Trip Highlights:

“Adventure on Nepal Far Wild West in the country of snow-leopard and blue sheep explore immense ancient Bon culture of pre Buddhism around inner and lower Dolpo villages Photogenic landscapes with beautiful scenery of high terrain within towering peaks Walk into Nepal largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park and its emerald lake of Phoksundo Within country of great beauty visit its impressive cultural village and monastery at Tokyu-Gaon Exciting walks facing wonderful scenery of unique landscapes within traditional villages Scenic flights to and from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal with awesome mountain views”.

Brief Trip Profile:

Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge with camping.

Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous.

Highest Altitude : Over Numa-La Pass 5,190m and at Baga-La 5,070 m high.

Activities :  Sightseeing tour, exciting flights and scenic trekking.

People and Culture :  Dominated by Dolpo native, with some Magar tribes of Buddhism and Bon religions with varied culture and custom.

Area of Trekking : Nepal Far North West beyond Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.

Trekking duration : 13 Nights and 14 Days (with both ways flights Jhupal to Jhupal).

Total Trip : 17 Nights and 18 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).

Season :  April to November includes monsoon months of June to mid September, as Dolpo area falls within Rain-Shadow area blocked by high Himalayan Mountains.

Introduction:

Lower Dolpo Trekking, an overwhelming adventure of two-week duration leads you to soak into the ancient culture of Bon a pre-Buddhism practice of nature spirits and mountains, where walk takes you to enjoy breath-taking views of Lower Dolpo beautiful landscapes. Mountain Challenger Treks and Expeditions offer this amazing moderate to adventurous journey to Lower Dolpo Trekking for interested travelers seeking new fresh Himalayan destination within the sheer wilderness. Lower Dolpo trekking perfect areas that lead you to Far-West Nepal within country’s largest park known as Shey-Phoksundo National Park covering an area of 3,555 Sq.Kms enriched with awesome landscapes scenery and high snowcapped peaks of Kanjiborba and Kagmara with views as far towards Dhaulagiri mountain range. The most interesting walk of the adventure in Lower Dolpo Trekking is its fascinating culture interwoven with old Buddhism religion and ancient Bon sect practice, which will be exciting to explore around lovely cultural villages with a strong influence of Tibetan custom and way of life. Lower Dolpo Trekking begins from Kathmandu taking a swift flight to land at Nepalgunj city airport located around Far South West Nepal Terai belt, the flatland of Himalaya with strong Indian culture due to closeness with India border at a mere distance. From Nepalgunj flight to reach at Jhupal within Lower and inner Dolpo, where walk leads first to our main highlight of the adventure around beautiful and scenic Phoksundo Lake surrounded within pristine alpine woodland near Ringmo village. With enjoyable time at Phoksundo lake and exploring Ringmo village witnessing the local native old culture and custom then heading into complete wilderness crossing high Baga-la and Numa-la passes above 5,100 m to reach back into lovely villages of Tokyu-Gaon, visiting its interesting village and monasteries then heading back to Jhupal. As walk leads into the longest and wide valley of scenic Dho-Tarap following Yak herders summer camps to reach at Tarakot village, at one time stood as fort village on this ancient Trans Himalayan Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet. After Tarakot an easy way as walk ends taking a drive to Jhupal past Dunai, the main town and headquarter of Dolpo area, on reaching Jhupal celebrate last day in Dolpo before flying back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj with stunning memories and adventure on Lower Dolpo Trekking.     

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

Day 02:  Morning free for a flight to Nepalgunj city towards Dolpo.

Day 03:    Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Day 04:  Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

Day 05:  Trek to Sandra village 2,960m -06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Day 07:  Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for the local excursion.

Day 08:   Trek and cross Baga La 5,070m and camp 4,470 m - 06 hrs.

Day 09:  Cross Numala 5,190m and camp at Phedi - 07 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m - 06 hrs.

Day 11:  Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

Day 13:  Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours. 

Day 14:  Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Day 15:   Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

Day 16:  Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

Day 17: In Kathmandu free day with an optional sightseeing tour.

Day 18:   International departure for homeward bound.

Day 01:   Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Lower Dolpo trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.  

Day 02:    Morning free for a flight to Nepalgunj city towards Dolpo.

A leisure morning at Kathmandu getting ready with preparation for Lower Dolpo trekking, as per mid-day flight time or in the afternoon, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping scenic flight to land at Nepalgunj city airport. Mind-blowing panorama of Himalayan Mountains during 50 minutes on air, then landing at Nepalgunj airport, located Nepal Far South West with sub-tropical temperatures and close to Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh). On arrival get transferred to nearest hotels with time to explore Nepalgunj city, and observe the culture and traditional life of Indian origin, at Nepalgunj preparation for next morning flight to Dolpo.  

Day 03:    Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, from Jhupal at present a motor road has been constructed connecting Dunai the main headquarter town of Dolpa area. From Jhupal a short drive of more than an hour ride to Dunai for an overnight stop, in the comfort of the nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town an interesting place to observe its culture and way of daily life.

Day 04:  Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

After overnight in Dunai, morning walk past market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 05:  Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

Day 06:  Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phoksundo Khola, after a  short break continue to walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud plastered chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls. From here a short walk to Phoksundo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksundo Lake.

Day 07:   Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for the local excursion.

An ideal spot for a rest day, marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit interesting Ringmo village and walk by the lake side.

Day 08:  Cross Baga La 5,070m and to Phedi 4,470m - 07 hrs.

After an enjoyable and exciting rest at Ringmo village and around Phoksundo Lake, morning leads to reach on the other areas of Dolpo. Where walks leads towards east to cross few passes, walking on a pleasant trail with a steep uphill to reach over Baga-la at 5,070 meters. A steep uphill for few hours to reach on top where you will be rewarded with a super panorama of Phoksumdo lake and Kagmara peaks, after a scenic stop walk leads to a long descend to overnight camp at Phedi (bottom of the hill).

Day 09:    Cross Numa-la 5,190 m and to walk to other Phedi - 08 hrs.

Morning walk takes you to another high ridge to cross over Numa-la pass above 5,190 meters, the highest point of the adventure, walk leads to a climb on nice grassy slopes for near three hours and then reach on top Numa-la pass. Here enjoy grand views of snow capped mountains from Dhaulagiri mountain range to Kagmara peak and looking down at beautiful valleys with dramatic landscapes. After an enjoyable stop descend to the base of the Pass, with a gradual path to reach our overnight camp around Yak summer pasture.

Day 10:  Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng la 5,090 m - 06 hrs.

After days in isolation away from villages, today’s walk leads to an interesting village of Tokyu-Gaon, one of the largest village of Inner Dolpo, morning starts with a steep climb for two hours to the top of Jeng-la with grand views of snow capped mountains with Mt. Dhaulagiri North Face, on enjoying the fantastic views, then descend towards Tarap valley, which is one of the longest beautiful green valley extending about 20 k.m along Tarap Chu River, with more than 10 villages with well tended farm fields, monasteries and Chorten. Overnight stop at Tokyu Gaon, an interesting village with an old monastery, afternoon visit the monastery or just relax and observe the local with farming and daily activities.

Day 11:   Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Tokyu-Gaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 12:   Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 13:     Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.

Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enter into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 14:    Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Start morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village.  Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at a junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 15: Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu. Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on a wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 16:  Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

As per morning flight time for Nepalgunj, then transfer to Jhupal small airstrip after bidding goodbye to most of the camping staff and porters, where short scenic flight takes you to southern Nepal within Terai belt at Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj with short transit stops and then fly back to Kathmandu facing panorama of mountains during air and then reaching at Kathmandu airport where you get transferred back to your hotels with the afternoon free at leisure.

Day 17:   Free and contingency day in Kathmandu and for individual activities.

A free and spare day in Kathmandu for contingency, in case of flight delay and cancellation at Jhupal, which happens sometimes due to Himalayan unpredictable weather. To be safe with an extra day in Kathmandu, if all goes well as per our itinerary days, enjoy the rest day with individual activities or join in for another exciting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur. 

Day 18:   International departure for home ward bound.

Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Lower Dolpo Trekking.

Cost Details

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Meals (Breakfast + Lunch+ Dinner and Tea items) during trekking.
  • Accommodation (Tea house/tent) while on the trek.
  • Well trained trekking guide.
  • All Ground transportation.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu two nights. (on B.B base). 
  • All require permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All necessary equipment and gears for camping organization on tented base trekking.
  • Porters.

Client Travel insurance.

Alcoholic, beverage.

Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).

individual expenses of personal nature.

Donation for a local school, community poor people, if client want.

No fixed departures.

Trip Review


Starting from$2,100

  • Trip Level
    Moderate
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Max Altitude
    5190m
  • Duration
    18 Days

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