View Photoes

Lower Dolpo Trek

Behind the Dhaulagiri massif on the west side of the Kali Gandaki valley lies one of Nepal’s most isolated and wild regions. This journey will take us passed ancient monasteries and remote villages to the beautifully serene Phoksundo lake. Dolpo is home to rare wildlife like the elusive snow leopard and blue mountain sheep, and […]

Trip Overview

  • Destination
    Nepal, Dolpo Region,
  • Duration
    18 Days
  • Altitude
    5350m

Behind the Dhaulagiri massif on the west side of the Kali Gandaki valley lies one of Nepal’s most isolated and wild regions. This journey will take us passed ancient monasteries and remote villages to the beautifully serene Phoksundo lake. Dolpo is home to rare wildlife like the elusive snow leopard and blue mountain sheep, and inhabitants who practice an ancient Tibetan religion called Bon Po. This is a trek for the serious adventurer who yearns to get off the beaten path and explore the real wilderness Nepal has to offer. With three high passes over 5000 meters, we recommend that trekkers be prepared for a physical challenge. Trekking in the mysterious Dolpo region will surely reward you – an experience like no other on the planet – in a region that was only opened to foreigners in 1982, the pristine and wild appeal of this region will leave you enthralled.

Book Now Enquire Now

Blogs and News

View All

Itinerary

You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Mystic Nepal and transported to your hotel.  Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions.  We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa.  In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
An hour’s flight from Kathmandu will take us to Nepalgunj, an interesting town on in Western Nepal bordering the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.  Explore the mixture of Hindu and Muslim cultures that influence the town and visit Bageswory temple or the Muslim Bazaar.  Overnight in a hotel.
After a morning flight to Jhupal, we’ll begin our journey with a walk through a narrow valley to Dunai, a well-stocked town that serves as a base for many treks in the region.  Explore the town and shop for any gear you may have forgotten this evening.
Following the southern bank of the Bheri river, we traverse a landscape marked by deep gorges and seemingly untouched villages.  We arrive in Tarakot, a town that served as a fortress under the Tichurong kingdom, in time to explore during the evening.
Our trail travels high above the river.  Crossing an impressive suspension bridge, we descend to a check post near the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarup Chu.  We make a short detour up a chorten lined trail to visit Sandul Gompa before reaching our overnight stop in Laini.
A steep climb takes us along switchbacks above the Tarap River.  Continue ascending along a gorge which becomes so narrow and steep as to provide for some fantastically interesting hiking.  Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani.
Passing a mysterious cave in the morning, we traverse a fascinating section of trail carved into the rock face of a narrow gorge.  The haunting scenery of barren canyon walls surround us as we travel above rugged stands of juniper, crossing several ancient bridges and weathered chortens and mani walls.  Ascend along the canyon to Dho Tarap, a village inhabited by Tibetans and Magars, surrounded by interesting stone walls near the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Dhoto Chu.
Spend the day exploring the fascinating village, a collection of tightly packed stone houses surrounded by fields of buckwheat.  Visit the nearby Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, where it is said the remains of a demon slain by a guru Rinpoche are kept.  Several other Gompas containing artwork from both Bonpo and Nyingma traditions can be seen, and spectacular views of the valley abound.
The journey continues further to upper Tarap valley, beginning with a scenic stroll through a wide valley thick with lush grasses on either side of the river.  Take a detour to the Mekyam Gompa, a century old structure containing a statue of the Maitreya Buddha.  Another interesting Gompa containing a collection of historical weapons awaits us in Gakar.   In Tokyu village we can visit the local monastery.  We follow the valley south to Numa La, near the edge of a stream beneath the steep climb to Numa La.
Today will be a long an arduous ascent along grassy slopes and glacial moraine to cross the Numa La.  Spectacular scenery unfolds as we make the crossing, including views of Dhaulagiri I, Shey Shikar, and Kanjeralwa.  We make a dramatic descent to Pelung Tang, a yak herder’s town from where an excellent view of Norbu Kang’s majestic peak can be had.
Ascending a series of challenging switchbacks, we come to a ridgeline to encounter again the spectacular Norbu Kang.  Dropping into a glacial bowl, we ascend again to cross Baga La, enjoying amazing views of the Kanjirowa Himal.  Descending from the pass we enter an utterly magical valley flanked by a glacial moraine and a skyline of snowy peaks – waterfalls cascade from the valley walls surrounding us.  Traversing rocky terrain and several streams we reach the village of Dajok Tang.
The trail continues high above the river through stands of juniper and pine, dropping into an enormous valley.  As we approach Ringmo, the landscape takes on a pastoral appearance with thick vegetation and fields of barley.  We encounter a huge waterfall on the valley’s opposite end, and beyond the valley wall the snowy peaks of the Kagmara Lekh range stand proud.
10 minute’s walk from Ringmo will take us to the pristine shores of Phoksundo Lake.  The stunning scenery surrounding this magical place will leave you mesmerized.  Spend the day enjoying the serenity of the lakeshore and visit the gompa at its eastern end.
Heading south from Phoksundo, we pass through Chepka beneath a dramatic rock overhang.  Our trail continues through a series of villages to Shyanta
Hiking through a forest of birch we climb to a ridgeline and turn to savor our last mountain views before descending to Jhupal.  A rugged descent will take us to Jhupal.  Enjoy the luxury of a hot shower and a good meal after our amazing journey.
We take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj, from where we board the next available plane to Kathmandu.  You will be transported to your hotel in Kathmandu.  Spend the evening enjoying the nightlife in Thamel.
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits.  You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight.  Thanks for traveling with us.  Farewell and Namaste.

Inclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
  • Accommodations in hotels, tea-houses, or camps during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

Trip Notes

This trekking route has been chosen with attention to preventing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) through adequate time for acclimatization via a gradual ascent. Our itinerary includes several rest days, which we will utilize for proper acclimatization. This trip is considered difficult due to extended periods walking at higher altitudes. Expect 6 – 8 hours daily walking at altitudes above 4000 meters for much of the journey. Those who are in good physical conditioning will enjoy this trek the most. Best seasons to do this trek are Autumn (Aug – Nov) and Spring (March – May). Snowfall and excessive cold may discourage trekkers during the winter months, and heavy rains can be expected during the monsoon (Jun – mid August).

Related Packages

19 Days 4.8 (2K)

Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass with Parchamo Peak Trek

Start from US$0
Request a Quote
35 Days 4.8 (2K)

Pumori Expedition

Start from US$0
Request a Quote
32 Days 4.8 (2K)

Mount Thamserku Expedition

Start from US$0
Request a Quote
59 Days 4.8 (2K)

Mount Makalu Expedition

Start from US$0
Request a Quote

Reviews

From Happy Clients