Lower Dolpo Trek
Overview The Lower Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you through the rugged landscapes and remote valleys of western Nepal. It is an off-the-beaten-path trek that also offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. In this 300-word trip overview, we'll explore the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jhupal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region. From there, you embark on a trek that leads you through ancient villages, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Lower Dolpo is also known for its pristine natural beauty and…
Overview
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that takes you through the rugged landscapes and remote valleys of western Nepal. It is an off-the-beaten-path trek that also offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. In this 300-word trip overview, we’ll explore the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek.
The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jhupal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region. From there, you embark on a trek that leads you through ancient villages, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Lower Dolpo is also known for its pristine natural beauty and unique Tibetan-influenced culture.
As you trek deeper into the region, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes adorned with snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. The trail also takes you across high mountain passes, including the impressive Kang La Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek is the opportunity to visit the mystical Shey Phoksundo Lake. This turquoise gem is the deepest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The serene atmosphere and the reflection of the mountains on the lake’s surface also create a truly magical experience.
Throughout the trek, you’ll have the chance to interact with the friendly local people of Dolpo. The region is home to the ethnic group called Dolpo-pa, who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. You’ll witness their unique culture, visit ancient monasteries, and gain insights into their spiritual practices.
The Lower Dolpo Trek is a challenging adventure that requires a good level of physical fitness and previous trekking experience. The rugged terrain, high altitudes, and remote location make it a thrilling and rewarding journey for adventure enthusiasts. Camping under the starry sky and enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals add to the overall experience.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a captivating journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure. It is a trek of a lifetime, offering an opportunity to explore an untouched corner of the Himalayas and create lasting memories.
Trip Highlights
The Lower Dolpo Trek is an incredible adventure that takes you through some of the most remote and scenic regions of Nepal. Here are some of the trip highlights:
- Spectacular Scenery: The Lower Dolpo region is known for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Unique Culture: The Lower Dolpo region is home to the Dolpo people, who have a distinct culture and language that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
- Remote Villages: The trek takes you through remote villages where you can experience the traditional way of life and hospitality of the local people.
- Ancient Monasteries: The trek includes visits to ancient monasteries such as Shey Gompa and Dho Tarap Gompa, which are among the oldest and most revered monasteries in Nepal.
- Wildlife: The Lower Dolpo region is home to a variety of wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and blue sheep.
- Challenging Trekking: The Lower Dolpo Trek is a challenging trek that requires physical fitness and endurance. The trek takes you over high passes and through rugged terrain.
- Adventure of a Lifetime: The Lower Dolpo Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for trekkers looking for something off the beaten path.
Itinerary
As you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, our team representative will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Leaving the Kathmandu city behind, we fly to Nepalgunj enjoying scenic views throughout the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many regions as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian Border. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.
Today we catch a 35-minute long flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. 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 Roop Ghar with water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai. Overnight at tented camp in Dunai.
Today 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. Overnight at tented camp in Tarakot.
We follow the trail on the southern bank of Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar. Overnight at tented camp in Laina Odar.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Toltol.
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 Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap 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. Overnight at tented camp in Dho Tarap.
To adjust with the thinning air, we take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring Dho Tarap. 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. Overnight at tented camp in Dho Tarap.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Numa La Base Camp.
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 Churen Himal Range along with Norbung Kang (6085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar. Overnight at tented camp in Danighar.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Temche.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Shey Phoksundo Lake.
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. Overnight at tented camp in Chhepka.
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 Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat. Overnight at tented camp in Juphal.
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. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Our team representative drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled flight.
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
Lower Dolpo Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek in the western part of Nepal. The trek takes you through the remote and isolated region of Dolpo, which is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, unique culture, and tradition. Here is some basic information about the Lower Dolpo Trek:
- Trek Duration: The Lower Dolpo Trek usually takes around 18-21 days, depending on the itinerary.
- Trek Difficulty: The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered to be a challenging trek due to its remote location and high altitude. The trek involves long hours of walking on rugged terrain and crossing high mountain passes.
- Altitude: The highest point of the trek is the Numa La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5,360 meters.
- Best Time to Trek: The best time to trek in Lower Dolpo is from September to November and March to May. During these months, the weather is usually clear, and the temperature is moderate.
- Permits: Trekking in Lower Dolpo requires a special trekking permit from the Nepal government, which costs around $500 per person.
- Accommodation: Accommodation during the trek is usually in basic lodges and teahouses. It is advisable to carry your sleeping bag and tent, especially during the peak trekking season.
- Food: During the trek, you will get a chance to taste the local Nepalese cuisine along with some Tibetan dishes.
- Highlights of the Trek: Some of the main highlights of the trek include stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, unique culture and tradition of the local people, high mountain passes, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Trekking Agency: It is recommended to trek with a reputable trekking agency in Nepal, which will provide you with an experienced guide and porter to assist you throughout the trek.
- Physical Fitness: The Lower Dolpo Trek requires a good level of physical fitness, and it is advisable to prepare yourself before embarking on this trek. Regular exercise and cardiovascular activities will help you in building stamina and endurance for the trek.
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