractions in the city to visit as well.

          Our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. You will leave for the airport approx. 2 hours early. On the way, you can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us.

            Cost Details
            What is Included
            • Airport pick up and drop by a private vehicle
            • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
            • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
            • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
            • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle.
            • English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide (leader).
            • Porter service (2 trekkers =1 porter)
            • Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
            • All necessary paperwork; trekking permits
            • Lower Dolpo Special Permit
            • All government and local taxes
            What is not Included
            • Your Travel insurance.
            • Your Nepal Visa.
            • You will require 2 passport size photos
            • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
            • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
            • Personal trekking Equipment
            • Tips for trekking crews
            • Sightseeing and Monuments fees
            • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the price include sections
            Price Per Person
            Total PriceUS$0
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