Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo Trekking

Activity
Trekking
Max. Altitude
2,850m

Overview

Dolpo Trekking offers a culturally rich experience, as well as a diversified environment, magnificent lakes, steep passes, and a terrific wilderness adventure. Similarly, Dolpo offers a breathtakingly beautiful vista of Himalayan Shangri-la. Trekking in Nepal would be incomplete without seeing the spectacular mountains. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m-26794 ft). White caps include Api Saiphal, Kagmara Himal, Kanjibroba, and Mukut Himal. Other attractions in the area include the snow leopard and blue sheep.

Similarly, the Dolpo Trek begins with a picturesque flight (50 minutes) to Nepalgunj, near the Indian border. The flight to Jhuphal (2,320m-7,611.5 feet) will provide you with a spectacular perspective of the rugged terrain. We will arrive in Dunai (2,850 m-9,350 ft), the district headquarters of Dolpo, after a few hours of climbing.

Moreover, the trek continues through the woodland and down into the cold river valley. Ringmo Village’s magnificent Phoksumdo Lake is directly in front of the valley. Furthermore, spending two nights near Lake Side and exploring the hamlet will help you acclimate to the altitude. This excellent location provides a breathtaking perspective of Mother Nature’s surroundings.

Likewise, the Dolpo Trekking returns to charming Tarakot village after a fantastic stay in the highlands. The town has a Dzone (fort) dating from the Malla era, which served as a trading post on the caravan route to Tibet. Returning to Dunai via the beautiful river valley and picturesque villages will lead you back to Juphal. Likewise, fly to Nepalganj first thing in the morning and then connect to Kathmandu.

More about Dolpo

For many researchers interested in the origins of human civilizations and Tibetan Buddhism, Dolpo has served as a living library. Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park, is home to Shey Phoksundo Lake and its sparkling waters, as well as cliffs, woods, and snow-capped summits. It is one of the world’s natural hidden treasures.

Snow-capped peaks, historic and remote settlements, abundant wildlife, dependable Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful lakes fascinate all who visit the area. Because of their proximity to Tibet, little has changed since their forefathers crossed the border into Nepal.

The sight of yak caravans, which still travel vast distances through difficult terrain to trade commodities, adds color to the route. Dolpo people live in a primitive way, with their unique dialect and culture. Moreover, several distinctive monasteries (gompas) can be visited on this amazing journey, including Shey Gompa (The Crystal Monastery), which is a key pilgrimage place for Tibetans.

Culture and History of Dolpo Trekking

Dolpo, the most well-known of Nepal’s many isolated high Himalayan valleys, protects. One of the remaining vestiges of traditional Tibetan culture. The Dolpo is said to be one of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden valleys. Which he established as a haven for dedicated Buddhists in hard times. Dolpo people are Tibetans who keep their Tibetan culture through monasteries that follow Tibet’s Buddhism faithfully.

Since it was opened to the public, the Dolpo hiking has become a popular tourist destination for trekkers and mountain lovers. Dolpo is located in Nepal’s northwestern region. It is located behind the Dhaulagiri mountain range. Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most remote and inaccessible regions.

These high-altitude valleys had never been studied until 1989. Isolated by challenging topography, the residents of this region have maintained the traditional way of life, remaining almost unaffected by contemporary society’s trappings.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

After the flight and getting refreshed in respective hotels, rendezvous in Kathmandu with other trekking members for trip orientation, where our guide / leader will inform and brief regarding the trek, hotels, do and don’ts with evening group dinner.

02Day

Kathmandu with morning tour and fly to Nepalgunj.

Morning after breakfast at time set for the sightseeing tour, our city guide will lead you for few hours to our fascinating heritage and cultural tour places of interest, such as a tour of holy Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath (Little Tibet), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, old historical Palaces, courtyard; and then back to hotel after the wonderful tour, afternoon transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for 50 minutes of scenic flight to Far South West of Nepal at Nepalgunj city, a transit place for another flight to Dolpo region. This place is warm with sub tropical temperature and is located close to UP border of India. During flight enjoy a panorama vista with chain of snow capped peaks starting from Kathmandu all the way to Nepalgunj.

From Nepalgunj airport transfer to hotel for overnight stop after driving through this interesting city.

03Day

Fly to Jhuphal (2,320 m-7,611 ft) then trek or drive to Dunai (2,850m-9,350 ft).

Early morning transfer back to Nepalgunj airport for another short sweeping flight to Jhuphal in Dolpo. During this 30 minute flight take in views of hills dotted with villages and farm fields.  Here we meet our trekking staff and porters and then drive to Dunai, a major town and headquarter of all Dolpo region.  Afternoon is free to explore the bazaar and observe the local life.

04Day

Trek to Ankhe (2,896m-9,501 ft) - 06 hrs.

From Dunai start our first day walk of this great adventure. Cross a suspension bridge,  climb over the side of Thulo Bheri River valley, and the head to a hill ridge around Phoksumdo valley at 2,499 m-8,198.8 ft. From here look over Kagmara Peak. Our walk leads on a long descend through several spread out smaller villages with many walnut groves. Slowly the walk reaches Dhera, a small winter temporary Sheppard’s settlement.  From here we climb to Rahagaon village dominated by Thakuri, a people of strong Hindu religion and culture. The Takuri people reside all over western Nepal where the Khas Nepali language originated from western part of Nepal.

After a refreshing break at Rahagaon, we walk on downhill through dense forested area to reach Ankhe for first overnight camp near the main entrance of Shey Phoksumdo National Park. Afternoon is free to explore this nice place.

05Day

Trek to Sumdu / Sulighat village (3,500m-11,483 ft) -06 hrs.

After Ankhe, our morning walk begins with short ups and we descend into a forest to reach a river side.  We then climb over a ridge on leaving the forested area above the river. Upon reaching a ridge top we walk downhill to the riverbed. Our walk follows upstream to cross a small bridge near Ryajik village. From here we reach our overnight camp near Sulighat village in Sumdu with time fora  tour of the quaint and nice small village.

06Day

Trek to Phokshumdo Lake (3,500 m-11,482 ft) - 05 hrs.

We starting the our morning walk to reach one of the main highlights of this wonderful adventure to Phoksumdo lake. We reach Phokshumdo valley and Pungmo Kholas (streams) confluence. We then cross the west side of Phokshumdo Khola to follow Pungmo Khola on the west bank. From here we walk on a downhill trail into birch and pine forests to reach the upper side of Phokshindo Khola. Then we finally reach in Ringmo village, an interesting traditional Tibetan like village where the Bon and Buddhist culture dominates.  From this village onward, houses are mud plastered with chorten and Mani (prayer) walls. From here we take a short trek towards our campsite by the beautiful turquoise colored Phokshindo Lake.

07Day

Rest day at Phokshumdo Lake for acclimatization.

A pleasant and wonderful place for rest day, which is important before the high pass of Kang-la and to other higher areas from here onward. With a leisure morning for short hike to explore the pretty village we can meet the locals with their rich old traditions similar to Tibetans of South West Tibet in culture and religions.

08Day

Cross Baga La (5,070m-16,634 ft) and to Phedi (4,470m-14,665 ft) - 07 hrs.

From this beautiful spot, our journey continues to reach other highlights of this trip. As our route leads contouring a rocky shelf over a river bank towards western end of Phoksumdo Lake, which leads to a summer grazing field and opens into a vast flood plain of Phokshumdo Khola.  We then lead to an uphill climb to cross over Baga-la at 5,070 m-16,633.8 ft, with a steep climb for about 03 hours to reach the top of the pass. The top offers an overwhelming panorama of Phoksumdo lake and Kagmara peaks. After a great scenery, our walk leads to a long downhill to overnight camping at Phedi.

09Day

Trek and cross Numa-la (5,190 m-17,028 ft) and to Phedi (4,470m-14,665 ft) - 08 hrs.

From this camp, our morning walk leads to another pass at Numa-la at 5,190 m-17027.5 ft, the highest spot of this awesome trip. Our walk leads to a 3 hour climb on the nice grassy slopes. Upon reaching the top of Numa-la we encounter impressive views of snow capped mountains from Dhaulagiri mountain range to Kagmara peak and look down at beautiful valleys and surrounding dramatic landscapes.  After an enjoyable moment we descend to the base of this high pass. After few hours of a good walk on the gradual path, e reach our overnight camp on the summer pasture fields and meadows.

10Day

Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,200m-13,780 ft) via Jeng la (5,090 m-16,700 ft) - 06 hrs.

Our morning walk leads  cross the last high pass of this adventure over Jeng-la to reach another gem village Tokyu gaon.  A slow climb reaches the top of Jeng-la marked by prayer flags and stone monuments. Here we experience magnificent views of distant Dhaulagiri mountain range and towards west Kagmara, Kanjiboraba Himal. From here our walk leads downhill to another interesting village of Tokyu Gaon, one of the larger villages of inner Dolpo region, a pretty village with monastery which is one of the oldest of this area. The afternoon is free to explore this fascinating village and its monastery. The people of this area belong to both Bon Po and Chaiba sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) living together in friendly harmony.

11Day

Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040 m-13,255 ft) - 05 hrs.

From Tokyugaon village, we start the morning trek by following a downhill path towards the wide green valley of Tarap Chu. Our walk continues passing temporary shelters of Yak herders. After a nice break with great views our walk carries onto Dho Tarap for overnight camp. Upon reaching Dho Tarap we have time to explore this nice village populated mostly with Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribes.

12Day

Trek to Tarap Khola (Kamekharka) (3,800m-12,467 ft) - 07 hrs.

Today will be one of the longest treks of this trip. As the country changes we reach the lower Dolpo area. In the morning we have a moderate walk on gradual path with few up hills and down  into a wide valley which narrows into a gorge as the path continues with vegetation of juniper, wild rose, Burberry bushes which are typical in this dry arid landscape around inner high Himalayan of arctic temperate zone.  Around here we have an opportunity to see some wild life including herds of blue sheep.

Walk finally reaches a confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, which flows from Tarap River beyond east, originating from the glaciers of North West Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.

After a pleasant trek we come to a wonderful grassy field of summer pasture called Kamekharka for overnight stop.

13Day

Trek to Kharigaon (3,150m-10,335 ft) - 05 hours.

After few days of camping in complete wilderness in nice grazing fields, today our walk leads back to a small village of Khairgaon walking beside Tarap River and in a deep gorge, mounting above a path built on sheer stony slopes.

As the walk progress into a narrow gorge provides some challenge adding to this adventure to cross over a damaged and broken bridge caused river floods. If it is too dangerous we might cross the icy river on foot. After some excitement on this fine day trek we finally reachKharigaon for overnight camp near by Tarap River

14Day

Trek to Tarakot (2,850 m-9,350 ft) - 05 hrs.

Our walk today leads to another most interesting and exciting village at Tarakot. As our journey continues, we head to the lower side of Dolpo area through Lalberi village and then into tree lines of willow, poplars and junipers. Our walk follows the river downstream to Tarakot village, a picturesque village with neat terraced cultivated fields and an old fortress. This 100 year  old village has an interesting history. It existed even before the Gorkha king Shah dynasty. This village was an ancient capital during Malla period and had forts known as Dzong.

Upon reaching Tarakot village, we visit its famous and old Sandul Gompa, standing between the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu.  After an interesting tour of this village, overnight camp is set near a river near to a monastery on the shelf of a grassy plateau, with an interesting solitary tree.

15Day

Trek to Dunai 2,850 m-9,350 ft and drive to Jhupal (2, 320 m-7,611 ft) - 01 hrs.

We lead to a short distance to a motor road where our remarkable and good trek ends. We take a jeep ride on the rough road, adding another adventure of this trip with a rough ride on this newly built dirt and bumpy road to reach Dunai, a small stop to get refreshed probably with a lunch break. Our drive continues to our last night in Dolpo at Jhuphal for the flight back to Kathmandu. In Jhuphal with last overnight and we party with fellow staff and porters, as they will be driving back all the way to Kathmandu taking at least 2-3 days journey.

16Day

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

Good bye! to all the trekking crews, guides and loyal good porters including the people of this fascinating Dolpo. In the morning we walk to an air filed for a short scenic flight to Nepalgunj.  At Nepalgunj we have time to refresh in this warm area. In the afternoon or late morning we catch another flight back to Kathmandu and then transfer to our respective hotels.

17Day

In Kathmandu with cultural tour at places of interest.

This day reserved day in case of flight delay at Jhuphal due to unfavorable weather conditions. On this extra free day you can book for sightseeing tour to visit our interesting cultural heritage around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. These cities are full of world heritage sites, however, some of them been damaged from recent earthquake.

18Day

Departure

Today is the last day in Nepal with great memories and amazing experiences, transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for final departure towards homeward bound or to next port of call.

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer.
  • All Private Ground transportation with Air-condition as per itinerary
  • All accommodations (Twin Share)
  • Meal.
  • An experience Government Trained guide and required number of porters (one porter in between two pax), their food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Permit.
  • Warm sleeping bag, warm down jacket and walking stick, if necessary.
  • Trek bag.

Whats not Included

  • Meals as Mention in the details itinerary.
  • Single Supplement for single using rooms
  • Tips or any donations.
  • Your travel insurance, Medical and emergency evacuation.
  • Drinks (such as Cold drinks, Mineral water and alcoholic drinks).
  • All personal expenses which are not mention into the price inclusion.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...

Trip Info

Full of excitement throughout this trip from traditional remote impressive villages, green to barren hills, forest, picturesque landscapes, and mountains are the main attractions and highlights of this trip, around Snow Leopard trail, far northwest of the world’s 07th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m, dramatic variation from sub-tropic -the Mediterranean, alpine to arctic climatic zone, daily amazing views of snow-capped mountains, visit of turquoise Phoksumdo lake, fascinating traditional mid hills of Thakuri, Dolpa’s & Magar tribe villages and crossing of high scenic passes of Baga la, Saldang-la and Jeng-la of over 5,000 meters high.

doplo-trekking