Lower Dolpo Trek | Nepal's Remote Valley

Upon arriving at Kathmandu airport, a team member will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, join us for a delightful dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants, where you'll have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and discuss the exciting Lower Dolpo Trek adventures ahead.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

In the afternoon, begin your journey with a scenic 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling town near the Indian border and Bardia National Park. If time permits in the evening, visit the Bageshwori Temple, a significant Hindu shrine.

Today marks the start of your main Lower Dolpo Trekking adventure. After enjoying a delicious breakfast in Nepalgunj, you'll take a scenic and brief flight to Juphal. Once you arrive in Juphal, you'll begin your trek towards Dunai. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). The trek takes you through terraced farms, leading you to the Bheri River. From there, you'll continue through a narrow canyon, eventually reaching Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region.

Your journey today starts with a hike along the southern bank of the Bheri River, gradually ascending upstream on an easy trail. As you make your way, you’ll traverse steep gorges, cross exhilarating hanging bridges, and pass through picturesque remote villages. Following the Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail, you’ll reach Tarakot, a quaint village perched on a hill south of the Bheri River.

Today's trek begins along the southern bank of the Bheri River, leading you into an open valley. Heading east alongside the Bharbung Khola, you’ll reach Laisicap and cross the main river. Following the Tarap Khola northward, you’ll arrive at Khanigaon, where you'll enjoy stunning views of Sandul Gompa across the valley. With Putha Hiunchuli (7,246m) and the Churen Himal Range as your backdrop, you'll make a final ascent on a steep trail to reach Laina Odar. This journey, taking 4-5 hours, offers breathtaking scenery and a rewarding trekking experience.

After breakfast, you'll continue your Lower Dolpo Trek with a challenging hike over the Tarap River. As the valley narrows into a canyon, you'll find yourself easily hopping from one side to the other. The trail features a series of demanding ascents and descents, leading you to Chyugur Khola. From there, a short walk brings you to Nawarpani, your destination for the day. The trek is both demanding and rewarding, offering unique landscapes and thrilling paths.

Leaving Nawarpani, you’ll gradually ascend to Kamattarka, where the Tarap Chu River meets the Lang Khola. Crossing a narrow canyon, you’ll leave the tree line behind and enter the dry inner Himalayan valley, adorned with beautiful juniper and wild rose shrubs. Following the Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail, you’ll reach the settlement of Dho Tarap, surrounded by ancient stone walls. In Dho Tarap, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe and practice the distinctive Bon Po and Chaiba religions, enriching your cultural experience on the trek.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization and recuperation in the village of Dho Tarap. Taking a break from trekking helps your body adjust to the thinning air, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey ahead. This rest day also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the community and its surroundings. Engage with the locals to learn about their unique way of life, culture, and traditions, with a focus on the Chaiba and Bon Po religions. You can sample local offerings, admire their traditional attire, and visit nearby monasteries to deepen your understanding of the area's rich cultural heritage. The people of Dolpo wear homespun clothing and traditional Tibetan-style somba boots with upturned toes. Enjoy an overnight stay at a tented camp in Dho Tarap, soaking in the serene atmosphere and cultural insights.

Today, we begin our journey to Numa La Base Camp by following the Tarap Chu River and ascending uphill towards Tokyu, a traditional village with graceful Kani gates and old-fashioned houses. As we hike along the river, we'll enter the upper Tarap Valley, where lush grasslands line both sides of the picturesque river. From Tokyu, we cross a bridge to Khanger and take the northwest direction off the main trail. The path becomes more rugged and challenging, offering stunning views and a rewarding trekking experience. Along the way, we can explore the Chiba sect's monastery and immerse ourselves in the local culture. After 4-5 hours of trekking through this diverse and beautiful landscape, we reach Numa La Base Camp

Today marks the longest and most challenging day of the Lower Dolpo Trek Itinerary. After a hearty breakfast, we will set off uphill towards Numa La Pass. The ascent is strenuous, but the reward at the summit is worth every step. From the top of Numa La Pass (5190m), you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the arid Dolpo Mountains and the majestic Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m). After taking in the panoramic vistas, we will descend to Penung Tang, where we will spend the night in a cozy teahouse, resting after a demanding yet exhilarating day.

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Today, you'll tackle another challenging pass on your journey. Starting from Penung Tang, we hike a steep trail to reach Baga La Pass. The ascent is demanding, but the reward at the summit is immense. From the top of Baga La Pass (5070m), you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the arid terrain, Mt. Kanjirowa in the distance, and snow-capped peaks. After taking in the stunning scenery, we will descend to Dajok Tang, where we will spend the night in a comfortable teahouse, resting and reflecting on the day's achievements.

Today's trek takes you through lush alpine greenery and dense pine forests along the Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail. The journey is relatively easier compared to the previous days, leading you to Ringmo, a charming Tibetan settlement in the Dolpo region. The serene environment and rich culture of Ringmo village offer a pleasant and restful experience. You will spend the night in a cozy teahouse in the village, enjoying the hospitality of the locals.

After an early and hearty breakfast, we set off towards the highlight of the Lower Dolpo Trekking Trail – Phoksundo Lake, situated at 3,611 meters above sea level. This mesmerizing lake is the most enticing site in Dolpo. As you trek, you may encounter yak caravans and visit local monasteries, adding to the cultural richness of your journey. Upon reaching Phoksundo Lake, you will be greeted by its breathtaking surroundings and crystal-clear waters. 

Today, we'll return to Chhepka. We'll follow a river that flows from the lake towards Sulighad. Along the way, we'll pass through the village of Renji and hike through forests filled with fires and larches next to the Sulighat River until we reach Chhepka. 

Trek through a rocky path alongside the Bheri River, leaving Shey Phoksundo National Park. Head east towards Juphal Airport, passing the village of Kalagauda. After 5 hours of walking, arrive in Juphal.

Catch an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, avoiding afternoon winds. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, take another flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views. Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is reserved in case of any flight delays or cancellations between Nepalgunj and Juphal . If all flights operate on schedule, this day offers an excellent opportunity for additional sightseeing. We can arrange an optional tour to the historic cities of Bhaktapur and Patan.

Optional Sightseeing Tour:

Bhaktapur: Explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, renowned for its rich culture, temples, and intricate wood, metal, and stone artworks. Highlights include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the Pottery Square.

Patan: Visit the historic city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, famous for its architectural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Key attractions include Patan Durbar Square, the Krishna Mandir, and the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar).

This optional tour provides a deeper insight into the cultural and historical richness of the Kathmandu Valley, making your trek experience even more memorable.

On your final day after completing the Lower Dolpo Trek with Himalayan Dream Team, it's time to bid farewell. With hearts filled with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, our dedicated representative will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the international airport.

As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences and knowledge gained during your trek. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and best wishes for your future endeavors