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Lower Dolpo Trek

  • Duration 19
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate to Adventure
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals B,L & D.
  • Accommodation Tea House/Lodge
  • Max. Altitude 5315 m
  • Activity Trekking, Exploring
  • Group Type +2
  • Group Size 2-16
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights
  • A country of complete wilderness an old trans Himalayan Caravan trail of Nepal and Tibet.
  • Fascinating and beautiful landscapes where Snow-Leopard and herd of Blue Sheep dwell.
  • In the land of ancient Bon religion of pre-Buddhism with amazing impressive cultures.
  • Trekking within Nepal’s largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park and its scenic Ringmo Lake.
  • Explore Lower Dolpo of great interest that fascinates you within sheer tranquil surroundings.
  • Crossing high passes over Baga-la and Numa-la to reach the magnificent Lower Dolpo area.

Lower Dolpo Trek Overview

Lower Dolpo Trekking certainly excites and fascinates all types of interested trekkers and adventurers on this beautiful adventure within Nepal’s Far North-Western Himalaya within the scenic and awesome country of Dolpo. Lower Dolpo trekking where you can explore one of near vanishing cultures of ancient heritage the Bon sect of religion which is pre-Buddhism, worshipping nature and past soul spirits like the American native Indians, In-Ekes or Laplanders practice, quite similar which is interesting and impressive to observe on this amazing journey. An exciting flight from the capital Kathmandu takes you around Nepal Far South West into warmer sub-tropical areas of Nepalgunj of Indian environment and culture, being close to the border of India, where another short flight takes you to our actual starting point of the adventure Lower Dolpo Trekking.

From Jhupal walk begins heading to our destination at beautiful Phoksundo Lake an interesting walk heading past headquarters town of Dolpo at Dunai and into hill villages of ancient Nepalese tribe known as Malla Thakuri with well-maintained farm fields and terraces to reach our main highlight at Phoksundo also known as Ringmo Lake, with the village named Ringmo nearby. After a great moment with time to explore and enjoy its charming areas, our walk leads back to Jhupal taking a high and scenic route over high passes of Baga-la and Numa-la with exceptional scenery and views of the country with snow-capped peaks.

As the journey continues with the climb and descends to reach at wide and scenic Dho-Tarap Valley around impressive villages of Tokyu exploring its monasteries and observing its fascinating culture of ancient heritage, where walk leads to another nice village at Tarakot the main village with a history of Malla kingdom period. From this impressive village walking towards Dunai to reach Jhupal on completing our wonderful journey where scenic flight brings you back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj city to conclude our memorable adventure and overwhelming experience on Lower Dolpo Trekking.

 

Day to Day Itinerary
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On arrival at Kathmandu airport received by our guide and staff with transportation to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu at Thamel, an exciting place in Kathmandu, after checking in your rooms join the group for the Lower Dolpo Trekking briefing provided by our guides or leaders.

 

Morning sightseeing tour around interesting places of Kathmandu visiting world heritage sites of great wonders, where Hindu and Buddhism religions blend in perfect harmony. After an interesting tour with time to refresh and transfer to Kathmandu domestic air terminal for a scenic sweeping flight to land at Nepalgunj airport, during air grand views of the Himalayan range of mountains. At Nepalgunj transfer to its city hotels, with time to explore this interesting city similar to Indian Hindu culture with some Muslim people as this areas situated close to India border within Nepal Far South West of sub-tropical climate.

 

Morning another connecting flight of short hours in a smaller aircraft to land at Jhupal in Dolpo region airstrip, here meet our other trekking and camping staff and porters where few hour drives takes you to Duanai, headquarter and administrative town of Dolpo region here with time in the afternoon to roam around its bazaar of great interest to witness local people of Far Western Nepal.

 

With an interesting overnight stop at Dunai, where morning starts crossing over a bridge above Thulo Bheri River, as walk leads to a climb on a high hill and ridge towards Phuksumdo River valley facing views of Kagmara peaks, from here on downhill past farm villages within walnut groves getting close to a stream at Dhara, a small farm settlement, and taking short climb to reach Raha-Gaon village within Hindu populated with Thakuri people (the indigenous tribe of Nepal), from here on the downhill into a forested area then reaching our overnight camp in a small farm village called as Chhepka.

 

After Chhepka which is close to another village of Ankhe, as morning walk leads to a short climb with a descent into the woodland of tall pine and spruce tree lines reaching a river bank, where here climb leads after leaving the tree lines behind and then back into the forest after downhill to cross a small bridge reaching at Ryajik village, as walk leads beyond to our overnight camp close to the entrance of Phuksumdo National Park.

 

With lovely pleasant morning as our route takes you to beautiful Phoksundo Lake after walking past Pungmo Khola (stream) and its valley, where walk follows Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach the upper areas of Phoksundo Khola after a short rest continue to walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin where houses are built with mud and religious Buddhist Chorten or Mani (prayer) walls. From here a short walk leads to the bank of Phoksumdo Lake for overnight camp facing turquoise coloured Phoksumdo Lake.

 

A perfect spot for a rest day at this scenic spot, with ample time for short walks and hike with views of Kagmara peaks, and visit its interesting village of Ringmo village located close to the lake.

 

After an enjoyable and exciting time around Ringmo village within beautiful Phoksundo Lake, where morning walk takes you another inner side of the Dolpo area towards the east using an alternative route with high passes of Baga-la and Numa-la. As morning walk leads past Muduwa village and following a stream of Muduwa within a gorge to reach a small grazing area at Temche for an overnight stop near Ghuchun Khola (stream).

 

The morning begins taking a nice gradual path that leads uphill to cross over Baga-la at 5,165 meters high, a steep climb for nearly three hours to reach the top, on reaching pass rewards you with a breath-taking panorama of Phoksumdo lake with Kagmara peaks, after a short rest with excellent views. A long descent leads to overnight camp at Danigar or Phedi, which means base or the bottom of the hills and passes.

 

From this isolated and remote campsite, the morning starts with a climb to reach another pass Numa-la South at 5,315 meters, which is the highest spot of the adventure, where the climb leads on grassy slopes for nearly three hours to reach on top Numa-la facing glorious panorama with Dhaulagiri range and Kagmara peaks includes beautiful scenic valleys. After an enjoyable stop with views then downhill walk to the base of the pass, where walk leads about some hours to reach a gradual even trail then ending the day on a nice summer pasture field at the base or Phedi for overnight camping.

 

From the bottom and base of Numa-la, the morning starts with a steep climb to reach on top of a small ridge with grand views of the Dhaulagiri range, and then with a long descent to reach Modo valley, time permitting visit the monastery from here where the trail from Upper and Lower Dolpo joins. After visiting Modo and Khanger areas a good walk of a few hours reaches you to an interesting and most impressive village around Tokyu-Gaon for an overnight stop, one of the largest villages within the Dolpa area, as its consists of more than ten villages with nice tended farm fields having its old monasteries.

 

Enjoying lovely moments at Tokyu Gaon, the morning starts downhill heading toward Tarap Chu within a broad and wide green valley, this is one of the most beautiful valleys with lots of Yak herder’s temporary settlements. From here continue to walk to reach our overnight camp at Dho-Tarap, another interesting village with mixed tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

 

From Do-Tarap and its interesting village where morning leads to a long descent reaching at Tarap valley, the largest and longest valley of Dolpo which is about 20 k.m distance stretches from Tarap Chu River to Thuli Bheri River near at Tarakot village. The walk leads past Langa with wonderful views of cascading waterfalls where our route heads due south following a trail past Sisaul with smaller areas of Kesila around Yak herder’s temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

 

Today our journey leads towards the scenic valley of the Tarap area, as the walk enters into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Tol-Tol within the large overhanging cave, around this area chances of spotting some wild-life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. As the walk progress reaching a confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola Rivers, an overnight camp is made by the bank of the river after a long day walk of nearly six hours or more.

 

Morning walk begins by passing smaller rural farm villages and into the smaller woodland areas, where the route follows Tarap Chu all the way to reach Tarakot, one of the most interesting and largest villages with a heritage of ancient history, where in early days was a fort village taking toll and taxes from the trade between Nepal and Tibet on this Old Trans Himalayan Salt-Trade Route. Tarakot with well managed terraced farm fields with an old historical fortress known as Dzong or Kot in local and Nepalese languages which guarded the village against outside invaders. Tarakot village houses the famous old Sandul Gomba situated on the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is set.

 

Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride. headquarters and administrative town of Dolpo region here with time in the afternoon to roam around its bazaar of great interest to witness local people of Far Western Nepal.

 

As per flight time for Nepalgunj city, morning with final moment within Dolpo at Jhupal walk to its small airstrip, where short scenic flight drops you at Nepalgunj airport, here with time for refreshment before connecting flight in a larger plane to Kathmandu taking approx: 50 minutes to reach Kathmandu, after an exciting flight with mountain views on reaching at the airport transfer for a short ride to your hotel, after a most remarkable adventure on Upper Dolpo afternoon with ample time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

 

Today, your last day in amazing Nepal with great experience and fond memories of excellent adventure on Lower Dolpo trekking, as per your time for an international flight, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.

 

Heaven Nepal Adventure our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per itinerary suggested.
  • Deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Welcome & farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
  • Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jhuphal and return by flight
  • Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) in during the trek Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
  • Comfortable & clean accommodation on tea house/lodge/tent during the trek
  • Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
  • All necessary paper works, Lower Dolpo entry fee and permits & TIMS card
  • Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Heaven Nepal Adventure duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • First aid exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
  • Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara except welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
  • Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal trekking Equipment Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower
  • Tips for driver, guides and porters Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form or reasons beyond our control
  • Any extending trips
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Departure Dates
Useful Info

Meals and Accommodations:

In major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will get multiple options to choose from, from cheap lodges to extravagant 5 stars hotels. Likewise, you will also get to choose from a wide range of cuisines while in the major cities. However, once you move away from the cities, the options for meals and accommodations in Nepal will become limited. During the treks, the best accommodations available are lodges and teahouses. They provide basic facilities for dining and lodging. These places mostly serve traditional Nepali food “Daal Bhat Tarkari” (rice, pulses, and vegetables). Similarly, there are several other food varieties like Momo, Thukpa, and Thakali food available across Nepal.

Banking, ATMs, and Money in Nepal:

Nepalese Rupees are the official currency of Nepal. The banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 whereas coins of 1 and 2 are available in Nepal.
While travelling to Nepal, banking and money exchange are not a huge deal in big cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. When you head to rural areas, the availability of banks, ATMs, and money exchange booths becomes fairly scarce. So, it best to withdraw enough cash and exchange the currency at major cities.

You can also exchange foreign currencies into Nepali Rupees at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You need to be updated about the exchange rates which are available at the official website of Neal Rastra Bank at https://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate.php.

Sightseeing Tour:

We will brief you about your sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and trekking and we will be giving you an information file, and importantly introduced your tour/trekking guide.

Trekking Crews:

You will provide government registered, well-trained English Speaking guide, who has to acknowledge responsible tourism flew of areas and eco-friendly tourism
We also provide an assistant guide (call is Sherpa) if you’re on a group 4-5 people, who are ready to help you with every situation. Also provide one porter is every two members of the group, and he will be carrying a bag pack not more than 25kg. We get our crews’ life get insured.

Documentation:

After your trip is over, we will provide you (HNA) adventure certificate =region.

Size of Group:

Trekking Group Size of minimum 2-10 people. In case you want to travel alone, please do not hesitate to write back to us. We will plan consequently. In the case in your group more than ten people, please let us know so that we can make advance require and improvise plans and itinerary.

Acclimatization:

Trekking on the Everest Region much difficult as it is even more technical. We give you special priority to its technical sides for as well. For this, we have planned an itinerary to allow you to get acclimatize naturally. We know a particular location where you need to stay for rest to acclimatize, and the particular distance you need to walk slowly pace study and so on. In case you get AMS, we have to crews who know how to deal with, it effectively and smartly.

Altitude Sickness:

While trekking in Nepal is extremely satisfying, altitude sickness might get a better hold of you at times. The air pressure and oxygen concentration decrease the higher you travel. As such, altitude sickness is an illness that a human body suffers from due to these reasons. The symptoms of the sickness include lack of appetite, nausea, weakness, lightheartedness, sleep disturbance, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms generally appear when moving upwards of the height 2,400 meters from the sea level.

You can adopt different measures to avoid altitude sickness like a walk with a slow and steady pace, avoid smoking, and stop at different stations to acclimatize. Before beginning your trek, make sure you have a first aid kit with ibuprofen or paracetamol and Diamox. If anyone falls victim to altitude sickness, it is necessary to inform the trip leader and descend to a lower altitude. In extreme cases, it might also be necessary to perform Heli rescue and emergency evacuations.

Travel Insurance:

Accidents can happen anywhere so, it is recommended for all the tourists to get travel insurance before visiting Nepal. Depending upon the insurance policy and the company, the insurance will look after tragic like theft, loss or accidental damage of gears and other belongings, baggage, and medical emergencies. Likewise, the insurance should also include helicopter evacuation and any kinds of mishaps that might occur during adventure sporting like bungee jumping, rafting, and zip-lining. No one is capable of foreseeing the accidents, but each individual can by themselves an insurance policy to lessen the effects of the accident.

Internet and Communication:

It is quite easy to access the Internet in Nepal. Using Wi-Fi is a widely used way to communicate and use the Internet. Wi-Fi is easily available in major cities and even in some remote destinations. When trekking to remote locations, Wi-Fi might not always be available; so, using cellular data is the best way to communicate over the Internet. You can buy a Sim-card in Nepal at a reasonable price which allows you to make an international call. Also, you can use mobile data while you are in the areas without Wi-Fi. Telephone, Fax, and newspapers are few other forms of communication in Nepal.

Pre-respond to Altitude Sickness?

Please consult your physician Please keep on informing our crews if you feel uneasy
• Please do walk in the group so that you can help each other
• Please do carry Diamox (Acetazolamide

Popular Destinations to Visit:
There are numerous travel destinations in Nepal; each with a unique identity and story of its own. Kathmandu is one of such destinations, with dozens of sightseeing to do, eateries to try out, and handicrafts to shop. Next up is Pokhara which enchants its visitors with its serene lakes and the enthralling views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Fishtail ranges. Similarly, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bandipur, and Palpa are few other destinations which are ripe for tours and leisurely vacations. Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are two of the most popular destinations for jungle safari and wildlife exploration.

As of adventure sports, Kathmandu and Pokhara offer plenty of choices including rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and paragliding. Likewise, the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions stand out as the prominent destinations for treks, peak climbing trips, and expeditions.

Things to do in Nepal:
The nation is considered to be a paradise for trekkers and grants an exciting number of choices. On these treks, you will witness the grand views of the Himalayas and cultural prosperity of the ethnic communities along the trails. Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are two of the most popular treks in Nepal.

For those who are not satisfied with just gazing up to the mountains, you can go for a mountaineering expedition and peak climbing. While expeditions take you to mountains above the height of 6,500 meters, the destinations of peak climbing trips are low-lying peaks which can be summited even by amateurs. Everest (8848m), Annapurna (8091m), and Ama Dablam (6856m) are popular expedition sites whereas Island Peak (6189m), Mera Peak (6476m), and Pisang Peak (6091m) are the notable peak climbing destinations.

Short tours and sightseeing in Nepal are also quite popular among travellers in Nepal. Likewise, adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking are also among the things that can be done in Nepal.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal:
The country lies on the temperate zone and has four distinct climates: spring, summer (with monsoon), autumn, and winter. Normally, the best time to trek in Nepal is during March-May (spring) when the skies are clear, trails are filled blooming flora, and the temperature is just the right.

Another appropriate season is mid-September to November (autumn), during which the temperature is moderate, skies are clear, and mountain views are stunning. The summer season (June – August) is occupied by heavy rainfall increasing the chances of landslides in the hills, while the winter season brings in harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. However, there are treks which can be done during winter and monsoon as well.

Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang regions lie in the rain-shadow area so, they are ideal trek destinations during monsoon. Likewise, easy and low-altitude treks like Ghorepani Poonhill and Tamang Heritage Trek are perfect during the winter season.

FAQs
  • Depending upon how you take it, you must be aware that Nepal and all Himalayan countries are hilly and mountainous areas, where much of the walk leads to ups and down with some gradual winding trail to cope. However, on this trek which is similar to other Himalayan walks, the only long and steep climb is going up several high passes over Baga-la and Numa-La above 5,000 m, and then with a long stretch of downhill, walking is not as tough and hard as it looks. As we have maintained walking itinerary days to suit interested people to enjoy scenic views with time to acclimatize to the altitude.

     

  • Around Nepal Far West a mixture of Buddhists in the lower area with Hindu people of Brahmin-Chettries-Dalits and Magar tribes, as walk leads higher region of Lower and Inner Dolpo dominated by Dolpa people of Tibetan origin with same Buddhist culture and religion. On this trek, Lower Dolpo witness the fascinating culture and traditional farm life of the hill people of Dolpo visiting its monasteries and villages with the ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism which is of great interest to witness.

     

  • From a minimum of 3-4 people in the group with a maximum of 10-15 persons in the group, in some cases we do allow booking for a single person as well, running independently at an extra cost than in groups.

     

  • The season-wise, where best time is from April to May when most of the day is clear with minimum temperatures of 0° to 20° Celsius depending upon the altitude and areas. Where most of the morning till middays clears for views and walks, sometimes afternoon can get overcast with chances of light rains and snow. Dolpo can be visited during the monsoon months of July and August as the area falls within the rain-shadow area blocked by the high Himalayan mountain range.

     

  • Tea-House is the word used in the early days when there were smaller numbers of lodges on route trekking, at present only a few main towns and villages like Jhupal and Daunai have more lodges to stay with simple and basic facilities. On this trek to Dolpo where camping is organized as this region falls within a remote and isolated part of the country, camping is the best way to enjoy this adventure around Dolpo region with complete camping facilities of different units of the kitchen with cook-kitchen staff-guide and porters, carrying much of foods from Kathmandu itself.

     

  • Most of the places do not have electricity on route trekking some villages run by their own small hydro-power like in Tokyu or Tarakot, much of the electric supply is private and individual of the village and some lodge owners with sun / solar power to activate electric just for the lodge and as well for customers to charge their computers and cell-phones.

     

  • 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 much critical where nearest medical attention is needed, we call for immediate evacuation for Helicopter services to reach the victims 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 taking an advance flight back to Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.

     

  • Meals are prepared by our head camping chef with varied items, all foods are carefully prepared with much hygiene concern, with good breakfast-lunch and dinner with afternoon tea and snacks prepared by our camping cook and staff.

     

  • Well hearing rumours and seeing for your own self is a different picture, to be honest, some people are not used to Asian and spicy foods, that’s why people could get sick with the change of diets as well. To be on the healthy side before and after the treks is to get advice from your guides on what will be the best food to consume while on treks, we strongly suggest staying away from meats items in the first place, as it is not hygienic could be stale meat of a week time or more. If you go with vegetarian sometimes will be the best option to stay healthy till you get immune to the local environment and culture.

     

  • In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor’s advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like a medicine against diarrhoea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well. On every trip of ours, we carry comprehensive medical kits which will be carried by our trekking staff, guides or group leader for common use if required as for your own personal illness, where your doctors might have recommended some medicine to carry with you.

     

  • Always abide by 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 travelled in Asia countries and know the food well will be not a problem. Other factors might leads to altitude sickness known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can happen to any people 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 who might take Diamox pills, which is often used as high altitude pills, should consult their doctors before taking the right dose, which helps to regulate the flow of blood systems from getting clots at high altitude. Where drinking plenty of fluids, water juice and rehydration drink including black warm tea also helps and taking much rest after getting tired.

     

  • Depending upon your time and duration for the trek you can book this trip at least 2-3 weeks ahead of our departure dates for the trek, with advance payment as per the norms and rules of the company. Make sure that you have checked your medical and physical fitness before signing for the trip and as well purchasing medical and travel insurance which is very important for this kind of adventurous trek in Nepal Himalaya.

     

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