Lower Dolpo Trek
Explore one of the remotest regions in Nepal while trekking close to the Tibetan border in the North. Lower Dolpo Trek is an off-beat trekking experience in Nepal that explores the largest national park of the country, the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The Lower Dolpo Trek also introduces the Phoksundo Lake, the deepest one in Nepal. In addition to plenty of Himalayan and natural beauty, the Lower Dolpo Trek also explores the communities which practice the Bon Po religion.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Scenic trans-Himalayan flights from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj
- Explore the remote and culturally rich Thakuri settlements of Lower Dolpo
- Witness Tibetan lifestyle and primitive Bon-Po religion
- Incredible sights of the Himalayas in the Dhaulagiri range
LOWER DOLPO TREK OVERVIEW
The 18-days Lower Dolpo Trek begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu. After preparing the restricted-area permits, you’ll advance northwest of Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj. You’ll embark on an hour-long flight to Nepalgunj and catch a short flight north to Juphal. The trek officially begins at Juphal and gradually ascends through Dunai, Tarakot, Laina Odar, and Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp.
During the trek, you’ll enter the pristine Shey Phoksundo National Park which is home to some exotic wildlife. Continuing along the trail, you’ll climb Numa La Pass (5238m). One of the highest passes in the region, you can relish the spectacular scenery of the barren territory of Dolpo and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Afterward, you’ll traverse through Danigar and Temche village to cross Bagala La Pass (5170m) making your way back to Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo is a holy lake located inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The banks of the lake are home to numerous Buddhist stupas and a hilltop monastery.
You’ll retrace your path and trek back to Juphal via Yak Kharka. Most people in Dolpo still practice the nomadic lifestyle and indulge in frequent trades using the Yak Caravan. You can undertake the Lower Dolpo circuit trek throughout the year, however, the autumn and spring seasons guarantee the best weather and accessibility.
Lower Dolpo Trek navigates around some of the most off-beat trails in Nepal. For such an adventure, you need expert guidance and assistance. As such, we, at Nepal Treks, provide the affordable Dolpo trekking package and make sure that your trip to Lower Dolpo is worth your while. We offer various transportation, accommodation, and guides to suit your travel needs.
Details
PRICE INCLUDE
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- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
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PRICE EXCLUDE
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- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will greet you at the Airport and escort you to your hotel. You’ll meet your trek guide at the hotel and discuss the trip. In the evening, you can choose to go out to take a stroll or purchase necessary trek gear, equipment, and accessories.
Your guide will obtain the necessary permits (Restricted area permit and national park permit) on your behalf. Afterward, you’ll drive to the airport and embark on a flight to Nepalgunj. Located almost 515km southwest of Kathmandu, it may take about an hour to reach Nepalgunj. Lying close to the Indian border, you’ll witness Indian-influenced settlements.
You’ll start early today. After early breakfast, you’ll embark on a short trans-Himalayan flight to Juphal. The town of Juphal lies to the north. Once at Juphal, you’ll ready your backpack and embark on the first day of the trek. The pleasant trail along the terraced fields and Bheri River will directly lead to Dunai village. Dunai serves as the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region.
Leaving Dunai, the trail continues along the Bheri River and heads deep into the forests of fir and pine. Crossing deep gorges, suspension bridges, and sparse settlements, we reach Byasgad village. The final stretch of the trek crosses the Thuli Bheri River at Lawan and reaches Beluwa. Almost 5-6hr on the trek, you’ll arrive at Tarakot village which will welcome you with terraced fields.
Leaving Tarakot, you’ll continue walking alongside Tarap Chu River and head to Chhedhul 3375 mrail before arriving at Laina Odar.
Leaving Laina Odar, the trail continues through the deep gorge along the Tarap River. You’ll walk across wooden planks and flat stones to reach Chhyugar. After crossing a small stream, you’ll hike for a couple of hours to arrive at the quaint village of Toltol. Toltol serves as the winter settlement for the people in Upper Dolpo.
You’ll leave Toltol and trek further into the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trail gradually climbs to Langa Camp located at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Klang Khola. En route, you will encounter numerous wild rose and juniper bushes. After a few hours of trek, you’ll arrive at the village of Dho Tarap (4170m). The inhabitants of Dho Tarap still practice the ancient Bon Po and Chaiba religions.
Today, you’ll spend the day acclimatizing at Dho Tarap. You can choose to visit the nearby monasteries and observe the ethnic culture and lifestyle of the inhabitants. Due to its close proximity to Tibet in the north, the village closely resembles its northern counterpart in terms of lifestyle, tradition, and culture. Most people in the village are the adherents of the Bon-Po and Nyigmapa religions.
Leaving Dho Tarap, you’ll continue along the high ridges to arrive at Upper Tarap. From here, you can enjoy the sight of lush grassland on both sides of the Tarap Chu River. After a few hours of hiking through the Tarap valley, you’ll arrive at Tokyu and continue along the rugged trail to arrive at Numa La Base Camp (4440m).
From here, you’ll make your way up to reach the top of Numa La Pass. The uphill hike mostly comprises of trekking along the rocky and steep path. From the top, you can enjoy the extraordinary views of Dhaulagiri Peak (8167m), Churen Himal, and Norbung Kang (6085m). From here, you’ll begin descending along the Chhura Khola to reach Danigar village.
You’ll leave Danigar and head toward another high pass of Bagala La (5170m). You’ll make a steep ascent along the shabby trail. The trek may require extra effort as you rapidly gain altitude. From the top, you can witness numerous Buddhist Chortens, the majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m), and the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. You’ll then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to arrive at Temche.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you’ll descend to a vantage point beside the Phoksundo River and head towards Phoksundo Lake. You’ll trek past Ringmo village and walk through the lushly decorated forest of oaks, pines, and junipers. A short walk north from the Ringmo Village leads you to the Phoksundo Lake. The lake is a brilliant testament to the genius of nature reflected by the serene and beautiful surroundings.
Today, you’ll explore the scenic Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding. The day begins with the short tour of Tshowa monastery (the lake-shore Bon Monastery) located on a ridge atop Phoksundo Lake. Dolpalis believe that the monastery was built 900 years ago. You’ll descend to Phoksundo Lake and explore the numerous Buddhist chortens located on the Southern banks of the lake.
Leaving Phoksundo Lake, you’ll continue through the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trek climbs to a steep ridge that offers the magnificent view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. You’ll begin descending and make your way to Chunuwar village. From here, the trail advances through the pine and birches forest to Chhepka via Rechi village.
Leaving Chhepka, you’ll make your way back to Juphal village via Shyanta and Kageni en route. From Shyanta, the trail passes along the forested path that leads directly to the check-post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. You’ll exit the park area and re-join the company of the Thuli Bheri River. A gradual descent will bring you to Motipur followed by Juphal.
Today, you’ll catch the earliest possible flight back to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Once at Nepalgunj, you’ll embark on a return flight to Kathmandu. Both these flights offer remarkable scenery of the geographical hallmarks of Nepal. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.
A day is kept in hand to cover any flight delay or cancellation. The bad weather in Himalayan and hilly regions result in such cases. If you’re already at Kathmandu, you can enjoy time exploring the town. You can consider visiting Thamel and enjoy local cuisines at the eateries spread throughout the city.
Our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. On the way, you can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us. We also hope to assist you on your next adventure in Nepal. Our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. On the way, you can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us. We also hope to assist you on your next adventure in Nepal.
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