Lower Dolpo Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport pickup crew (team) will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. You do not have a program schedule for today because of your international flight arrival. If you arrive in Kathmandu in the morning hours, you can see/visit the old city of Kathmandu.

Breakfast is included in the tour package, and you will have time to look up your trek equipment around the Thamel store while our trek manager obtains the Lower Dolpo trek Permit.  As per the flight time for Nepalgunj, transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj. Leaving Kathmandu city behind, we fly to Nepalgunj, enjoying scenic views through the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many, as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian border. About a 50-minute flight, land, then transfer to the hotel. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj overnight in the hotel in Nepalgunj.

Breakfast at the hotel, then we catch a short connecting (35-minute) flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As we land in Juphal, our trekking journey starts. In the first session, we descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the Roop Ghar with a water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai overnight in a lodge-teahouse.

Today you will have a beautiful trekking day because we will trek to Tarakot following the upstream trail that banks the Bheri River. We trek along the leveled path filled with beautiful landscapes in the background to reach Tarakot.  We also come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages as we climb over the hill. As we continue to trek further, we are greeted with dry stones and cultivating colorful terraced fields of Tarakot, which is an old fortress town located on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight stay in the teahouse of Tarakot village.

Breakfast in the morning, we follow the trail on the southern bank of the Bheri River that leads us to the open valley. We then head east alongside the Bharbung Khola to reach Laisicap and cross the main river. We now follow the flow of Tarap Khola and head north to Khanigaon which offers the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Relishing the view of Putha Hiunchuli (7,246) and Churen Himal Range, we make a final ascend on the steep trail to reach Laina Odar.

Today the trail follows through the deep gorge of the Tarap River, ascending high above on a trail made out of steep slopes. The trail becomes relatively open and easy as we move further. We continue our trek on wooden planks and flat stones that brings us to Chhyugar. We then cross a small stream and a couple hours of the trek from there brings us to Toltol, which is a winter settlement for the people of Upper Dolpo overnight in the teahouse.

Moving alongside the bank of the Tarap River, we gradually ascend towards Kamattarka, which is the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow gorge, we leave the tree line and enter the forested path full of wild rose and juniper bushes to reach the village of Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a wonderful village surrounded by stone walls and used to be a famous trading point for the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the old days.

To adjust to the thinning air, we take a day off from trekking and spend a day exploring Dho Tarap. We spend the rest of the day visiting the monasteries near the area and take an opportunity to learn and understand the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle.The people of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and prefer Tibetan-style somba (boots with upturned toes) for shoes. Most people here follow Bon-Po and Nyigmapa religions. 

Today we head towards Numa La Base Camp, moving alongside the Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, which is a traditional village with a graceful Kani gait and old-fashioned houses. From there, we cross a bridge to Khanger and head northwest direction of the main trail. We then continue to trek through the rugged trail to reach Numa La Base Camp.

Today we begin to trek toward Numa La Pass (5310m | 17421ft), which is going to be difficult. We ascend through a steep trail up on top of endless ridges on rugged and rough trail. Once we reach the top, we are rewarded with the extraordinary views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Churen Himal Range along with Norbung Kang (6085m). After spending some time, we descend alongside the Gyambo Khola followed by the beautiful meadow of Danighar.

eaving behind Danighar, we head towards Temche via another huge pass of this trek route, Baga La (5,170m | 16,961ft) we make a steep ascent along the shabby yak trail. As we move higher, we might require extra effort due to rapid gain in elevation. The top of the pass offers sacred Chortens with a majestic view of Norbung Kang (6085m) and other peaks along with the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. We then descend to a deep ravine and cross a frozen stream to reach Temche. 

We descend to Yak Kharka from Temche at first and then ascend to the village of Ringmo passing through the forested path full of lush vegetation of oaks, pines, junipers, and cypress. Accompanied by the amazing view of towering cliffs and a large waterfall, we make our way to Ringmo village, which is a famous Bon settlement in the Dolpo region. A short walk from Ringmo leads us to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.

Today the trek to Chhepka starts with a gradual walk along the riverside, followed by a steep ascent to the top of the hill which offers the last view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. From there, we descend for a while and make our way to Chunuwar. The trail then goes through a forest area of pines and birches towards Rechi. With a gradual uphill and downhill climb through the trail, we finally arrive in Chhepka. 

Leaving Chhepka, we head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park. We then cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat overnight in lodge.

We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give you the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city. 

After a wonderful memorable time on Lower Dolpo & Phuksumdo trekking with the grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time transfer to the Tribhuvan international air terminal for your departure towards homeward bound or to the next respective countries.