Journey details
Lower Dolpo & Lake Phoksumdo Trek - Trip Overview
Lower Dolpo and the Phoksumdo Lake hiking is a wonderful journey through spectacular remote villages, rural areas, and valleys, with wonderful views of Dolpo and Tibet mountain peaks. The entire route included in the remote cultural destination in Nepal, on the old caravan route through the Himalayas, the former Bon-Po (prebudist) traditional village culture, snow leopard trails, Wild West on the peaks of alpine background in Nepal, calm Forest and the original lake is the main features of the area. This will be the remote Himalayan region trails.
This is Located in the Himalayas of Nepal, the northern border of Tibet (China,) Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park. The area is composed of Eric Valli in his Oscar-nominated film 1999 in the Himalayas or caravan promotion, which establishes caravan of real yaks fall Dolpo mountains and the local form of the tribal peoples of life. It also retains the roots and traditions and religious makes Bang Bao Buddhist Tibet, which is still in practice today.
Lower Dolpo, still underdeveloped, being true to its neighborhood isolation. One can feel the time has remained for centuries because residents continue to maintain their livelihood and way of life in the traditional way. Trekking in Nepal can be the best adventure, history and cultural trips.
Trip Profile
Trekking in the Dolpo region has its own charm, people here still lead a primitive life, yet they are friendly.
Pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced.
The trail goes over three high passes, the Kagmara La
, Baga La
and Numa La
Accommodations
We will be staying at 3-star hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. And Single supplement will be served on request and will have an additional cost. We will have rooms with attached washrooms in most parts of the trek but according to place it can be afforded. In higher elevations, single rooms are not available like in Kathmandu and the lower elevation regions but Himalayan Adventure Nepal will do our best for your happiness.
Meals
All meals will be served during hiking, while Kathmandu and Pokhara only offer breakfast. The hotel will also offer a welcome and farewell dinner. The most common dishes on most menus are Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the most common Continental.
Can I accomplish this trek?
Trekking in Dolpo region is a spectacular trip which is a moderate and suitable for trekkers who can walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light backpack. You do not have any technical skill except your perfect physical health. To accomplish this trek you need to have basic good health However, it is always best to start jogging and exercising regularly at least a month before commencing the actual trek. If you have any disease please kindly inform to Himalayan Adventure Nepal .
Best Time to Travel
Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and spring (March to May) are the best seasons for this trek. If you have some other time than this we can customize and make the trip viable.
Additional Information
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. If you have some query please directly call us at any time. Your happiness is our success.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1 Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
After breakfast the day will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; including visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess) in central Kathmandu. Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.
Day 3 Flight from Kathmandu to Nepaljung
Today as per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj you will be transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. We will transfer you to the hotel and rest of the time explores the surrounding southern Nepal border with India and market areas, overnight at hotel.
Day 4 Fly to Jhupal (Dolpo) (2,320m/7,610ft) & trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft), 2-3 hrs walk
Today after an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jhupal, a super scenic flight of 45minutes brings you at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Himalayan peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our other trekking staffs will receive you. Our first day adventure begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. You have time to stroll around for local knowledge. Overnight at the camp.
Day 5 Trek to Tarakot (2,850m/9,348ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Today after breakfast we start our trek continues along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meter above the river, to Tarakot where colorful terraced field greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu (river). The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. Overnight camp is made by the river about 150 m below the village, near the police post or we climb a steep ridge for an hour to the village on a spur, where there are chorten in a Gompa on the edge of grassy plateau, with a solitary tree. We settle camp for overnight.
Day 6 Trek to Khani Gaon (2,543m/8,341ft), 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast we continuous our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages of Sahartera and winding gradually towards a small settlement of Kola after 3-4 hrs of good morning walk. From this place descend with few ups to reach our overnight camp at Khani gaun with another 2 hrs of trek and overnight camp near by the village backyard.
Day 7 Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m/11,316ft), 4-5 hrs walk
After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. In some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed by the monsoon flood, and we may opt to cross the cold torrent on foot and overnight at camp by the river near before Kamattarka village.
Day 8 Trek to Yak Kharka (3800m/12,464ft), 4-5 hrs walk
After breakfast we start our trek with a pleasant walk and with most scenic landscapes and easily get to the Yak Kharka. We will have lunch at the middle of the way. Camp will set up as before and we overnight at tented camp at Yak Kharka.
Day 9 Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Our morning walks begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himlayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregualr stone wall. At Dho, thirty -four houses are divided into three groups and built in a randomly way. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations also inhabit Tarap. Overnight Camp by the village yard.
Day 10 Rest Day at Dho Tarap for acclimatization
Today is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. 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 Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk.
Day 11 Trek to Tokyu Gaun 5-6 hrs walk
After a wonderful time here at Dho Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending twenty kilo meters along the river Tarap Chu, having ten villages with cultivated fields of barley, buck wheat, wheat and potato. After 3-4 hrs of good walk in this perfect tranquillity coming to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village our walk continues further up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.
Day 12 Trek to Numa La
Today, we start our trek after breakfast with scenic view but gaining high altitudes and feel short breathing. We will have short day but feel little hard during the walk. Even a great day at the high altitude and we'll reach at the camp for overnight.
Day 13 Cross Numa La (5,190m/17,023ft), and camp at Phedi
After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow capped peaks. This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. It takes 6-7 hrs and after top at Numala we will descends another bottom part known as Phedi and overnight.
Day 14 Cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp on the other side of the Phedi (4,470m/14,662ft)
After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Phedi and overnight.
Day 15 Trek to Ringmo(3,600m/11,808ft), 6-7 hrs walks
After breakfast our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field 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 and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo.
Day 16 Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and with a great views overnight at camp.
Day 17 Trek to chepka(2260m/7412ft)
From Chepka, the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to the pasture at Chepka. We camp at Chepka.
Day 18 Trek to Jhupal
Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like.
Day 18 Fly to Kathmandu via Nepaljung
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. The rest of the day in Kathmandu can be spent shopping and general sightseeing.
Day 20 Rest day in Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore the city including the temples and sites of Thamel area. At the evening you'll transfer for farewell dinner in one of the Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 Departure
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
Your trip price
What your journey covers.
Cost Included
- Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (16 nights).
- All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
- Local English-speaking trekking guide having licensed. An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
- National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
- Free HAN T shirt, bag and Hat.
- Official expenses.
- Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
- Day guided city tour
- All Domestic flights and airport tax as listed in the itinerary.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
Cost Not Included
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Depending on your budget, it may cost about USD 15 to USD 20 per person.
- Travel Insurance (compulsory!), which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa - You can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 40 and 100 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking equipment (click on the Equipment tab).
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.
- 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
- Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control
- World heritage entrance Fees.
