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Dolpo lies in western Nepal and it is the centre of Shey Phoksundo National park. Dolop borders with Dhaulagiri in the east and Churen Himal ranges in the south. The magnificent snowy peaks, ancient and isolated villages, rich wildlife, centuries old Buddhist monastery and wonderful lakes of Dolpo offer you a lifetime experience. The local people and their cultures resemble to their Tibetan counterpart.
Trekking into the Dolpo region provide chances to explore the land, life, and culture of High & Isolated Himalayan people. Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest National Park of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and unspoiled environment of medieval human civilization are major attractions. Besides, snow-capped peaks and virgin natural sights are there. This is one of the restricted area and need special permits for trekking.
The Dolpo region preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan culture where the pre-Buddhist Bon-Po religion is still in practice. |
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Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport, our representative welcomes and transfer to hotel. In the evening time briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Kathmandu is a historical and cultural major tourist destination of Nepal. Kathmandu valley presents a wonderful blend of Hinduism and Buddhism that is portrayed in the culture of local ethnic people. Today you will have a full day sightseeing tour to the world heritage sites in the valley with English speaking guide. The Hindu temple of Pashupatinath,the Buddhist monastery of Bouddhanath stupa and Swoyambhunath stupa, the historical palace of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the living goddess house of Kumari (the living goddess) are major places of sightseeing. O/N at the hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It is about 1 and half hour flight. Then transfer to Hotel. The Nepalgunj city lies in mid-western Nepal’s southern belt.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)(2,320m/7,610ft), then trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft), 2-3 hrs walks. It is an 45 min flight over the Himalayan foothills. Flight offer the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,850m/9,348ft), 5-6 hrs walk. After breakfast, we trek along bank of the river and through gorge with pine trees to Tarakot.
Day 06: Trek to Khani Gaon (2,543m/8,341ft), 5-6 hrs walks
After breakfast we continuous our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages of Sahartera and winding gradually towards a small settlement of Kola after 3-4 hrs of good morning walk. From this place descend with few ups to reach our overnight camp at Khani gaun with another 2 hrs of trek and overnight camp near by the village backyard.
Day 07: Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m/11,316ft), 4-5 hrs walks
After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. In some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed by the monsoon flood, and we may opt to cross the cold torrent on foot and overnight at camp by the river near before Kamattarka village.
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka (3800m/12,464ft), 4-5 hrs walk
After breakfast we start our trek with a pleasant walk and with most scenic landscapes and easily get to the Yak Kharka. We will have lunch at the middle of the way. Camp will set up as before and we overnight at tented camp at Yak Kharka.
Day 09: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft), 5-6 hrs walks
Our morning walks begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himlayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregualr stone wall. At Dho, thirty -four houses are divided into three groups and built in a randomly way. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations and overnight Camp by the village yard.
Day 10: Rest Day at Dho Tarap for acclimatization
Today is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk.
Day 11: Trek to Tokyu Gaun 5-6 hrs walks
After a wonderful time here at Dho Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending twenty kilo meters along the river Tarap Chu, having ten villages with cultivated fields of barley, buck wheat, wheat and potato. After 3-4 hrs of good walk in this perfect tranquillity coming to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village our walk continues further up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.
Day 12: Trek to Numa La
Today, we start our trek after breakfast with scenic view but gaining high altitudes and feel short breathing. We will have short day but feel little hard during the walk. Even a great day at the high altitude and we'll reach at the camp for overnight.
Day 13: Cross Numa La (5,190m/17,023ft), and camp at Phedi.
After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow capped peaks. This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. It takes 6-7 hrs and after top at Numala we will descends another bottom part known as Phedi and overnight.
Day 14: Cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp on the other side of the Phedi (4,470m/14,662ft)
After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Phedi and overnight.
Day 15: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft), 6-7 hrs walks
After breakfast our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo.
Day 16: Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and with a great views overnight at camp.
Day 17: Trek to chepka(2260m.)
From Chepka, the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to the pasture at Chepka. We camp at Chepka.
Day 18: Trek to Jhupal
Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepaljung
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. The rest of the day in Kathmandu can be spent shopping and general sightseeing.
Day 20: Rest day in Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore the city including the temples and sites of Thamel area. At the evening you transfer for farewell dinner in one of the Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21: Departure
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. |
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Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your trek leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Our every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, however as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, the health of member can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
Trip Cost Includes
Himalayan Glacier Trekking has a philosophy with trip inclusions as much as possible is included so our customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front.
- All domestic flight, hotel/airport transfer
- Deluxe Shanker Hotel or similar category hotel at Kathmandu
- All ground transportation by private vehicles
- All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks no extra charge for single travelers
- Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bag
- Welcome & farewell dinner
- All porterages costs
- All cost for a Himalayan Glacier leader(First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures.
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- Himalayan Glacier Kit Bag
- Trip Cost Does Not Includes
- Visa fees/ International airfare to & from home city/
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extend
- Travel Insurance
It is a condition of travelling with us that you must be fully insured, including air rescue services. We also recommend you take out cancellation insurance. You should be careful in choosing a policy, however, as some make special exceptions for adventure travel. View the list of the insurance companies we already worked with insurance Companies.
Acclimatization
Trek to the Lower Dolpo itinerary is planned with a high degree of minimization of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up too fast is the causes of medical condition serious enough to kill. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in the air. While crossing Passes is the challenging section of your trek and require days of acclimatization, hence your trek itinerary is gradually ascending getting up these heights where you expect 50% less oxygen at these places than at sea level. Your body needs many days to adapt to this, so for a safe trek it absolutely essential to allow for sufficient time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS.
We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.
Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff
Himalayan Glacier Trekking itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS but it is important to remember, some people can be more susceptible than others. Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements:
- Himalayan Glacier only employs and train Nepalese leaders and local staff. By employing and training local people they put something back into their communities. HGT currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your Lower Dolpo Trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
- Intensive Wilderness First Aid - KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
- Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
- Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet - TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
- English Language - KEEP
- Conservation & Biodiversity - KEEP
- Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) - Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Our Trek Leaders obviously speak the English language but consider this is not our mother language and this enables a HGT traveler to pick up and use a few of the local greetings and get first hand experience of the local culture. The guides and porters know the route direction like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and it shows.
- Our operation is smooth as a safety concern; there will be one Leader, one assistance leader and one sherpa porter on each group of two. This ensure if in case one get sick, it would not disturb the itinerary, the trip still running as plan as in itinerary. And please understand that our group start from 2 and maximum it goes up to 10 which is good team to communicate and facilitate in every manner.
Porters Protection:
Each trekker is allowed his/her gear bag weighted not exceeding 15kgs/33 pounds that Himalayan Glacier Trekking strongly stand on porters rights and solely against any exploitation on it's operation. And we are closely working with IPPG (International Porters Progress Group)
Responsible tourism practice:
Trekking are gently in the Himalayas during the recent days, areas like Everest, Annapurna & Langtang. We therefore do our best to reduce minimal impact on each trip to the mountain and all Himalayan Glacier trips aim for 'zero footprint' impact on the natural environment and the people who live off it's resources. We enforce a number of do's and don'ts for our customers and staff when out in the wilderness. Himalayan Glacier Trekking and Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) had done some clean up campaign in the past and support its other environment awareness activities.
Experience & Health Required for Lower Dolpo Trek
Walking in this high land of Dolpo Region usually require maximum 6-8 hours of walking everyday few day even more; walking to the high mountain and crossing the high Pass are the challenging section of your adventure and need long hours of walking. You should be prepared max 14 Km of walking or jugging exercise everyday 3 months before your Lower Dolpo Trek starts because you are walking on high altitude for long and short days. And also you must need a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking experience preferred and technical experience preferred.
You must have lots of willpower, tolerance of harsh conditions and reasonable fitness, good health and physical condition are the basic measure of your success. It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to HG Trekking at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Glacier reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.
A Day on your Trek...
Your sherpa cook knock your door and says Good Morning Bed Tea sir at 6 am in the morning. After a while you will offer a basin of hot water to wash. A variety of breakfast of many choices according your order, and you are off to trek for more then 3 hours through the forests, hills, mountain and local villages. You will stop at pleasant surroundings for hot lunch for an hour.
You will then walk 3 or more hours depends on the places and facilities for camping places, stop for the night camp, you will then offer tea or coffee some light snacks then explore the area or relax until dinner is served at the warm dining hall, and many choices of excellent food.
In the evening read or discuss among yourselves or with your crew about your spent days and next day(s). You will then encourage to sing or sang and they will show their traditional dances. Sometime you will spend playing cards and "Penny ante" card games are popular in Nepal, and the crew would love to teach you their 3 card poker-like game, among others.
Finally, go to bed which is two-men occupied tent and foam mattress for a well deserved night's rest and you will also served with hot water rubber bag to keep you extra warm.Pre Trip Meeting
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodations
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and HG Trekking has chosen the best deluxe accommodation for 4 nights in Kathmandu (Shanker hotel) or similar category hotel, one night best hotel in Nepalgunj and 15 nights comfortable two men camping tent, foam mattress, 4 season sleeping bag will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All hotel accommodations & tent is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; at no extra charge. On request single supplement will be charge US$300.
Toilet Facilities - On trek, toilet facilities are available near by your tent is an optimum distance in a toilet tent. After use of such facilities, wastes will be cover with necessary natural preservation.
Meals during Lower Dolpo Trek
Freshly cook Meals on full board basis will be provided by our experienced and trained cook during the trek with high level of balance diet, hygiene and safety. Three meals (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cushions) will be provided from the camp according Himalayan Glacier menu. Each day dinner and breakfast will be provided in the same camp you spend the night. Lunch camp will be fixed on a pleasant surrounding. Equipments & Packing List for Lower Dolpo Trek
While packing for “ Lower Dolpo Trek”certain gears are essential to be considered. Please Click here for the comprehensive packing list for this trip.
Departure Dates
We don't have any fixed departure date for this trip. Please contact us for customized departure date. The best months for Lower Dolpo trek are September, October & November during the Autumn season and after mid March, April & May during the spring season are consider as the best seasons for attempting trekking to Hidden Valley & crossing Technical Passes. Early winter this route might be closed for trekkers. |
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