Lower Dolpo Trekking- 18 Days

Lower Dolpo Trekking is quite unique and offers a distinct experience that can’t be found in the rest of Nepal, in terms of its landscape and cultural traditions. This trek is not as strenuous as the Upper Dolpa Trek but it would be a mistake to underwrite what this region has to offer.  

Geographically, this region is nestled between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges and only opened for tourism since 1989. Even since then, this region has seen sparse visitors because of its remote location and lack of infrastructures (almost non-existent!) that would make for a comfortable and easy trek. Despite that, after proper organization and good guidance, this trek rewards the daring ones with remarkable landscapes, unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient Bon religion, and indigenous people leading traditional life that hasn’t changed much, as if time stopped moving forward and stood still!

Lower Dolpo Trekking
Lower Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo is located in the western region of Nepal. Dolpo is the name of the district, which is known as the biggest district of Nepal in terms of area. This region is still untouched by modernization and we can find the true face and culture of  Nepal .

Amazing Lower Dolpo Trekking

Lower Dolpo Trekking promises a unique adventure to any traveler, local or foreign. This outstanding trekking package is designed to take you to a mystical place that is not only rich in culture but also offers picturesque views that are unmatched.

This region is extremely diverse when it comes to flora and fauna and quite famous for Nepal’s largest park, “Shey-Phoksundo-National Park”, renowned for the highest concentration of various species of plants and animals for its size. Northern regions contain barren areas of the upper Himalayas. The Trans-Himalayan slope lands consist of some rhododendron, caragana shrubs, salix, juniper, white Himalayan birch, and the occasional silver fir dominate the high meadows of the Himalayas. Less than five percent of the park is forested, with much of it lying in the southern portion. The park also contains 286 species of ethnobotanical importance. 

Lower Dolpo Trekking permits to visit the National park that provides important habitats for endangered species including the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, and blue sheep. Goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, leopard, Himalayan black bear, and yellow-throated marten are also found in the park. The park is home to six reptiles and 29 species of butterfly, including the highest flying butterfly in the world, Paralasa nepalaica. The park provides habitat for over 200 species of birds, such as Tibetan partridge, wood snipe, white-throated tit, wood accentor, and crimson-eared rosefinch

Lower Dolpo Trekking
Lower Dolpo Trekking

In Lower Dolpo Trekking one traverses through the small, ancient, and sparsely spread out villages that are imbued with the essence of Tibetan Buddhism and the indigenous Bon-Po religion, it will be quite a treat to see the heavy reflection of Tibetan culture and way of life in day to day life of the inhabitants.  

The arduous yet scenic high passes, the magnificent sight of Kanjirowa Himalayan Range, stunning Phoksundo lake, diverse flora and fauna and a chance to peek into the life of the authentic Tibetan way of life makes Lower Dolpo Trekking worth it. If you don’t shy away from unique adventure and challenges, then this trek is for you. In fact, we are fond of saying if the challenges are not unique, then it ain’t no adventure!

Trip Package Highlights

  • Flight to Juphal Airport for Lower Dolpa Trekking
  • Trek by Bheri River
  • Experienced Guide
  • Shey Phoksundo Lake trek
  • Unique landscape and diverse Culture

Itinerary

Welcome to Kathmandu, an ancient city rich in cultural heritages, vibrant and full of diversity in every sense of the word. Our guide will receive you at the gate of Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) with your name on the board. He/she will brief you about your schedule and information you might need the most while driving towards hotel room. We make sure your are comfortable and leave the rest of the day to yourself to relax.

We drive towards one of the most ancient, believed to be self-emerged atop green hillock west of Kathmandu, a great stupa of Swayambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old. The pilgrim’s approach to the shrine is through a wooded park up a steep flight of 300 stone steps, lined with stone sculpture of animals and birds, vehicle of gods. Our guide will brief you while exploring the sites.

We drive towards east of Kathmandu valley to one of the important World Heritage Sites “Pashupatinath” a Hindu temple. The main deity is Shiva, both destroyer and creator. Throughout the year, Shiva is worshipped at Pashupatinath as a linhum(phallus) in his incarnation as the Lord Pashupati. The Bagmati River is linded with dharmsalas and cremation ghats. There is usually cremation in progress on one of the platforms of the river. The ashes will be scattered in the river, regarded as holy as it flows into the sacred Ganges.

Drive to hotel and pre-briefing about schedule, our plan for trek. Guide will assist you to prepare your necessary gears if you need.

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo, and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

We fly to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure to Lower Dolpo Trekking. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.

After breakfast our trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Our trail also includes a tremendous gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the colorful, terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight in Tarakot.

We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. After ascending and descending for a while, we finally reach Laini. Overnight in Laini.

We climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani.

We begin today’s trek by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. After walking for several more hours, we reach the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in Do Tarap.

The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor 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 (Buddhist sects). Overnight in Do Tarap.

We trek towards the upper Tarap valley enjoying views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high

mountains. A few hours' good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a rough trail before reaching the Numa La Base Camp. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

Today is going to be the toughest and one of the longest days of our trek. After breakfast, we begin crossing the Numa La pass on a steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the ridge we get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang.

After breakfast we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

We spend most of today’s trek on trails alongside beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo Village. The village is a traditional Tibetan village of the Dolpo region. Overnight in Ringmo.

Today we explore the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shores. We see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. The scene is even depicted in a Hollywood movie ‘Caravan’ shot mostly in this location. On our way to the lake, we also tour a nearby monastery. Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake’s shores. Overnight at Phoksundo.

We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight in Shyanta.

We march towards Jhupal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. From atop a ridge, we get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village 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 taking a rest. Overnight in Jhupal.

We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Package Inclusion and Exclusion

Price Includes

  • Pickups and drop-offs from airport/hotel
  • Accommodation in 3 star or any equivalent hotel in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation at Teahouse/Lodge during the trek
  • All three meals (BLD) per day during the trek/climb
  • Wages, lodging, accommodation, insurance and meals for the guide and porter
  • Professional, well-trained and multilingual guide
  • Strong, experienced and capable porter
  • Domestic flights ticket as well as airport taxes
  • All taxes (government and local), necessary paper works and permits
  • First-aid kit
  • Complimentary trekking map for the group
  • Duffel bag and sleeping bag for use while trekking
  • Guest tents, Sherpa tents, sleeping mattress, essential kitchen utensils for whole trek
  • Tented accommodation during trek on twin sharing basis
  • Trek permits, TIMS card and required trek documents
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
  • Trekking completion certificate as a memento to all our valued guests
  • Welcome and farewell Nepalese Traditional dinner
  • Company T-shirt or Jumper

Price Excludes

  • Visa fees
  • Travel and Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Insurance
  • Meals( Lunch & Dinner) & other expenses during Kathmandu( breakfast included at Hotel)
  • Any types of bottled/boiled water, soft drinks, or Alcoholic drinks during the trek
  • Personal expenses like hot shower, laundry, unforeseen costs due to bad weather, flooding, landslide, urgent helicopter evacuation, etc.
  • Trekking gears and clothing
  • Tips for guide, driver and porter
  • Climbing gears & personal Equipment
  • Any other expenses not listed above.

Question and Answer related to Lower Dolpo Trekking

Is there airport pick and drop in the service?

Yes, Trek Venture Nepal Pvt. Ltd provides airport pick up and drop services.

Do i have to pay for UNESCO world heritage site entry ticket?

Yes, UNESCO world heritage site entry tickets are not included in the package. The site seeing tour is optional.

Do we have to pay for ground transportation for tour?

You do not have to pay for ground transportation for the tour.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Lower Dolpo Trekking- 18 Days

Sonam Sherpa

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