Lower Dolpa Trek

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Trip Overview

The Lower Dolpa Trek is a remote and challenging trek in the Dolpa region of western Nepal. The trek takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Nepal, including forests, meadows, rivers, and high mountain passes. The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal, from where you will start your trek. The trail takes you through remote villages, where you will see traditional Tibetan culture and architecture. You will also visit the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is one of the most pristine lakes in Nepal. The trek also includes two high passes - the Kagmara La Pass and the Sangda La Pass. These passes offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and are a challenging but rewarding part of the trek. Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by experienced guides and porters who will ensure your safety and comfort. You will stay in teahouses and campsites along the way, where you will enjoy traditional Nepali food and hospitality. The Lower Dolpa Trek is a great option for experienced trekkers who are looking for a unique and challenging trekking experience in Nepal. The trek offers stunning scenery, rich culture, and a chance to get off the beaten path and explore a remote region of Nepal

Trip Highlights

  • 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

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) and Transfer to Hotel

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.

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Welcome Dinner

Day 2:Lower Dolpo Trek Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing

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.

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast

Day 3:Flight from Kathmandu (1400m) to Nepalgunj (150m)

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.

  • Standard Hotel in Nepalgunj
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Hour

Day 4:Flight from Nepalgunj (150m) to Juphal (2502m) then Trek to Dunai (2850m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 45 Minutes Flight then 2 to 3 Hours Trek

Day 5:Trek from Dunai (2850m) to Tarakot (2543m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours

Day 6:Trek from Tarakot (2543m) to Laini (3160m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours

Day 7:Trek from Laini (3160m) to Nawarpani (3545m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours

Day 8:Trek from Nawarpani (3545m) to Dho Tarap (4090m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours

Day 9:Acclimatization Day in Dho Tarap (4090m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10:Trek from Dho Tarap (4090m) to Numa La Base Camp (4440m)

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.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours

Day 11:Trek from Numa La Base Camp (4440m) to Penung Tang (4465m) via Numa La Pass (5190m)

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.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours

Day 12:Trek from Penung Tang (4465m) to Dajok Tang (4080m) via Baga La Pass (5070m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 Hours

Day 13:Trek from Dajok Tang (4080m) to Ringmo (3600m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 3 to 4 Hours

Day 14:Trek from Ringmo (3600m) to Phoksundo Lake (3611m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 15:Trek from Phoksundo Lake (3611m) to Shyanta (2520m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours

Day 16:Trek from Syanta (2520m) to Juphal (2320m)

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.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 7 to 8 Hours

Day 17:Flight from Juphal (2320m) to Nepalgunj (150m) then Kathmandu (1400m)

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.

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Day 18:Final Departure from Kathmandu

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.

Price Includes

  • 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
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