Lower Dolpo Trekking-19 Days

"Adventure Around Nepal Far North West Towards Beautiful Turquoise Lake Phoksundo"
Good to Know
  • Duration 19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5360m
  • Group Size 2+
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu
  • Trip Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Style Private
  • Activities Trekking, Historical And Cultural Excursion
  • Best Season March to November

Highlights

  • Adventure on ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade & Caravan Trail to Tibet via Dolpo.
  • Extension of huge South-West Tibetan landscapes within the world's highest plateau land.
  • Explore Lower Dolpo villages enriched with ancient Bon tradition and Buddhism culture.
  • Impressive old monasteries and villages with stunning views of dramatic valleys and mountains.
  • Crossing high passes of Numa-la Baga-la with exceptional views of high snow-capped peaks.
  • Walk on high windswept-dry and arid country within beautiful landscapes.
  • Grand views of snowcapped peaks of Dhaulagiri- Kagmara with Kanjibroba peaks.
  • In the country of ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism and Blue Sheep with elusive snow-leopard.

An Advantage of Booking a Trip with a Trekking Planner Nepal.

  • Private vehicles pick up and drop off passengers at all airports.
  • First-aid kit box.
  • Trekking Planner’s down jackets, t-shirt, and cap, if necessary.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (you should have insurance for emergency evacuation, which will be paid for by your travel insurance company).
  • We use an oximeter to check your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, and we provide oxygen.
  • Sim cards are provided by our company for travelers, so there won’t be any networking issues.

Trip Introduction: 19 Days Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo Trekking, where you will be in the land of the ancient Bonpa sect of pre-Buddhism and in the country where elusive snow-leopard and blue sheep habitats, a scenic walk in the harmony of local Dolpo people's immense culture and traditions.

Lower Dolpo Trekking is around Nepal's Far North West on least explored and hardly visited by westerners or foreign travelers due to its remoteness and isolation from the main big cities of Nepal.

The adventure involves scenic sweeping flights to and from Kathmandu to reach Nepal's Far South city of Nepalgunj and the highland of Dolpo country, where our marvelous walks lead you within Nepal's largest National Park of Shey-Phoksundo National Park with an area of 3,555 sq. km.

Around Lower Dolpo Trekking where you will be walking into a forest of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir, and birch trees, as the walk leads higher above Jugdula River valley consists mostly of Quercus species.

Higher above crossing a few high passes of Namo-lapass and Baga-lapass above 5,100 m leading you on the Old Trans-Himalaya Salt and Caravan Route of Nepal and Tibet with landscapes near-desert type with vegetation of mainly dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.

On walks one might spot rare and elusive snow leopards and blue sheep, other common wild-life found around are Goral, Himalayan Thar, Serow, leopard, wolf, and jackal, where bird-life can be often seen such as Impeyan Pheasant (Danphe national bird of Nepal), blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge, and many others species.

Lower Dolpo Trekking also leads you into the beautiful turquoise-colored Lake Phoksundo within its magnificent surrounding after walking through Jhupal and Dunai and exploring the village of Ringmo, Tokyu-Gaon, and Tarakot villages of great interest.

On this awesome adventure of a two-week duration where you will be impressed by witnessing Dolpo's impressive ancient Bon culture, of pre-Buddhism which is almost extinct in some parts of the Himalayas, where on this wonderful trek you will have this opportunity.

After a glorious moment with grand views of high snow-capped mountains and enjoying local fascinating traditional life, where our walks complete heading back to Jhupal for a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and then back at Kathmandu with memorable adventure and experience on Lower Dolpo Trekking.

Important Note.

As mentioned above that Dolpo or Dolpa falls is Nepal's largest National Park of Shey-Phoksundo with an area of 3,555 sq. km. A beautiful charming country to visit and experience once in your lifetime, as the area is seldom ventured by the main flow of trekkers and adventurers due to its remoteness and isolation from other parts of Nepal.

The area still remains a raw country to visit and to explore the timeless cultures of Dolpo habitats, Dolpo area was exposed to the outside world from the famous classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ written by Peter Mattessian an American author who visited this country from Dorpatan that links with Pokhara in the mid-1970s published the novel around mid-1980’ a fascinating and interesting to read.

Dolpo was famous for the movie Himalaya, originally called ‘Caravan’ but the name coincided with Hollywood films of the 1980s star cast with veteran actor Anthony Quinn, so the name from Caravan was changed to Himalaya, a joint venture of French and Nepalese nominated for Oscar Award in 1999, worth to see the movie and read the novel Snow Leopard.

The highlight of the Dolpo is visiting its isolated villages enriched with the age-old ancient culture of both Buddhism and the Bon sect of pre-Buddhism similar to Native American Red Indians and Inwiks (Eskimo) or Laplanders.

A photogenic country to explore and visit with awesome scenery of mountains, deep valley, and impressive villages as well as crossing high scenic passes to reach from one side of Inner Dolpo to the Lower Dolpo Region.

Related Trekking areas for interested people would be an adventure to Upper Dolpo around Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery or walk towards Mustang areas from Dolpo close to the massive Dhaulagiri Mountain Range.

One can continues walk from Jhupal to Rara Lake and fly out from a small airstrip called Talcha airport Mugu or via Jumla.

Important Note.

  • This trip departure every day of the year.
  • This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your need, please contact us.
  • This trip is available on both a Fixed Departure and a Private Group Basis.
  • This trip can be booked privately if you’re traveling solo or privately or with family.
  • Have a big group? We can help as per your needs.
  • We can help you make it fit your budget.
  • we accept the instant booking and online payment.
Itinerary
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19 Days Lower Dolpo Trekking is provided with standard Itinerary days where some day's walks can be shorter or longer as per your physical fitness, some designated overnight stops can change, due to available rooms and other facilities and etc…….

We will follow the itinerary if its needs to be changed in case of weather, landslides, and difficulties on walks requiring more days where our leader and lead head guides decide to hold full authority for Trekking Planner.

    On arrival at Kathmandu international airport, received by our office staff and guide and then a short drive to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

    After checking in your rooms getting refreshed join with other members of the group for briefing on Lower Dolpo Trekking, provides you with useful information regarding treks and other details for your enjoyable stay in Nepal with us, includes welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program.

      Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour at places of great interest within Kathmandu city, steeped with historical and religious monuments temples, monasteries as listed in World Heritage Sites, after an interesting tour afternoon at leisure for Lower Dolpo trek preparation.

        As per time for flight to Nepalgunj located Nepal Far South West transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic sweeping flights of about 50 minutes to land at low warm areas at Nepalgunj city airport.

        During airborne fantastic views a panorama of snow-capped mountains from the take-off in Kathmandu to landing at Nepalgunj airport, on reaching at Nepalgunj airport terminal transfer to a nice hotel within its city area. Nepalgunj, situated close to Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh), where culture and local people with strong Indian influence in culture and way of life.

          Morning early breakfast for short connecting flight to land at Jhupal in Dolpo area, during this scenic flight views of Dhaulagiri and other western Himalaya, on reaching at Jhupal after 35-40 minutes on air where our staff and porters receives you.

          From Jhupal, after getting organized and then few hours of exciting jeep drive reaches you at Dunai the main headquarter and administrative town of whole Dolpa area.

          In Dunai for overnight stop in the comfort of nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town and observe its interesting local culture and traditional life.

            With pleasant overnight in Dunai, morning walk leads past the market area and then crossing over a bridge of Thulo Bheri River, where climb takes you over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak.

            From here walk leads to descend past farm villages with fields growing walnut trees and getting close to a stream of Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements and then short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe.

            As walk leads to downhill path into forested area to reach our overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

              From Chhepka which is close to Ankhe village, as morning walk leads to a short climb and then descend into forested area to reach a river bank, from here climb after leaving the forest.

              On reaching top of a ridge with downhill to forest leading to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

                Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after walking over Pungmo Kholas valley and crossing streams, where walk follows Pungmo Khola on downhill into pine and birch trees to reach upper side of Phoksumdo Khola.

                After a short refreshing stop continue walk to Ringmo village, an interesting Tibetan origin village adorned with mud plastered Chorten and Mani (prayer) walls.

                 

                  A perfect spot for leisure and free day, here marvel the beauty around its natural surroundings with its scenic landscapes overlooking peaks of Kagmara, and explore interesting Ringmo village and witness Dolpo people culture of age-old heritage and custom.

                    After an enjoyable and exciting rest stop at Ringmo village and around Phoksundo Lake, morning walk leads to reach other side of Dolpo area. As our route leads east to cross few passes, walking on a pleasant trail with steep uphill to reach over Baga-la at 5,070 meters.

                    A steep uphill for few hours to reach on top where you will be rewarded with super panorama of Phoksumdo lake and Kagmara peaks, after a scenic stop walk leads to a long descend to overnight camp at Phedi (bottom of the hill).

                      From here morning walk leads to another pass at Numa-la at above 5,190 meters, the highest point of the adventure, walk leads to a climb on nice grassy slopes for about three hours and then reaching on top Numa-la, facing grand views of snow capped mountains from Dhaulagiri mountain range to Kagmara peak and looking down at beautiful valleys with dramatic landscapes.

                      After an enjoyable stop descend to the base of the Pass, with gradual path to reach our overnight camp around Yak summer pasture.

                        After some days in complete isolation away from villages, today’s walk leads to an interesting village of Tokyu-Gaon, one of the largest village of Inner Dolpo, 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 Chorten.

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

                          After Tokyu Gaon, morning starts on downhill to Tarap Chu on wider green valley, one of the scenic broader valley of the area, here you will notice many Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, as walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, another interesting village of mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

                            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.

                              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.

                                Morning walk starts past smaller villages and then entering into small forest area, following a river all the way to Tarakot, this is one of the important and large village of Dolpo with interesting history houses an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) to guard the village from outsiders in early days.

                                Tarakot village with famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is set.

                                  After a fabulous 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 walking into spread out villages and farm huts, walk on wider path with some short uphill and downhill to reach at Thuli Bheri River valley and then at Dunai, on reaching Dunai for lunch. From here jeeps drive back to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj unto Kathmandu.

                                    Morning at Jhupal, transfer to its small airstrip for scenic short flight to land at Nepalgunj airport, here with times to get refreshed before catching another flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with free afternoon for individual activities.

                                      We have planned a free day for you to enjoy extra leisure day in Kathmandu after scenic trek on Lower Dolpo, on this day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs, or join in for another exciting tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur at places of great interest.

                                        Your last day in Nepal, country of Himalayan wonders and as per your international flight time depart for homeward bound or to next respective connecting destinations.

                                        Our staff and guide transfer you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing memory and great time on Lower Dolpo Trekking.

                                        Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.

                                        Inclusions
                                        What's Included
                                        •  All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights).
                                        •  04 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu.
                                        •  01 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on full board in Nepaljung.
                                        •  Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle (entrance fees extra).
                                        •  Kathmandu to Nepaljung to Juphal and Juphal to Nepaljung to Kathmandu by flight.
                                        •  All necessary trek permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card).
                                        •  A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
                                        •  02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment.
                                        •  Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
                                        •  twin shearing accommodation/tented camp during the trek.
                                        •  Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
                                        •  Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek.
                                        •  Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant.
                                        •  First aid kit.
                                        •  Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
                                        •  Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).
                                        •  Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
                                        •  One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek.
                                        •  All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary.
                                        What's Excluded
                                        • Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo).
                                        • International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight).
                                        • Diner and lunch in Kathmandu.
                                        • Personal  travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
                                        • Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary.
                                        • Personal expenses (phone calls, baggage charge, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).
                                        • Tips to the trekking crews and drive.
                                        • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control.
                                        Essential Info

                                        Suggested Equipment List

                                        • Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag that is to be returned after the trip).
                                        • Day pack.
                                        • Trekking shoes.
                                        • Sports shoes or sandals.
                                        • Sun Hat/cap.
                                        • Warm woolen cap.
                                        • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket.
                                        • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer.
                                        • Pullover or warm sweeter.
                                        • Raincoat.
                                        • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks.
                                        • Hand gloves.
                                        • 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.
                                        • 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.
                                        • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred).
                                        • Sun glasses.
                                        • Water bottle.
                                        • 4 season sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it. It is to be returned after the trip).
                                        •  Flash or Torch light.
                                        • Camera and batteries.
                                        FAQs
                                        • You come to the right place, where our program Lower Dolpo will fulfill your dreams and lifetime destination as Trekking Planner organizes and run this trip to Lower Dolpo which falls in the remote corners of the Far Western Himalayas of Nepal.

                                          On this trek where camping is involved as the area is quite raw to receive outside visitors with only a few lodges and inn to stay, where’s camping will be the right choice with full camping facilities of different kitchen units of cook-kitchen staff including guides and porters or pack animals to carry camping gears and baggage.

                                        • While almost all Himalayan mountainous region leads you through many ups and down with some gradual winding trail, from wide to narrow path on country rocky and muddy route sometimes where this trekking minimum altitude of 2,500 m to a maximum of 5,190m and 5,070 m high while crossing Numa-la and Baga-la passes.

                                        • Most of the main villages do have electricity supply either from the local hydro projects or from Solar power, where one can have the opportunity to charge their electronic gadgets at an extra cost of reasonable price for using the supply from the landlords or house owners.

                                          We suggest that one can carry a portable solar panel with batteries to charge their appliances in case of an emergency where villages can be far to reach, that is why camping is done mostly due to its remoteness. 

                                        • Our expert guides will accompany you to provide needful information and queries about Dolpo areas, from the history of mountaineering, flora-fauna, local culture, and religion and as well our guides and camping / trekking staff are well trained in medical and First Aid if the problem arises.

                                        • Our booking is open all year round after selecting the trip of your interest and choice, please book at least minimum of 4 weeks prior to group trip departure for private and tailor-made trips minimum of 2 weeks.

                                        • In this situation where our guides are well equipped with knowledge for emergency and medical purposes, depending upon the seriousness of the victims if it is critical where the nearest medical attention is needed.

                                          We call for immediate evacuation right option would be Helicopter services to reach victims for safety to the nearest medical station and hospital.

                                          For light AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), resting and drinking enough fluid leaving an extra guide to take care of sick clients till he/she recovers on route treks or help them to descend to safer areas and take an advance flight back to Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.

                                        • Always follow the rules of the company and guides/leader, most of the main sickness is stomach disorder due to change in foods and culture shocks. If people have traveled to Asia countries and know the food well will be not a problem.        

                                          Other factors might lead to altitude sickness known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can happen to any person if they are not careful by walking fast in higher elevations and might catch the symptoms of AMS.

                                          We have designed the itinerary days where people can acclimatize well with rest days in a couple of high places before reaching much higher to our goal and highlights.

                                          Some people might take Diamox pills, which are often used as high altitude pills, and should consult the doctors before taking the right dose, which helps to regulate the flow of blood systems from getting clots in high altitude. Where drinking plenty of fluids, water-juice and rehydration drinks including black warm tea also helps as taking much rest after getting tired.

                                        • Nepal Himalaya is for all seasons for soft trekking and sightseeing tours, Nepal has 4 main seasons'   spring, summer (Monsoon), autumn (fall) & winter. For Dolpo trekking best from April to November includes the monsoon months of July and August, as the Dolpo region falls within rain-shadow blocked by a high Himalayan mountain range.

                                        Client Reviews
                                        • rating star

                                          Dolpo and Limi valley with trekking planner.

                                          In September and October 2019 I trekked in Dolpo and Limi Valley with trekking planner. All together, it was my 4th trip with trekking planner. The year before I trekked from Kanchenjungabc to Makalu bc and trekked from Manasalu to Nar Phu. The owner of the company Dipak patiently worked with me before my arrival in Nepal, patiently helping me choose my ideal trek. Dipak was able to very quickly arrange all the flights, permits and logistics necessary for trekking in extremely remote areas of Nepal. One of the best things about trekking planner is the quality of the staff he hires. All 4 of my treks with trekking planner were led by Dhirendra Kharki, who I highly recommend. He is a wonderful guide especially if you want to by visit some of the more remote areas of Nepal. Altogether I have spent almost 90 days in the mountains with Dhirendra, so I know him very well. I have met many of Dipak's other guides and assistants in Kathmandu, and they are also very good people, I felt very at home in Nepal.

                                          TripAdvisor
                                          C
                                          CliffUnited States,Feb 01, 2020
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