Lower Dolpo Trek – 20 Days

Trip Facts

Overview

Dolpo region is considered to be one of the most remote places of the kingdom of Nepal. Abundance of Himalayan peaks, hidden lands, the villages and rural communities, this trans-Himalayan region are quiet, peaceful and full of curiosity. This is where you find the stunning Phoksundo Lake, celebrated as the jewel of Dolpo. This phoksundo lake is surrounded by rocky cliffs and its turquoise fresh water can touch the very depth of human heart wandering all around in search of peace and tranquility. Such natural phenomena of this region are not a story full of exaggeration rather a reality based on a meditative perception. This region surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from south and north respectively is regarded as a blend of natural and cultural phenomena.The people here trace their origins to Tibet, and their culture is a window of the tradition as practiced on the roof of the world centuries ago. Dolpo is home of rare and endangered species of wildlife and plants ie snow leopard, gray wolf, Blude Sheep etc.
 
Lower Dolpo trek is least complicated trek to undertake, and one of the most popular treks in the west of Nepal. Ringmo, Phoksundo Lake is the tourist destination of lower Dolpo. Lower Dolpo trek offers a wonderful chance to experience a landscape and culture far different from that seen in other parts of Nepal. 
 
The trekking in Dolpo was not open for foreigners till 1989. From trekking point of View, Dolpo region is divided into two parts: Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo.

Itinerary

On this day we will have our representative from Nepal GoGo treks to pick you up from Tribhuwan International airport and transfer you to hotel of Kathmandu.

Have breakfast and we will go for Kathmandu sightseeing. We will visit monkey temple, bouddhanath , Kathmandu durbar square and have lunch in between Then Walk through Thamel street and Ason and then back to hotel and have dinner.

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

We fly to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.

After breakfast our trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we will pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Our trail also includes a tremendous gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the colorful, terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight in Tarakot.

We will walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We will continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. After ascending and descending for a while, we will finally reach Laini. Overnight in Laini.

We will climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we will reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani.

We will begin todays trek by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We will cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. After walking for several more hours, we will reach the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in Do Tarap.

The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. 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 (Buddhist sects). Overnight in Do Tarap.

We will trek towards the upper Tarap valley enjoying views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo and walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains. A few hours’ good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we will continue walking up the valley on a rough trail before reaching the Numa La Base Camp. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

Today is going to be the toughest and one of the longest days of our trek. After breakfast, we will begin crossing the Numa La pass on a steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the ridge we will get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang.

After breakfast we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

We will spend most of today’s trek on trails alongside beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we will reach Ringmo Village. The village is a traditional Tibetan village of the Dolpo region. Overnight in Ringmo.

Today we will explore the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shore where we will see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. The scene is even depicted in a Hollywood movie ‘Caravan shot mostly in this location. On our way to the lake, we will also tour a nearby monastery. Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake s shores. Overnight at Phoksundo.

Today we will trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we will find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight in Shyanta.

We will march towards Jhupal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. From atop a ridge, we can get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply taking a rest. Overnight in Jhupal.

We will take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we will return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Nepal GoGo Treks will take you to the airport before the scheduled flight.

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