Lower Dolpo Trekking – 15 Days

Lower Dolpo Trekking Introduction

Lower Dolpo Trek, allows you to witness more of Nepal from Central to Far South West to the remote northern region of the country and then take a short flight to and from Dolpo to Nepalgunj city, with the overland journey towards Kathmandu.

Lower Dolpo Trekking by overland journey takes you to Nepalgunj, Far South West within warmer sub-tropical areas close to the border of India, and then take a short scenic flight to land to reach our adventurous destination at Jhupal within inner and lower Dolpo.

The walk begins heading to the nice town of Dunai, the headquarters town of the Dolpo region one of the remote Himalayan destinations of the country, where the route leads on the Old Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan Trail of Nepal and Tibet, where Tarakot village was a stronghold of the trading post.

As the adventure continues heading into many interesting farm villages to enter into a wide scenic valley of Dho-Tarap and then heading towards Tibetan-style villages enriched with Buddhist and ancient Bon cultures of pre-Buddhism where the cult Bon, which is fading in other parts of Nepal but still exists in this wonderful Dolpo area.

Where journey follows several interesting farm villages within Yak country to cross over a scenic high pass at Numa-La to reach our main target of the adventure at Phoksundo Lake, a beautiful turquoise-colored lake close to nice Ringmo village.

After an enjoyable and pleasant time within Phoksundo Lake in the backdrop of the wonderful scenery of snow-capped mountains, high hills, and beautiful coniferous forest, then walk back to Jhupal taking an alternative scenic route for a sweeping flight to Nepalgunj city, and then drive back to Kathmandu with marvelous and exciting experience on Lower Dolpo Trekking by Overland. Interested people can also complete the Upper Dolpo trekking by increasing the itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu (1350/4428ft) to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft). 10 Hours
Day 02: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (2475m/8118ft) after Trek to Dunai (2140m/8003ft). 4/5hrs
Day 03: Trek to Tarakot (2540m/8331ft).5/6hrs
Day 04: Trek to Lamachaur (3600m/11808ft).5/6hrs
Day 05: Trek to Toltol (3523m/11555ft)5/6hrs
Day 06: Trek to Dho Tarap (3944m/12936ft).6/7hrs
Day 07: Explore day at Dho Tarap.
Day 08: Trek to Numala Base Camp (4440m/14563ft).5/6hrs
Day 09: Trek to Gyambo(4250m/13940ft) via Numa-la pass(5238m/17180ft).6/7hrs
Day 10: Trek to Temche  (3995M/13103ft).5/6hrs
Day 11: Trek to Ringmo Gaun (3641m/11942ft).5/6hrs
Day 12: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3600m/11808ft). 2hrs
Day 13: Trek to Chhepka (2678m/47514ft).5/6hrs
Day 14: Trek to Jhuphal (2475m/8118ft).5/6hrs
Day 15: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) and Afternoon drive back to Kathmandu.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to  Nepalgunj . (Flight Options Available 100 USD Extra )

After preparation for Lower Dolpo Trekking, taking a long overland journey from Kathmandu to reach Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj city, a warm semi-tropical climate area close to the Indian border, where a drive leads into mid-hills and through the dense forest past Chitwan, Nawalparasi to reach a city of Butwal.

From here few hour's drives reach you on the flatland known as the Terai belt with the warmer climatic country to reach Nepalgunj and then transfer to a nice hotel within the city area.

Day 02: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (2,475 m) and trek to Dunai (2,140 m) - 04/5 hrs.

Early breakfast for a short flight to land at Jhupal at Dolpo, the flight offers grand views of Western Himalayan peaks with Api and Shaipal Himal then touching the ground at Jhupal airport after 40 mins on air. From the walk starts to reach Dunai, a major headquarters town of the Dolpa district.

Day 03: Trek to Tarakot (2540 m) -05/6 hrs.

The morning walk begins heading through Dunai town on leaving the main areas walking into rural farm areas and quaint villages as well into forested areas, as the walk follows a river to reach Tarakot for an overnight halt, one of the large and historical villages with its nice terraced farm fields, Tarakot stands as an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) in earlier days guarded the village for outside invaders. Tarakot village houses the famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu Rivers.

Day 04: Trek to Lamachaur (3,600m) -05/6hrs.

From Tarakot morning walks takes you around the beautiful valley of Dho-Tarap, as our route advance taking the ancient Trans-Himalayan Caravan trail of Nepal and Tibet, then reaching the junction of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, for an overnight stop within a small village and nice grazing field for Yaks and other domesticated animals.

Day 05: Trek to Toltol (3,523m) -05/6hrs.

After a pleasant overnight stop in rural areas of Lamachaur around a large meadow where a walk lead to the very end of the valley to enter a narrow gorge as vegetation changes for short bushes of juniper and wild roses, then to Toltol where you witness a large interesting overhanging cave, a great spot with a chance to observe some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other wild animals.

Day 06: Trek to Dho Tarap (3,944m)  -06/7hrs.

Walk continuously with a gentle long climb towards inner Tarap Valley, one of the longest valleys within Dolpo an area of approx: 20 k.m. that extends towards Tarap Chu River and within close to Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, where the walk leads past Yak herder’s temporary camps to reach our overnight stop at Ghymagar village within Dho Tarap valley.

Day 07: Explore the day at Dho Tarap.

Enjoying marvelous long walks for several days where Dho Tarap is a perfect place for a rest day as well to support acclimatization and exploring the scenic country within scenic Dho-Tarap, where you will soak into the colorful culture of Dolpo with a mix of tribes Magar a hill people of Nepal Himalaya found around throughout the country.

Day 08: Trek to Numala Base Camp (4440 m) -05/6hrs.

After Dho Tarap enters the nice village of Tokyu Gaon one of the largest villages of this region, the morning starts with a climb for a few hours to reach this lovely village of Tokyu Gaon, with an old monastery time permitting visit the monastery and continue to walk past farm villages to reach a grassy field at the base of high Numa-la pass for overnight stops.

Day 09: Trek to Gyambo (4,250 m) via Numa-la pass (5,238 m/17,180 ft) -06/7hrs.

The morning begins very early at dawn to cross Numa-la at above 5,238 meters, the highest point of the journey, as the climb leads steep hilly slopes for a few hours to reach Numa-la pass top facing views of snow-capped mountains from Dhaulagiri mountain range to Kagmara peak and looking down at beautiful valleys and surrounding dramatic landscapes after an enjoyable moment descend to the base of the pass, then walk on gradual path to overnight stop on summer pasture at Gambo.

Day 10: Trek to Temche (3,995 m) -05/6hrs.

A great scenic and pleasant walk from here to reach Temche, as morning follows a narrow path reaching into alpine woodland of tall juniper, pines, and fir tree lines to reach Temche for an overnight halt, after walking with grand views heading ups and down along the gradual winding path to Temche.

Day 11: Trek to Ringmo Gaun (3,641 m)-05/ 6 hrs.

After being in complete isolation away from main villages and human settlements where today's walks lead with a short winding trail overlooking the grand scenery of the surrounding country and then descend towards Ringmo Gaun for an overnight stop, located close to Phuksundi Lake, also called Ringmo Lake.

Day 12: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m) -02hrs.

The walk leads to a short distance today of a few hours of gentle good treks reaching down by the lakeshore and crossing a few streams to reach the bank of Phoksundo Lake, with time to marvel at beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara and hike by the lakeside.

Day 13: Trek to Chhepka (2,678 m)- 05/6 hrs.

After a wonderful time at Phoksundo Lake, a major highlight of the adventure where walks lead to cross a few fast streams uphill past farm villages of walnut trees close to a stream of Dhera, a small cattle herders settlement, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then further hour climb to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 14: Trek to Jhuphal (2,475m) -05/6hrs.

From Chhepka entering into more farm villages of Hindu tribes Roka Chettries and Thakuri Malla with nice tended terraces reaching closer to more nice and active villages past Dunai, and then on the good road within the patch of pine woodland to reach back at Jhuphal for the overnight stop, and last day around Dolpo area.

Day 15: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj on the same-day drive to Kathmandu.

Morning as per flight time for Nepalgunj transfer to Jhupal airstrip, a short scenic flight brings you to Nepalgunj airport, and then take a Bus ride to reach back to Kathmandu with scenic views of mountains during the overland journey.

Cost Information

Equipment

White Hill Adventure Treks and Expedition will send necessary equipment for different kinds of activities in Nepal. High altitude trekking activities might require these lists for smooth trekking in the Himalayan region.

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sunglasses and Headlight

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For Hand

1. Gloves

For Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other Accessaries

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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