Dolpa region Trek - 24 Days

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Trip Highlights

  • Destination: Upper Dolpa (5010 meter)
  • Group Size: Min – 2+
  • Maximum altitude: 3730 meter
  • Grade: Strenuous
  • Season: Spring, Summer & Autumn
  • Accommodation: Camping/Tea House
  • Duration: 24 Days
  • Entry: Nepalgunj
  • Exit: Nepalgunj

Trip Overview

Trekking in Lower Dolpa: Unveiling Nature's Hidden Wonders

Dolpa, a remote region of Nepal, is home to the Shey Phoksumdo National Park, a natural gem nestled amidst the Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal ranges. Trekking in Lower Dolpa offers an extraordinary and breathtaking experience, immersing you in the region's stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, ancient villages, and vibrant Buddhist culture.

Trekking Highlights:

  • Shey Phoksundo National Park: One of Nepal's major national parks, featuring the awe-inspiring Shey Phoksundo Lake, a crystal-clear body of water surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks.
  • Unique Tibetan-influenced Culture: Encounter the warm-hearted locals and their enthralling traditions deeply rooted in Tibetan culture.
  • Stunning Landscapes: Explore high and remote Himalayan valleys resembling the Tibetan highlands, dotted with snowy peaks, ancient villages, and lush forests.
  • Rich Biodiversity: Witness diverse wildlife, including Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and rare bird species like the Himalayan Griffon.

The Dolpa trek typically begins in Juphal, winding through picturesque villages like Dunai, Tarakot, and Sanu Bheri, before reaching the stunning Phoksundo Lake. The trek culminates at Bang la Camp, offering panoramic views of the region's awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Immortalized in the 1999 Oscar-nominated film "Himalaya" (Caravan) by Eric Valli, Lower Dolpa promises an unforgettable adventure, where nature's hidden wonders seamlessly blend with the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Trip Itinerary

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day 1 day 1

Arrive in TIA, Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at the airport. Get a feel for the streets the first day, absorb the sights and sounds, or rest at the hotel. We discuss the journey in the evening.

day 2

Namaste Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city, boasts an intense mix of cultures and religions unique to Nepal. Turn the Buddhist prayer wheels at Swoyambhu- the monkey temple and meet the steady gaze of the Buddha’s eyes at the famous Boudhanath stupa. Experience the valley’s olden days at the Kathmandu Durbar Square- which has remained authentic even as modernization has crept in all around it. See Kathmandu, with our trained guide. (or skip this and fly to Nepalgunj)

day 3

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Explore around Nepalginj. Stay overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

day 4

Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek from Juphal to Dunai

Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek from Juphal to Dunai takes about 4 hours. Dunai is the headquater of Dolpa district, a remote district of Nepal. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.

day 5

5 Trek from Dunai to Shyanta (2478 m.)

Trek from Dunai to Shyanta (2478 m.) takes about six hours. You will walk along the forest of pine and rhododendron plants. Stay overnight at camp.

day 6

Trek from Shyanta to Somdu (3038 m.)

Trek from Shyanta to Somdu (3038 m.) takes about seven hours. This day, you will walk along the riverside. Stay overnight at camp.

day 7

Trek from Somdu to Phoksundo (3600m.)

Trek from Somdu to Phoksundo (3600m.) takes about five hours. En route, you will pass a picturesque waterfall. Along the trekking route, you will cross some mind blowing pasturelands. Stay overnight at camp.

day 8

Rest day at Phoksundo to explore the Phuksundo Lake.

Rest day at Phoksundo to explore the Phuksundo Lake. It is the deepest lake of Nepal listed in Ramsar sites. Stay overnight at camp.

day 9

Trek from Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3756 m.)

It takes about seven hours. You will camp near to the Phoksundo River. Stay overnight at camp.

day 10

Trek from Sallaghari to Yak Kharka (3856 m.)

Trek from Sallaghari to Yak Kharka (3856 m.) takes about seven hours. Stay overnight at camp.

day 11

Trek from Yak Kharka to Shey Gompa (4160 m.) via Nagadlo La Pass (5350 m.)

Trek from Yak Kharka to Shey Gompa (4160 m.) via Nagadlo La Pass (5350 m.) takes about eight hours. This is quite tough day of your trek. Stay overnight at camp.

day 12

Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung (4360 m.)

Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung (4360 m.) takes about five hours. You will pass through a beautiful trail having alpine trees and meadows. Stay overnight at camp.

day 13

Trek from Namgung to Saldang (3770 m.)

Trek from Namgung to Saldang (3770 m.) takes about four hours. Stay overnight at camp.

day 14

Trek from Saldang to Rakyo (3850 m.)

Trek from Saldang to Rakyo (3850 m.) takes about six hours. En route you will visit Rapa Gompa. Stay overnight at camp.

day 15

Trek from Rakyo to Pass Camp (4700 m.)

Trek from Rakyo to Pass Camp (4700 m.) which takes about six hours. You will walk alongside the riverbanks of Nagaon River in the beginning and later Dachun River. Stay overnight at camp.

day 16

Trek from Pass Camp to Dho Tarap (3944 m.)

Trek from Pass Camp to Dho Tarap (3944 m.) takes about seven hours. This village has the human settlement at the world’s highest altitude. Stay overnight at camp.

day 17

Acclimatization at Dho Tarap

Rest day at Dho Tarap to explore and interact with local people and their lifestyle. Stay overnight at camp.

day 18

Trek from Dho Tarap to River side (3756 m.)

Trek from Dho Tarap to River side (3756 m.) takes about six hours. You will walk along the riverbank of Tarap River throughout the day. Stay overnight at camp.

day 19

Trek from River side to Nawarpani (3475 m.)

Trek from River side to Nawarpani (3475 m.) takes about seven hours. It is also known as Pibuk. Stay overnight at camp.

day 20

Trek from Nawarpani to Laisicap (2775 m.)

Trek from Nawarpani to Laisicap (2775 m.) takes about six hours. Today, you will walk through the pine forest and pastureland.

day 21

Trek from Laisicap to Dunai (2140 m.)

Trek from Laisicap to Dunai (2140 m.) takes about six hours. Stay overnight at camp.

day 22

Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2475 m.)

Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2475 m.) takes about three hours. Stay overnight at camp.

day 23

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and same day fly to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.

After flying from Juphal, we will have 2 hours to fly for Kathmandu, we stay in airport and wait for boarding. In the mid day, we will land in Kathmandu airport and then transfer to hotel. Have some rest and prepared for returning home. Evening enjoy farewell dinner.

day 24

Departure

Transfer to airport before 2 hours to fly

What’s Included

Services Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or Van
  • Entry Permit for National Park
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Special trekking permits for Dolpo Region
  • Trekking guide/s and Sherpa/s
  • Trekking cook and Kitchen helper/s
  • Porter/s (1 porter carries 20 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including fresh fruits, 3 times tea/coffee every day and drinking water
  • Camping arrangements during the trek
  • Necessary camping equipments such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks etc.
  • Cooking utensils
  • Cooking fuel
  • Camping charges
  • Flight tickets from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj - Juphal – Juphal-Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
  • All land transportation where ever necessary
  • Insurance and equipment's for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost in case required.)
  • One farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All tax, VAT and company service charge

Services Excluded:

  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

You should be in excellent physical shape and possess strong stamina to tackle the Dolpa region trek's demanding terrain and high altitudes over 24 days.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached on the Dolpa region trek is around 5,400 meters (17,716 feet) at the Shey La Pass.

How long do we walk every day when doing the Dolpa region Trek?

On the Dolpa region trek, you generally walk 5 to 8 hours each day, covering distances of about 10 to 20 kilometers (6 to 12 miles), depending on the specific itinerary and trail conditions.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

On the Dolpa region trek, battery charging and hot showers are less commonly available compared to more popular trekking areas, with facilities being more limited and potentially more expensive, particularly in remote areas.

What about internet access?

Internet access on the Dolpa region trek is generally limited and may be slow or unreliable, with availability varying depending on the remoteness of the area and the teahouse or lodge.

Is it necessary to hire a Guides/trekking agency for the Dolpa region trek?

Yes, hiring a guide or trekking agency for the Dolpa region trek is highly recommended due to the area's remoteness, challenging terrain, and the need for permits and logistical support.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Dolpa region trek, guides typically cost between $25 to $40 per day, while porters generally range from $20 to $30 per day, with additional fees for tips and potentially their accommodations and meals.

Trip Map