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Overview
Lower Dolpa trek offers a real adventure trekking on remote and rugged natural unspoiled corner simply beyond the Himalayan valleys across western Nepal. The Dolpo region preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan culture where the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion is still in practice. High mountains including the Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast surround this spiritual sanctuary. Dolpo region provides the opportunities to visit ancient villages, high passes, beautiful Lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries and also to experience the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the region in Nepal.
Journey to the Lower Dolpo Region
After exploring Kathmandu valleys' historical/cultural sights and obtaining the special permit for the lower Dopla trekking we take our flight to Jhupal via Nepalganj. We trek continuously to Shey- Phoksundo National Park before joining ancient Nepal Tibet trade route and enjoy the views of lower Dolpa valley. Eventually, you can hear prayer flag fluttering at the top of the pass, and the view opens up dramatically looking east towards the snow peaks of the Kanjiroba and majestic Dhaulagiri range. We soon walk through the pleasant green pastures to the pristine Phoksundo Lake full of crystal deep blue freshwater contrasting with the weathered red and brown hills. On our trek, to Dolpa the trek descends to the Jhupal airstrip to end our historical trip of a lifetime to Dolpa, the land of mystery, scenery, and peace.
Highlights of Lower Dolpo Trek
- You will witness the age-old Bon-Buddhist practices in different monasteries.
- You will trek to the pristine Shey Phoksundo (3611 meters) alongside with an entry to the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- You will have amazing experience walking in the desert-like rainshadow area of the lower Dolpo region.
- You can also catch the enticing views of Yak Caravan and got to walk on the ancient salt trade route.
- You will feel enticed by the sight of diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Trip Grade: Strenuous
A difficult trek or grade 3 from an altitude from 4000 m to 5550 m. The best of Nepal's trekking is category 3. You need some previous trekking activities and good health. Climbing and descending are quite common walking experiences and you may also need to cross little glaciers. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes, however, the pace of the trek will vary in compensation. If you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have strong determination, you will complete this trek successfully. Exercising, particularly jogging and climbing stairs regularly for some weeks prior to your arrival is recommended to enhance your strength and fitness. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required. This kind of trip gives you a lifetime experience, a breathtaking stroll around the mountains. There are many villages with a very different landscape in Nepal around 4000 m. Yaks graze at this level, typically.
Detailed Itinerary
21 Days
Your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport and meeting Himalayan Social Journey's representative who will transfer you to the hotel.
Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Activities: Welcome dinner and Orientation
After breakfast, our guide will take you to different attractions of Kathmandu Valley. Today, you will visit, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square. (B) Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel. (B)
Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Activity: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
We transport to the southwest region of Nepal to Nepalgunj. It is a long flight of around an hour and we arrive late afternoon or midday there. The weather is very hot in the south of Nepal. We will spend the remainder of the evening exploring the area, including the Bageshwori temple, one of Nepalese 's largest Hindu temples.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: fly -1 Hour
Altitude: 150m
From Nepalgunj it is about 35 minute Flight to Juphal then we begin to trek towards Dunai which is around 3 and a half hours away.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 35 min flight and 3.5 hours trek
Altitude: 2090m
It continues from Dunai to Tarakot, called locally as Dzong for its hilltop stronghold, along the banks of Barbung Khola. It's a smooth road. The Tarakot villagers speak Kaike, a special tongue, but have not spoken anywhere. We 're staying in Tarakot for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours Trek
Altitude: 2850m
You cross the high suspension bridge at 2560 m after a few ups and downs. Right over the bridge you see Tarap Chu joining the Barbung Khola and then reaching Khanigaon, the town with Gompa.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours Trek
Altitude: 2543m
We walk to the treeline just above. We may see blue sheep herds. By afternoon, we reach the Tarap Chu crossroads and Lang Khola. We've built our camp here. Kamakharka (3,800 m), this area is also called, spending the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 4-5 Hours Trek
Altitude: 3450m
Yak Kharka is a large, green area, named Yak Kharka because it is named Yak Kharka, because people who came with their Yak for the business that they used to live.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 4-5 Hours
Altitude: 3800m
It is an easy and often used trail. A lot of Mani Walls and ancient Chortens will pass through. In the village of Dho Tarap, there is a French School. The Dho village, which consists of approximately 24 houses is surrounded by uneven stone walls. There are people both Bonpo and Buddhist sect. We 're going to Buddhist Gompa to visit the lama who lives in it. He's going to show his monastery and even show you his private Gompa and his own Thangkas.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 4090m
We will spend the day with Dho Tarap exploring. You may also communicate with the Dolpo people. The village comprises Bonpo and Nyingmapa Buddhists alike. The Buddhist Gompa can be located in the area and Bon Gompa is 40 minutes away.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Rest day
Altitude: 4090m
The Jeng La Pass must be crossed at 4850 m to reach Tokyo Gaon. It takes us about 2 hours of tough climbing to reach the top of the Jeng La. but we have amazing views of the Dhaulagiri mountain, and more peaks then descend in the direction of the Tarap Valley. The Tarap is a lovely valley that extends twenty kilometers along Tarap Chu River and has many plants in high mountains.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 4209m
Today we cross Pass Numala and go down to Poyon khola until we reach Camp Bagala with large glaciers and rock-skulls. In the evening, we rest in the village of Pelungtang, surrounded by mountains with temporary homes, yak pasture and terraces. The Himal of Norbukang glows beyond.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 5190m
On a clear day you will see the Shey Shikar (6,139 m), Kenjeralwa and Dhaulagiri I (8,169 m). The path is a long and crossed stream and it leads along the moraine to Numa La (5,318 m). Stay off the pass and head down to Bang La. Overnight in the camp
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 5190m
After early morning breakfast we will cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp on the other side of the Phedi (4,470m/14,662ft) Overnight at camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 4470m
The track continues down to the meadow and down to the yak field into the forest. Continue on the high cliffside path through more wetlands, woodland and yak pastures, then head up to a ridge at 3780 m. The massive waterfall of Lake Phoksundo has a clear look of the gorge. So the route goes down through a white pine forest to the shore of the Phoksundo Sea and enters ringmo (3600 m).
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: 5-6 Hours
Altitude: 3600m
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Rest day at Ringmo
Altitude: 3600m
Savor the views of fluttering prayer flags, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation on the way to uphill along the narrow trail brings you to the village of Chhepka.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 5-6hours
Altitude: 2260m
After breakfast, retrace the trail to Juphal through beautiful forests, fields, and villages.
Accommodation: Camping
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Activity: Trek 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2260m
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu (drive/flight)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity: Drive/fly
Take a free day in Kathmandu. Relax your muscles with our spa services, stroll around the hotel area or do some shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast,
Activity: Easy Rest Day
Today is your final day in Nepal. Our representative will come to pick you up for your transfer to the Airport.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions/Exclusions
Included
All meals ie Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking days
Three-star category hotel in Kathmandu in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
Fooding, lodging and other expenses of trekking crew
All surface transfers as per itinerary
Tims and national park fees
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
All necessary equipment (tents, sleeping bag and duffel bag) during the trek.
Insurance for all trekking staff
Domestic airfare Nepalgunj-Jhuppal $165
Not Included
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Your Insurance, Personal equipment, and clothing
Cold drinks and beverages
Flight fare Kathmandu - Nepalgunj $172
City sightseeing entry fee in Kathmandu.
Personal expenses and tips to the crew
Additional Information
Travel and Transportation Modes
On Land: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make the long distance travel. You will may have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.
By Air: The domestic flight to Nepalgunj and Dunai from Nepalgunj are excluded in the price along with flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu which is optional.
This Tour with HSJ
Guides and Porters
Our local Nepali team is one of the most experienced, hospitable and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. The team is fully licensed and affiliated with the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project. You will be provided with the professional and an experienced English speaking trekking guide with the good knowledge of the place and the trek. The trekking crew is skilled with the experience of over 10 years, well-trained, friendly guide and, courteous and helpful porters, assured of a wonderfully memorable experience.
For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.
Other Programs and complimentary services with this trip
• Welcome and Farewell dinner
• Yoga Classes
• Spa services
How do we make sure you get the best experience of this trek?
We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standard of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you departure, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request.
Last minute booking
It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of last minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.
Feedbacks
Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customers feedback as our inspiration towards making our company great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate if you give us your valuable feedback, account of good and bad experiences, recommendations and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page.
Important Information
The Lower Dolpo Trek is rated as a mild climb. This walk is suitable for both seasoned and beginners. It can be very challenging and complicated if this is your first journey. But it's pretty easy if you've been trekking before.
In a remote area of the Dolpo district you will trekk. On this trek, you will take steep and uneven uphill and downhill walks. That's going to be very difficult for beginners. But you can solve this issue with proper physical exercise.
Please Take Notice of this being Camping Trek.
Lower Dolpo is one of the most isolated parts of Nepal, where there is no means of transportation and communication. The trail is also not developed like other trekking region and has very limited teahouses. the rooms will be basic where available and while camping, food will be prepared in a camp kitchen, while guides and porters ensure that necessary provisions are carried to prepare high-energy, nutritious and tasty food.
The Dolpo region is so remote and at the high altitude that it is almost impossible to find wifi connection. There are local operators that operates phone networks that still may not be very reliable. You would have to go without proper communication and internet connection there and that may be what you would be wanting to enjoy in the first place if you are choosing to trek these isolated mountains.
Since this is not a common trek, all the villages aren't equipped with the amenities you may need. You 'd better bring your cameras and phones along with the solar charging.
This being entirely camping trek, sufficient amount of water would be needed to carried all the way. Filling up water is quick. Taps in, out or in guesthouses mean that there are plenty of places to fill your bottles and/or your water bladders.This could be where you stay, a lunch stop, or a shared public tap used by locals whereever possible. Use an efficient sterilization method to make sure your water is safe and not contaminated in anyway.
It's a restricted zone that requires special permits to access the district Dolpa for trekkers traveling in the Lower Dolpo. Trekking in Lower Dolpo also requires to obtain permission from Shey Phoksundo National Park. To receive special trekking licenses available from the Ministry of Immigration, a party of two individuals is mandatory.
This permit will cost $20 per person per week on Lower Dolpo Trek. Then the trekkers will need 5 US dollars per person a week. Similarly, the license would cost US $27 (Rs.3000) per person for Shey Phoksundo National Park. In the Dolpo except for the national park, a trekking permit is not provided. HSJ will arrange for your trekking permits.
Travel insurance & rescue when travelling to a remote destination like Nepal is strongly advised. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour. Your insurance policy must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as helicopter rescue, cancellation, air ambulance, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and cover repatriation and personal expenses. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees, and repatriation costs are the client’s responsibility. For the reliable travel insurance, we have the suggestion of some of the best insurance companies: Cover more or Europe assistance or Travel Direct- TID . We have an agreement with Helicopter Company to do the payment of Helicopter evacuation after we collect the payment with you once you have been rescued. And the reimbursement responsibility from your insurance company will go up to you. Be sure your policy specifically covers helicopter evacuation and does not exclude mountaineering or alpinism.
Often this depends on the trek and the maximum altitude gain. Each porter carries between 15 and 30 kg on average in the mountain region for trekking. There is up to 40 kg of a camping pack. We usually assign one porter to our two trekkers. 15 kg of luggage is allowed per person on the trek. The health of our porter crew is strictly guaranteed.
The best season for Lower Dolpo Trek is Monsoon (June to September). Since the whole country is in the rain shadow, this part of Nepal does not have too little rain. In addition, in these months, a well-known festival called Tiji takes place, which attracts many visitors. Spring and fall are also a good opportunity to walk on the Lower Dolpo Trek.
Clothing
· Trekking boots
· Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Trekking pants and jackets
· Thermals underwear
· Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Insulating down jackets
· Woolen cap
· Trekking Gloves
· Raincoats
First Aid
· Diamox tablets
· Sanitary pads / Tampons
· Anti-nausea Medicines
· Band-aids
· Mosquito and insect repellents
Toiletries
· Soap
· Toilet Paper
· Shampoo
· Sunscreen
· Moisturizer
· Hand sanitizer
Accessories
· Sunglasses
· Sleeping bag
· Cameras
· Batteries
· Water Bottle
· Solar Chargers
· Hot water Thermos
Important Documents
· Passport
· Travel Permits
HSJ provides Duffel bags, Sleeping Bags, and tents for this trek. You will have to get trekking poles yourselves or our guide will assist you to buy them in Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lower Dolpo Trek is rated as a mild climb. This walk is suitable for both seasoned and beginners. It can be very challenging and complicated if this is your first journey. But it's pretty easy if you've been trekking before.
In a remote area of the Dolpo district you will trekk. On this trek, you will take steep and uneven uphill and downhill walks. That's going to be very difficult for beginners. But you can solve this issue with proper physical exercise.
Please Take Notice of this being Camping Trek.
Lower Dolpo is one of the most isolated parts of Nepal, where there is no means of transportation and communication. The trail is also not developed like other trekking region and has very limited teahouses. the rooms will be basic where available and while camping, food will be prepared in a camp kitchen, while guides and porters ensure that necessary provisions are carried to prepare high-energy, nutritious and tasty food.
The Dolpo region is so remote and at the high altitude that it is almost impossible to find wifi connection. There are local operators that operates phone networks that still may not be very reliable. You would have to go without proper communication and internet connection there and that may be what you would be wanting to enjoy in the first place if you are choosing to trek these isolated mountains.
Since this is not a common trek, all the villages aren't equipped with the amenities you may need. You 'd better bring your cameras and phones along with the solar charging.
This being entirely camping trek, sufficient amount of water would be needed to carried all the way. Filling up water is quick. Taps in, out or in guesthouses mean that there are plenty of places to fill your bottles and/or your water bladders.This could be where you stay, a lunch stop, or a shared public tap used by locals whereever possible. Use an efficient sterilization method to make sure your water is safe and not contaminated in anyway.
It's a restricted zone that requires special permits to access the district Dolpa for trekkers traveling in the Lower Dolpo. Trekking in Lower Dolpo also requires to obtain permission from Shey Phoksundo National Park. To receive special trekking licenses available from the Ministry of Immigration, a party of two individuals is mandatory.
This permit will cost $20 per person per week on Lower Dolpo Trek. Then the trekkers will need 5 US dollars per person a week. Similarly, the license would cost US $27 (Rs.3000) per person for Shey Phoksundo National Park. In the Dolpo except for the national park, a trekking permit is not provided. HSJ will arrange for your trekking permits.
Travel insurance & rescue when travelling to a remote destination like Nepal is strongly advised. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour. Your insurance policy must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as helicopter rescue, cancellation, air ambulance, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and cover repatriation and personal expenses. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees, and repatriation costs are the client’s responsibility. For the reliable travel insurance, we have the suggestion of some of the best insurance companies: Cover more or Europe assistance or Travel Direct- TID . We have an agreement with Helicopter Company to do the payment of Helicopter evacuation after we collect the payment with you once you have been rescued. And the reimbursement responsibility from your insurance company will go up to you. Be sure your policy specifically covers helicopter evacuation and does not exclude mountaineering or alpinism.
Often this depends on the trek and the maximum altitude gain. Each porter carries between 15 and 30 kg on average in the mountain region for trekking. There is up to 40 kg of a camping pack. We usually assign one porter to our two trekkers. 15 kg of luggage is allowed per person on the trek. The health of our porter crew is strictly guaranteed.
The best season for Lower Dolpo Trek is Monsoon (June to September). Since the whole country is in the rain shadow, this part of Nepal does not have too little rain. In addition, in these months, a well-known festival called Tiji takes place, which attracts many visitors. Spring and fall are also a good opportunity to walk on the Lower Dolpo Trek.
Clothing
· Trekking boots
· Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Trekking pants and jackets
· Thermals underwear
· Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
· Insulating down jackets
· Woolen cap
· Trekking Gloves
· Raincoats
First Aid
· Diamox tablets
· Sanitary pads / Tampons
· Anti-nausea Medicines
· Band-aids
· Mosquito and insect repellents
Toiletries
· Soap
· Toilet Paper
· Shampoo
· Sunscreen
· Moisturizer
· Hand sanitizer
Accessories
· Sunglasses
· Sleeping bag
· Cameras
· Batteries
· Water Bottle
· Solar Chargers
· Hot water Thermos
Important Documents
· Passport
· Travel Permits
HSJ provides Duffel bags, Sleeping Bags, and tents for this trek. You will have to get trekking poles yourselves or our guide will assist you to buy them in Kathmandu.
