Lower Dolpo trek with Phoksundo Lake - 22 Days
Dolpo - ancient trans-Himalayan caravan route, earliest Bonpo (pre Buddhist) culture and on the legendry snow leopard trail, least visited area, Nepal's wild-wild west, ancient tradition and villages on the backdrop of the high snow capped peaks, tranquil forest and pristine lake of Phoksundo. This region has closed before the 1989 for the trekkers and before it David Snelgrove has explored in 1956 and getting popular Dolpo region by the Novel “The Snow Leopard” written by Peter Matheson who has visited in 1970.
Dolpo - ancient trans-Himalayan caravan route, earliest Bonpo (pre Buddhist) culture and on the legendry snow leopard trail, least visited area, Nepal's wild-wild west, ancient tradition and villages on the backdrop of the high snow capped peaks, tranquil forest and pristine lake of Phoksundo. This region has closed before the 1989 for the trekkers and before it David Snelgrove has explored in 1956 and getting popular Dolpo region by the Novel “The Snow Leopard” written by Peter Matheson who has visited in 1970.
Lower Dolpo trek in the least developed and isolated area of western region of Nepal. The trek start from northern Himalaya from Nepalgung and the small terrain airstrip called Jhupal village with a wonderful flight, we begin this remote adventure, encountering interesting places, people, villages, valleys and serene forest of pines, oaks and rhododendron, the trek passes many gigantic mountain ranges and over the Baga La (5,090m) and Numa La (5,360m) till we reach the deep-blue tranquil Phoksundo lake at Ringmo village in the "Phoksundo National Park".
The major attraction of this lower Dolpo trek, in Ringmo we will have two nights here to enjoy the beauty of the deep blue waters of the Phoksundo lake and the surrounding snow peaks of Kanjiroba Himal, with time to visit the nearby isolated village of Ringmo and its Monastery. A physically fit person can do this trip anytime in April to October but after October can be a bit risky as the passes are covered by the snow.
"Lower Dopo Trek - View near Dho Tharap Village"
Deatil Itinerary for Lower Dolpo trek with Phoksundo Lake - 22 Days Trip
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft).
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft).
Namaste & welcome to Himalayan Planet of Nepal. While you landed at the Tribhuvan intl. airport Himalayan Planet Adventures representative welcomes you with your name and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, bring you at head office and briefing about the program and evening we’ll pick up you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural program in the heart of Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.
(Welcome dinner & deluxe hotel accommodation included)
Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
After your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After visiting Bouddhanath stupa we’ll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We’ll explore the medieval like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at restaurant in Bhaktapur it’s time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with your travel consultant & fellows to prepare for next day and overnight at the hotel. Alternatively, the same group may have option to choose same 3 sightseeing place inside Kathmandu valley instead of these given place.
(Breakfast & Deluxe hotel accommodation included).
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & overnight at Hotel.
Today, as per flight booking you’ll be transferred to domestic airport to fly to Nepalgunj and one hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character. We’ll overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast & Standard hotel accommodation included).
Day 04: Fly to Juphal (Dolpa) & trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft).
Juphal has a few days flight a week and as per morning flight we will transfer to airport for the 40 minute flight to Himalayan terrain land of Juphal (2,320m/7,610ft) airport. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staffs will great you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days? After Juphal a short 3 hrs walk towards Dunai village. Our first day adventure begins with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital and it is administrate headquarter of the Dolpo region.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2,850m/9,348ft).
The journeys leads through many small streams and then follow the Bheri and Barbung river in a tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meter above the river, after a good walk coming to Tarakot where colorful terraced fields greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town bulit by the local people as Dzong or fort. Tarakot was a capital before Gorkha dyanasty. The famed Sandul gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu (river). The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans. After 5-6 hrs walk we reach where we camp for the overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 06: Trek to Kami Gaun (2,543m/8,341ft).
As our continuing journey we follows the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing twice a bridge the path goes through the farm terraces and rural villages of Sahartera and winding gradually towards a small settlement of Kola after 3-4 hrs of good walk. After this place descend with few ups to reach our overnight camp at Kamigaun for the overnight with another 2 hrs of trek.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 07: Trek to Tarap Khola (3,450m/11,316ft).
We follow the Tarap River upstream through the valley. On the way we are likely to encounter people from Dolpo herding their flocks of sheep’s and goats to lower pasture for the winter. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. In some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed by the monsoon flood, and we may opt to cross the cold torrent on foot. We overnight camp by the river near before Kamattarka village.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka.
As we continuing follow the trails with upstream and lush valley with its natural beauty. After 5-6 hrs walk we’ll be reaching at the camp at Yak Kharka (Yak grazing pasture) for the overnight and nothing special view then yesterday but while you are in camp you can enjoys the dancing and singing with our crews being at the Himalayan planet of the World .
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 09: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090m/13,415ft).
After Himalayan breakfast we start to walks with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himlayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregualr stone wall. At Dho, thirty -four houses are divided into three groups and built in a randomly way. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. After 6 hrs walk we’ll reach at camp for the overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 10: Acclimatization at Dho Tarap.
To explore the beautiful village we deserve rest day free from the hassle of packing today and chance to make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners for ages. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favor Tibetan style Somba or Dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 11: Trek to Tokyu Gaon.
As our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending twenty kilo meters along the river Tarap Chu, having ten villages with cultivated fields of barley, buck wheat, wheat and potato. After 3-4 hrs of good walk in this perfect tranquillity coming to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After a break here our walk continues farther up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la. We camp on the pasture field.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 12: Trek below Numala pass.
We are leading the trails towards the two high passes of Numa La and Baga La. As you continuing ascending walk we follow the northern valley walking in Himalayan desert with good scenery of snow capped mountain and completely wild in the Himalayan zone. During the walk you will gaining high altitudes and feel difficult to walk. You will have short day but feel little hard during the walk. Even a great day at the high altitude and we'll reach at the camp for overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 13: Trek Numa La pass (5,190m/17,023ft) to Phedi.
As our journey we continues to crossing of Numa La pass feeling quite hard but a great experience, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow capped peaks. The top remarked by the Buddhist prayer flag flattering around and if you have those can hang up on a top for peace for Mountain. Today is one of the long and difficult days it takes 7 hrs and after top at Numa La we will descends below called Phedi where we’ll overnight at camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 14: Trek Baga La Pass (5,070m/16,630ft) to Phedi(4,470m/14,662ft).
Another hard day trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga La, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Phedi for the overnight at camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 15: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft).
The trek starts after breakfast and pack up the gears and we walk through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the beautiful Lake of Phoksundo. We overnight at camp in Ringmo.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 16: Hike to Phoksundo Lake.
Today, one of the beautiful day and free from the hassle of packing but after breakfast we head to explore the Phoksundo Lake which you can walk in surrounding lake areas and visit Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth. This is great view of Crystal lake and surrounding hills and snow capped mountain and overnight at camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 17: Trek to chepka (2,250m/7,380ft).
The trail leads from the Ringmo to Chepka is the massive overhanging rock and some places passes a small villages. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. At the last part climb a bit to the pasture at Chepka for the overnight at camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 18: Trek back to Jhupal Airport.
The following trail gently sloping upwards towards Jhupal village. We pass the Birch trees forest and a top the ridge; we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and below is Jhupal village. Extreme caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like and evening farewell dinner through the crews and enjoy your last day celebration with your crews and distribute the tips and overnight at camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tented accommodation are Included)
Day 19: Reserve day.
for flight scheduleJuphal has in remote areas and only morning flight can be operated and during the day it can be interrupted by windy or cloud. So, this day we have a flight reserve day at Juphal and if the flight being operated then we fly to Nepalgunj and overnight at hotel if not then we wait for next day flight to Nepalgunj. It is quite technical flight then it may suffer your flight due to weather problem or flight schedule.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & hotel/tented accommodation are Included)
Day 20: Fly to Nepalgunj & connecting flight to KathmanduToday.
if the flight operated then we take a morning flight back to Nepalgunj and afternoon flight to Kathmandu. You Trekking guide will be with you until Nepalgunj then he depart you to Kathmandu and he stay at Nepalgunj. We will greet you from the Kathmandu airport and transfer you to the Hotel and reminder relax at the Hotel.
(Breakfast & deluxe hotel accommodation included).
Day 21: Leisure at Kathmandu.
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening company will meet you for the farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, farewell dinner & deluxe hotel accommodation included).
Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu.
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
(Breakfast included).
We Himalwish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
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Himalayan Planet Adventures P. LtdP
hone no. 00977-1-4701040
Fax no . 00977-1-4701206
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