Good to Know
Lower Dolpa Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the most exciting and challenging treks situated in the western hills of Nepal, which allows the trekkers to experience the real adventures of trekking on an off-the-beaten path, composed of steep sloppy hills. Lower Dolpo Trek is packed with amazing gifts of nature, including Shey Phoksundo Lake and also explorations of the pre-Buddhism Bon Po culture.
The 17 days Lower Dolpo Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Juphal is the starting point for this trek. 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. Admiring the beautiful rain shadow landscape of the Himalayas, you also enter the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park, inhabited by endangered animals like snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and so on. The trekkers also traverse through two high passes: Numa La Pass (5309m), the highest point of the trek, and Baga La Pass (5169m). Both these passes offer extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the Tibetan ranges Kugung La and Khyung La. During summer, we can see the caravans of yaks and sheep heading towards their destination. Another highlight of the trek includes the pristine turquoise Phoksundo Lake, split between rocks that rise 2000m into the clear mountain skies. The Dolpo region is populated by Tibetan and Magar people who still practice the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. The trek also includes visits to the ancient monasteries (gompas) and Bon Po shrines surrounding the Phoksundo Lake. All in all, Lower Dolpo Trek is ideal for those trekkers who love wild adventures.
White Himalayan Adventure is the finest and well-reputed trekking organization based in Kathmandu. We try our best to fulfill all the possible expectations of our clients and also provide different kinds of packages based on the clients’ flexibility.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, Welcome by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Our first day of this journey begins with a 50-minute flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is situated in the border region of India in the west of Nepal. Tonight we will stay at a hotel.
In the morning we take our 35-minute flight to Jhupal in Dolpo and after arrival has a short trek along the riverside to Dunai where we stay the night. Dunai is a major town in the district and has markets and shops to wander around in the afternoon.
Today we follow the Bheri River and pass several small villages with their monasteries, Mani stones and cultivated farmland. Tarakot was once the capital of Tichorung, an ancient independent kingdom. Most of the inhabitants of Tarakot are of the Magar caste and practice Tibetan Buddhism. We will stay here the night.
We have a four to five hour trek today via Laisicap (2775m) and Kanigaon (2950m) before reaching Laini Odar. Along the trail you can expect to see the Himalayan Mountains of Putha, Hiunchuli and Churen Himal. Tonight we camp at Laini Odar with its close by waterfall.
The trek today offers fantastic views of Chhyugar (3440m) and Toltol (3530m) mountains as we pass through deep gorges and towering cliffs. Tonight we stay at Nawarpani.
We follow the trail for six to seven hours along the banks of Tarap Khola via Ghyamghar and Langa villages. We continue and then reach Dho Tarap, which epitomizes the unique villages found in this region. Dho Tarap sits perched above a wide valley and was once a famous trading post for traders coming from Tibet and Mustang. Tonight we camp at Dho Tarap.
Today we can rest as well as stay active and wander around Dho Tarap with a visit to the 1000 year old Ringo Bumpa Monastery built by Jigme Nyima Gyaltsen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to ward off evil spirits wandering the region. Nearby Dho Tarap are other monasteries, such as the Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and the Bon Gompa monastery, Shipichowk. Health officials recommend you stay active while acclimatizing to better prepare you for trekking at higher altitudes.
Today we head out on a four to five hour trek via the Crystal Mountain School, past the health post, and through Tokyu Village (4209m). There are some incredible views over the local monastery of Sharing Gompa, home to many monks from this region. Tonight we will stay at Numa La Base Camp.
We have a six to seven-hour physically demanding trek today as we head to Numa La Pass where we have spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Norbu Kang, and Churen Himal. Tonight we stay at Numa La Pass.
Today’s trek is about six to seven hours and is quite physical as we climb a steep trail to Gaga La Pass from where we have great views of Norbung Lang Peak and the turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake. We will stay here the night below the pass at Temche.
Today we initially head down to Yak Kharka before heading up to Ringmo passing through forests of juniper, pine and cypress and then on to the stunning blue Phoksundo Lake. We will stay here the night near the lake.
Phoksundo Lake amazingly never freezes despite the altitude. From the lake we can look down at the typical Tibetan Ringmo Village. Looking upward from the lake you can see several glaciers. There are also several Bon monasteries to visit while staying here.
Today we begin by trekking on an undulating trail to Chunuwar and Recchi passing through birch, pine and bamboo forests as we leave behind Phoksundo Lake. Tonight we will stay at Chhepka.
Our trek today is about five to six hours via the villages of Shyanta and Khangadanda passing through cultivated fields of barley and wheat until we get to Jhupal where we stay the night. Jhupal has a large market that is worth a wander around.
Today we fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.
White Himalayan Adventure representative will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.
Inclusions
Includes
- Airport picks up and transports by tourist standard Car/Jeep/Hiace.
- Tourist standard category hotel accommodation as per itinerary in Kathmandu and Nepaljung on B/B plan,twin sharing basis. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
- All accommodation (Tea house/tent Camp) during the trek.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
- All necessary paper works for special Lower Dolpo Restricted Area. Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit and TIMS card.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with required number of porters and other staffs with their salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Comprehensive medical box for trekking staff.
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Trekking route map
Excludes
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls,wifi,electronic device charging, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral/hot water and hot shower.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- Hot shower,hot water,wifi and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Additional costs-extra days stay, in case of flight cancellation due to the natural calamities, bad weather forecast and other unforeseen circumstances
- Any other costs not mentioned in include section.
- Excess baggage charge of more than 15 kg during your domestic flights
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