Lower Dolpo Trekking

Kathmandu valley is known for its arts, culture, tradition, and a mystical sense of spirituality which can be seen in the multiple temples, stupas and their art and architecture in the many UNESCO world heritage sites. We will visit a few of them including the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, and Swayambhunath. Today is also a good time to try out some scrumptious delicacies and prepare for the trek. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Today we will take a flight to Nepalgunj, a thriving city in the south-western lowlands of Nepal. A city next to the Indian border, Nepalgunj is the gateway to many trekking routes in western Nepal. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, we will rest for a while and later explore its bustling market. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

After a short flight from Nepalgunj, we land in Juphal. A beautiful town located at the foot of the Himalayas, we will be able to witness amazing views of several peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. We soon meet the Thuli Bheri River and get to witness its massive gorge as we make our way to Dunai. Descending alongside Thuli Bheri River, we will reach Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpo region. Stay in Dunai for the night.

We will make our way to Tarakot along the Thuli Bheri River. With many gorges that are deep and fearful, we will pass through pine forests and terraced fields to reach the village of Tarakot, which is situated on a hill south of Thuli Bheri River. The geography of this region is beautiful and mesmerizing and is bound to keep itself etched in your memory for many years to come. Overnight in Tarakot.

After breakfast, we will head to Laini following Thuli Bheri for a while and then following the Tarap River. We will cross the winding river twice and reach a Gompa. This Gompa is at a junction of two rivers, the Tarap Chu and Bharbung, and is called Sandul. This region is very remote, and we make our way through the occasional terraced farms and then descend to Laini. Overnight in Laini.

Today we have a steep trail to climb along the Tarap River. As the valleys become narrow, we begin to see the change in the landscape. There are wild juniper bushes and thorny shrubs covering the area as the weather becomes more dry and arid. We will make ascends and descends before finally reaching the banks of the river Chyugur, above which Nawarpani is located. Overnight in Nawarpani.

With thorny bushes and juniper trees, we will make a steep ascend to Kamattarka, which is the meeting point of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we will be entering the arid region of the Himalayas which is inhabited by the Tibetan Buddhists. As we walk further, we will reach the village of Dho Tarap, which is surrounded by a stone wall. In the evening, we will visit the monastery situated in the village. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Today we take a day off trekking and leisurely explore around Dho Tarap, the last village in the Tarap Chu Valley. We will try and grasp the omnipresent Buddhist culture here, where the people wear warm colorful clothes. The clothes are usually homespun and are graced with beads of multiple colors. Even in an arid and remote setting as such, people are able to import precious stones such as amber, coral, and emerald. People following both Bon Po and Nyigmapa sects of Buddhism reside in this region, and their presence is seen in the many Chortens, monasteries, and the fluttering prayer flags present in the village. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

We leave Dho Tarap and follow the upstream trail of Thakchiu Khola which is dotted with some of the oldest monasteries in the region such as Kakar Gompa, Champa Gompa, Ripuche Gompa, and Moda Gompa. Past these monasteries, enjoying the lush grasslands, we will make our way to Numa La Base Camp. These grasslands are very unique to inner Dolpo region and hold within themselves a wide range of biodiversity. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

Today’s trek is the most strenuous and the longest one. The Numa La Pass (5309m) is reached by a steep trail, which we will be walking on with great care. The barren mountains of Dolpo make a breathtaking panorama, which can be seen from the top of Numa La (5309m). We will also be able to witness Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) from Numa La. After enjoying the view from the top, we will gradually descend to Gyambo for the overnight stay. Overnight in Gyambo.

After having a hearty breakfast in Gyambo, we will start making our way to the top of Bagala La (5169m) via Danigar. From here, we will be able to see the giant Himalayas and the landscape below which is grey and brown in color. The view from the top is worth taking a lot of pictures and will forever be etched into your memory. After spending some time at the pass, we will descend to Dajok Tang. Overnight in Dajok Tang.

As we lose considerable altitude today, we will be walking in the dense pine forests. This trek is relatively easy with only gradual highs that take us to the village of Ringmo. En route to Ringmo, we will cross a gorgeous waterfall which comes from the sparkling water of Phoksundo Lake. A traditional Tibetan village, Ringmo is filled with small stupas and Chortens and sits peacefully at the end of the turquoise Phoksundo Lake. Overnight in Ringmo.

Today is a rest day, and we will spend the day hiking to the surroundings of Ringmo. The Phoksundo Lake with its spectacular shades of blues is just around the corner. The beautiful Phoksundo Lake has a mesmerizing shade of blue which changes according to the intensity of the sunlight. There are scenes of yaks and other mules which move in and out of Ringmo. This is a perfect opportunity to take many pictures of this region and take back memories home. Overnight in Ringmo.

Today we will descend alongside the Phoksundo River to make our way to Shyanta. Following the quite trail through alpine forests, we will get amazing views while enjoying the peaceful environment. We will cross many streams and also the bridges over Phoksundo River to arrive in Shyanta via Chhepka. Overnight in Shanta.

Today we will make our way back to Juphal on a trail that is lined with birch trees with spectacular mountains rising behind the lush hills. We meet Budhi Gandaki River once again at Suligad Ghat and follow its upstream trail until reaching Juphal. Today also marks the last day of walking for us and the end of an unforgettable adventure. Overnight in Juphal.

Leaving Dolpo behind, we will take an early morning flight back to Nepalgunj followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. Today as we return to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj, we will be blessed with the same majestic view as before, only this time we would have experienced just how harsh the mountains are. After reaching Kathmandu, we will check you back in to the hotel so that you can get some rest. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu. You can either go for sightseeing or you can go for shopping in one of the vibrant gullies of Thamel, Local Asan Bazar, and Basantapur Square. You can also just rest at the hotel and pack for your departure. Do not forget to get a taste of local delicacy though. The Nepalese dumpling “Momo” is a must when in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.