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Overview The Phoksundo Rara Adventure Trek via Upper Dolpo is an extraordinary 28-day journey that combines the beauty of Phoksundo Lake, the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo, and the pristine charm of Rara Lake. This trek also offers a rare opportunity to explore three of Nepal's most stunning and secluded destinations, each with its own unique allure. The adventure begins with a flight to Juphal, where the trek to Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo region commences. The trail also takes you through rugged terrain, deep valleys, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the…
The Phoksundo Rara Adventure Trek via Upper Dolpo is an extraordinary 28-day journey that combines the beauty of Phoksundo Lake, the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo, and the pristine charm of Rara Lake. This trek also offers a rare opportunity to explore three of Nepal’s most stunning and secluded destinations, each with its own unique allure.
The adventure begins with a flight to Juphal, where the trek to Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo region commences. The trail also takes you through rugged terrain, deep valleys, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Dolpo people. As you ascend, the awe-inspiring landscapes unfold, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.
From Phoksundo Lake, the journey also continues towards the remote and hidden gem of Upper Dolpo. This region is renowned for its untouched beauty and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Trekking through the remote valleys and crossing high mountain passes, you’ll also witness the authentic lifestyle of the local communities and experience their warm hospitality.
The highlight of the trek is the mesmerizing Rara Lake, located in the Rara National Park. Surrounded by dense forests and pristine wilderness, Rara Lake is also the largest lake in Nepal and offers a serene and tranquil setting. The reflection of the surrounding mountains in the clear waters creates a picture-perfect landscape that is truly mesmerizing.
Throughout the trek, you’ll have the chance to spot rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and various bird species. The biodiversity of the region adds another layer of fascination to the journey, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The Phoksundo Rara Adventure Trek via Upper Dolpo is a comprehensive and awe-inspiring journey that combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and wilderness adventure. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning Phoksundo and Rara Lakes, delve into the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo, and engage with the rich traditions and warm hospitality of the local communities. This 28-day trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories of Nepal’s hidden treasures.
Authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience: The Phoksundo Rara Adventure Trek via Upper Dolpo takes you to remote and less-explored regions of Nepal, providing an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Away from the crowds, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Himalayan wilderness.
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.
Today we arrange all the governmental paper works for permits. While arranging all the necessary documents you can stroll around the city. You can also visit some of the important places of the city.
From Kathmandu we take a flight 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. We will stay overnight at a hotel to catch the early morning flight for Juphal on the following day.
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(2140m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. We stay overnight in Dunai and make the final preparation for the trek.
As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighar, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail. We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka. Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.
Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch. Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Chunuwar. We will settle our camps here for the night.
The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high).
Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west of the lake.
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 explore the natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake.
This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels. To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.
Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Nangdala High Camp 4717m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River.
The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.
Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Nangdala High Camp- our campsite for the night.
Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby ‘Crystal Mountain’, the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest.
We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Nangdala pass . We trek along the precipitous and narrow trail to the western side of the lake, otherwise known as the ‘Devil’s Trail’.
Cresting a 4000 meter ridge, we are treated to views of Sonam Kang. We have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey, where we camp for the night.
Today we go through easy trail with some up and down.
Today our trek goes through the oldest Bon monastery “Shyamling”. Tantrik lamas like Sherap Tenjin of this gompa is famous for his tantric kowlidge. We can have interaction with lama and observe the monastery.
The people of this village gathers lot of experiences about the snow leopard. We can listen some folk lore from the aged people of the village. They have good knowledge about how to protect their domestic animals and the endangered big cat.
In Pho village the most important monastery of Bon religion is found. This village was discovered by the government very lately due to its remoteness.
Today the trek will be bit difficult because most of the trail goes ascending up to the Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563m) then the trail descends to Ghyalungkhor for the night stop.
Today the trek will be easier than the previous day.
We pass snow leopard territory as we make our way from Pung Kharka to Chyandi Khola. We may see musk deer and Himalayan Tahr as we trek on the way to Chyandi Khola, where we camp for the night.
In Pho village the most important monastery is found. This remote village was discovered by the Nepal government authorities just recently. The trek goes to Chyandi Khola via Yala La (5414m)
Today we trek to Takla Khola from Chyandi Khola
Trek to Thajachaur from Takla Khola
Today we traverse through the Gyargo La (5150m) Pass. We pass through snowy high ground and some difficult rocky ground. We camp for the night at Thajachaur.
Today we go to Shilenchaur from Thajachaur.
Today we will trek from Shilenchaur to Pulu
From Lumsha we trek to Lumsha village
Today we trek to the lake Rara. The biggest lake of Nepal.
Rara lake(3062m) is the focal point of Rara Lake National Park .Rara is a clear high altitude lake ringed with pine,spruce and juniper forests and snow capped Himalayan peaks. It is almost 13km around the lake, and a day devoted to making this circuit is well spent.
Once you are at Rara you will be reluctant to leave. It has a rare peace and tranquility and captivating beauty. With no grazing animals in the park the woods have reverted to their natural state with dense undergrowth. Walk around the lake on the path built for King Mahendra to mark his visit in 1964.
Today we leave Rara Lake and trek to Talcha airport via Gam Ghadi.
From Talcha we take a flight to Nepalgunj from where we will proceed to Kathmandu.
Our representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight.
