Lower Dolpo Trek

Welcome to Nepal! When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our team will welcome you and assist you to your hotel. You can relax or enjoy walks in Thamel after your long journey or go to local temples. In the evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine. You will meet your trek guide, who will explain the upcoming Lower Dolpo Trek and answer any last questions. Take a good rest in Kathmandu before you begin the Dolpo journey.

Today you have a free day in Kathmandu to get ready for the Lower Dolpo Trek and to see the city if you want. In the morning we will go to the Department of Immigration to get the special permits that are needed for the Lower Dolpo Trek. Our staff will handle the paperwork, but you may have to present your passport and other travel documents.

After obtaining the permits, you are free to spend the rest of the day as you like. Many travelers relax at the hotel or visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You can join a guided tour that includes cultural landmarks such as Swayambhunath (the ‘Monkey Temple’), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

After breakfast we will head to the airport for a flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. The flight lasts about one hour and features various landscapes as we leave the Kathmandu Valley and fly over the plains of the Terai. Nepalgunj (150 m) is a busy town close to the Indian border. It’s a city with a hot, tropical climate and dynamic markets.

Upon arrival, we will assist you to your hotel in Nepalgunj. At the hotel you can relax, or you can have a rickshaw ride in town to visit a local bazaar. This stop sets us up for tomorrow’s flight into the remote Dolpo region. Review all your essential equipment and get a good night’s sleep because the adventure begins with the next flight.

From Nepalgunj we will fly in the morning to Juphal Airport. It takes about 45 minutes. The plane goes over green hills and reveals the Himalayas, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri rising in the distance. When we arrive on the small airstrip at Juphal, we will notice the cold air of the mountains, so different from that of the lowlands.

After a short preparation, we will begin the Lower Dolpo Trek. We will go across terraced fields and gradually down to the Thuli Bheri River. The trail goes along the river gorge on a gentle path and passes through a narrow canyon with pine trees on the cliffs. A few hours later we reach Dunai (≈2,140 m), the main town of Dolpa District. will stay overnight in a small teahouse or a camp in Dunai for the preparation for the next part of Lower Dolpo.

We will walk on the south side of the Bheri River to the upper end. The hike passes through a deep gorge. We’ll cross several suspension bridges and we see steep canyon walls and pine trees above us. In certain locations, the trail is constructed high up on the Cliffside showing how skillfully the trail was built.

After a while, we reach the valley and around Tarakot we see bright terraced fields. Tarakot (2543 m high) is an old fortress village on an alluvial hill south of the river. It was a kingdom known as Dzong, and being a stopping point on a trader’s route through Dolpo. The shells of the old fort and the stone walls that defended the town can still be seen. We will stay in a very basic teahouse and we will review our trekking equipment again and provide an explanation of the trek route.

Today’s trek takes us east into the rugged Tarap Valley. We will follow the Tarap Chu, sometimes crossing brief log or wooden bridges. The route passes through terraced fields and villages of small size, and we get the chance to experience daily life in Dolpo. We will see a monastery near the confluence of the Barbung Khola and the Tarap Chu. The valley becomes narrower the further we travel. We will keep going higher. In the late afternoon we will arrive in Laini, a riverside campsite with a few teahouses.

After breakfast we will continue our trek into the remote area of the Tarap Gorge. We will trek high above the water over Cliffside ledges. We will go through a dramatic section where the path has been cut out of the rock wall – an exciting section with stunning views to the river below. We cross streams that flow to the Tarap River and then return to the edge of the river.

In the afternoon we then reach Nawarpani, a place in Nepal that translates the name to “new water.” It is a tiny spot beside the river, which is frequently used by trekkers for camping. We will set up camp for the night. You can sit down by the riverside and enjoy the isolation – Up this high, there are no villages; the only sounds you can hear are the valley’s wind and the sound of rushing water.

We will begin the day by going up a hill at a very slow pace. The narrow gorge eventually opens up. We will arrive at two streams whose confluence is called Kamattarka where the Tarap Chu and a small stream from the east flow into each other. From here we will break out of the narrow canyon.

After a long hike we will finally reach the high village of Dho Tarap (4090 m). It is one of the world’s highest permanent villages. The village is encircled within old stone walls and comprises mud-brick dwellings and monasteries. Religion here is Tibetan Buddhism (of the Nyingma sect) and the old Bon religion. We are still a novelty so you will very likely be greeted by interested locals. We will camp near the village and dine on a good dinner and rest at around 4,000m.

We will stay another day in Dho Tarap for altitude acclimatization. This is important before tackling higher passes on the Lower Dolpo Trek. During the day we do short walks and hikes around the village and its surrounds which aids acclimatization by “climbing high and sleeping low.”

We can go to Ribo Bhumpa Monastery, the main Buddhist monastery in Dho Tarap, and walk up to the Bonpo monastery on the edge of the village. The people might be hospitable to offer us salted butter tea or local brew, and share stories in a blend of Tibetan and Nepali.

We will experience the serene atmosphere of Dho Tarap. Yaks and cattle graze in the valley, prayer flags flap in the cold wind. Now the thin air will be noticeable so take it easy and drink plenty of water. This rest day will help us safely continue the Lower Dolpo Trek over the high passes.

After breakfast in Dho Tarap we say goodbye to the villagers and continue higher up the valley. The trail winds along the Tarap Chu up the upper Tarap Valley. Compared to the previous steep gorges, this valley is broad and has easy terrain. On both sides of the river the grassy meadows are used for pastures in which here and there yaks are let graze by the inhabitants of the area.

In the afternoon we will begin a steeper ascent in order to reach the base of Numa La. Numa La Base Camp (4440m) is a flat grassy expanse at the foot of the pass where we will set up our camp. It’s a remote, open campsite beneath Numa La with big night skies. In the evening we will watch the star-packed clear night sky and mentally ready ourselves for tomorrow’s big pass crossing.

After breakfast, we start early because it’s one of the most challenging days. From camp the slope trundles straight up and zig-zags toward Numa La Pass. The climb is steep and steady. We’ll notice altitude on every step we take. Walk slowly, stop to rest and enjoy the expanding views behind you.

After hours of walking, we reach the top of Numa La Pass (5190 m), the highest point on the Lower Dolpo Trek. From the windy peak we can view the brown mountains of Dolpo on all sides. On clear days we can see Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and other peaks. After a few hours, the trail levels out into the Pelung Tang valley (4,465 m). We will set up camp here and enjoy a well-earned rest. With this, the toughest section of the Lower Dolpo Trek is behind us.

Feeling refreshed from Numa La we will head into our second pass today. The trail climbs over rocky slopes and areas of snow to Baga La Pass (5070 m). The climb is hard but slightly less than yesterday.

The Kanjiroba Himal is often visible in the morning; its snow-covered peaks are a highlight. Prayer flags of the previous trekkers adorn the pass. After about three hours we descend to the verdant campsite at Dajok Tang (4080 m). The grassland includes shrubs and perhaps grazing yaks. We will pitch tents for the night; with two high passes behind us we can relax and look forward to Phoksundo Lake.

We will begin our trek through a lovely pine and birch forest from Dajok Tang. The trail has a rise and fall with smaller climbs. Along the way the landscape changes – we will be at lower altitudes, so the air is more humid and the vegetation thicker.

After a peaceful walk we will reach Ringmo (3600 m), a small village on the edge of Phoksundo Lake. Ringmo has a Bon (an ancient Tibetan religion) and Buddhist community. The flat-topped houses and chortens (stupas) give it a timeless appearance.

We’ll rest in a teahouse or camp around Ringmo. The afternoon is available for walking around the village, chatting with people or just chilling. From the campsite we can see the turquoise waters of Phoksundo just hiding beneath the trees, creating excitement for tomorrow.

Today we will get a close look at Shey Phoksundo Lake. In the mornings we will walk a short way from Ringmo to the lake shore. The color of the lake is bright blue-green, which will surprise you. It is surrounded by snowy mountains and beautiful cliffs, so it’s a magical sight.

We spend the day walking around the lake. A side ridge can be climbed for a view from above of the entire lake and village of Ringmo. Another highlight is the Phoksundo (Suligad) Waterfall at the lake’s outlet—about 167 m high and among Nepal’s tallest.

During the day we can relax by this magical lake. Locals believe it is sacred and the water has no fish in it. It is a perfect spot for photography. Because the trail travels to Upper Dolpo and Tibet, we may see yak caravans. After a day full of exploration we will go back to camp on the lakeside and sleep under the stars.

After reaching the lake, we will begin our return journey. The path leads away from the lake, and down through birch and juniper woodlands. We will descend on a steep trail known as the Devil’s Trail.

We will track the Phoksundo Khola downwards to its confluence with the larger Suli Gad River. The trail then follows the Suli Gad River, winding through scenic valleys covered with forests and open grasslands.

By late afternoon we will reach Shyanta, a small settlement of a few teahouses. After losing considerable altitude, the warmer air feels refreshing. We will stay in a basic teahouse and celebrate finishing the toughest parts of the Lower Dolpo Trek.

Our last trekking day will start today.  From Shyanta we continue down the Suli Gad River. We will leave Shey Phoksundo National Park and pass the trail check-post at Sulighat. After the Sulighat the trail climbs gently away from the river.

We will trek up through fields and villages as we climb higher and make our way towards Juphal. It is a long steady climb for several hours. We will walk between high birch trees and we can see again part of the large valley. As we approach the ridge near Juphal, we will spot the ridge that contains Juphal’s airstrip, as well as the wide lower valley. We check into a local teahouse in Juphal. The village will feel much livelier than the wilderness. In the evening we have a farewell dinner with our trekking team and appreciate their assistance. Get a good sleep prior to the next flight.

In the early morning we will walk to Juphal Airport to fly out of Dolpo. We bid farewell to the local staff and porters and take to the small plane. The flight to Nepalgunj takes 45 minutes and we get to see t the mountains and hills of western Nepal.

We take an hour-long flight to Kathmandu after arriving in Nepalgunj. We return you to your hotel when you arrive in Kathmandu. Take your time to settle in because the busy city can feel a little overwhelming after the calm wilderness of the Lower Dolpo Trek.

In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate finishing our Lower Dolpo Trek. We can listen to Nepali music and dance and celebrate your success.

Due to Dolpo’s unpredictable weather, today is free to allow for flight delays over the mountains. You can rest at your hotel or do things in the town. Explore the bustling markets of Thamel to shop for souvenirs such as pashmina shawls, handicrafts, spices, and Thangka paintings. You can also go to cultural places like Kathmandu Durbar Square to learn about Nepal’s history. The extra day makes sure you are not rushed before your international flight after the Lower Dolpo Trek.

Our Lower Dolpo Trek adventure is over. After breakfast we can help plan activities for the rest of the day. If you are flying out today we will provide you with a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in time. If you wish to stay longer, we can organize more tours or activities for you.

Otherwise we hope you have a safe journey. You will leave Nepal with wonderful memories about your trekking in a peaceful, magical land.

Thank you for joining us on the Lower Dolpo Trek. We hope to see you for more fun in the future.