Lower Dolpo Trek is one of the most challenging and exciting treks situated in the western hills of Nepal. This Journey trekkers to experience the real adventures of trekking on an off-the-beaten path, composed of steep sloppy hills. Lower Dolpo Trek is packed with amazing gifts of nature, including Shey Phoksundo Lake and also boasts of the pre-Buddhism Bon Po culture. This region is densely forested path filled with pine, rhododendrons, bamboo, and juniper trees along with trails made up of huge meadows, brown landscape, and terraced colorful fields. Furthermore, this is also one of the few areas where the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced. This trek has become very famous among trekkers since the route opened and this route is very well known in western Nepal. The main attractions of the trek are the ancient Buddhist monasteries, the Tibetan plateau, the gripping lifestyles of the local folks & their absorbing culture along with the breathtaking natural beauties. The colorful barren slopes of the mountains are alluring that reflects the wilderness of the region. Lower Dolpo Trek is an opportunity to encounter varieties of unique floras and faunas. The people residing in this area are simple, helpful and friendly.
Itinerary
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When you will arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transferred to the hotel. Reaching hotel having check in and some refreshments, our senior guide will come to meet you and give you a brief orientation about Lower Dolpo Trek.
After having rest overnight we will fill to Nepalgunj which is about 1 hrs. Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a steaming hot city in South Western Nepal, in the lowlands of Terai, close to the Indian border, which is just 8 km away where we will stay a night and forward our trek. If got few time Bageshowri temple is one of Nepal’s most important Hindu temples and is worth a visit as well at Nepalgunj.
Our trekking journey starts from Juphal as we land Juphal from Nepalgunj catching 35-minute long flight. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills. Here we get the magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. We will be walking 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 and have a first campfire of our trek and spend night with rest.
The fourth day morning starts with a breakfast and we continue our trek 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. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. Tarakot was a capital before the Gorkha dynasty reined in Nepal. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River which at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. We will have our overnight camp near post camp and take good rest to move ahead tomorrow.
Early morning after having good breakfast we will walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. Sandul Gompa is one of the famous identity of here. 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 village. The trial goes through terraced farming inside some beautiful villages. After ascending and descending for a while, we finally reach Laini. Overnight in Laini.
Early morning after having our breakfast we will leave for Nawarpani, we will be following Tarap Chu River walking on the way made by steep stones. On the way, the path disappears in some places where we have to make the way on our own effort. You can feel real different experience of walking today, because you will get some narrow gorges on the way where you have to jump from one place to another. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones. Sometimes we have to place logs between the stones which will work as bridge. These will really an exciting walk. Walking little furthermore, we will reach Nawarpani. We will stay here overnight and forward our trek tomorrow.
Early morning wer start our trek walking alongside the bank of Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path. The path is full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. We will camp and spend the night here.
Today we will take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring Dho Tarap in order to adjust with the thinning air. We spend the rest of the day visiting the monasteries near the area and take an opportunity to learn and understand the local culture, their tradition, and lifestyle.
After having a rest day we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. The trek from here may be little difficult as we have to walk over rough path for about 3 hours. Finally we will be at Numa La Base Camp.
Our journey continues with the crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m. The track goes to a steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes. We will be mesmerized with the scenery of the valleys, & mountains including the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distant snowcapped peaks is so spiritually invigorating. After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar and spend our overnight at tented camp.
Leaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another pass, Baga La (5170m). The journey commences with a steep climb up to the top of Baga La. The climbing may be difficult but worth climbing as you can have the beautiful view of surrounding landscapes and snowcapped peaks of Kanjirowa Mountain range.The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche and stay there.
We trek to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. The path is beautifully carved out of the rocks and leads to a small pass. After the pass, the path goes into a pine forest. We will be accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall. We will make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake where we will stay.
We will take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. It’s a wonderful place to just chill out & let your spirits go free. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area.
After having breakfast we will start our todays trek. It is believed that we can get many important medicinal minerals which cure many diseases. Then we pass through some lovely villages. The trail then goes through forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we will reach Shyanta. Overnight at Shyanta in tented camps.
Today, we trek from Shyanta to Juphal. From Shyanta we follow the river trail downstream to Juphal. We walk uphill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2090m). We trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat.
We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. We don’t have any plans today, so you can either take rest or visit around town for some shopping. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city.
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. We can visit world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley including, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple and many more other interesting places.
After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home.