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Lower Dolpa Round Trip – 27 Days


Overview The Lower Dolpa Round Trip is an extraordinary 27-day trek that takes you deep into the mystical landscapes of Lower Dolpa, a remote region in western Nepal. This trek offers a truly immersive experience, allowing you to explore the hidden gems of this untouched wilderness. Beginning with a scenic flight to Juphal, you'll venture into the heart of Dolpa, where time seems to stand still. The trek takes you through rugged trails, picturesque valleys, and ancient villages, allowing you to witness the authentic lifestyle of the local people. You'll encounter unique Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the iconic Shey Gompa,…

Overview

The Lower Dolpa Round Trip is an extraordinary 27-day trek that takes you deep into the mystical landscapes of Lower Dolpa, a remote region in western Nepal. This trek offers a truly immersive experience, allowing you to explore the hidden gems of this untouched wilderness. Beginning with a scenic flight to Juphal, you’ll venture into the heart of Dolpa, where time seems to stand still.

The trek takes you through rugged trails, picturesque valleys, and ancient villages, allowing you to witness the authentic lifestyle of the local people. You’ll encounter unique Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the iconic Shey Gompa, and have the opportunity to connect with the spiritual traditions of the region. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, with its ethereal turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Throughout the journey, you’ll also come across a diverse array of flora and fauna. The region is home to elusive wildlife such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and musk deer, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

As you traverse the challenging high passes, such as Kang La and Baga La, you’ll get reward with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Lower Dolpa also known for its diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and the blue sheep. Throughout the journey, you’ll get captivation by the ever-changing landscapes, from lush forests to barren cliffs, deep gorges to alpine meadows. The Lower Dolpa Round Trip is an epic adventure that will not only challenge your physical endurance but also nourish your soul with its untouched beauty and cultural richness.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Lower Dolpo Round Trip is a 300-kilometer odyssey through one of Nepal’s most captivating regions. From its awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient villages to its rich cultural heritage and rare wildlife, every step of the journey offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Lower Dolpo. It’s an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

 

Trip Highlights


The Lower Dolpo Round Trip is a 27-day trek that offers a range of breathtaking highlights. Here are some of the key highlights of this remarkable journey:

  • Scenic Flight to Juphal: Begin your adventure with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Juphal. Enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas before landing in the remote Dolpo region.
  • Shey Gompa: Explore the ancient Shey Gompa, a significant Buddhist monastery nestled in the highlands of Dolpo. Marvel at its intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the serene spiritual atmosphere.
  • Phoksundo Lake: Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake. The turquoise-blue waters, surrounded by rugged mountains, create a stunning visual spectacle that is truly awe-inspiring.
  • Remote Villages: Trek through traditional villages like Ringmo, Saldang, and Tarap. Interact with the friendly locals and gain insight into their unique culture, customs, and way of life.
  • High Himalayan Passes: Challenge yourself by crossing high Himalayan passes like Kang La Pass (5,240m/17,190ft) and Baga La Pass (5,070m/16,630ft). These exhilarating ascents reward you with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Lower Dolpo is renowned for its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare species such as the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep (bharal), musk deer, and a variety of bird species as you trek through the region.
  • Varied Landscapes: Experience the dramatic changes in landscapes as you journey through Lower Dolpo. Trek through lush forests, barren cliffs, alpine meadows, and deep gorges, creating a diverse and visually stunning environment.
  • Cultural Immersion: Encounter the rich cultural heritage of the Dolpo region, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Witness traditional rituals, visit monasteries, and engage with the locals, gaining a deeper understanding of their beliefs and traditions.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Lower Dolpo is a remote and less-traveled region, offering a sense of adventure and exploration. Enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the untouched landscapes, away from the crowds of more popular trekking routes.
  • Stunning Mountain Views: Throughout the trek, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, including peaks like Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, and Crystal Mountain. These majestic vistas create unforgettable memories.

Itinerary Expand All


As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel or lodge.

Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal .The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai(2150m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. We stay overnight in Dunai at Pala Guest House.

From Dunai the trail continues along the banks of Barbung Khola to Tarakot, known locally as Dzong for its hilltop fortress. The trail is flat. The villagers of Tarakot speak Kaike, a unique language, spoken no where else in the world. We camp for the night at Tarakot.

From Tarakot we trek to Musi Kharka. We camp for the night at a large meadow.

From Musi Kharka we trek for about 6 to 7 hours and reach the village of Kakoat. On the way we pass through interesting scenery.

From Kakoat village we trek to Pimari village.

Today we pass through forests of pine , birch and juniper to reach Shabha Kharka, a grazing site.

We make an arduous trek to Papta Chanla BC today.

This day we come across several villages,while walking along the bank of Tarap Khola. We pass many chortens, monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and local people who are very close to Tibetan life style. We reach Dho Takyo village our camp for the night.It is the uppermost village of the Tarap region.

Dho Takyo is a Gurung village rich in Buddhist culture. We find beautiful monasteries, chortens, mani walls and prayer flags. We spend the day exploring these sites. It is worth visiting all the gompas. It is the largest settlement in Tarap. Of special interest is the Ri Bhunpa Gompa and the chorten within a chorten. We will take a nature tour.

We trek through arid country with wonderful eroded pillars. If it is clear there are views of the Dhaulagiri massif, north of high desert country towards Tibet and down into the Tarap valley. You trek along the steep ascent path crossing grassland until you reach Numala base camp.

Today we cross Numala Pass and descend towards Poyon khola till we reach Bagala Base Camp surrounded by big glaciers and blade shaped rock cliffs. We stop for the night at Danigar, a place surrounded by hills with temporary houses, yak pasture and terraces. For the first time you can see Topo Peak (4900m.) in panorama. The Norbukang Himal sparkles at the back.

We make our way to Yak Kharka via Bagala Pass. From the pass we get to enjoy the beautiful view of Kanjiroba massif. After Baga La the trails turn gentle down all the way to Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is open grassland and grazing ground for yaks and sheep.

The trek to Phoksondo Lake (3728m.) via Ringmo (3730m.) takes about seven hours. From Yak Kharka till Ringmo the trail goes down hill. Ringmo is a small village inhabited by Gurung and Thakuri communities. We move along the flat land passing through pine forests, grassland, terraces, hills and villages. The views of Phoksundo Lake appear before you. After crossing a wooden bridge we reach our destination. Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of the world. The big village lying at the bank of this lake is quite rich in Buddhist culture as there are monasteries, chortens, mani walls, shops, prayer flags, hotels, lodges, terraces and so on. This village is beautifully surrounded by hills.

Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, which looks like a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. We will explore the natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Today we follow a trail that stays high above the stream, which eventually becomes the Pungmo khola. The route enters birch and juniper forests. It gives way to blue pine as the trail crosses the river on a wooden bridge. There are views of the Kanjiroba peak in the horizon above the barley fields of Pungmo, a fortress like village. We camp at this village.

From Pungmo village we take the route on the side of the Pungmo khola. We pass birch and juniper forests and blue pine trees .We reach Kagmara High Camp, where we camp for the night.

We climb alongside the Kagmara Glacier to the Kagmara La at 5115m.The panoramic views of the peaks are sensational. Wildflowers and exotic birds and blue sheep dot the landscape.

From Kagmara phedi we trek to Toijum. We cross a series of waterfalls and descend a moraine. Till we reach Garpung Khola.From here the village is just nearby. We camp near the army post.

We take a high trail above the Bheri River. We pass Hurikot and reach Kaigaon.

The trail is fairly gentle today. We climb on a grassy knoll for a panoramic view east to the distant Dhaulagiri Himal.We reach Chaurikot our camp for the night.

Chotra lies at a distance beyond Chaurikot.The inhabitants of Chotra are Khampas, people from eastern Tibet who are traditionally Buddhists. The village has the typical Tibetan Mani walls and a kani arching over the trail. It is also the home of Matwali chettris.Their religious practices have very little to do with Hinduism.Their rites are conducted by shamans known as dhamis or jhankris.

From Chotra we trek to Ghotichaur. We trek through completely flat land . En route you see terraces, pass forests and villages situated at the bank of river. There are some 13th century Malla dynasty stone carvings at the spring here .There is a sheep farm here and this place is completely surrounded by pine forests.

We trek from Gothi Chaur (3080m.) to Jumla. The trails we follow is steep ascent up to Pattyata Lagna Pass. To reach Jumla, we pass Dochar Gara,and follow the flat route to Gariakot. This is a small village with apple orchard, terraces, beautiful green hills and it lies at the bank of Tila Khola (stream). We reach Jumla late in the evening.

Today we fly from Jumla to Nepalganj, and then to Kathmandu.

Our representative will drive you to the airport for your flight home.

What's Included


  • Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
  • Licensed and trained trekking guides,
  • potters for carrying goods and supplies,
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
  • 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
  • All accommodation on Tent during the trek on sharing Basis.
  • All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
  • Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
  • All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
  • National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
    equipment for the staffs.
  • Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
  • Trekking staffs wages etc.
  • Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
  • Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
  • Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
  • All Government and local Taxes
  • International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
  • Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
  • Domestic Flights
  • Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
  • Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.

What's Excluded


  • International Airfares,
  • Travel/Trekking Insurance,
  • Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
  • Visa fees.
  • Airport Departure Taxes.
  • Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
  • Tips for The staffs.
  • Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
  • Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
  • Extra Domestic Ticket  of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
  • Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Trip Information


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Trip Facts


Duration 27 Day(s)
Activities Trekking
Group Size 2 to 20
Best Season March to May, September to November
Start/End Point Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Difficulty Level Challenging
Max Altitude 4500M
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