Lower Dolpo Trek

Itinerary

 SHORT ITINERARY 

• Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (152m/499ft), Flying Distance: 366km, Duration- 1 hour.

• Day 02: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)(2,475m/8,120ft) and Hike to Dunai [2,140m/7,021ft], Walking Distance: 11km, Duration 2-3 hours.

• Day 03: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2,537m/8,323ft), Walking Distance: 15km, Duration- 5 to 6 hours.

• Day 04: Trek from Tarakot to Chheurgar (3,441m/11,289ft), Walking Distance: , Duration

• Day 05: Trek from Chheurgar to Sisaul (3820m,12533ft), Walking Distance: , Duration

• Day 06: Trek from Sisaul to Do Tarap (4,090m/13,419ft), Walking Distance: , Duration- 7 to 8 hours.

• Day 07: Acclimatization day in Dho Tarap.

• Day 08: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m/14,563 ft)Walking Distance: , Duration 6-7 hrs walk. 

• Day 09: Cross Numa La [5,190m/17,023ft], and  trek to Danigor Walking Distance:, Duration

• Day 10: Danigor to Yak Kharka (4018m/13180ft).Walking Distance:, Duration

• Day 11: Yak Kharka to Phoksundo Lake (3620m/11874ft).Walking Distance:, Duration

• Day 12:Phoksundo Lake to Chhepke.Walking Distance:, Duration

• Day 13: Trek from Chhepke to Jhupal (2,475m/8,120ft), Walking Distance: , Duration

• Day 14:Trek from Jhupal to Nepalgunj (152m/499ft), Walking Distance: , Duration

• Day 15: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft), Flying Distance: 366km, Duration- 1 hour. 

 DETAIL ITINERARY  

• Day 01: 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 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 take a walk into nearby villages. We have to also make preparation for tomorrow's flight to Jhupal.
   
• Day 02: 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 at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our 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. Explore Dunai in the evening.
• Day 03: 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 meter 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.
   
• Day 04: Trek to Laini [3,160 m/10,365 ft] 6-7 hrs walk.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 Barbung khola and Tarup chu Rriver. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages.  After a few ups and downs, finally descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini.
   
• Day 05: Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m/11,627 ft] 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. 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.
   
• Day 06: Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m/13,415ft] 7-8 hrs walk.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 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. 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. 
   
• Day 07: Acclimatization day.We spend a rest day in Do Tarap for gradually getting 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 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 08: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m/14,563 ft) 6-7 hrs walk. After a wonderful time at Do 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.  A few hours' good walk takes us 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 09: 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 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. 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.
   
• Day 10: 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 downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight.
   
• Day 11: 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.
   
• Day 12: 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 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 the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with a great views.  overnight at camp.
   
• Day 13: 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 mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta.
   
• Day 14: 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.
   
• Day 15: 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 dinner together with AME staff. Overnight at Kathmandu.