The Lower Dolpo Trek is meant for real adventurers who wish to an associate off-the-beaten-path experience. This remote region in western Nepal was opened for foreigners entirely in 1990. Our trek takes us through a forest, then load through rugged canyons inside the barren highland near the border with Tibet. Once you arrive in the capital of Nepal Kathmandu, build a historical and cultural tour of Kathmandu whereas we’ve got an inclination to amass a special give the lower Dolpo trekking. Then we’ve got an inclination to require our flight to Juphal via Nepalgunj. Experience the high-altitude champaign and rocks and conjointly the microclimate of Lower Dolpo and Phoksundo with the cold air of the glaciers of Kanjirowa.
Make a gathering with the remote the Himalaya of Dolpo, the land of the Oscar-nominated Caravan fame, Thinley, a culture close to Tibet that has survived its originality for many years. attributable to the coverage of National Geographic Fame Eric Valley, the Dolpo region of Nepal has been shown altogether its integrity and full mystical experience. Along with one amongst the deepest chain of mountains Lakes, the Phoksundo with beautiful turquoise blue water, watch the yak caravans that maintain the conventional salt trade with Tibet. The region lies a lot north from the crown zero in the realm of the vary – reflected inside the colorful barren slopes of the mountains where the play of sunshine and shadow is also a perpetual fascinating spectacle. In summer, the caravans of yaks and sheep run through this depression on a trade route through the various and allow the exchange of not entirely product but to boot ideas between the Tibetan highland and conjointly the valleys of Nepal.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Adventure Team. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, it all depends upon your interests and condition.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
We start a guided tour to four of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingam or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning “the self-existent” is popular among foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu. Breakfast (B)
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
We take an hour’s flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj which is a border town near the Nepal-India border is the gateway to Simikot of Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town of Nepal with influences from both the Nepal hills and plains well as local Hindu & Muslim cultures. Some sightseeing places in Nepalgunj include Mini Zoo, Muslim bazaar, or if possible and interested taking a walk into nearby villages. We have to also make preparation for tomorrow’s flight to Jhupal. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m/7,610ft] and trek to Dunai [2,850m/9,348ft]: 2-3 hrs walk
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45minutes flight over the high mountains brings you to Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our trekking staff 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. Explore Dunai in the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot [2,543m/8,341ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast, we start our trek continues along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. Deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meters above the river. The colorful terraced field of Tarakot greets us. 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 at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Trek to Laini [3,160 m/10,365 ft]: 6-7 hrs
After breakfast, we continue our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbing Khola and Tarup chu River. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, we finally, descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini. (B, L, D)
DAY 07: Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m/11,627 ft]: 5 hrs
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 a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chyugur Khola. 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. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m/13,415ft]: 7-8 hrs
Our morning walk 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 a 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 hour or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap 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. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
We spend a rest day in Do Tarap to gradually get used to the altitude. Time to visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views. Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favor Tibetan style Zomba 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 nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre-Buddhist) is about half an hour’s walk. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m/14,563 ft]: 6-7 hrs
After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows this plain valley with a patch of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of the 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. A few hours’ good walks take us to the village of Tokyu, which has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visiting 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. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Cross Numa La [5,190m/17,023ft], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m/14,645 ft]: 6-7 hrs
This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to the crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to a steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la 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. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Cross Baga La [5,070m/16,630ft] and camp Dajok Tang [4,080m/13,382ft]: 6 hrs
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 the downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft): 3-4 hrs walk
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. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
A rest and exploration day. And of course, we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake; remember the harrowing scene 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 visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk partway around the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with a great view. overnight at camp. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Trek to Shyanta [2520m/8265 ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
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. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Trek to Jhupal
Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. 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. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping and celebrate farewell dinner together with your guide. Overnight at Kathmandu. (B, L, D)
Day 18: Final Departure
We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time.