lower-dolpo-trek

Nepal

Lower Dolpo Trek

$3240

Destination

Nepal

Activity

City sight seeing/ Trekking

Region

Dolpo Region

Duration

18

Altitude

4465m/ at Pelung Tang

Accomodation

3-star hotel in kathmandu/Tented Camp/lodge

Meal

Full board on trek

Transportation

Private Car / Van / Hiace / Jeep (Ktm - Nepalgunj - Jhupal / Jupal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu On your request)

Best Seasons

Sep-Dec and Mar-May

Group Size

2-30

Grade

Moderate/Difficult

Send an inquiry
Overview

Lower Dolpo trek is going popular among Nepal travellers. Lower Dolpo trekking is an outstanding trek in an isolated area of western Nepal. Dolpo region or Karnali is open for trekking since 1982. Lower Dolpo is a scenically and culturally attractive destination for trekking. Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. Dolpo or Karnali region offers opportunities to visit ancient villages like Tarakot, Tarap, Dho, high passes, beautiful Lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries, and various rare and endangered species of wildlife and plants, wildlife like Blue sheep, Mountain Goat, Jackal, Wolf, and Snow Leopard, etc are found in lower Dolpo.

Lower Dolpo trek begins from Juphal after a short flight from the terrain town of Nepalgunj which is well connected by both road and air from Kathmandu. Lower Dolpo trek is an adventurous trekking trail of Karnali. For lower Dolpo trekking it required previous hiking and trekking experience, normal walking experience is not enough for Lower Dolpo trekking. We suggest the lower Dolpo trekking trail for those who have previous trekking experience and are physically fit. If the given itinerary is not suitable for you, we design another itinerary as per your desire and the duration of the holidays. Experience the high-altitude tundra and rocks and the Microclimate of Lower Dolpo and Phoksumdo with the cold air of the glaciers of Kanjiroba.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1300m)

Namaste & welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mountain guide Treks (MGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition with the Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check-in, if time allows, you will visit the MGT office to meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

The day after breakfast we will start a sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual Places in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple (Swayambunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After coming back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. The rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping for needed equipment and other necessities. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (152m) 45 min.

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj, we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character. (Overnight at tourist standard hotel on full board basis)

Day 04: Flight to Jhupal (2475m) then trek to Dunai (2140m) 3-4 hrs

We go to the airport very early in order to get on the flight to Juphal. Dolpo flights are always early in the morning. This is because high winds in the Thulo Bheri Valley begin around 10 am, making later flights impossible. Once we have gotten all our equipment for the Twin otter in Juphal (2500m), we start out on the short walk from Juphal to Dunai. We walk downhill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2090m). From here we follow the river trail upstream to Dunai. We camp near Dunai and explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon.  (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 05: Trek Dunai to Tarakot (2543m) 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, we start our trek continues along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. Deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages, a tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meters above the river. The colourful terraced field of Tarakot greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 06: Trek Tarakot to Laini (3160m) 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, we continue our walking to follow the Tarap Chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarup Chu River. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages.  (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 07: Trek Laini to Nawarpani (3545m) 5-6 hrs

After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another to descend to Chyugur Khola. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 08: Trek Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4090m) 6-7 hrs

Our morning walk begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After a few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3-hour or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization

We spend a rest day in Do Tarap to gradually get used to the altitude. Time to visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views, Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners, The Dolpo people wear home-spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style Somba or Dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa of the Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa (Bon Gompa) is about half an hour's walk from camp. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 10: Trek Do Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4440m) 6-7 hrs

After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows this plain valley with a patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap Chu upstream all the way. Tarap is positively a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 11: Cross Numa La (5190m) and camp at Pelung Tang (4465m) 6-7 hrs

This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to crossing Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to a steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes. An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8167m) After getting to the top of Numa La we will go down to camp at Pelung. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 12: Cross Baga La (5070m) to Dajok Tang (4080m) 5-6 hrs

After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow-capped peaks of the Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of the downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 13: Trek Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3600m) 3-4 hrs

After breakfast, our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture fields and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo and hike to Phoksundo Lake

A rest and exploration day, and of course we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake; remember the harrowing scene in 'Himalaya' when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the 'Devil's Trail'? Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje. This is a pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and the chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with great views, (Overnight at tend camp on a full board basis)

Day 15: Trek Phoksundo to Shyanta (2520m) 5-6 hrs

Trek down to Chepka, the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal minerals which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 16: Trek Shyanta to Jhupal (2475m) 4-5 hrs

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town. (Overnight at tend camp on full board basis)

Day 17: Fly Jupal to Nepalgunj (25 min) and to Kathmandu 40 min.

We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and reaching Nepalgunj take a fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You could spend the evening leisurely. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 18: Farewell Friend (Final departure to your onward destination)

Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying goodbye to the mountains as the journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.

Cost Details

Includes
  • Airport pick up drop service
  • All land transportation as per itinerary
  • One day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with license holder tour guide
  • 4 night's hotel accommodation at Kathmandu in deluxe hotel on BB basis.
  • 1 night at Nepalgunj special tourist standard hotel accommodation with full board meal.
  • "Farewell dinner" before a day your departure from Nepal.
  • Guest house/tented accommodation according to given itinerary (sharing in 2 bed room) and 3 meals (Breakfast, lunch, Dinner) during the trek
  • Domestic air ticket
  • Domestic air fare Tax
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
  • Down jacket, for a seasonal sleeping bag, Mountain Guide treks & Expedition kit bag/duffel bag,   trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Special permit for rusticated area & all necessary governments documents (National park permit, TIMS )
  • A comprehensive medical kit
Exclude
  • Nepal entree visa: you can get a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by Paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • International airfare
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance

Note:- The cost includes and excludes section may give you a better idea of how the trip is organized. Once you let us know the number of interested traveller and the departure date we would get back to you with the actual cost for the trip.

Equipment

Head
  • Light or warm fleece hat.
  • Watch with light & alarm
  • Sun hat and scrap
  • Sunglasses
Upper Body
  • T-shirts (4)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or sweater
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
  • Body lotion/Anti-sunlight cream
Hands
  • Playing cards
  • Lightweight gloves (water/windproof)
  • Trail map and guide book
  • Heavy weight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body
  • Underwear (4)
  • Hiking shorts (4)
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Lightweight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks (4-pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4-pairs)
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Accessories
  • Sleeping bag
  • Money belt
  • Head torch and batteries
  • Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Small wash towel
Optional Items
  • Swiss Knife
  • Playing cards/backgammon/chess set
  • Trekking map
  • Books (Highly Recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Reading books
  • Journal & pen
  • Photo's of home/family
  • Energy/protein bars (optional)

Map

Lower Dolpo Trek Map

Our Customer Reviews