Lower Dolpo Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you through the rugged landscapes and remote valleys of western Nepal. It is an off-the-beaten-path trek that also offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. In this 300-word trip overview, we'll explore the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jhupal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region. From there, you embark on a trek that leads you through ancient villages, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Lower Dolpo is also known for its pristine natural beauty and unique Tibetan-influenced culture. As you trek deeper into the region, you'll encounter stunning landscapes adorned with snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. The trail also takes you across high mountain passes, including the impressive Kang La Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek is the opportunity to visit the mystical Shey Phoksundo Lake. This turquoise gem is the deepest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The serene atmosphere and the reflection of the mountains on the lake's surface also create a truly magical experience. Throughout the trek, you'll have the chance to interact with the friendly local people of Dolpo. The region is home to the ethnic group called Dolpo-pa, who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. You'll witness their unique culture, visit ancient monasteries, and gain insights into their spiritual practices. The Lower Dolpo Trek is a challenging adventure that requires a good level of physical fitness and previous trekking experience. The rugged terrain, high altitudes, and remote location make it a thrilling and rewarding journey for adventure enthusiasts. Camping under the starry sky and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals add to the overall experience.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a captivating journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure. It is a trek of a lifetime, offering an opportunity to explore an untouched corner of the Himalayas and create lasting memories.Trip Highlight
- Scenic domestic flight to and from Juphal
- Knowledge of the unique Buddhist culture
- Entrance to Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- The view of the diverse flora and fauna will attract you
- Adventure trip to the isolated Himalayan region of Nepal.
- Go to the desert rain shadow area of the lower Dolpo region
- Experience the three regions of Nepal. Plains, hills, and Himalayas
- Experience the ancient Bon Buddhist practices in various monasteries.
- Journey to the majestic Phoksundo Lake and view of the virgin mountains.
- The unique culture & living standard of Nepal’s far west
- 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
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will pick you up, greet you in Nepal, and then take you to the hotel. Once check-in at the hotel is complete, you can rest at the hotel. After a short break, we’ll assume you on a quick tour of Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist centre, to familiarize you with some great restaurants, ATMs, money changers, supermarkets, equipment stores, and other essentials for your trip. After a short exploration, we will take you to our office for a briefing. If you arrive in the evening, then this tour and trip briefing will be host the next morning after breakfast. You will spend the night at the deluxe three-star hotel.
Meals included: None
Today, after breakfast, you start a day trip to some of the most historical and spiritual places in Kathmandu. Some of these sites are considered a World Heritage Site, including Kathmandu’s historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous “Temple of the Monkeys” (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) stupas of the world. When you return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the surroundings, have dinner and perhaps take a stroll down the famous Thamel Street. You will spend the night at the deluxe three-star hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, we make a 7-8 hour trip from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the western part of Nepal. Nepalgunj, a city near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot and Humla. The town itself is an attractive Terai city that shows the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, the mini zoo, and the nearby villages. You will spend the night in Three-star hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, we fly to Jhupal. The city is beautifully situated at the foot of the Himalayas, overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks in the north. Here we meet our trekking crew and start the trip. We will go through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue towards Dunai, the administrative centre of the Dolpo region. In the afternoon, we explore the small town and camp there at night.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today, after having breakfast, you will continue walking along the southern bank of Bheri River on an easy path. On the way, we pass several deep gorges, suspension bridges, and remote villages. Our route also includes a vast canyon with pine trees, and a path is about seven meters above the river. After a while, You will be greeted by the colourful terrace field of Tarakot, a small town on a hill south of the Bheri River. Spend the night in Tarakot.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We walked by the side of the Tarap Chu River and crossed it twice before we reached Sandul Gompa. The gompa is located at a crossroads between Barbung Khola and the Tarap Chu Khola. We continue on a path that leads us through agricultural terraces and rural villages. After a period of ascent and descent, we finally reached Laini. Night stay in Laini.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We walked up a steep path and followed the curve over the Tarap River. The hike is fascinating as the valley turns into a narrow gorge where you can jump from side to side in some places. Various steady ascents and descents lead us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Spend the night in Nawarpani.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We embark on today’s hike, which gradually ascends to Kamattarka at the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. You cross a narrow gorge and leave behind the line of trees and welcome wild roses and juniper shrubs, which are typical of the dry valleys inside of the Himalayas. After walking for a few more hours, we reached the town of Dho Tarap, which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. The religious sects Bon Po and Chaiba live together in this valley. Tarap is also inhabited by some Tibetans and mainly Magars, who have lived here for many generations. Night stay at Do Tarap.
Today’s rest will help with acclimatization and lets the body rest a little. You can spend the time visiting nearby place and monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also have the opportunity to get to know the local culture. Dolpo people wear house clothes, sometimes maroon coloured, and they prefer Somba or Dhocha (finger-up boots) in Tibetan style for shoes. Both men and women often wear religious amulets as well as coral, amber, and turquoise chains. The region’s inhabitants are Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects). Spend Night at Do Tarap.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
We go upper valley of Tarap and enjoy the view of the lush meadows on both sides of the river, which are unique in this part of the interior of the Dolpo. We continued along the Tarap Chu River and enjoyed the fantastic view of the vast Tarap Valley with its wide plains and high mountains. A pleasant walk of a few hours takes us to the village of Tokyu, where there is a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue on a rugged path through the valley before reaching the base camp of Numa La. Spend the night at Numa La base camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, we cross the Numa La Pass on a steep path to the top of the pass. Today is the hardest day and one of the longest of our trek. From the hill, we have an incredible view of the dry Dolpo Mountains to Mount Dhaulagiri. After reaching the top of Numa La, we descend to the camp in Pelung Tang.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, we start our steep climb to the Baga La Pass from here we have a fantastic view of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains, including the Mount Kanjirowa. We spent time on top of the pass, take photos, and generally enjoyed the fascinating view. Then we descend to Dajok Tang for the night stay.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today, we spent most of the time hiking on trails along with beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After walking for a short time on a smooth path with only gradual ups and downs, we arrived in Ringmo Village. The village is a traditional Tibetan village in the Dolpo region. Night stay in Ringmo.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today we explore the large Phoksundo Lake and camp on its banks. We see yak caravans that enter and leave Ringmo mainly towards the Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. The scene is even shown in a Hollywood film, “Caravan,” which was mostly shot here. On the way to the lake, we also visited a nearby monastery. After reaching Phoksundo Lake, we can take a relaxing walk along the calm shores of the lake. We will spend the night in Phoksundo.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today, we trek down to Chepka from where the path follows an overhanging rock. During your walk, you will come across many essential medicinal minerals that are believed to heal almost everything in this area. The route then goes through the villages before going to Shyanta. Spend the night in Shyanta.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
You walk through Sulighat on a path surrounded by birch trees to Jhupal. From the top of a ridge, we have the most spectacular view of the mountain above us and the village of Jhupal. Extreme caution is required when walking this path. After arriving in Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or just resting. Night stay in Jhupal.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
You will take the first flight to Nepalgunj from Jufal. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After completing our trip, we will return to Kathmandu today. We drive with the landscapes which you can see from the windows. When we arrive in Kathmandu, we rest and pack for tomorrow’s international flight. In the evening,
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Today you will return to your home or move to the next destination. If you wish to stay more days in Nepal, we will be delighted to assist you. Otherwise, we will take you to the international airport to fly back to your home
Meals included: Breakfast
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
- Pickup and drop off service at the airport in a private vehicleDuring the trek, three meals every day with tea or coffeeRound trip by bus to Kathmandu Nepalgunj Kathmandu.Guided city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu on private vehicleEnglish speaking, experienced and friendly trekking guide and porterAll necessary documents for trekking including National Park Permit and TIMS
- All state and local taxes
- Salary, insurance, equipment, meals, accommodation, and airfare for staff
- Monument entry tickets according to the itinerary
- Plane ticket from Nepalgunj to Jufal and back to Nepalgunj
- All land transportation according to the travel itinerary
- Hotel in a three-star deluxe category in Kathmandu
Price Excludes
- Nepal entry visa feeAdditional hotel night in Kathmandu for early arrival, late departureInternational flights to and from KathmanduPersonal expenses (phone calls, laundry, charging the battery, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porter, and drivers
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- excess baggage fee (s)
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Lower Dolpo Trek Accommodation
You will stay in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and during trek, teahouses, and camps. All accommodations will be on a twin or double sharing basis. We will organize rooms with attached bathrooms in Kathmandu; however, tea houses in some remote locations only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, note that single rooms are available in Kathmandu and lower trekking regions. However, it can be difficult to find them at higher altitudes.
Only Breakfast serves in Kathmandu; we will serve all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. You can enjoy freshly cooked, healthy and nutritious meals on full board prepared by our trained and experienced chef while trekking. There are authentic Nepalese, Tibetan dishes, and the most popular international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.
Trekking guides and other staff arrangements
The most important thing that makes your Lower Dolpo trek successful, entertaining and unforgettable are the knowledgeable, experienced, polite, and helpful trekking guides and crew members who can easily spend your days in the mountains. The best and most professional leaders lead your journey. All of our trekking guides are carefully selected based on their experience, leadership skills, and personal talent. To support local communities, we only employ Nepalese personnel who have sufficient knowledge of the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal.
Physical condition and experience requirements
Lower Dolpo Trek is classified as a challenging hike. On such a trek, you will probably walk 6-7 hours, crossing steep and mountainous terrain and occasionally high passes of up to 5500 m. You are going to be in a remote area with extreme weather for a few days. They are also exposed to high altitude air with low oxygen levels. Therefore, previous trekking experience, fitness, and a positive attitude are essential. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few weeks before the trip is a great idea to improve our strength and stability. Past hiking experiences are crucial, but no technical knowledge is required for this trip. Participants with existing diseases such as heart, lung and blood diseases must consult their doctor before the tour. You should inform us of your health condition before booking the trek.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for each itinerary of our company is a condition for booking a holiday. You must have at least emergency health insurance and repatriation, which must include the cost of mountain rescue. Please read the general terms and conditions of your insurers carefully. In particular, you should make sure that the following is covered: 1) Activity (i.e., tourism, trekking or mountaineering) 2) Maximum altitude reached on the trek 3) Helicopter evacuation in an emergency. You should understand that you are ultimately responsible for all costs associated with evacuation and return procedures and that it is your responsibility to bear the costs of evacuation or medical treatment. You should be fully aware of the effects of organizing your travel insurance and understand the limitations and exclusions of your policy. Please note that, in certain circumstances, our business manager may undertake a helicopter rescue (or other necessary means) in the event of a medical emergency without first seeking approval from your insurance company.
The best time for a trek in Lower Dolpo Trek
Spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November) are the best months for this Dolpo trek. Since the Dolpo region is located in the rain shadow region of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges, you can also take this trip during the monsoon season (June to August). You can see an unobstructed panoramic view. The entire region also bloomed with numerous wildflowers, and the air also carries the freshness of the Himalayas.
Lower Dolpo Trek Difficulty
The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered to be moderate trekking. Prior knowledge of trekking, fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few weeks before the trip is a great idea to improve your strength and stability. Past hiking experience is vital, but no technical knowledge is required for this trip. Our travel experts organize a short training session to give our travelers the necessary information about where they are going.
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.
Traveler Reviews
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