Trip Facts
- Price Start From:USD 3511
- Duration: 20 days
- Highest access of the trek: 5115m
- Grade: Moderate
- Best Season: September to end of November and February to late June
- Mode of accommodation: Camping
- Starring Point: Kathmandu
- Ending Point: Kathmandu
- Remarks: Special permit is not required
Trip Highlights
- The legendary hidden land which remained closed for years to trekkers.
- Highest waterfall from Nepal, originating from Phoksumdo Lake, Phoksumdo Lake.
- Magnificent views of great Himalayan peaks.
- Breathtaking landscapes.
- Large numbers of ancient monasteries.
- Different communities.
- Beautiful tranquil lake as well as sparkling waterfalls.
Testimonials
"It was really a wonderful visit to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Darjeeling through your agency."
Mr. Ram and Marron Staffs, Namaste and I would like to thank you very much for your kind support. It was really a wonderful visit to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Darjeeling through your agency I travel to Nepal and many other countries and have found...
Nepal »Trekking »Far Western Region » Lower Dolpo Trek - 20 Days
Lower Dolpo Trek - 20 Days
- Trip Overview |
- Detail Itinerary |
- General information |
- Cost Include & Excludes |
- Equipment List
.jpg)
That’s right this journey is for both of these two purposes. It would not be inappropriate to call Lower Dolpo as the sanctuary of Nepal. It is a unique trek, which is suited to both beginners and those who have "been everywhere". A term ‘must visit’ can be associated with this trek as if you haven't been to Dolpo, you’re missing a great deal of adventure. This part is also known as “Ba Yul”, which mean ‘the hidden valley’ in the local dialect.
This trekking has only recently been permitted and these days it does not need any special permits to enter there. Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal which is behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. The ancient villages, high passes, beautiful lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries are some of the features of trekking and along with it different floras and faunas are also found. The faunas include Blue sheep, Mountain Goats, Jackals, wolves and the legendary Snow leopards.
If you are a nature lover, this trek can be an ideal one as it remains in a truly isolated corner of Nepal and it seems like time has stood still for centuries as the inhabitants still practice the livestock farming, cultivation on their fields as the source of income. Basically the inhabitants of this place are the people of Gurung and Magar origins.
We can arrange for even shorter treks to Dolpo by flying into the air strip at Jumla.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 04: Nepalgunj to Jumla
Day 05: Jumla to Gothi Chaur (2500m)
Day 06: Gothi Chaur to Naphukana (3080m)
Day 07: Naphukana to Balasa (3110m)
Day 08:Balasa to Kaigaon (2610m)
Day 09: Kaigaon to Toijem (2920m)
Day 10: Toijem to Kagmara Phedi (4000m)
Day 11: Kamarga Phedi to Lasa (4060m)
Day 12: Lasa to Sumduwa (3100m)
Day 13: Sumduwa to Phoksumdo Lake (3730m)
Day 14: Phoksumdo Lake
Day 15: Phoksumdo Lake to Renje (3010m)
Day 16: Renje to Chepka (2670m)
Day 17: Chepka to Juphal (2354m)
Day 18: Juphal to Nepalgunj
Day 19: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Day 20: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we transfer you to your hotel. You’ll get short briefing concerning the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. By depending upon your time of arrival, you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or resting.
Day 02: Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley
You’ll be sightseeing around UNESCO Bhaktapur / Kathmandu where your guide will escort you on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions, this may take the half of the day. Until the trekking permits are finalized, you can have free time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest. In the evening, you can taste delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
We’ll fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj is a kind of transit for planes and busses throughout western Nepal. But the flight to Jumla is only in the early morning. Jumla is the starting point of our trek so we will spend the night here in one of the hotels.
Day 04: Nepalgunj to Jumla
We’ll fly to Jumla early in the morning. Jumla lies on the banks of the Tila Khola at 2370 meter. Jumla is famous for the production of apples. It is also famous for the local apple-made wine which is popularly known as ‘Marpha’ in local dialect. You can taste those things there. We will meet our trekking crew today and make the final preparations for our camping-trek.
Day 05: Jumla to Gothi Chaur (2500m)
The adventurous trekking begins from this day!!! From Jumla, our trail leads past several water-driven mills before dropping to the confluence of the Tila Khola and the Chaudhabise Khola. We will cross both of these rivers on a cantilever bridge which looks like it is held together by giant clothes pegs. From here our trail climbs gently alongside rice terraces to the village of Dochal Ghara at 2530 meter. After that we will follow the trail through a forest of maples and walnuts to a meadow. Seasonal wildflowers like cinquefoils, terrestrial orchids, forget-me-nots, mints, buttercups, primulas, edelweiss and gentians can be found on our ways.We pass through a meadow beyond which the trail will climb to a rocky cairn at Pattyata Lagna (2830m), and then descends into a magnificent alpine amphitheatre towards Gothi Chaur which is close to the stream at the bottom of the valley. We set up camp close to the river for the night (5 hrs).
Day 06: Gothi Chaur to Naphukana (3080m)
On this day we will re-enter the Tila river valley and follow this river towards its source. Passing through fields of barley and buckwheat we arrive at the trail junction at Muni Sangu, a small settlement where we can see peculiar carved wooden faces, called dok-pa which is believed to be made for the sake of protection from evil spirits. Throughout the whole Dolpo region, these faces can be seen. We will stay on the southern side of the river from where the valley slowly becomes narrower till we reach Changrikot. The trail then finally crosses the river and climbs towards the grey stone houses of Chotra (3010m). The village has typical mane walls (walls containing stones carved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers) and kani (arch, decorated with paintings on the inside) over the trail. We will end our trek of this day in the Tibetan settlement of Naphukana where we will make our camp (6 hrs).
Day 07: Naphukana to Balasa (3110m)
Today’s trail is steeper as we climb past rocky fields to the forests of oaks and birch trees strangled with Spanish moss. The trail is steeper till we reach Mauri lagna (‘honey pass’) at 3820 meter. From this pass we have good views of the snowy peaks of Gutumba (5608m) and Mataumba (5767m) to the north-east and Bhalu Himal (5460m) to the south. We will descend from here to the Bheri valley to the large Khampa settlement of Chaurikot at 3060 meter. After a short while, we can have some excellent campsites alongside the trail (5 hrs).
Day 08: Balasa to Kaigaon (2610m)
On this day we will trek through the walnut forests; the locales of this place seldom eat the nuts but use them as a source for cooking oil. We start decending slowly to the village of Rimi at 2890 meter, where the amusing faces of the dok-pa will peep at us from the tops of houses. After crossing the stream we will arrive in Kaigaon, where we will find the first shop since leaving Jumla (3-4 hrs).
Day 09: Kaigaon to Toijem (2920m)
Towards the west bank of the Bheri river we will trek and then we start climbing up leaving the river deep below us. The trail stays high above the river and continues to the confluence where the Jagdula and Garpung Kholas join to form the Bheri. We then go to the Jagdula Khola river and cross it on stones to our campsite near the army post at Toijem (5 hrs).
Day 10: Toijem to Kagmara Phedi (4000m)
This day we will follow the trail up to the western side of the Garpung Khola river to about 3650 meter and then cross it and continue our tour upstream on the eastern side. The valley narrows and the river becomes a series of waterfalls as the trail climbs to a moraine at 3900 meter. We will make a high camp in the boulders at Kagmara Phedi. (6 hrs).
Day 11: Kamarga Phedi to Lasa (4060m)
Today we will start to climb alongside the Kagmara Glacier to Kagmara La pass at 5115 meter. Then we descend about 900 meter along a stream into the Pungmo valley. We descend further to Lasa, a shepherds’ camp at about 4060m (7 hrs).
Day 12: Lasa to Sumduwa (3100m)
The trail stays high above the stream, which eventually becomes the Pungmo Khola river. The river has a wooden bridge for crossing it. The route continues to the village of Pungmo. From here, we continue our way downstream to the school at Sumduwa and descend to a camp on the banks of the Phoksumdo Khola (5 hrs).
Day 13: Sumduwa to Phoksumdo Lake (3730m)
On this day we will join the direct trail to Phoksundo lake climbing through the forests of big cedars to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village. The entrance station for the Shey Phoksumdo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksumdo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west of the lake (6 hrs).
Day 14: Phoksumdo Lake
Day to rest!!! After such a long journey, it feels great to sit and admire the beauty of this great lake. We visit nearby villages inhabited by Bon and Buddhist Settlers and can make a short excursion to the white Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing Gompa, a Bon-po gompa overlooking the lake, which is said to be build 60 generations ago.
Day15: Phoksumdo Lake to Renje (3010m)
Today we will back track our path to Ringmo village and continue past Palam to the Suli Gaad valley, following the stream originating from the Phoksumdo Lake. After descending for almost 900 meters we will arrive in the small village of Renje, which consists of 9 houses on the side of the river. Here we will find a good campsite about 5 minutes away from the village (5 hrs).
Day 16: Renje to Chepka (2670m)
Our route follows several ups and downs alongside the river through forests of firs and larches as it continues downstream. The trail then becomes a collection of rocks and sticks forming a dyke along the river bank. We will set up camp beside a huge rock in a walnut grove about 20 minutes away from Chepka. (4-5 hrs).
Day 17: Chepka to Juphal (2354m)
Today we walk to the region famous for its lotus-like plant called chuk, which is used to make vinegar and medicines. We pass through the villages of Ankhe, Rahagaon and Parela, meaning 'eye', 'eyebrow' and 'eyelash' respectively. We keep walking downstream following the river to Dunai. From here we ascend to Juphal climbing through wide meadows. In Juphal we will spend the night in one of its hotels where a well deserved hot shower awaits us (7 hrs).
Day 18: Juphal to Nepalgunj
we will fly to Nepalgunj on this day and we will be getting ready to fly back to Kathmandu on the next day.
Day 19: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Home wards bound!!! Welcome to Kathmandu once again. You’ll be staying in a hotel here.
Day 20: Final Departure
These will be your farewell day to your homeland or you extend your trip and could enjoy other packages like Paraglyding in Nepal, BunjyJumping,WhitewaterRafting, Mountain Biking and many other adventorous trip
Accommodation
During Lower Dolpo Trek we opt you accomodate on 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City or similar.
While in Trekking route, you will be accomodate in tents at best Camp sites available. We will ensure you get the best service possible to keep your trek enjoyable.
Meals
During Lower Dolpo Trek we arrange the best quality food for all trekkers. Basically we recommend you local community foods of Far Western Region so that you could enjoy the culture, the way of living of local people and also promote the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than that many kind of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available in most of the places based upon your requirement.
Porter and Staff Care
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. They are the backbones for the accomplishment of the trek.
Best Season
The best season for Lower Dolpo Trek is during September to end of November and February to late June.Click here
Difficulty
The hikers going for this trek need to be good in physical condition and must have the previous walking experience.Other than that you dont need to have any technical experience.
Our Guides
During Lower Dolpo Trek the guides play a very active role. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as successful. To make our visitors journey fruitful, the team of MarronTreks has got number of guides who have good knowledge about the culture, language, location and each and every little things of Far Western Region which would help our trekkers to enjoy the full potential of the trail and communicate easily with the people along the trail.
Travel Insurance
Before starting your journey with MarronTreks it is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip save and hassle free.
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at info@marrontreks.com
Following are the cost details that have been provided to you for your convinience. If you want to get more, then please dont hesitate to contact us
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop service
- Applicable Airfare as per the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis as per itinerary
- All transportation costs according to itinerary
- Farewell dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program
- All trekking accommodation costs according to itinerary
- Crew for camp treks: Guide and Sherpa guide, Cook, Kitchen staff and necessary porters
- Personal insurance for crew members
- Necessary trekking equipments
- All applicable tourist fees and permits for the trekking, conservation fees, TIMS fees and any other required permits or official documentation.
Cost Excludes
- Entry fees and other expenses for sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Personal Insurance for travel to Nepal
- Lunch & dinner expenses arising before or after the trekking period
- Emergency Rescue evacuation
- International airfare
- Tipping (Tips)
- Bar bills & beverage
- Other personal expenses
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above
Clothing and Equipments for Lower Dolpo Trek
The equipments and clothing list below are the main requirements for these trek. The list items are for your guidelines or if you want you may have your own checklist. Please note that most of the trekking items are easily available for buying or renting in Nepal and you are suggested not to bring unnecessary items with you.
Required Equipments
Shorts
T-Shirts
Pants
Sun Hat
Sun Glasses
Sun Block
Hiking Boots
Down Jackets
Camp Shoes
Light-weight pants
Woolen Pants
Sleeping Bags
Head Lamp
Watre Bottle
Toileteries
Towel
Others
As per you Required
Clothing and equipments Accessories for Tea House and Camping Treks
The equipments and clothing list below is for a relatively longer trek involving a cold high altitude destination in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. If you are doing a short trek to a relatively lower altitude you may not need all these. The list below is for a guideline alone, you may have your own check list as well. Duffle Bag and a good sleeping bag will by provided by Marron Treks P.Ltd, which you should return after completion of your trip. Please note that most of the trekking items are easily available for buying or renting in Nepal and you are suggested not to bring unnecessary items with you.
For Head
- Cap for sun protection during trek
- sunglasses/goggles
- sunscreen lotion/sun balm
For Body
- T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
- fleece or thermal shirts for colder areas
- fleece jumper/sweaters
- Down jacket
- wind /water proof outer garment
For leg and hand
- Casual troussers for walking
- Water proof trouser
- Thermal legging for colder areas
- Hand gloves
Trekking Shoes For foot
- woolen and cotton socks
- Trainer or casual shoes
- Waterproof hiking boot
- Gaiter for rain and snow
Others
- Day sack to carry personal goods
- Personal medicines and first aid kit
- water bottle and iodine tablets
- Torch (better head torch)
- Camera and extra batteries
- toiletries and towel
- Large handkerchief
Optional items
- compass, binoculars, altimeters,
- Playing cards , books, guide book
For Peak climbing we suggest the following gears except above mentioned accessories.
Suggested Climbing Gear
- Climbing boots, Crampons.
- Ice axe, Harness.
- Karabiners.
- Tapes/slings
- Rock pegs, Helmet (crash hat).
- Warm climbing trousers, Long cotton hiking shirts.
- Waterproof climbing jacket, Gaiters.
- Sun hat, Light cotton athletic socks and wool.
- Climbing socks, long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts.
- T-shirts, Wool long underwear.
- Down high altitude, Sleeping bag.
- Down jacket/ trousers/vest, climbing sunglasses.
- Sunscreen, Lip salve.
- Lightweight fleece, Fleece/wool for climbing.
- Head torch /batteries/bulbs, Lightweight thermal/ insulated ski gloves.
Please do write us at info@marrontreks.com for furthermore information except those mentioned in above.
FAQ
