Lower Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's most exciting and hard treks, located in the western hills of the country and allowing trekkers to feel the true thrills of trekking on an off-the-beaten-path made up of steep sloppy hills. Lower Dolpo Trek is rich in natural wonders, including Shey Phoksundo Lake, as well as the pre-Buddhist Bon Po culture. Shey Phoksundo National Park protects a large portion of the lower Dolpo. This has ensured the survival of pine, fir, and birch woods, as well as fauna such as the elusive snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, langur, and rhesus monkeys, among others.
A flight from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj kicks off the 17-day Lower Dolpo Trek. The starting point for this trek is Juphal. You'll walk through a semi-desert area with heavily forested paths lined with pine, rhododendron, bamboo, and juniper trees, as well as trails that wind through vast meadows, brown landscapes, and terraced colorful fields. Admiring the Himalayas' gorgeous rain shadow landscape.
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| Day 01: | Arrival at the Kathmandu Airport |
| Day 02: | Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation |
| Day 03: | Fly From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj-Jhupal and drive to Dunai | Altitude: 2150 M | Drive: 3-4 Hrs |
| Day 04: | Trek from Dunai to Tarakot | Altitude: 2540 M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 05: | Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar | Altitude: 3375M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 06: | Trek from Laina Odar to Nawarpani | Altitude: 3780 | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 07: | Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap | Altitude: 3950M | Trek:7-8 Hrs |
| Day 08: | Acclimatization Day |
| Day 09: | Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp | Altitude: 4440M | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 10: | Trek from Numa La Base Camp to Numa La Pass-Danighar | Altitude: 5309 | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 11: | Trek from Danighar ko Timche via Bagala pass | Altitude: 5169M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 12: | Trek from Timche to Ringmogaun | Altitude: 3640M | Trek: 4-5 Hrs |
| Day 13: | Rest Day at Shay Phoksundo |
| Day 14: | Trek from Ringmogaun to Chhepka | Altitude: 2775M | TTrek:5-6 Hrs |
| Day 15: | Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal | Altitude: 2475M | Trek: 4-5 Hrs |
| Day 16: | Fly back from Jhupal-Nepalgunj- Kathmandu |
| Day 17: | Departure Day |
Day 01: Arrival at the Kathmandu Airport
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, a member of our crew will greet you and transport you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, spend the night in a 4-star hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today, we'll go on a guided tour of some of Kathmandu's most important historical and spiritual sites, including three that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There will be visits to the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath, one of the world's largest stupas. We'll meet up with the other participants, talk through the program, and get our equipment checked by our climbing guide after a long day of touring.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj-Jhupal and drive to Dunai | Altitude: 2150 M | Drive: 3-4 Hrs
Following a trip to Nepalgunj, we take local transportation to Juphal and begin our trek in the area with a short hike along the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai. There are lots to see and do in the town if you have the time, including a Stupa and a monastery.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 04: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot | Altitude: 2540 M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
Today, we'll hike to Tarakot along the Bheri River's upstream trail. To get to Tarakot, we stroll along a leveled trail with lovely scenery in the background. As we climb the slope, we pass through steep gorges, suspension bridges, and secluded communities. Tarakot, an old fortress town built on a hillside to the south of the Bheri River, greets us with dry stones and cultivates multicolored terraced fields as we continue our trip. In Tarakot, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar | Altitude: 3375M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
We follow the trail along the Bheri River's southern bank to the open valley. We next follow the Bharbung Khola east to Laisicap, where we bridge the main river. We now follow the Tarap Khola north to Khanigaon, which has a spectacular vista of Sandul Gompa across the valley. We make a final ascent on the steep trail to Laina Odar, taking in the views of Putha Hiunchuli (7246) and the Churen Himal Range. In Laina Odar, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Laina Odar to Nawarpani | Altitude: 3780 | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
As we steadily ascend beside the banks of the Tarap Khola, the lush forest of the previous day gives way to desolate vistas, with alpine animals such as yak and blue sheep on exhibit. The day comes to a close with a dramatic suspension bridge crossing the Chaya Khola and our arrival in Nawarpani village.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap | Altitude: 3950M | Trek:7-8 Hrs
The Tarap Khola leads the way for the first part of the day, bringing us through an undulating trail that peaks at Charkala (4920m) before descending into a tight valley with such a deep ravine that the lower pathways are only lit by the midday sun. The path to Dho Tarap is lined with chortens and stupas, with the Tibetan village's whitewashed gompa standing majestically at its center.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Acclimatization Day
A day to relax and adjust to the higher altitudes, with Dho Tarap providing sufficient chance to explore its various charms and watch the traditional Tibetan lifestyles of its friendly residents, who still trade with their ancient homeland to the north via their Yak caravans. With a visit to the Gompa, a network of fascinating laneways to explore, and stunning views of the Himalayas and Phoksundo Lake, Dho Tarap is the kind of location where you might easily spend a week luxuriating.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp | Altitude: 4440M | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
Today we travel to Numa La Base Camp, following the Tarap Chu River and ascending steeply to Tokyu, a historic settlement known for its graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned buildings. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and follow the main trail northwest. We then continue on our journey to Numa La Base Camp through the steep terrain. In Numa La Base Camp, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Numa La Base Camp to Numa La Pass-Danighar | Altitude: 5309 | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
Today we start our arduous walk towards Numa La Pass (5310m). On the hard and bumpy trail, we ascend through a steep trail to the top of countless ridges. We are rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and the Churen Himal Range(6085m), as well as Norbung Kang after we reach the top. We descend alongside the Gyambo Khola after spending some time there, followed by the lovely Danighar meadow. In Danighar, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Trek from Danighar ko Timche via Bagala pass | Altitude: 5169M | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
We leave Danighar behind and travel to Temche through Baga La, another pass (5170m). Along the shabby yak trail, we undertake a difficult rise. Due to the rapid gain in elevation, we may need to exert additional effort as we climb higher. Sacred Chortens and a beautiful view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks, as well as the captivating Phoksundo Lake, can be found at the pass's summit. To get to Temche, we have to descend into a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream. In Temche, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12: Trek from Timche to Ringmogaun | Altitude: 3640M | Trek: 4-5 Hrs
We receive a nice reprieve from the high altitude and lung-wrenching trekking of the previous few days with a reasonably easy trip to Phoksundo Lake, with spectacular views of the turquoise waters and the lake's gorgeous location amidst the towering mountains on either side. Imagine Lake Como or Interlaken without the buildings or the people, and you'll get Phoksundo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Rest Day at Shay Phoksundo
We take a break from trekking and spend the day exploring Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo settlement. Phoksundo Lake is a gorgeous turquoise-colored lake in Nepal that is also the country's deepest lake. From the Lake, we have a beautiful view of Ringmo village. We visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), which was founded 900 years ago, and tour the Ringmo settlement nearby. Above the lake, we pass by a number of spectacular glaciers. In Shey Phoksundo Lake, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Ringmogaun to Chhepka | Altitude: 2775M | TTrek:5-6 Hrs
The hike to Chhepka today begins with a gentle walk along the riverbank, followed by a difficult ascent to the top of the hill, which provides the final glimpse of the lovely Phoksundo Lake. We then descend for a time before heading to Chunuwar. The trail then leads to Rechi through a forest of pines and birches. We arrive in Chhepka after a gradual uphill and downhill journey through the trail. In Chhepka, spend the night in a tented camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Chhepka to Jhupal | Altitude: 2475M | Trek: 4-5 Hrs
We leave Shey Phoksundo National Park and return to the outside world after a slow ascent through birch forests to the villages of Shyanta and Kageni. We cross the Dhim Khola on a suspension bridge and continue on to Juphal, our final destination for the walk, where we spend the night and celebrate the end of our long adventure.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 16: Fly back from Jhupal-Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
From Juphal, we take a picturesque flight to Nepalgunj in the early morning. We catch our next flight back to Kathmandu once we get in Nepalgunj. We will transport you to your hotel in Kathmandu and you will have the rest of the day to unwind and recuperate. Later in the evening, you can dine at one of the capital city's local restaurants. In Kathmandu, spend the night in a 4-star hotel.
Meal: Dinner
Day 17: Departure Day
Before your booked departure or the possibility to join another of our programs, our team representative leaves you off at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Meal: Breakfast