Holiday Overview

Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek is situated in the western part of Nepal, extending north from the Dhaulagiri Range and residing in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. This geographical setting is evident in the vibrant barren slopes of the mountains. The area features one of the deepest Himalayan Lakes, Phokhsundo, adorned with stunning turquoise blue water. Here, amidst the breathtaking landscape, one can witness the intriguing sight of yak caravans engaged in the traditional salt trade with Tibet.

During the summer, these caravans, comprising yaks and sheep, traverse the valley along a trade route through the Himalayas. This not only facilitates the exchange of goods but also fosters the sharing of ideas between the Tibetan Plateau and the valleys of Nepal.

Dolpo, known as the land of the Oscar-nominated Caravan film, Thinley, harbors a culture reminiscent of nearby Tibet that has preserved its originality for centuries. National Geographic, through the lens of Eric Valli, has brought the Dolpo region to global attention, showcasing its integrity and mystical allure.

The Dolpo Trek beckons real adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. This trek traverses the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, treating trekkers to spectacular mountain vistas, Buddhist monasteries, and the captivating presence of yak caravans. The journey unfolds through wooded areas and rugged canyons, revealing the stark beauty of the barren plateau.

Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights:

Explore world heritage sites, including Buddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar square

Immerse in the culture and lifestyle of Bon Buddhism adherents

Follow the ancient Himalayan trade route

Trace the footprints of ancient trans-Himalayan traders

Visit revered ancient and artistic monasteries

Lower Dolpo Trek Features:

Total Duration: 17 nights/18 days

Maximum Elevation: 5,650m/18,532ft

Tour Grading: Moderate to strenuous

Best Season: May to November

The tour starts/ends in Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and tented accommodation during the trek

Lower Dolpo Trek

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Holiday Summary

Day 01-02: Arrival in Kathmandu and Sightseeing

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj

Day 04-16: On Trek

Day 17: Back to Kathmandu

Day 18: Departure

Day-to-day Brief Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

( Altitude: 1300m, Duration: 45 minutes )

Duration:

45 minutes

Altitude:

1300m

Destination:

Kathmandu

Visit Kailash representative welcomes you with a flower garland, Sagun, and drinking water in Kathmandu airport then immediate transfer to the hotel. He / She will deliver a short briefing on immediate and further arrangements. Check in to the hotel, free time for rest.

Guided sightseeing and trip briefing

Altitude:

1300m

Destination:

Kathmandu

Guided sightseeing to UNESCO World Heritage site, Pashupatinath Temple, Baudhanath stupa & Patan Durbar Square, There will be a detailed briefing on the Dolpa trek and its preparations in the evening

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel.

( Altitude: 300m, Duration: 1 hour )

Duration:

1 hour

Altitude:

300m

Destination:

Nepalgunj

An hour's flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is the western low land of Nepal which is the gateway to Humla and dolpa. We have to also prepare for tomorrow's flight to Jhupal.

Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal. (Dolpo) 2,320m and trek to Dunai.

( Altitude: 2850m, Duration: 1 hour flight/2-3 hours trek )

Duration:

1 hour flight/2-3 hours trek

Altitude:

2850m

Destination:

Dunai

The morning flight to Jhupal brings you to Dolpa over the Himalayan foothills, After arriving at Jhupal preparations day starts through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking to Dunai is the administrative headquarters, Overnight at the guest house/camp

Dunai - Trek to Tarakot.

( Altitude: 2543m, Duration: 5-6 hours )

Duration:

5-6 hours

Altitude:

2543m

Destination:

Tarakot

Morning trek starts along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. Deep gorges, bridges, and isolated villages. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path was built about seven meters above the river. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River Overnight at camp.

Tarakot - Trek to Laini.

( Altitude: 3160m, Duration: 6-7 hours )

Duration:

6-7 hours

Altitude:

3160m

Destination:

Laini

Day starts following the Tarapchu River upstream, crossing the river twice over a bridge. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, finally descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini.

Laini - Trek to Nawarpani.

( Altitude: 3545m , Duration: 6-7 hours )

Duration:

6-7 hours

Altitude:

3545m

Destination:

Newarpani

Trek starts with walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The trek is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chyugur Khola. Trek to camp overnight.

Nawarpani- Trek to DhoTarap

( Altitude: 4090m, Duration: 7-8 hours )

Duration:

7-8 hours

Altitude:

4090m

Destination:

Dho Tarap

Trek begins with a gradual up leading us to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After a few hours of walking leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines of juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys, bringing us to the village of DhoTarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley, both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in camp.

Rest Day at DhoTarap for acclimatization.

Destination:

Dho Tarap

Acclimatization day at DhoTarap, the day will be spent visiting monasteries and enjoying the breathtaking views. The Dolpo people wear home-spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. 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 of the Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is near to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre-Buddhist).

10:

DhoTarap - Trek to Numa La Base Camp.

( Altitude: 4440m, Duration: 7-8 hours )

Duration:

7-8 hours

Altitude:

4440m

Destination:

Numa La Base Camp

Trek towards upper Tarap Valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patches of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours' good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visiting this village trek continues further up to the valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours arriving at overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.

11:

Numa La Base Camp- Cross Numa La 5,190m, and trek to Pelung Tang

( Altitude: 4465 m, Duration: 6-7 hours )

Duration:

6-7 hours

Altitude:

4465 m

Destination:

Pelung Tang

Trek leads to a steep climb to the top ridge of Numa la (5,190m) with great views of the surrounding landscapes. An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8167m). After getting to the top of Numa La we will descend to camp at Pelung Tang.

12:

Pelung Tang - Cross Baga La. 5070m. and camp Dajok Tang.

( Altitude: 4080m, Duration: 6-7 hours )

Duration:

6-7 hours

Altitude:

4080m

Destination:

Dajok Tang

Today's trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la (5,070m), which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and the distant snowcapped peaks of Kanjirowa mountain range, after a glorious moment at the pass, a downhill trek brings to the Dajok Tang for overnight.

13:

Dajok Tang -Trek to Ringmo. 4hrs

( Altitude: 3600m, Duration: 4-5 hours )

Duration:

4-5 hours

Altitude:

3600m

Destination:

Ringmo Gaoun

After breakfast, our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture fields and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo. Camp on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake

14:

Day at Ringmo-Explore around.

Altitude:

3600m

Destination:

Ringmo Gaoun

An exploration day. Remember the harrowing scene of Eric Valli’s in 'Himalaya' when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the 'Devil's Trail'. Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje. This is a pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and the chance to explore the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo.

15:

Ringmo - Trek to Shyanta

( Altitude: 2520m, Duration: 6-7 hours )

Duration:

6-7 hours

Altitude:

2520m

Destination:

Shyanta

Trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal minerals which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta.

16:

Shyanta - Trek to Jhupal.

( Altitude: 2320m, Duration: 4-5 hours )

Duration:

4-5 hours

Altitude:

2320m

Destination:

Jhuphal

Morning trek leads gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. From atop the ridge, spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Overnight in camp/guest house.

17:

Jhupal - Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

( Altitude: 1300m, Duration: 4-5 hours )

Duration:

4-5 hours

Altitude:

1300m

Destination:

kathmandu

Early morning flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. After arriving at Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Soon arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel, overnight.

18:

Final Departure.

Visit Kailash will provide a private vehicle for the airport drop.

What's Included

All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles
Three-night accommodation in 3-star hotel Kathmandu, one 1nights in a guest house in Nepalgunj/Jupal with breakfast and tented accommodation during trek in the mountain with three meals.
All domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj – Jhuphal - Nepalgunj- Kathmandu)
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees
All necessary staff with experienced English-speaking guides, cooks, and porters to carry luggage. Including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Camping equipment, similar kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment
Travel and rescue arrangements
Lower Dolpo permit and arrangement
Sey-Phoksumdo National park fee
All government and local taxes

What's not Included

Nepal Visa and International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and Medical insurance
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu if early return, late departure, early return from trek (due to any unforeseen reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled water, etc.)
Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20 kg of luggage domestic flight)
Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
Tips and gratitude to the staff

Holiday Extensions

The following extensions are available to add to your itinerary either before or after the trip.

Trek to Beni via Dhorpatan hunting reserve
Dolpa to Rara via Jumla
To Mugu & Rara via upper Dolpo
Upper Doplpo trek to Jomsom

Please contact us for further information and the best price.

Date & Price

Arrival in Kathmandu

Departure from Kathmandu

Availability

Tour Cost

Lower Dolpo Trek

Holiday Overview

Lower Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights:

Lower Dolpo Trek Features:

Lower Dolpo Trek

Holiday Summary

Day-to-day Brief Itinerary

What's Included

What's not Included

Holiday Extensions

Date & Price

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