1. home
  2. Lower Dolpa Trek

Lower Dolpa Trek

Book Now

Popularity

Difficulty : Strenuous

Reference Code: LDT

Maximum Altitude: 5,310m

Season: Spring and Autumn

Accommodation: Camp

Destination: Nepal

Physical Rating: Strenuous

Group Size: 2-16

Theme: Trekking

Dolpa is also called 'Ba Yul' or the Hidden valley is a land of mystery, scenery and peace. Surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from south and north, The Dolpo region is the natural embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna and sweeping vistas. The medicinal plant, Yarchagumba (Coerdiopsis sinensis) a type of wild mushroom is found in abundance in this region. Extracts from Yarchagumba is believed to significantly improve health and fitness. This trekking is for combination of natural and cultural phenomena which is enriched by the traditional Tibetan cultural heritage. It is a rain shadow area and was opened in 1991 for trekking. The whole trekking areas in this region stretches through and around Arun River whose origin dates back to prehistoric period. The Arun valley is one of the most beautiful regions to trek in Nepal. Dolpo is protected by Shey-Phoksundo National Park. It lies to the north of the Dhaulagiri Range bordering the Tibetan Plateau. Here one can find a well-preserved eco-system of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif is one of the most rewarding moments of this trek. A visit to the Phoksumdo Gompa 1½ dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo and Tibet, is a memorable experience.

Open all Close all
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu

Namaste! And welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting on arrival at the exit gate of Kathmandu airport. Our staff will welcome you and pick you to your accommodated hotel. Please seek our company palmplate to find our staff at the main exit gate of the airport. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel or short evening walk around local market on your own as per your wish.

Day 02 Rest and preparation day

A well deserved rest day at cosy of hotel after a long tiring flight. This day, one can move around nearby local market to purchase or hire trekking equipment that is necessary for the trekking like sleeping bags, walking sticks etc, exchange currency as requirement or simply walk around in the local market or Kathmandu Durbar squire nearby with small entrance fee as per your preference on your own. Evening at the hotel lobby there will be pre-trip briefing in which you will be introduced with your trekking guide and explained about your trip in short, instruction for safety etc.

Day 03 Flight to Nepalgunj

Take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj lies in the Terai region of Nepal where you can experience the change in topography and temperature. Upon arrival, feel free to enjoy and explore the place.

Day 04 Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai(2150m.)

We catch a 35-minute long flight to Juphal. As we land in the Juphal, our trekking journey starts. We descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the RoopGhar with water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai.

Day 05 Trek to Tarakot(2540m.)

we trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot. We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced field of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of Bheri River.

Day 06 Trek to Laina Odar (3375m.)

We follow the trail on the southern bank of Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the BharbungKhola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of TarapKhola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of SandulGompa across the valley. Relishing the view of PuthaHiunchuli (7246) and ChurenHimal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar.

Day 07 Trek to Toltol

Today the trail follows through the deep gorge of Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out from steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that brings us to Chhyugar. We then cross a small stream and a couple hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo.

Day 08 Trek to Do(3950m.)

Moving alongside the bank of Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of DhoTarap. DhoTarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days.

Day 09 Exploration day

To adjust with the thinning air, we take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring DhoTarap. We spend the rest of the day visiting the monasteries near the area and take an opportunity to learn and understand the local culture, their tradition, and lifestyle. The people of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and prefer Tibetan style somba (boots with upturned toes) for shoes. Most people here follow Bon-Po and Nyigmapa religion.

Day 10 Trek to Numa La Base Camp(4350m.)

Today we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp.

Day 11 Trek to Danighar (4510m. by crossing Numa La (5310m.)

Today we begin to trek towards Numa La Pass (5310m), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through steep trail up on top of endless ridges on the rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and ChurenHimal Range along with Norbung Kang (6085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the GyamboKhola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar.

Day 12 Trek to Temche(4000m.) by crossing Baga La (5170m.)

Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another pass, Baga La (5170m). We make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail. As we move higher, we might require extra efforts due to rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche.

Day 13 Trek to Phoksundo Lake(3600m.)

We descend to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

Day 14 Exploration day

We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area.

Day 15 Trek to Chhepka

Today the trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. The trail then goes through forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka.

Day 16 Trek to Juphal

Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of SheyPhoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over DhimKhola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat.

Day 17 Flight to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city.

Day 18 Reserve day

We keep an extra day in case the flight gets canceled due to bad weather condition or delayed due to some reasons.

Day 19 Final Shopping day

This is the final day in Nepal. A chance to do some shopping, explore at leisure or merely relax by the hotel. We enjoy a final night together, reliving the trek and our extraordinary achievements.

Day 20 Final departure

We say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. For your final departure, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight time.

Inclusion

  • All necessary ground transportation as required by itinerary
  • 5 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
  • 1/2 day sight seeing as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj
  • Domestic flight: KTM-NPJ-JUM-NPJ-KTM with airport tax
  • TIMs(Trekking Information Management System) Card
  • Special Restricted Area permit
  • National Park fee
  • Standard Camping food
  • All necessary camping equipment with kitchen utensils and kerosene
  • All necessary camping charges
  • Medical supplies(First aid Kit will be available)

  • All required Nepalese staffs (salary, food, clothing, accommodation)

  • All Nepalese staffs insurance as per Nepalese Government rules

  • Company Service charge, VAT and government taxes

Exclusion

  • International flight with airport tax.
  • Nepalese Entry Visa fee
  • Food during stay in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
  • All personal equipment and personal expenses
  • Photography Charges, Monument charges and Monument entry fees
  • Personal Medical and travel insurance(must cover helicopter rescue evacuation cost)
  • Personal Medicine
  • Telephone and internet charges
  • Laundry charges
  • Alcoholic beverage, bottled drinks and cold drinks during the trip
  • Rescue evacuation charges if required
  • Staff and porters Tips...

Equipment List

Clothing and Equipments List
» Pack to pack out - bring enough waterproof bags to carry all non-biodegradable rubbish back down the mountain.
» Remove all unnecessary packaging before leaving home.
» Bring enough warm dry clothes so that you can wrap up rather than burn firewood in the evenings.
» If you are going to trek higher than 5000m or you know it will be cold, buy an aluminum water bottle which can also be used as a hot water bottle at night.
» The easiest way to keep hydrated while trekking is to buy a 1 x liter platypus-drinking bladder to carry in your day pack.
» Make sure to buy proper trekking socks. Don’t buy synthetic socks as these promote sweating and can give you blisters. Always carry a few blister pads in your first aid kit and keep them handy in your day pack.
» Walking poles are very useful while trekking and helpful when descending.
» Please remember that waste disposal and recycling facilitates are limited in Nepal. When buying batteries make sure they are rechargeable and/or high quality so they last longer, and take them home to recycle.

More Lists
There is no definitive list. What you bring will vary according to the area, time of year and the length of your trek. Below is a suggested check list which you should adapt to your own needs. Ask yourself: Will there be snow/how long /high is the trek/are we camping?

» Good quality trekking boots with ankle support
» Lightweight shell/raincoat with hood
» Detachable fleece liner or separate fleece
» Fleece trousers
» Shorts and / or convertibles trousers- quick drying
» Sunglasses
» Sun hat and warm hat(good quality)
» Gloves
» Spare T-shirt x 3
» Sweat towel x 2
» Spare socks x 3 ( walking sock and thin inner sock)
» Small day sack
» Sun cream
» Small water bottle aluminum doubles as a hot water bottle.
» Iodine or water purifying kit,
» Soluble vitamin tablets to taste water or powder fruit drink
» Talcum powder
» Walking sticks or Trekking poles(good quality)
» Camp shoes/trainers/flip flops to wear in evening.
» Spare underwear 3
» Toilet kit
» Tissues
» Pen knife
» Bum bag
» Head torch(good quality)
» Biodegradable washing liquid / soap
» FILM
» CAMERA
» Ear plugs
» Sleeping bag liner(good quality)
» Sleeping bag(good quality-30)
» Bin bag/ gasbag to keep kit dry
» Small towel
» Lip balm
» Available in KTM

Personal First Aid (Aids Kit)
» Antiseptic
» Bandages
» Blister plasters
» Decongestant
» AMS medication like Diamox
» Eye drops – it can get very dusty on trails
» Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
» Rehydration sachets, Imodium and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea
» Scissors
» Sterile dressing
» Sticking plasters and tape
» Throat lozenges / sweets
» Tweezers
» A sewing needle etc.

This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.

Mar. 21/ Apr.05/ May 03, 2022

Sep. 24/ Oct. 09/ Nov. 04, 2022

Mar. 21/ Apr.05/ May 03, 2023

Sep. 24/ Oct. 09/ Nov. 04, 2023

 

Related Packages

28 Days image description

Inner/Upper Dolpo Trek


Read More