Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek and Restricted Trekking Area

Lower Dolpo Trek offers a cultural and scenic adventure in the Far Wild West ‘Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake Trekking’, a journey of great inspiration and spectacular delights around Nepal Far North West Himalaya, located behind massive Dhaulagiri Mountain range.

Lower Dolpo Trek lies within Nepal largest National Park of Shey -Phuksumdo area of 3,555 SQ.KMS covered with beautiful serene woodland of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch tree lines.

Higher up Jugdula River valley consists mostly of Quercus species around old Trans-Himalayan Caravan route of Nepal and South West Tibet which has near-desert type vegetation of mainly dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.

The country of snow leopard and the blue sheep, other common animals found in the park are Ghoral, Himalayan Thar and, serow.

Besides its incredible terrain and landscapes it is the home of Bonpa a pre Buddhism sect worship natural spirits and teaching of Lord Buddha similar to Tibetan culture and way of life trekking in himalaya.

Our Lower Dolpo Trek & Phuksumdo Lake adventure starts taking a sweeping scenic flight to low warm areas of Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj, where another short flight is involved to reach at Dolpo in Jhupal.

As the trekking progress passing several farm villages and well tended fields of barley and wheat to reach at Dunai, the headquarter town of Dolpo district and then our journey leads to many nice lovely villages on route to beautiful turquoise Phuksumdo Lake near a small village of Ringmo.

Enjoying our glorious moment at Phuksumdo Lake our return lead to high passes of Baga-la and Numa-la offering incredible views of surrounding landscapes and valley with Dhaulagiri and Kagamara mountains from here our route leads to marvelous areas of Dhotarap valley with lovely Tokyu spread out villages and interesting monasteries.

Finally our marvelous Lower Dolpo Trek and Phuksumdo Lake Trekking conclude walking back at Jhupal via a historical village of Tarakot and Dunai.

A short flight from Jhupal brings at Nepalgunj for another connecting scenic flight to Kathmandu, after a spectacular and super journey around Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake with grand services of Nepal Base Treks and cheerful, friendly staff and guides.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,315m | 4,270ft and transfer o hotel.
Day 02: Morning free and then fly to Nepalgunj city on route Dolpo.
Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Phuksumdo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.
Day 07: Rest day at Phuksumdo Lake for local excursion.
Day 08: Trek and cross Baga La 5,070m and camp 4,470 m – 06 hrs.
Day 09: Cross Numala 5,190m and camp at Phedi – 07 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200 m via Jeng la 5,090 m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Dho Tarap 4,040m- 05 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Ghymagar 3,759 m – 07 hrs – 06 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Day 17: In Kathmandu free day with optional sightseeing tour.
Day 18: International departure for homeward bound.

Size of group: 1-12 people

Highest-Point: 5,545m/18,192ft

Destination: Nepal

Fitness level: Moderate

Arrival on: Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure from: Kathmandu, Nepal

Selected Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek

Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses during the trek

Trip Introduction

We will staying at Hotel International Guest House,a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu; and tea houses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis during the trek. Twin sharing or Single supplement will be served in Kathmandu.

Nepal Base Camp Treks will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, tea-houses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

• Meals
• All menu selected meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome dinner with typical cuisine and Menu selected farewell dinners. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the same tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.
• Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
• 16 days Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate for those travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours (10-15km) a day on an uphill and downhill trail will find this trek fulfilling. It is best that we prepare ourselves for the Everest trek by morning jogging and 1 hours exercising regularly at least a month prior to the start of the trek. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp should be relatively easier for those who have experience walking/trekking in a high altitude environment. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is also important that we consult our doctor. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Glacier before booking the trek.
• Best Time to Travel to Everest Base Camp Trek
• The best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp is spring (March to May) and autumn (October to first week of December). The temperature is moderate in these seasons and guarantees amazing panorama views through the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

MANUAL NOTE

Your safety during the journey is of paramount concern while traveling with Nepal Base Camp Treks and note that turbulent and cloudy weather is regular phenomenon along the Himalayas ranges and possibility of domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu may have to be delayed for few hours or even canceled for a day.

Any Weather conditions and health condition of a group member, or unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the tentative itinerary. NBC Treks guide will try to ensure your trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if any required.

As a safeguard we recommend you to add a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your onward destination.

Details Itinerary of Lower Dolpo Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,327 m and transfer to hotel.

On reaching Kathmandu international airport via various respective airlines, our Nepal Base Camp Treks guide or staff will receive you with warm welcome and then a short drive to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
After checking in your hotel rooms and getting refreshed join at the hotel lobby for group briefing and orientation program where our guide informs you regarding hotels, Kathmandu, Nepali culture, Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake Trekking with welcome dinner in a pleasant and authentic Nepalese restaurant with culture program.

Day 02: Morning free and then fly to Nepalgunj city on route Dolpo.

In Kathmandu morning free with preparation for Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake Trekking, as per the flight time transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 50 mins flight to Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj city, a warm semi-tropical climate area close to Indian border on reaching at Nepalgunj transfer to a nice hotel within the city area, with time for short walk around.

Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.

Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, from Jhupal at present a motor road has been constructed connecting Dunai the main headquarter town of Dolpa area.

From Jhupal a short drive of more than an hour ride to Dunai for overnight stop, in the comfort of nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town an interesting place to observe its culture and way of daily life.

Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.

After overnight in Dunai, morning walk past market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

Day 06: Trek to Phoksumdo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.

Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phoksumdo Khola, after a  short break continue walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud plastered chortens and Mani (prayer) walls.

From here a short walk to Phoksumdo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksumdo Lake.

Day 07: Rest day at Phoksumdo Lake for local excursion.

An ideal spot for rest day, marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit interesting Ringmo village and walk by the lake side.

Day 08: Cross Baga La 5,070m and to Phedi 4,470m – 07 hrs.

After an enjoyable and interesting time at Ringmo village and Phokshumdo lake, walk leads to other side of Dolpo area heading east by an alternative way crossing few passes, walking on a pleasant trail leading uphill to cross over Baga-la at 5,070 meters.

A steep climb for 3 hours to reach a the top offering super panorama of Phokshumdo lake and Kagmara peaks, after a nice stop walk leads to a long descend to overnight camp at phedi (bottom of the hill).

Day 09: Trek and cross Numa-la 5,190 m and to Phedi – 08 hrs.

From here morning walk leads to another pass at Numa-la at 5,190 meters, the highest spot of this awesome trip, walk leads to a climb on the nice grassy slopes for about three hours then reaching the top of Numa-la with impressive views of snow capped mountains from Dhaulagiri mountain range to Kagmara peak and looking down at beautiful valleys and surrounding dramatic landscapes, after an enjoyable moment descend to the base of the pass, then walk on gradual path to overnight camp on summer pasture.

Day 10: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng la 5,090 m – 06 hrs.

After days in isolation away from villages, today’s walk leads to an interesting village at Tokyu Gaon one of the largest village of this region, morning starts with a steep climb for two hours to the top of Jeng-la with grand views of snow capped mountains with Mt. Dhaulagiri North Face, on enjoying the fantastic views, then descend towards Tarap valley, which is one of the longest beautiful green valley extending about 20 k.m along Tarap Chu River, with more than 10 villages with well tended farm fields, monasteries and chortens.

Overnight stop at Tokyugaon, an interesting village with old monastery, afternoon visit the monastery or just relax and observe the local with farming activities.

Day 11: Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Tokyugaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 12: Trek to Ghymagar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.

From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghymagar.

Day 13: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.

Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enter into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals.

As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 14: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.

Start morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village.
Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 15: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.

After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Morning as per the flight time to Nepalgunj transfer to Jhupal airstrip after bidding farewell to our camping staff and porters, a short scenic flight brings your south at Nepalgunj for short transit stop and then fly back to Kathmandu with panorama views of mountains during airborne and then on reaching at Kathmandu domestic airport transfer back to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure.

Day 17: In Kathmandu free day with optional sightseeing tour.

Nepal Base Camp Trek reserves this day as contingency or free day in case of flight delay and cancellation in Jhupal, Dolpo which can occur sometimes due bad and unfavorable weather conditions which is beyond our control.

If all goes well using this spare day for optional tour at places of interest around old heritage sites of Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur, with rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

Day 18: Final International departure homeward bound.

Last day in amazing Nepal with awesome adventure around Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo Lake Trekking, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final flight back homeward bound or to respective countries.

Cost Details

Cost & Date

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