Lower Dolpo Trek

Print This Page
Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking
Duration: 18 Days Trip Code: CO-353
Trip Grade Moderate to Strenuous Max-Altitude: 4,465m/14,645ft
Meals: All meals during trek Accommodation: Lodges during trek and hotel in Kathmandu
Group size: Minimum 2 Transportation: Private vehicle/flight
Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu
Primary Activity: Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking Best Season March to May, Mid September to November

Trip Introduction

Lower Dolpo is popularly known as the hidden paradise. We also remember this place as the “home of Thinley”, the lead actor of the Oscar nominated movie Himalayan Caravan. Dolpo lies in the remotest part of the far western region. Adorned with the beautiful landscape, high altitude lake, beautiful and colorful monasteries and the people exhibiting their unique culture, a trek to Dolpo can be remarkable and worthwhile experience of the life time. This high altitude isolate valley resembles Tibetan highlands in many ways. The people here share similar culture as of the highland Tibetans. The Sherpas and Magars living in the highest altitude 4300m and above are considered to be the world’s highest dwellers. You will be amused by the neatly terraced fields in which the villagers grow millet, barley, sweet corns and potato for their livelihood.

Phoksundo lake, Shey Phoksundo national Park; the largest National Park of Nepal, Numa la Pass and Bang La Pass, Himalayan fauna (snow leopard, Blue Sheep, Yaks ) and many different species of the magnificent Himalayan birds are some of the perks of this trek. Beautiful lush of Cedar and Birch accompanies you on your way. One can also get the amazing view of different Peaks including Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa and Annapurna. The giant rock canyon is one of the major attractions of this region.

Classic Outdoors offers you 18 days standard package to Lower Dolpo trek that includes accommodation with full board meal throughout the trek along with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. You can get special discounts on groups. We ensure you a guaranteed departure on your chosen date. We also have 28 days package to this region if you want to explore the upper Dolpo. Our well researched itineraries will help you get the ultimate adventure experience that you deserve to see and savor during this trek.

If the suggested itineraries are not up to the mark, we can even customize your trip as per you need with special group discount. Kindly contact us for detail information’s. You can also contact us by calling at +977-9851223737 for 24/7 support. We speak English, Hindi and Nepali.

Trip Highlights

  • A day trip to beautiful places in Kathmandu including Durbar square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.
  • A scenic flight to Juphal
  • An opportunity to witness the pristine temperate and alpine vegetation along with the unique faunal diversity of this region including snow leopard, musk dear, blue sheep and pure breed of yaks.
  • Opportunity to explore high-altitude terrains, breathtaking gorges, snow-clad landscapes and ethnic Himalayan lifestyle of the Sherpas.
  • A closer view of the azure Phoksundo Lake
  • Exploring Shey Phoksundo National Park, and different colorful monasteries.
  • Opportunity to explore thrilling high passes ;Numa La and Bang La

 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) 1 hour

Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpa) and trek to Dunai (2140m/7,021ft) 2-3 hour

Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,537m/8,323ft) 5-6 hour

Day 06: Trek from Tarakot to Laini (3,370m/11,056ft) 6-7 hour

Day 07: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani (3,475m/11,400ft) 5-6 hour

Day 08: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,939ft) 7-8 hour

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,939ft)

Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m/14,563ft) 6-7 hour

Day 11: Cross Numa La (5,238m) and trek to Phelung Tang (4,465m/14,645ft) 6-7 hour

Day 12: Cross Baga La (5,070m) and trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m/13,382ft) 6-7 hour

Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft) 5 hour

Day 14: Exploration day at Ringmo and a hike to Phoksundo (3,600m/11,808ft)

Day 15: Trek from Ringmo to Shyanta (2,520m/8,265ft) 5-6 hour

Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2,475m/8,120ft) 4-5 hour

Day 17: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 1 hour 45 mins

Day 18: Departure day (1,300m/4,264ft)
 

Trip Includes:

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle
  • A  day  of guided city tour in Kathmandu in  private vehicle
  • Welcome dinner (Day 1) and Farewell dinner (Day 17).
  • Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu( 3 nights) and Nepalgunj (1 night) at tourist standard hotel for along with breakfast
  • Accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), safe drinking water (use of water purifying tablets), seasonal fruits after dinner, tea/coffee(3 times a day)
  • Airport transfer from and to Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu –Nepalgunj-Juphal -Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flight tickets, domestic departure transfer, and airport tax
  • Well experienced English speaking  trekking guides holding guide’s license (their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation)
  • Porters (One porter for every 2 members) and his entire expenses(salary, food, accommodation equipment, and insurance)
  • All the necessary permits i.e.,(Shey Phoksundo National Park entrance permit) and TIMS (Trekkers Security Card) permit and all the paper works
  • Down jackets and sleeping bags (upon request).Needs to be returned after trip completion.
  • Company’s duffel bag(Upon Request), and T-shirt(As a souvenir)
  • Trekking route map
  • First Aid Kit(Carried by your trek guide)
  • Arrangement of rescue helicopter service (Your travel insurance should cover this expense)
  • Necessary  local and government taxes
  • 1-hour trekkers massage after the trek completion
  • Local SIM Card

Trip Excludes:

  • Nepal arrival visa
  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Your expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, etc
  • Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Nepalgunj/Juphal
  • Extra porter if you require
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation
  • All monuments and sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu
  • Tips of the guide, porters and driver as  a token of appreciation
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

If you have any confusion or require any further information, you can contact us or email us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Meals included: Dinner

Our airport representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During this meeting we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02 - Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast

After the breakfast, you will be visiting the different places in Kathmandu. There are many historic and cultural places that are of great significance in Kathmandu. You will get to see the major attractions of the city along with our professional guide and a private vehicle. The following are the major places that you will visit:

You will be visiting either Kathmandu Durbar Square or Patan Durbar Square, which has been listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. You can enjoy the age-old cultural heritage of the city. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath a sacred pilgrimage of the Buddhist and Pashupatinath the very famous Hindu temple e are the attraction of today’s sightseeing program. After sightseeing, you will be meeting us at our office for a prior trek meeting. You can go for shopping in the evening at Thamel which is famous for useful tourist’s products. We will stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 - Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu
Total duration: 1 hr flight.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of TIA to catch the flight to Nepalgunj. It takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. We will be staying at a hotel in Nepalgunj today.

Day 04 - Fly to Juphal (2,400m). Trek to Dunai (2,150m)
Total duration: 35 minutes flight and 3 hrs of walk
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

We will be flying to Juphal today. It takes 35 minutes to reach Juphal flying above the mesmerizing terrain. The flights get canceled most of the time due to adverse weather. But in a clear day the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal is full of thrills and adventure. Upon reaching Juphal we will have to walk for almost 3 hours to Dunai along with the trekking crew and porters. Dunai is relatively large village of this region. We will stay overnight at Dunai.

Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,537m/8,323ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Today we will trek to Tarakot. We will head out of Dunai following the southern bank of Thuli Bheri River. The trail starts to get steep as we cross the bridge to reach the northern bridge of the Bheri. Walking further through the pine forest along the deep gorges, we will reach  Lawan. From here we can view the amazing Tarakot village with neatly terraced fields and small houses situated on the south of the Bheri River. Upon reaching Tarakot we can simply take rest or explore the surrounding area. We will stay overnight at Tarakot.

Day 06: Trek from Tarakot to Laini (3,370m/11,056ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Today we will leave Tarakot and Head towards Laini. The trail is full of twist and turns and we will cross the river and walk along the buckwheat field before we climb up to the southern bank of Thuli Bheri. From here we will cross the suspension bridge at Laisicap passing through the forest, chortens and the confluence of Barbung and Tarap River. We can view the beautiful Khani Gaon from this point. Walking further we will follow the trail through the Deodar forest and the steepest gorge to reach Laini. We will stay overnight at Laini.

Day 07: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani (3,475m/11,400ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

We will start our trek walking on the flat trail followed by a steep ascent to mini pass. From here we will walk across the steep gorge and then walk downhill. We will walk passing the beautiful waterfall created by Tilba River. Now we will climb to the ridge and then walk down to Chyangru River. Walking further crossing the rivers several times and walking along the undulated trail along the river, we will reach to Nawarpani. We will stay overnight at Nawarpani.

Day 08: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,939ft) 7-8 hour
Total duration: 7-8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

The destination for today is set for Dho Tarap. We will begin to walk towards the west bank of the river crossing the cave and campsite. We then cross another bridge of the same river. On the way we can enjoy the amazing canyon walls. Walking further we will reach the eroded Trans Himalayan landscape to reach Serkam. From Serkam we will walk towards Dho Tarap crossing the Sisaul and Langa River, and pass through many Chortens, Mani walls and thrilling cliffs. After few hours of uphill and downhill walk we will reach Dho Tarap, a beautiful settlement with neatly terraced crop fields, colorful prayer flags and beautiful monasteries. We will stay overnight at Dho Tarap.

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,939ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

We will not ascend to the higher altitude today. Instead, we will explore the areas around Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a village with closely packed stone houses. People residing in this village are Magars and few Tibetans and follow both Bon PO and Nyingma. The major occupation of the people is agriculture. They grow barley, buckwheat and potatoes. We can spend the rest of the day by exploring the Doro and Shipchhong monasteries that exhibits the pure culture and craftsmanship. We will stay overnight at Dho Tarap.

Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4,440m/14,563ft) 6-7 hour
Total duration: 6-7hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Today we will walk towards the upper Tarap Valley. We can enjoy the lush of grasslands on either side of river. We will walk along the Tarap Chu River enjoying the wide plains and high mountains. After walking for few hours we will reach the Tokyu village that houses a beautiful Monastery of Chiba Sect. From here we will continue to walk up the valley on a rough trail to finally reach the Numa La for overnight stay.

Day 11: Cross Numa La (5,238m) and trek to Phelung Tang (4,465m/14,645ft)
Total duration: 6-7hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Our destination for today is set for Phelung Tang. Today is going to be the toughest day of the entire trek. We will begin our walk crossing the Numa La pass walking on the steep trail to reach the top ridge of the pass. This is the point from where we can view the She-Shikhar, Kanjirowa Himal, as well as the tip of Dhaulagiri including other barren mountains and the unique landscape of Dolpa. Today we will experience both grassy and rocky slopes. From Numa La we will descend to reach Phelung Tang for overnight stay.

Day 12: Cross Baga La (5,070m) and trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m/13,382ft)
Total duration: 6-7hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa.  We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft) 5 hour
Total duration: 5 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

The walk for today is relatively easier. We will trek to Ringmo. We spend most of today’s trek on trail alongside beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo Village. The village is a traditional Tibetan village of the Dolpo region. We will stay overnight at Ringmo.

Day 14: Exploration day at Ringmo and a hike to Phoksundo (3,600m/11,808ft)
Total duration: 4 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Today will be spent exploring the Phoksundo Lake. We will see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards the Tibetan border on the Himalayan trails. We can also visit the temple and monastery on our way to Phoksundo. Upon reaching Phoksundo we can spend our time enjoying the serene beauty of the azure lake walking along the shores and taking pictures. We will return to Ringmo for overnight stay.

Day 15: Trek from Ringmo to Shyanta (2,520m/8,265ft)
Total duration: 5-6 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

Our destination for today is set for Shyanta. We will begin to descend to reach Chepka. From Chepka we will walk towards Shyanta passing by a massive overhanging rock and various important medicinal minerals. Passing through a village we will finally reach Shyanta. We will stay overnight here.

Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Juphal (2,475m/8,120ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch /Dinner

We will begin our trek towards Juphal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. The top of the ridge offers the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Juphal Village below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Juphal, we can spend the afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply taking a rest. We will stay overnight at Juphal.

Day 17: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Total duration: 1hr and 35 mins
Meals included: Breakfast

We will fly back to Nepalgunj catching the early morning flight. We will fly over the amazing Peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we will catch the flight to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj. We will reach Kathmandu in an hour. You can spend the day shopping or going for movies or simply roaming the beautiful and historic places in Kathmandu. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the entire trip. This night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Departure day (1,300m/4,264ft)

This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours.


Source:www.theclassicoutdoors.com