Lower Dolpo Trek
Trip Overview
Lower Dolpo Trek: An Unforgettable Journey Through Pristine Wilderness
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the pristine wilderness of Lower Dolpo, where rugged landscapes meet ancient cultures in a symphony of natural beauty and human resilience. This remote corner of Nepal offers intrepid adventurers a rare glimpse into a world untouched by modernity.
Exploring Shey Phoksundo National Park
The Lower Dolpo trek beckons with its unique features, including the captivating Shey Phoksundo National Park. Here, you’ll find the mystical Phoksundo Lake, whose turquoise waters mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife and offers stunning views at every turn.
Journey Through Picturesque Valleys and Lush Forests
As you traverse through picturesque valleys and lush forests, you’ll encounter the resilient communities of the Dolpo region. These inhabitants have preserved their way of life for centuries, living in harmony with the land. Their villages, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, offer a glimpse into a simpler, yet profound way of life.
Discovering Tibetan Monasteries and Spiritual Rituals
Marvel at traditional Tibetan monasteries perched atop craggy cliffs and witness the timeless rituals of the local inhabitants. These rituals are deeply rooted in their spiritual connection to the land, providing a fascinating insight into their culture. The monasteries, with their intricate architecture and serene ambiance, are a highlight of the trek.
An Unparalleled Adventure
The Lower Dolpo trek promises an unparalleled adventure for those seeking to explore the road less traveled. Its remote trails, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a unique and rewarding experience. From the serene beauty of Phoksundo Lake to the cultural richness of the Dolpo communities, this trek offers a blend of natural splendor and cultural immersion.
In conclusion, the Lower Dolpo trek is more than just a journey through beautiful landscapes. It is an exploration of a timeless world, offering profound insights into human resilience and spiritual connection. For those who dare to venture off the beaten path, Lower Dolpo awaits with open arms.
Trip Itinerary
A representative of Adventure Glacier Treks will meet you at the arrival gate of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. And you will be transferred to a hotel, after which there will be a briefing about the necessary procedures, the climbing route, and your climbing permit. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend your free time visiting nearby temples or taking a break.
We will analyze the gear you need for the treks and, if we have any, recommend that you buy, rent, or receive it from us. The Kathmandu Valley may be explored in a single day. If you'd like, we may arrange for a tour guide to assist you as you tour Kathmandu (it costs extra).
From Kathmandu, we fly for an hour to Nepalgunj in the country's west. The entry point to Simikot of Humla is Nepalgunj, a border town close to the Nepal-India border. The town itself is a fascinating Terai town in Nepal, influenced by the indigenous Hindu and Muslim traditions as well as the country's hills and plains. The Mini Zoo and Muslim Bazaar are two tourist attractions in Nepalgunj. If time permits and you're interested, you may also go on a walk around some of the local villages. Additionally, we need to get ready for our trip to Jhupal tomorrow.
We get an early-morning flight to Jhupal after a pleasant breakfast. You arrive at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills after a 45-minute flight over the high mountains, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Our trekking staff will welcome you when you arrive in Jhupal. Our first day's journey starts with a trek through terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge, ending with a 2- to 3-hour campout at Dunai. The Dolpo region's administrative center is Dubai. Explore Dunai after dark.
After breakfast, we begin our hike, which continues upstream on a nice track along the river's south bank. hanging bridges, vast valleys, and remote settlements. Seven meters above the river, a huge gorge with pine trees and a clever walkway were created. Tarakot's vibrant terraced field welcomes us. The locals constructed Tarakot as a Dzong, or fort, in the past. The community used to oversee the toll collection for the commerce caravans and is located on a hillside south of the Bheri River.
After breakfast, we carry on our journey by walking upstream along the Tarap Chu River, crossing it twice by bridge. Further east of Tarakot, near the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarup Chu Rivers, is where you'll find the renowned Sandul Gompa. The path passes by rural communities and farm terraces. We finally descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini after a few ups and downs.
After breakfast, we continue hiking up to the Tarap River's gorge, which rises above us on a path made of rocky slopes. Walking through the valley, which becomes a chasm where you can jump from one side to the other, is pretty exciting. To Chyugur Khola, descend. When the road temporarily disappears, we must navigate a bridge made of stone slabs set on logs that span the space between the walls.
After breakfast, we go out on our morning trek, ascending gradually until we reach Kamattarka, where the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, two streams flowing from the east, unite. The road leads slightly above tree lines for juniper shrub and wild rose, typical of arid inner Himalayan valleys, after a few hours of a fine morning hike after leaving the small gorge. We arrive at the settlement of Dho Tarap, which is encircled by an erratic stone wall, after another three hours or so of walking. Both the Bon Po and Chaiba sects are present in this valley. A few Tibetans and the majority of the Magars, who have been residing in Tarap for many centuries, are also present.
Today's trek will take us to the upper Tarap valley, which is distinct from the rest of the inner Dolpo because it includes stretches of lush, emerald grass on both sides of the river. The entire route of this lovely trail follows the Tarap Chu upstream. With its wide plains and lofty mountains, Tarap is undoubtedly a dream valley. We reach the Chiba sect's monastery in the village of Tokyu after a few hours of brisk walking. After viewing this settlement, we continue hiking up this valley for another two to three hours till we reach our overnight accommodation in the tent and prepare our own meal next to the Numa-La.
One of the trek's longer and more challenging days is this one. Following breakfast, we continue on our way to cross Numa La, passing at a height of 5,190 m. The trail climbs to the top ridge of Numa La, where there are spectacular views of the surroundings. A stunning vista of the arid Dolpo Mountains stretches all the way to Dhaulagiri (8167 m). We will descend to camp at Pelung Tang after reaching the summit of Numa La. Accommodation in the tent and prepare our own meal.
After breakfast, we start our morning hike with a challenging ascent to Baga-ridge la's top at 5,070 m, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding areas and the far-off snow-capped peaks of the Kanjirowa Himal range. We descend for about three hours to the Dajok Tang for the night after a magnificent moment at the pass. Accommodation in the tent and prepare our own meal.
After breakfast, we begin our morning hike through a pine forest. After leaving the forest behind in the countryside, we pass through pasture fields and alpine shrubs for the majority of the trip to Ringmo, which is our final destination.
Remember the frightening scene from "The Himalayas" when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the "Devil's Trail" as we sit right on the bank of the magnificent Phoksumdo Lake. Yak caravans will enter and exit Ringmo on their route northward to Saldang and Thinje, our two most northern destinations, as well as the Tibetan border. This is a nice day without having to worry about packing, and the chance to explore the local Tibetan Buddhist monastery as well as the village of Ringmo are also worthwhile stops. It's also quite calming and delightful to wander around the lake partially. This is a fantastic day for touring the lake regions and the beautiful, calm Lake of Phoksundo. camp overnight.
Trek to Shyanta
To reach Chepka, descend a hill. The trail leaves Chepka and follows the enormous overhanging rock. In this region, we discovered a number of significant medicinal minerals that are thought to treat practically anything. After then, the path makes its way through the villages until ascending to Shyanta.
We advance towards Jhupal via Sulighat, following the gently ascending track. On the journey, we come across large birch trees. We may enjoy the most breathtaking views of the mountain and Jhupal below from the ridge's summit. While hiking this trail, extreme caution is recommended. After arriving in Jhupal, we can spend the day either visiting the bustling market town or doing whatever takes our fancy.
From Jhupal, we catch a flight to Nepalgunj. After arriving in Nepalgunj, we take the next flight back to Kathmandu. You will be taken to your accommodation after arriving in Kathmandu. There is nothing to do but arrange the photos and communicate via email with your traveling companions.. You can take it easy that evening, maybe finish up some last-minute shopping, and enjoy dinner with Adventure Glacier staff. Stay the night in Kathmandu.
You are saying goodbye to the mountains of Nepal as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. On the way home, we hope you will be thinking about your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.