Lower Dolpo Trek

In the initial half of the day, we gather all the permits necessary for trekking in the Dolpo region. Making sure we are ready to we board on the flight heading towards Nepalgunj. The 40-minute flight takes us through contrasting landscapes heading away from the high hills of the valley to the flatlands of Terai.

An early day as we make our way out of Nepalgunj flying over to Juphal. In the company of the hilly landscapes, we begin our trek. Gradually descending from Juphal, we take the company of the Thuli Bheri River. Past the terraced farmlands, the journey passes numerous settlements including Rupgad and Dhupi Chaur. Continuing on the trail, we reach Dunai.

The day is a pleasant one as we begin our journey crossing several streams to meet the Bheri River. Through the lush green forests adorned with pine and fir trees, the trail continues to follow the Bheri and Bharbung River heading towards Tarakot. Once a capital city of an ancient kingdom, Tarakot, today, is known after the local fortress built during the ancient times.

Today, we make our way towards the hamlet of Laina Odar crossing the 3,000m altitude mark. Exiting Tarakot, the trail heads towards the confluence of Bharbung Khola and Tarap Chu River. Beyond the confluence point lies the ancient Chhedhul Gompa which was built during the 11th century. Taking some time off to explore the monastery, we make our way towards Laina Odar.

An early day as we make our way towards Toltol heading past the hamlet of Nawarpani en route. Exiting Laina Odar, the journey once again finds the forested lands ascending through the opening valley. Entering isolated trails, the journey ascends through the steep rugged trails accompanied by the Tarap Chu River. Taking a brief rest at Nawarpani, we make our way towards Toltol.

Continuing our strenuous ascending route, the trail brings us to Ghyamgar at the bank of the Tarap River. Continuing we reach the Langa Camp at the confluence of Tarap Chu River and Klang Khola. Heading into the Himalayan valley, the journey soon leaves behind the lush green forest heading above the tree lines to meet the alpine shrubs. Through the arid Himalayan terrain, we make our way towards Dho Tarap.

The very first of our acclimatization days we take some time off at the hamlet of Dho Tarap. Here, we can enjoy the local culture and way of life. For our acclimatization hike, we make our way towards the surrounding Buddhist as well as Bon Po gompas. Home to both Nyingmpa sect under Buddhism as well as Bon Po followers, the hamlet also provides for a fresh look at the culture and religions prevalent within the region.

Making our way deeper into the Himalayas, the journey today begins away from Dho Tarap and towards the Numa La Base Camp. Following the Tarap Chu River upwards, the trail continues to ascend through the plain valley towards the Tokyo village. Here, we can also visit a monastery for the Chiba group. Taking some time off to rest and explore, we continue our journey through the rugged Himalayan trail and over to the Numa La Base Camp.

The very first of our mountain pass on this trip, the trail takes us to the top of Numa La Pass. At an altitude of 5,308m, the mountain pass boasts stunning views of the entire Dhaulagiri Range including the majestic Dhaulagiri (8,167m). The journey atop the summit of Numa La is an ascending route through the snowy trails all the way to the ridgeline leading to the top. After some time, we descend to Danigar located at the bank of the Panklanga River.

The second and final one of our mountain passes today we make our way over to Temche crossing the Bagala La Pass en route. Setting off on the ascending route, we navigate past the snowy trails to make our way atop the Bagala La Pass. At an altitude of 5,169m, the mountain pass offers stunning views of the entire Kanjirowa Himalayan Range and the Phoksundo Lake. Enjoying the pleasant views, we make our way over to Temche.

Continuing our ascent from Temche, we reach Yak Kharka which marks the beginning of our descending route. Welcoming back the tree-line, the hilly trail gradually makes it's way away from the Himalayas and towards the lush green forests. Enjoying the pleasant shade offered by the pine and fir trees we make our way over to Phoksundo Lake crossing Ringmo Village en route.

We begin the day with the dazzling views of the Himalayan sunrise over the tranquil waters of Phoksundo Lake. Making our way around the crystalline lake with views of the Dhaulagiri Ranges, we head over to the surrounding temples and a Bon Po monastery. We also take some time off to head down to the Ringmo hamlet which also helps us to know more about the culture and local way of life.

Beginning the descending run, the trail heads down towards the hamlet of Chhepka. Heading away from Phoksundo, the journey descends back through the rugged Himalayan trail towards Ringmo. Along the Phoksundo River, the trail continues past the lush green forests all the way down to Chhepka. The village is widely known for medicines made using the locally found flora and faunas. 

The final day of our trek today we make our way back to the hamlet of Juphal. Exiting the hamlet of Chhepka, we make our way towards Shyanta. From here, we follow the river downstream and reach the cluster of settlements known as Kalagauda. Continuing through the forested lands, we reach Juphal exiting the Shey Phoksundo National Park in the process.

An early day as we fly out of Juphal making our way towards Nepalgunj. Back at the Terai city, we take some time off to tour the surrounding sites. Later in the afternoon, we take another flight to arrive at Kathmandu. Once we are in the capital city, we head to the hotel and freshen up.

In cases of bad weather leading to flight delays or for any emergency situations, we separate a day off to make sure our itineraries are not affected. Depending on its usage you can either plan to stay back at Kathmandu for the day or head back home.

Once again our representatives will drop you back to Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.