Explore on an extraordinary adventure through Nepal’s Lower Dolpo region with the captivating Lower Dolpo Trek -15 Days. Nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Himalayas, this hidden gem offers a secluded and untouched hiking experience, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Throughout this awe-inspiring journey, you will meander through picturesque traditional villages, such as Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana, Ringmo, and Jhupal. These quaint settlements invite you to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the ancient traditions of the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion, adding a touch of mystique to your expedition.
Overview
The crown jewels of the Lower Dolpo Trek are undoubtedly Shey Phoksundo National Park and the enchanting Phoksundo Lake. Marvel at the pristine majesty of Phoksundo Lake, a hidden gem nestled deep within the rugged highlands of the lower Dolpo Valley. It’s crystal-clear waters and breathtaking surroundings will leave you spellbound, providing a serene sanctuary to rejuvenate your senses. Also, cross-high mountain passes along the trail witness desert-like landscapes.
Prepare to be captivated by the Lower Dolpo Trek -15 Days, an extraordinary choice for explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Be a part of this adventure with Female Guide Holidays.
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary. If necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake we will cancel the trip. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader appointed by FGH. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4592ft)
Nestled in a deep valley, Kathmandu is surrounded by rolling green hills. The city is a collection of traditional and contemporary, with historic areas dating back to the Middle Ages as well as modern city architecture. Once you arrive at the airport terminal, our representative will welcome you assist you to the hotel, and help you to check in. Your trekking guide will give you a pre-hike briefing later that evening. Check your trekking gears, and if you have missed anything, you may rent or buy it from any of it from shops around Thamel. Thamel, a major tourist attraction, boasts a range of shops selling and renting hiking gear. Meals: Welcome Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 :
Kathmandu (1,400 Meters/4,593 Feet) to Nepalgunj (150 Meters/ 492 Feet). Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Today you will board a morning flight to Nepalgunj, which takes around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at the airport, you will be transported to your accommodation, and you will have plenty of time to explore the city. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 :
Nepalgunj (150 Meters/ 492 Feet) to Juphal (2,502 Meters/ 8,210 Feet) and Trek to Dunai (2,144 meters/ 7,035 Feet). Flight Duration: 45 minutes. Trekking Time: 2-3 Hours
After breakfast, drive to Nepalgunj Airport to board an early morning flight to Juphal. You will begin your trek after landing at Juphal airfield following the path to Dunai. The path gradually changed as it passed through verdant meadows and softly descended to Kalighat, continue walking down Thulo Bheri’s riverside, passing Roop Ghar watermill, and arriving at Dunai. It is the district headquarters and the largest settlement in the Dolpo district bordered by verdant hills on the banks of the Thulo Bheri River. Explore the village and learn about the residents, their culture, and their way of life by visiting the local marketplace in Dunai. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 4 :
Dunai (2,144 Meters/ 7,035 Feet) to Tarakot (2,450 Meters/ 8,038 Feet). Trekking Time: 5 Hours
Follow the trail eastward out of Dunai along the south bank of the Thulo Bheri. Next cross to the north bank and then the south bank again at Lawan. Then the trail passes below the fields of Tarakot to a camp site near the Chyada Khola. There after following the pictorious trail reach the fortress of Tarakot village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 5 :
Tarakot (2,450 Meters/ 8,038 Feet) to Laini (3,160 Meters/10,368 Feet). Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours.
Todays trek takes you along the tranquil banks of Tarap Chu river. Following the river network reach the revered Sandul Gompa. Nestled at the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river, this sacred monastery awaits at a significant intersection. Next, proceed along a well-trodden trail that meanders through captivating farm terraces and rural hamlets, offering glimpses of the rustic beauty of the region. As you navigate varying elevations, ascending, and descending, eventually reach the charming settlement of Laini. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 6 :
Laini (3,160 Meters/10,368 Feet) to Nawarpani (3,545 Meters/11,631 Feet). Trekking Time: 5 Hours.
After breakfast ascent along a rugged trail that winds its way up the steep terrain, granting you an exhilarating experience above the meandering course of the Tarap River. Then the path unfolds with intriguing switchbacks, leading you through a narrow gorge where the valley constricts. Next mending along inclines and descents, ultimately reach the serene banks of the Chyugur Khola. From this vantage point, after a brief walk eventually arrive at Nawarpani. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 7 :
Nawarpani (3,545 Meters/11,631 Feet) to Tarap (4,080 Meters/13,386 Feet). Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours.
Start todays trek following a gradual ascent towards the remarkable convergence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, where the village of Kama tarka awaits. Traversing along the narrow gorge, you will climb above the verdant tree line, and walk across juniper bushes across the arid inner Himalayan valleys. Next, following the high mountain trails arrive at the enchanting village of Dho Tarap, encircled by an irregular stone enclosure. After a brief rest head out to explore the settlement. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 8 :
Tarap (4,080 Meters/13,386 Feet) to Numa La Base Camp (4,440 Meters/14,568 Feet). Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours.
Head out of Tarap following the ascending trails and reach the upper Tarap valley. Along this section you will be treated with splendid panoramic vistas of flourishing grasslands adorning both sides of the river. Following the meandering course of Tarap Chu river, immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramas offered by the expansive Tarap valley, adorned with its wide plains and towering mountains. After a few hours you arrive at the village of Tokyu, which proudly houses a Buddhist monastery. Here explore the monastery and learn about the rich history and culture of the locals. Next following the ascending tracks reach Numa La Base Camp. Upon reaching the Base Camp and after a brief refreshment break explore the region. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 9 :
Numa La Base Camp (4,440 Meters/14,568 Feet) to Pelung Tang (4,465 Meters/14,650 Feet) via Numa La Pass (5,290 Meters/17,356 Feet). Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours.
Today start the trek early as you will be crossing ahigh mountain pass. As the weather may deteriorate in higher elevation its very crucial to start early. After breakfast following the ascending trails head towards the summit of the pass. From the summit witness grand views of the barren majesty of the Dolpo mountains, stretching as far as the remarkable peak of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). After spending brief time at the pass following the descending tracks head towards the campsite nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Pelung Tang. After reaching the camp relax and rest as you will be crossing another pass tomorrow. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 10 :
Pelung Tang (4,465 Meters/14,650 Feet) to Dajok Tang (4,080 Meters/13,386 Feet) via Baga La Pass (5,175 Meters/16,979 Feet). Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours.
After an early breakfast start the trek following along a steep incline towards the summit of the illustrious Baga La pass. As you reach the pinnacle, witness breathtaking panorama unfolds before you. Showcasing the arid expanse of the landscape adorned with distant snow-capped peaks. After spending a brief time at the summit following the descending route reach Dajok Tang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 11 :
Dajok Tang (4,080 Meters/13,386 Feet) to Phoksundo Lake (3,620 Meters/11,877 Feet). Trekking Time: 3-4 Hours.
Today start the trek traversing across deep wilderness of pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail reach the village of Ringmo. The glamorous Phoksundo Lake is just across the corner from Ringmo Village. Next following the trails reach the turquoise blue Shey Phoksundo Lake nestled at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level, several endangered species, such as blue sheep and musk deer, maybe seen grazing near the waterfront. After a brief rest proceed towards the lake and sit beside the tranquil waters of the lake. Later on explore the Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bonpo monastery having historical significance which is situated on the Phoksundo Lake ridge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 12 :
Phoksundo Lake (3,620 Meters/11,877 Feet) to Chhepka (2,670 Meters/8,760 Feet). Trekking Time: 5- 6 Hours.
Wake up early and witness the sun rise. After breakfast walking alongside the Phoksundo River, descending gently through magnificent green meadows, pass past Renji village. Along this section witness the spectacular snow-capped mountains. Next travel along the Sulighat River across pine and juniper forest reach Chhepka village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 13 :
Chhepka (2,670 Meters/8,760 Feet) to Juphal (2,502 Meters/ 8,210 Feet). Trekking Time: 4-5 Hours.
Today follow the downhill route to Juphal after breakfast. Along the way cross captivating meadows, stunning pastures, terraces, farms, and several villages. Upon reaching Juphal after a brief rest head out to explore the region. Later celebrate your last night in the mountains. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 14 :
Juphal (2,502 Meters/ 8,210 Feet) to Nepalgunj (150 Meters/ 492 Feet) to Kathmandu (1,400 Meters/4,593 Feet). Flight Duration: 45 minutes both
Early in the morning, catch a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and then to Kathmandu, both flights provide stunning scenery of snow-capped peaks, verdant hillsides, and scenic valleys. Our representative will receive you at the airport and transport you to your accommodation. You may spend the remaining of your day relaxing or strolling around Thamel for some last-minute shopping. Later in the evening have an authentic dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, while taking part in a cultural event with our representative and your trekking guide. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Day 15 :
Fly back home or extend your holidays
Three hours before your flight departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre- planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Meals: Breakfast Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
