Lower Dolpo Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then will have a quick pre-trip gathering where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. After the meeting, you can spend the remaining time resting and relaxing to avoid jetlag. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu; dinner included. 

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m /1 hour)

After breakfast, you will be driven to Kathmandu Domestic Airport. About an hour’s flight would take you to Nepalgunj, the western region hub of Nepal, which borders the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. As we don’t have a connecting flight to Juphal, from where our trek commences, it allows us to explore this hot and humid town. The city centre, Dhamboji, happens to be the business hub with a plethora of hotels and shops. Hindu as well as Muslim cultures influence the town. Bageshwori temple and Muslim market are also worth visiting. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj; breakfast included. 

Day 03: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo) (2,320m /35mins) and trek to Dunai (2,850m /2-3 hours trek)

We take an early morning flight to Juphal after breakfast. Dolpo flights are always scheduled early in the morning as by 10 am, the swift winds in the ThuloBheri Valley begin to swirl causing serious problems for the flights scheduled later. Once we arrive at Juphal, we meet our trekking crew and commence our trek towards Dunai. We walk downhill through the meadow, pass by a few houses and arrive at a small hotel at Kala Gaura (2090m). From here, the trail goes slightly up towards the Bheri River and then to a narrow gorge. Advancing, we finally arrive at Dunai, the administrative centre of the Dolpo region. We set up our camp here and then explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon. Overnight at camp in Dunai; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. 

Day 04: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m /5-6 hours)

After breakfast, we continue our trek along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, isolated villages and hanging bridges, pine forest and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight in Tarakot; breakfast, Lunch included. 

Day 05: Tarakot to Laini (3,160 m /6-7 hours)

After breakfast, we leave for Laini walking alongside the Tarap Chu River. We come across a famous Gompa named SandulGompa which lies at a juncture between BarbungKhola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through beautiful terraces farms and rural villages. After several ascending and descending and crossing several suspension bridges, we finally reach Laini. Overnight at Laini; breakfast, Lunch, and dinner included. 

Day 06: Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m /5-6 hours)

We start our trek early morning after breakfast. We continue our trail walking on the way made by steep stones following the Tarap Chu River. Today’s walk is quite exciting as we will get some narrow gorges that in some places we have to jump from one side to another. On some paths, we have to place logs between the stones and make our way. After vigorous climbs and descents, we will reach the banks of the ChyugurKhola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included 

Day 07: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090m /7-8 hours)

We begin today’s trek by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us leading us to wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. After several hours of walking, we reach the village of DhoTarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. The Dho village is pretty interesting, as both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together and we can find thirty-four houses divided into three groups and built-in random fashion. Tarap is inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight Camp in the village yard; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 08: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization

Today is a well-deserved rest day free from the hassles of packing. We will spend the day visiting nearby monasteries and interacting with locals and familiarising ourselves with the local culture. The people in Dolpo wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon colour which favours Tibetan style samba or dacha (boots with upturned toes). Both men and women wear religious strings of coral, amber and turquoise and amulets. The people of this region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa of the Buddhist sects. Overnight in Do Tarap; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 09: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m /6-7 hours)

We trek towards the Upper Tarap Valley, the trail leads us inside the plain valleys with beautiful views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside the Tarap Chu River and take pleasure in the amazing views of the Vas Tarap Valley with its plains and high mountains. After a few hours’ of walk, the path leads us to the village of Tokyu where we can find a monastery of the Chiba sects. After exploring this monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a difficult and rough trail for about 3 hours and finally reach Numa La Base Camp. Overnight at Numa La Base Camp; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included. 

Day 10: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m), camp at Pelung Tang (4465m /6-7 hours)

Today is the toughest and the longest day of our trek. After breakfast, we continue with the crossing of Numa La Pass at 5,190m on a steep trail up the top ridge of the pass. From the top of the ridge, we get a fantastic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo, the surrounding landscapes and the valleys including the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167m). After enjoying the glorious moment at the pass, almost 3 hours of descending hiking brings us to camp at Palungtang (4,465m). Overnight at Palung Tang; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included. 

Day 11: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m), trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m/6 hours)

After breakfast, we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass at 5.070m. From here, we get fabulous views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa.  After spending some time at the top of the pass enjoying the mesmerizing views, we descend to Dajok Tang which is about 3 hours of hike. Overnight at Dajok Tang; Breakfast Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 12: Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m/3-4 hours)

We spend most of today’s trek walking along with the beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo Village and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo. This village is one of the popular traditional Tibetan villages of the Dolpo region. Overnight in Ringmo; Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. 

Day 13: Hike to Phoksundo Lake (3600m/4-5 hours)

Today we explore the Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ringmo and the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shores. We can see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. This location is also covered in the Hollywood movie ‘Caravan”. Upon reaching Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake’s shores and just chill out here and let our spirits go free. Overnight camp on the shore of Phoksundo Lake; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 14: Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m /5-6 hours)

After spending a wonderful time in Phoksundo Lakeshore the next morning after breakfast, we trek downhill to Chepka. Its place is believed to be home to many important medicinal minerals which cure many diseases. The route then passes through some lovely villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight in Shyanta in camp; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included. 

Day 15: Shyanta to Jhupal (2,320m/5-6 hours)

We march towards Jhupal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. From atop a ridge, we get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below. We walk uphill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotel at Kala Gaura (2090m). After reaching Jhupal, the end point of our trek. We can spend our afternoon exploring Jhuphal, the busy market town, or simply taking a rest. Overnight in Jhupal; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 16: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m/35mins) & further flight to Kathmandu (1400m /1 hour)

We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we take the next flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we check in to the hotel for an overnight stay and get refreshed and relax to do away with the fatigue. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast.

Day 17: A free day in Kathmandu

This is a free day in Kathmandu to fulfill anything that you missed out spotting in this energetic capital of Nepal. In the event that the flight to Kathmandu is delayed, it is also a spare day. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu (Breakfast)

Day 18: Final departure

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from Marron Treks will take you to the airport approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight. Unless you would want to extend your trip and try out some of the other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, etc

EQUIPMENT CHECK-LIST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is the Lower Dolpo Trek?

The Lower Dolpo Trek is an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path trekking route in the Dolpo region of western Nepal. It takes you through remote and rugged landscapes, ancient villages, and beautiful natural surroundings.

2. How long does the Lower Dolpo Trek take?

The duration of the Lower Dolpo Trek takes 15 days to complete the trek.

3. What is the starting point of the trek?

The trek often starts from the town of Juphal, which is accessible by flight from Nepalgunj. From Juphal, trekkers follow the trail through remote villages and stunning landscapes, eventually reaching the Lower Dolpo region.

4. Is the Lower Dolpo Trek difficult?

The Lower Dolpo Trek is considered a challenging trek, suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness. The trail involves trekking at high altitudes and crossing several mountain passes.

5. What is the best time to do the Lower Dolpo Trek?

The best time for the Lower Dolpo Trek is during the late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures, making the trekking experience more enjoyable.

6. Are permits required for the Lower Dolpo Trek?

Yes, permits are required for the Lower Dolpo Trek. The required permits typically include the Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit and the Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit.

7. What are the highlights of the Lower Dolpo Trek?

The trek offers a range of highlights, including exploring the remote and culturally rich villages of the Lower Dolpo region, visiting ancient monasteries and gompas, encountering unique flora and fauna, and witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest and most serene lakes in Nepal.

8. What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?

Accommodation options in the remote areas of Lower Dolpo are limited and basic. Trekkers mostly stay in teahouses or camping during the trek.

9. Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Lower Dolpo Trek?

Hiring a guide is highly recommended for the Lower Dolpo Trek. The region is remote and less frequented by trekkers, and having an experienced guide can be invaluable in navigating the trail, understanding the local culture, and ensuring your safety.

Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 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.

 

Throughout the trek, you will have the convenience of staying in a fully equipped camping setup, complete with dedicated support staff. This includes a personal tent for yourself, a dining tent, a toilet tent, and a separate tent for the accompanying staff. We strive to furnish you with top-notch tents and camping equipment to ensure a comfortable night's sleep in a clean and hygienic environment.

 

Meals
Meals are typically provided as part of the fully organized camping experience. The catering is handled by a support team accompanying the trek, and you can expect a variety of meals that cater to different dietary preferences and requirements. Commonly, the meals include a mix of local and international dishes, providing a balance of nutrition and taste. The dining setup usually involves a dedicated dining tent to enhance the overall camping experience. It's advisable to communicate any specific dietary restrictions or preferences in advance to ensure that the meals align with your needs.

 

Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitude conditions, are provided with adequate clothing and equipments.

 

Any Experience Required?
There is nothing hard and fast rule about trekking experience. Any adventure enthusiast, with a generic physical aptitude can definitely relish the thrill of this trek.

 

Difficulties
Difficulty here is actually synonymous to ‘high altitude’. As this trek involves some seriously high altitude climbing above 5000 meters, one is likely to experience some problem in breathing owing to the deteriorating oxygen level. But as this is something which is anticipated, we do have enough precautionary measures to tackle it.

 

Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you could actually connect with the nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides, who are fairly literate, multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the Dolpo region. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining, but also equally informative.

 

Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you, makes your trip secure and hassle free.

The provided trip plan by Marron Treks is customizable but subject to unpredictable factors like weather, political unrest, and flight disruptions in Nepal. Delays or changes might occur due to various reasons, and Marron Treks will prioritize client safety. However, they are not liable for resulting consequences, striving to maintain the essence of the original trip plan. 

Cost Inclusion

• Airport pick-up and drop services.
• Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj with breakfast.
• Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Juphal/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu round airfares.
• All trekking accommodation (in tented camps) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.
• Guide, porters, kitchen staffs and helpers wages for the trekking period.
• Four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron duffel bags.
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• Special Trekking Permit fee for Dolpo is US$ 500 per person for 10 days. Any additional stay beyond this will cost US$ 50 per day, per person.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.
• All government and local taxes.

Cost Exclusion

• International airfare.
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
• Lunch & dinner In Kathmandu.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 15 kgs.).
• Other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.).
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Tips for guides, porters & crew (Tipping is expected).