Inner Upper Dolpo Trek
Overview The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a captivating and challenging adventure that takes trekkers through the remote and culturally rich landscapes of Dolpo, a hidden gem in Nepal's far-western region. The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing journey that unveils the raw beauty of the Dolpo region, an area renowned for its untouched wilderness and ancient Tibetan-influenced culture. This trek is a captivating blend of natural grandeur and cultural immersion, catering to both adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts. Beginning in the quaint town of Juphal, the trek traverses through rugged terrains, picturesque valleys, and towering mountain passes, leading…
Overview
The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a captivating and challenging adventure that takes trekkers through the remote and culturally rich landscapes of Dolpo, a hidden gem in Nepal’s far-western region.
The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing journey that unveils the raw beauty of the Dolpo region, an area renowned for its untouched wilderness and ancient Tibetan-influenced culture. This trek is a captivating blend of natural grandeur and cultural immersion, catering to both adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts.
Beginning in the quaint town of Juphal, the trek traverses through rugged terrains, picturesque valleys, and towering mountain passes, leading to Phoksundo Lake, a shimmering turquoise gem nestled amidst dramatic cliffs. The trail also further takes trekkers to secluded villages like Ringmo and Shey Gompa, where they can interact with the local Dolpo-pa inhabitants, known for preserving their traditional way of life.
The challenging aspect of the trek lies in crossing high-altitude passes like the Numa La and Baga La, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba. The arid landscapes, ancient monasteries, and yak caravans contribute to the trek’s unique ambiance, offering a rare glimpse into a world unaffected by modernity.
Throughout the trek, trekkers will also be awed by the diverse topography, ranging from lush pine forests to arid desert-like expanses. The pristine beauty of the Phoksundo National Park adds to the trek’s allure, providing opportunities to spot elusive wildlife like the snow leopard and blue sheep.
The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek demands a reasonable level of physical fitness due to its high-altitude and rugged trails. Trekkers need to prepare for variable weather conditions and significant altitude gains. Accommodation is mostly in basic teahouses, offering an authentic and rustic experience.
Conclusion and Summary
Undoubtedly, the Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is an adventure that goes beyond physical exertion. It’s a spiritual journey into a world where nature and culture coexist harmoniously. Trekkers get not only reward with awe-inspiring landscapes but also a deep appreciation for the resilience of the local communities and their connection to the land. This trek promises an unforgettable odyssey for those willing to embrace the challenges and immerse themselves in the hidden treasures of Dolpo.
Trip Highlights
The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and challenging trek located in the far west of Nepal. Here are some of the trip highlights:
- Stunning Scenery: The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek takes you through a beautiful and dramatic landscape with towering peaks, deep valleys, and crystal clear lakes.
- Unique Culture: The trek takes you through several ancient Tibetan-style villages where you can experience the unique culture and traditions of the Dolpo people.
- Remote Wilderness: The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and challenging trek that takes you through some of the most untouched and pristine wilderness areas in Nepal.
- Shey Phoksundo Lake: One of the main highlights of the trek is the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Nepal and a sacred site for the local people.
- Wildlife: The Dolpo region is home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep.
- High Passes: The trek includes several high passes, including the challenging Kang La Pass, which offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Ancient Monasteries: The Dolpo region is home to several ancient monasteries and gompas, including the Shey Gompa, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region.
- Adventure: The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging and adventurous trek that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Himalayas. It’s an experience that will challenge and inspire you, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.
After a nice break, we resume our journey towards Chunemba. The trekking route is about 5 hours long in total. We can enjoy the beautiful scenic beauty throughout the way while passing through the trail. Overnight in Chunemba.
It’s a long and strenuous climb of about 2½ hours over a dusty path to Kang La (5350m), locally called Ngadra La. Prayer flags and cairns mark the pass. The descent is pretty steep the first 45 minutes, but after this, it is going gradually for about 3 hours, till you reach Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is a very small village. The 11th century gompa is located beneath the Crystal Peak on a small grassy plain, at the confluence of two rivers. It is said to be constructed by a Tibetan Buddhist, who arrived here on the back of a flying snowlion. It’s a magical place, and Shey Gompa is often called the spiritual heart of Dolpa. Every year hundreds of pilgrims come to visit the gompa and to make a kora (clockwise circuit) of the Crystal Peak. Overnight at Shey Gompa.
Leaving Dho Tarap, you come along many mani walls and small chörtens. The path is going down, following the Tarap Khola. Gradually you can see the landscape changing. Some bushes are appearing, it’s getting a bit greener. Just before arriving at Sisaul, you have to climb to a small pass. After the pass, the valley gets suddenly narrow. It’s a short descend to Sisaul, which has a good campsite next to a tent-hotel. You can choose to camp here, or on one of the spots a bit further down.
After 2 ½ hours your reach the small village of Byasgar (2427m). After Byasgar, the trail goes through a greener landscape again. At the horizon you see the snowcapped Kang Tokal (6294m). Dunai is the headquarters of Dolpa District. It’s a large village, of about 2,500 people, more or less half Hindu and half Buddhist. Up the hill, there is a Buddhist monastery, which is worth a visit.
What's Included
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast) & Other Destination Based on Trekking Area.
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Fare well dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Trekking Duffle Bag
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
What's Excluded
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Trip Information
The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and challenging trek located in the Dolpo region of Nepal. Here’s some general information about the trip:
- Duration: The trek typically takes around 26-28 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and pace of the group.
- Route: The trek starts in Juphal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region, and heads north towards Shey Gompa, an ancient monastery located near the Tibetan border. From there, the trek follows a circular route through the heart of the Dolpo region, passing through several high passes, remote villages, and pristine landscapes.
- Difficulty: The Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, due to its remote location, high altitude, and rugged terrain. Trekkers should be prepared to walk for several hours each day over steep, rocky, and sometimes snowy terrain, and be in good physical condition.
- Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of up to 5,300 meters (17,400 feet) at the highest pass, so proper acclimatization is essential. Trekkers should also be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and be prepared to descend to lower altitudes if necessary.
- Permits: Trekkers need a special permit to enter the Dolpo region, as well as a national park permit. These can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
- Accommodation: Accommodation on the trek is basic, with trekkers usually staying in teahouses or camping. Food options are limited, and trekkers should be prepared to bring their own snacks and energy bars.
- Best time to go: The best time to do the Inner Upper Dolpo Trek is from mid-September to mid-November or from mid-March to mid-May, when the weather is dry and clear. The region is very remote and it is advisable to go with an experienced guide and a trekking agency.
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