Dolpo, situated west of the Kali Gandaki Valley and encompassing the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Midwestern Nepal, lies behind Mt. Dhaulagiri, towards the Tibetan Plateau. Isolated by snow-covered high passes for most of the year, Dolpo remains a secluded and pristine part of Nepal. The well-preserved ecosystem here features a diverse range of plants and wildlife, including blue sheep and leopards. Trekking through Dolpo provides a unique and larger-than-life experience, as it is believed to be a hidden valley created by a Buddhist deity for worshipers and is now celebrated as a glimpse of original Tibet. The region is known for its fauna, with blue sheep, Himalayan black bears, and the elusive snow leopard being prominent. Dolpo, located within the Shey-Phoksundo National Park, offers opportunities to explore beautiful lakes, high passes, ancient villages, and secluded Buddhist monasteries, providing a rich experience with the diverse wildlife of the region, including blue sheep, mountain goats, jackals, wolves, and the legendary snow leopard.
Overview
| Duration: | 21 days | Trip Grade: | 3 (Strenuous) |
| Country: | Nepal | Activitty: | Trekking and Hiking |
| Arrival on: | Departure From: | ||
| Attractions: | Route: | Dolpo Region |
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m/7,610ft] and trek to Dunai [2,850m/9,348ft]: 2-3 hrs walk
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot [2,543m/8,341ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
Day 06: Trek to Laini [3,160 m/10,365 ft]: 6-7 hrs walk
DAY 07: Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m/11,627 ft]: 5 hrs walk
Day 08: Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m/13,415ft]: 7-8 hrs walk
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m/14,563 ft]: 6-7 hrs walk
Day 11: Cross Numa La [5,190m/17,023ft], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m/14,645 ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 12: Cross Baga La [5,070m/16,630ft] and camp Dajok Tang [4,080m/13,382ft]: 6 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo Lake(3,600m/11,808ft): 3-4 hrs walk
Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
Day 15: Trek to Shyanta [2520m/8265 ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
Day 16: Trek to Jhupal
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Day 18: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Upon reaching Kathmandu airport, a BG Travel and Trek representative will meet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Once you’ve completed the check-in process, you have the flexibility to either relax, explore the city, or visit our office, depending on your preferences and condition. In the evening, we have planned a Welcome Dinner at a superb traditional Nepalese Restaurant. This delightful evening includes a Nepalese cultural program along with a delectable meal for you to enjoy.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
We commence a guided tour to explore four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square encompasses the palaces that once housed the medieval Kings of the Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath features a sacred lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva, and the adjacent Aryaghat along the Bagmati River is a renowned funeral site for Hindus. Boudhanath, a significant Buddhist shrine, stands as one of the world’s largest stupas, serving as a major pilgrimage and tourist destination in Kathmandu. The Boudhnath area is equally renowned for hosting over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu, known as “the self-existent,” is commonly referred to by foreigners as the Monkey Temple, given the substantial population of monkeys in the vicinity. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
We embark on a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. Serving as the gateway to Simikot of Humla, Nepalgunj is a border town near the Nepal-India border. The town holds a unique charm, being an intriguing Terai town influenced by both the hills and plains of Nepal, as well as local Hindu and Muslim cultures. While in Nepalgunj, you can explore some notable sights such as the Mini Zoo and the Muslim bazaar. If time permits and there is interest, a stroll through nearby villages is also an option. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming flight to Jhupal on the following day are on the agenda.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m/7,610ft] and trek to Dunai [2,850m/9,348ft]: 2-3 hrs walk
Following an early breakfast, we board a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45-minute flight over the high mountains offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills, including the prominent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Upon arrival in Jhupal, our trekking staff warmly welcomes you. The first day of our adventure commences as we traverse terraced fields along the Bheri River and navigate a narrow gorge, taking approximately 2-3 hours to reach the campsite at Dunai. Dunai serves as the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region. In the evening, take the opportunity to explore Dunai.
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot [2,543m/8,341ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
Following breakfast, our trek progresses along the south bank of the river, moving upstream on a well-maintained trail. The journey unfolds amidst deep gorges, suspended bridges, and remote villages. A remarkable gorge, adorned with pine trees and featuring a cleverly constructed path about seven meters above the river, captures our attention. The vibrant terraced fields of Tarakot come into view, welcoming us to this historical fortress town. Tarakot, constructed by the local residents as a Dzong or fort, rests on a hillock south of the Bheri River. In the past, it played a crucial role in overseeing the collection of tolls for trading caravans.
Day 06: Trek to Laini [3,160 m/10,365 ft]: 6-7 hrs walk
After breakfast, our journey persists as we follow the course of the Tarap Chu River upstream, crossing it via a bridge and traversing the same river twice. The renowned Sandul Gompa is situated farther east from Tarakot, positioned at the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarup Chu River. The trail takes us through farm terraces and rural villages, offering a picturesque landscape. Negotiating a series of ups and downs, we eventually descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini.
DAY 07: Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m/11,627 ft]: 5 hrs walk
Following breakfast, our trek persists, ascending through the gorge of the Tarap River on a trail carved out from steep slopes. The journey becomes exhilarating as the valley transforms into a narrow gorge, presenting opportunities in some places to jump from one side to another. As we descend to Chyugur Khola, there are instances where the path temporarily disappears, prompting us to forge our own way across stone slabs fitted on logs, forming makeshift bridges between the walls.
Day 08: Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m/13,415ft]: 7-8 hrs walk
Commencing our morning walk post-breakfast, we gradually ascend to Kamattarka, situated at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After a few hours of a satisfying morning trek, we leave the narrow gorge behind. From this point, the path elevates just above the tree lines, revealing juniper bushes and wild roses, characteristic of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. After another three hours or more of walking, we reach the village of Dho Tarap, enclosed by an irregular stone wall. This valley is home to both the Bon Po and Chaiba sects living harmoniously. Additionally, Dho Tarap is inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars, who have resided here for many generations.
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
We dedicate a rest day in Do Tarap to acclimatize gradually to the altitude. This allows time to explore the monasteries and relish the awe-inspiring views. Engage with the locals, who may have rarely encountered Westerners. The Dolpo people don home-spun clothing, sometimes dyed maroon, and prefer Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) as footwear. Both men and women often adorn themselves with religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise. The residents of the region follow both the Bon po and Nyingmapa sects of Buddhism. The Buddhist Gompa is situated nearby the camp, while the Bon Gompa (pre-Buddhist) is approximately half an hour’s walk away.
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m/14,563 ft]: 6-7 hrs walk
Continuing from the delightful stay in Do Tarap, our journey proceeds towards the upper Tarap valley. The trail meanders through this flat valley, adorned with patches of lush, verdant grass on both sides of the river, offering a landscape distinct from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek along this pleasing track follows the Tarap Chu upstream. Tarap unfolds as a dream valley, characterized by vast plains set amidst towering mountains. After a few hours of enjoyable walking, we reach the village of Tokyu, home to a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. Following our visit to this village, our journey ascends further up the valley, climbing a rugged track for nearly three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.
Day 11: Cross Numa La [5,190m/17,023ft], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m/14,645 ft]: 6-7 hrs
This day marks one of the longer and more challenging segments of the trek. Following breakfast, our journey persists, leading us to the crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m. The trail involves a steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa La, providing remarkable views of the surrounding landscapes. From this vantage point, an incredible panoramic view unfolds, showcasing the barren mountains of Dolpo extending up to Dhaulagiri (8167m). Once we reach the summit of Numa La, our descent takes us to the campsite at Pelung Tang.
Day 12: Cross Baga La [5,070m/16,630ft] and camp Dajok Tang [4,080m/13,382ft]: 6 hrs
Following breakfast, our morning trek kicks off with a steep ascent to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m. From this vantage point, we are treated to fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Kanjirowa Himal range. After relishing the glorious moment at the pass, we embark on an almost three-hour downhill walk, leading us to the overnight campsite at Dajok Tang.
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo Lake(3,600m/11,808ft): 3-4 hrs walk
Following breakfast, our morning trek commences through the pine forest. As we leave the forest behind, the landscape and vegetation undergo a transformation, transitioning into pasture fields and alpine shrubs. The trail continues on gradual slopes, with occasional ups and downs, leading us to our ultimate destination, Ringmo, or Phoksundo Lake.
Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
Today is a designated rest and exploration day, allowing us to fully appreciate the surroundings. We spend our time sitting on the shore of the spectacular Phoksundo Lake, perhaps recalling the harrowing scene in the film “Himalaya” when Thinley’s yak caravan attempted the Devil’s Trail. Yak caravans can be observed heading in and out of Ringmo, moving north towards the Tibet border, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje.
This leisurely day is free from the hassle of packing, providing the chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery, a worthwhile experience. Exploring the village of Ringmo is also recommended, and a stroll partway around the lake offers an enjoyable and relaxing experience. This day presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the lake areas and the crystal-clear, serene Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by breathtaking views. We spend the night at the camp.
Day 15: Trek to Shyanta [2520m/8265 ft]: 5-6 hrs walk
We begin our descent, trekking downhill to Chepka. The trail from Chepka follows a massive overhanging rock, where we come across many important medicinal minerals believed to have healing properties for various ailments in this area. Continuing on, the route passes through villages before ascending to Shyanta.
Day 16: Trek to Jhupal
Advancing along the gently sloping trail, we trek towards Jhupal via Sulighat. The path is adorned with tall birch trees, offering a picturesque environment. From the ridge’s summit, we are treated to the most spectacular views of the mountains and the town of Jhupal below. While trekking along this trail, it is essential to exercise utmost caution.
Upon reaching Jhupal, the remainder of the afternoon is at our disposal to explore the bustling market town or engage in activities based on personal preferences.
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
We board a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, we then take the next available flight back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. With the trek completed, the evening can be spent leisurely, exchanging emails with travel companions, organizing photos, and perhaps engaging in some last-minute shopping. As a finale, you can join the trekking staff for a celebratory dinner together. The overnight stay is in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Final Departure
As your journey in Nepal comes to an end, it’s time to bid farewell to the majestic mountains. The remaining hours can be dedicated to trading emails with friends and organizing your photos, capturing the memories of your trek. If you have additional time, you may opt for some last-minute shopping or engage in sightseeing around Kathmandu.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from BG Travel and Trek will drop you off at the airport, expressing their goodbyes. On your way home, we hope you will be reflecting on your experiences and already contemplating your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
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