Lower Dolpa Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Flights to Nepalgunj on the first day and Juphal on the second day.
- Feast your eyes on awe-inspiring views of Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan mountains and deserts.
- Adventure on ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade & Caravan Trail to Tibet via Dolpo.
- Extension of huge South-West Tibetan landscapes within the world’s highest plateau land.
- Remote restricted area, located in the far western part of Nepal.
- The Lower Dolpo region holds great cultural and spiritual significance and is home to several ancient monasteries and pilgrimage sites.
- Crossing high passes of Kagmara La pass, Numa-la and Baga-la with exceptional views of high snow-capped peaks.
- Navigate through deep gorges, Waterfall and rivers.
- Bordered by Dhaulagiri Himal and Churen Himal ranges to the west in the Jumla district.
- Stunning Views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Kagmara with Kanjibroba peaks and Mount Annapurna II
- The best views from Kang Taiga (5950 meters)
- Witness the spring hunt for Yarchagumba—a bizarre caterpillar fungus highly sought after for its medicinal qualities
- Nomadic people and their untouched and unexplored lifestyle are by anyone.
- Trekking experience through the largest national park of Nepal – Shey Phoksundo National Park with a variety of flora and fauna
- Shey Phoksundo National Park (3,555 square km) is Nepal’s largest.
- Flora such as Rhododendron, Caragana shrubs, and Salix, Juniper, white Himalayan birch, and the occasional silver fir dominate the high meadows of the Himalayas. Less than five percent of the park is forested, with much of it lying in the southern portion. The Suligad Vally’s flora consists of Blue pine, Spruce, hemlock, Cedar, Silver fir, poplar, and bamboo found in Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Fauna such as Snow leopard, Grey wolf, Musk deer, Blue sheep, Great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr and Himalayan black bear are also found in the park. The park is home to six reptiles and 29 species of butterfly, including the highest flying butterfly in the world, Paralasa nepalaica. The park provides habitat for over 200 species of birds, among which include Yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, and Crimson-eared rosefinch found on Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Catch the enticing views of the yak caravan and come for hiking on the old salt trade route. Let yourself be seduced by the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Itinerary
When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, a member of Friendship World Treks will greet you. He will then drive you to your hotel and assist you with checking in. You can meet us at our office to collect information on the Lower Dolop Trek Itinerary after taking some time to recuperate. The firm will provide a welcome supper for you as a way of expressing our thanks and welcoming you to Nepal.
You will be taking a tour of Kathmandu today with a guide. You will start your tour after breakfast by going to the first site, Pashupatinath Temple. You will move toward Boudhnath Stupa from here. The next destinations on the trip are Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites will display Nepal’s rich cultural legacy because they are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your Lower Dolpo Trek guide will meet with you in the late afternoon.
With your guide and other crew members, you will board a domestic aircraft from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj following breakfast to begin your 18-day Lower Dolpo Trekking Journey. You will arrive at Nepalgunj, Simikot’s entrance, after an hour-long picturesque flight. You will explore the lively market, miniature zoo, and adjacent towns later in the day.
You will start your main Lower Dolpo Trekking adventure today. You will fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal after a delicious breakfast in Nepalgunj. The flight will be scenic and brief. You will start your walk towards Dunai after you get to Juphal. You will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) throughout the route. You can reach the Bheri River by hiking via terraced farms. The route continues in a small canyon from here and brings you to Dunai, the Dolpo region’s administrative center.
You will start your hike along the Bheri River’s southern bank before climbing upstream on a simple route. You will travel by a number of steep gorges, exciting hanging bridges, and lovely remote villages along the way. You will travel via the Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail to Tarakot, a tiny community located on a hill to the south of the Bheri River, and spend the night there in a tea house.
Today, the Lower Dolpo Trek Route will follow the Tarap Chu River. Reaching Sandul Gompa, which is situated between the Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu Rivers, requires twice crossing this river. You will keep strolling through communities and farms with terraces after this. To get to Laini, you will need to climb and descend several times.
You will start your Lower Dolpo Trekking after breakfast and hike a hard trek over the Tarap River. The valley narrows into a canyon as you go on, making it possible to jump from one side to the other with ease. You will eventually arrive at Chyugur Khola after completing difficult ascents and descents. From here, it will only take you a short stroll to reach Nawarpani, where you will spend the night in a tea house.
You will gradually climb up to Kamattarka, which is at the meeting point of the Tarap Chu River and the Lang Khola, after leaving Nawarpani. You will leave the tree line behind as you cross a small canyon and enter the dry inner Himalayan valley, which will greet you with magnificent juniper and wild rose shrubs. From here, you will continue the Lower Dolpo Terkking Trail to the settlement of Dho Tarap, which is encircled by crooked stone walls. You may practice the distinctive Bon Po and Chaiba religions here.
According to the Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary, this is a day for acclimatization and recuperation at Dho Tarap village. This rest day will aid in your acclimatization and give you the chance to explore the community and its surroundings. You will get the chance to speak with residents and see their way of life, culture, and traditions. Religions practiced here are Chaiba and Bon Po. You may sample their offerings and admire their lovely attire.
Today’s Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail will lead you to the upper Tarap valley, where you can see green grassland lining both sides of a beautiful river. You may get to Tokyo by hiking along the Tarap Chu River. You may explore the Chiba sect’s monastery here. Later, you will hike a difficult terrain to reach Numa La Base Camp, where you will spend the night.
It will be the longest and most difficult day of the Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary. After a delectable breakfast, you will head uphill toward Numa La Pass. You will get breathtaking views of the parched Dolpo Mountains rising to Mount Dhaulagiri from the pass’s summit (8,167m). Spend some time here before making your way down to Pelung Tang, where you will spend the night in a tent camp.
You will pass another pass today. To get to Baga La Pass, you must hike a difficult path. Once more, the view of the desert terrain, Mt. Kanjirowa in the distance, and snow-capped mountains is breathtaking from the pass’s peak. Your Lower Dolpo Trek Route will descend to Dajok Tang for the night after some time has passed. In a tea house, you will spend the night.
The Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail is mostly through alpine greenery and luxuriant pine trees. You will reach Ringmo village, a Tibetan settlement in the Dolpo area, on a slightly easier trek than on past days. You will spend the night in a tea house in the village of Ringmo.
You will get up early and eat a great breakfast. The Lower Dolpo Trekking Tril will next go to Phoksundo Lake, which is situated 3,611 meters above sea level. The most enticing site in Dolpo is this lake. Yak caravans and local monasteries can be visited as you travel. You will be greeted by breathtaking surroundings when you arrive to Phoksundo Lake. You will spend the night close to the lake today. You will spend the night in a tea house.
You will start descending into Shyanta village after breakfast in Phoksundo Lake. You will get to Chepka. The Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail will continue on from here and will pass through various settlements as it follows a huge overhanging cliff. You will pass through therapeutic minerals along the journey that are thought to treat practically everything in this region. You will continue to climb until you arrive at Shyanta village, where you will spend the night in a tea house.
You will make the trip back to Juphal today through Sulighat. You will pass a lot of birch trees and enjoy stunning mountain vistas along the route. When you get to Juphal, you will rest up and spend the evening exploring its market. You will spend the night at a Juphal tea house.
You will be traveling back-to-back today, first to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. Your Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary will come to a conclusion once you arrive in Kathmandu, where you will check into your hotel and spend the day unwinding. You will attend the company-organized farewell dinner that evening. Additionally, you will get ready to travel to your hometown tomorrow. You will spend the night at a Thamel hotel with three stars.
You will check out of the hotel after breakfast. You will be escorted to the airport by a representative of Friendship World Trek so that you can catch a flight home.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- All the required airport and hotel transfers by private vehicle
- Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu city tour guided by professional city tour guide
- Tea House/Home Stay accommodation during the trekking days in the mountain
- Full board standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- All necessary trek permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card).
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- 02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment.
- Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
- First aid kit.
- Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
- Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
- All the required domestic fights
- 01 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on full board in Nepalgunj
- Friendship World Trek kit bag
- Farewell dinner after the trip completion in Kathmandu.
- All the government and local taxes
- Friendship World Trek duffle bag
Price Excludes
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight).
- Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo).
- Diner and lunch in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
- Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary.
- Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control.
- Porter ( One porter between two trekkers is recommended )
- Riding horse along the trek
- Alcoholic beverages, bottle mineral water, soft drinks, and snack foods
- Gratitude for the guide and porters
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Lower Dolpo Trek Best Time, Season, and Months
The best time to do the Lower Dolpo Trek depends on your preferences for weather and crowds. The trekking season in the Dolpo region is from late September to November, and from March to May. Here’s a brief overview of each season:
- September to November: The autumn season is the peak trekking season in Dolpo, and you can expect good weather and clear skies. However, it can also be crowded with other trekkers.
- March to May: The spring season is also a good time to trek, with warm temperatures and blooming rhododendrons. The trek may be less crowded than during the peak season.
- Winter: Winter can be extremely cold in Dolpo, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The trek is not recommended during this time.
Overall, the best time to trek in Dolpo will depend on your preferences for weather and crowds. If you are looking for good weather and clear skies, September to November is the best time. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider trekking from March to May.
Food or Meal Availability on Lower Dolpo Trek
Food and meal availability can vary depending on the route and length of your Lower Dolpo Trek. We will serve you 16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, and 14 Dinners throughout your trekking journey. Here’s what you can expect:
- Tea Houses: Along the more popular routes, you will find tea houses that serve meals and snacks, such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and soups.
- Camping: If you are doing a camping trek, you will need to bring your own food, such as instant noodles, oatmeal, and dried fruit, and your guide will typically arrange for a cook to prepare meals for you.
- Snacks: Snacks, such as energy bars, trail mix, and fruit, can be purchased in local villages and at tea houses along the way.
- Special Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, it’s important to inform your guide in advance and discuss the options for food and meal availability.
In remote areas of Lower Dolpo, the options for food and meal availability may be limited, so it’s important to be prepared basic camping food and bring extra snacks to supplement your meals. It’s also important to be aware that hygiene practices in food preparation and storage may vary, so take care to follow good food safety practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Accommodation Facility on Lower Dolpo Trek
Accommodation during the Lower Dolpo Trek varies depending on the route and the type of trek you choose. Here’s what you can expect:
- Tea Houses: Along the more popular routes, you will find tea houses that offer basic accommodations, such as shared rooms with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities.
- Camping: If you are doing a camping trek, you will need to bring your own tent and camping gear and your guide will arrange for camping spots along the way.
- Homestays: In some remote villages, homestays may be available, allowing you to experience the local culture and stay with a local family.
- Lodge: In some areas, lodges may be available, offering more comfortable and spacious accommodations, such as private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The standard of accommodation in the Lower Dolpo region can be basic, and electricity and hot showers may not be available in some places. It’s important to be prepared for a more rustic trekking experience and to pack accordingly. Make sure to discuss your accommodation preferences with your guide in advance, and be flexible and open-minded about the accommodations that are available along the way.
Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty Level
The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered a challenging trek and is rated as moderate to difficult, with several steep and rugged sections. Here are some of the factors that contribute to its difficulty level:
- Altitude: The trek takes you to high altitudes, with several passes that reach over 5,000 meters, which can be physically demanding and increase the risk of altitude sickness.
- Distance: The trek covers a significant distance, with daily stages that can take several hours to complete. You need to be prepared for long days of walking, carrying a heavy backpack.
- Terrain: The trek covers a range of terrains, including rocky trails, narrow paths, and steep inclines and declines. The trails can be slippery and challenging, especially in wet conditions.
- Remote location: The Lower Dolpo Trek is a remote trek, with limited facilities and services along the way. You need to be prepared for the lack of amenities and for carrying your own food, water, and other essentials.
Requirement of Travel Insurance during Lower Dolpo Trek
It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for the Lower Dolpo Trek. The trek takes place in a remote and isolated region, where access to medical facilities is limited. Travel insurance can provide valuable coverage in case of an emergency, including:
- Emergency evacuation: In case of a medical emergency or injury, travel insurance can cover the cost of an emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility.
- Medical expenses: Travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays and medication.
- Trip interruption or cancellation: In case you need to cancel or interrupt your trek due to unexpected circumstances, travel insurance can cover the costs of canceling or modifying your trip.
- Loss of personal belongings: Travel insurance can provide coverage for the loss or theft of personal belongings, including your trekking gear and equipment.
- Adventure activities: Some travel insurance policies provide coverage for adventure activities, such as trekking, which may not be covered by standard travel insurance policies.
It’s important to carefully review your travel insurance policy and make sure it provides adequate coverage for your specific needs and the challenges of the Lower Dolpo Trek. Don’t forget to carry a copy of your travel insurance policy with you during the trek.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies during Lower Dolpo Trek
Altitude sickness is a common issue faced by trekkers in high-altitude regions, and the Lower Dolpo Trek is no exception. Altitude sickness occurs when you ascend too quickly and your body struggles to acclimate to the lower levels of oxygen at high altitudes. Here are some remedies to prevent or reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness:
- Gradual ascent: To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it is important to follow a gradual ascent pattern and allow your body time to acclimate to the high altitudes.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is important for preventing altitude sickness, so make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
- Proper nutrition: Eating a high-energy diet, rich in carbohydrates and protein, can help prevent altitude sickness and maintain energy levels.
- Acclimatization: Spending extra time at high altitudes, and taking a rest day, can allow your body to better acclimate to the high altitude.
- Medication: In some cases, medication such as acetazolamide can be prescribed to help prevent altitude sickness. Consult with a doctor before using any medication.
If you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical treatment if necessary. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, so it’s important to be aware of these symptoms and take action if they occur.
Lower Dolpo Trek Packing List, Gears, Equipment
When preparing for the Lower Dolpo Trek, it’s important to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need for the trek. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you get started:
- Backpack: A sturdy and comfortable backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters is essential for carrying your gear on the trek.
- Clothing: Pack layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as the weather and temperature change. This should include Thermal underwear, a Fleece jacket or sweater, an Insulated jacket, a Waterproof and windproof outer layer, Hiking pants, and shorts, Lightweight T-shirts, a Sun hat, and gloves.
- Footwear: Good quality hiking boots with strong ankle support are essential for the Lower Dolpo Trek. Pack a pair of comfortable sandals or sneakers for camp.
- Sleeping gear: A warm and comfortable sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat are necessary for camping.
- Cooking gear: A lightweight stove and fuel, a pot, a bowl, and utensils for cooking and eating.
- Hydration: A hydration system, water bottles or hydration bladders, water purification tablets, or a filtration system.
- First aid kit: A personal first aid kit with essentials such as pain relievers, blister treatments, and medications for altitude sickness.
- Toiletries: Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, wet wipes, and toilet paper.
- Miscellaneous: Sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp or flashlight, camera, and personal documents such as passport and insurance details.
This list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on personal preferences and the specific itinerary of your trek. It’s important to pack light and only bring essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek in the Lower Dolpo region.
Lower Dolpo Trek Guide and Safety
A guide can be a valuable asset during the Lower Dolpo Trek, helping you navigate the trail, providing information about the local culture and history, and assisting with any problems or emergencies that may arise. Here are some benefits of having a guide for the Lower Dolpo Trek:
- A guide will know the best trail and can help you navigate through the remote and challenging terrain of the Lower Dolpo Trek.
- A guide will be trained in basic first-aid and can assist in case of an emergency, such as altitude sickness or injury.
- A guide will have knowledge of the local culture and history and can provide valuable insights into the unique and diverse region of Dolpo.
- A guide can help with the logistics of the trek, such as arranging transportation and accommodations, and ensuring that all necessary permits and visas are in order.
- If you don’t speak the local language, a guide can help you communicate with local residents and make the most of your trek.
It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced guide for the Lower Dolpo Trek. You can ask for recommendations from friends or travel agents, or look for guides who have received certifications from organizations such as the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management.
Lower Dolpo Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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