Lower Dolpo Trek

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18 Days

Overview

Dolpo Trek is a unique, famous and amazing trek and often known as the hidden valley trek. It is located in the Dolpo region in the mid-western Nepal. Dolpo is a remote place but a gem in terms of natural and cultural diversities. The trek lies inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park which is a home to thousands of animals and birds including Blue sheep, Mountain Goat, Jackal, Wolf and the legendary Snow Leopard. This is the region where the trekkers can enjoy fascinating blue Shey-Phoksundo Lake; remote and ancient villages; high passes; mystical Tibetan monasteries; forests and wildlife.

Trip Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu [1345m] | Welcoming the guests is our passion |

Embarking on our journey begins in Kathmandu, a city with remarkable architecture dating back to the 16th Century. Our team representative from NTB Treks and Expeditions will welcome you at the Tribhuwan International Airport and escort you to your designated hotel. Our representative will help you to check in to the hotel. You will be welcomed, facilitated, and served in a beautiful hotel room. The first arrival day is entirely a break day. In the evening, you can walk around nearby tourist hubs like Thamel and Basantapur Durbar Square.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing in Kathmandu [1345m] | The City of Arts and Architecture |

Kathmandu Valley is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The valley offers a wonderful mix of Hinduism and Buddhism. After breakfast we visit UNESCO world heritage sites as one of the largest Hindu temple Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddha Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa followed by Kathmandu Durbar Square sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3 :

Fly to Nepalganj |150m| | 45mins Enjoying scenic views of lush jungles, amazing hilly landscapes and great Himalayan ranges on board |

We take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj that takes approximately 45 minutes. The journey is best described by the scenic views of lush jungles, amazing hilly landscapes and great Himalayan ranges of Nepal. On arrival in Nepalgunj, our representative will pick you up and transfer to the designated hotel. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 4 :

Fly to Juphal (Dolpo) [2320m] | 45mins | Trek to Dunai [2850m] | 2-3hrs |

After breakfast we take another flight to Juphal, which takes about 45 minutes over the high mountains amidst the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. The trek begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge and upon walking for 2- 3 hours, we reach Dunai which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 5 :

Dunai to Tarakot [2543m] | Used to be the Supervised collection center of tolls for the trading caravans | 5-6hrs |

Our trek continues along the southern bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. On the way we come across deep gorges, hanging bridges, and isolated villages. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The village stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River, which at one time was a supervised collection center of tolls for the trading caravans. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 6 :

Tarakot to Laini [3160m] | Crossing the same river twice | 6-7hrs |

From Tarakot, we follow the path upstream of Tarap Chu River, crossing the bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed SandulGompa lies farther east of Tarakot and at the junction of Barbungkhola and Tarup Chu River. The path leads through the terraced farms and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, we finally make the descent to reach our last destination for today, Laini. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 7 :

Laini To Nawarpani [3545m] | We make some small jumps | 5-6 hrs |

Leaving Laini, we continue our trek to Nawarpani. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge and in some places, we can jump from one side to another. We then descend to ChyugurKhola and finally reach Nawarpani. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 8 :

Nawarpani to Dho Tarap [4090m] | Both Bon Po and Chaiba sects & Magars reside together | 7-8hrs |

We head to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. After a few hours of walk, we leave the narrow gorge and the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. After three or more hours of walking, we reach the village of DhoTarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley, both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited mostly by Magars who have lived there for many generations, and a few Tibetans as well. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 9 :

Acclimatization Day | Interaction with local communities |

After continuous trek for nine days, today is finally the rest day. We spend our entire day taking complete rest, contemplating and planning for upcoming trips and getting habituated to our trekking destinations. We can also hike around the Do Tarap and visit Buddhist Gompas– Bon Gompa and NyingmapaGompa, interact with the local people as well. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 10 :

Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp [4440m] | A dream valley with vast plains in high mountains.| 6-7hrs |

We move towards Numa La Base Camp. Our trekking trail follows the path along the upper Tarap valley with plain lush verdant grass on both the sides of a river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. Finally the trek for the day ends upon reaching Numa La Base Camp. Overnight stay at tea house/camp.

Day 11 :

Numa La Base Camp to Pelung [4465m] | An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo | 6-7hrs |

From Numa La Base Camp, we have a relatively long and difficult trek ahead. Firstly, we cross Numa La pass at 5,190m. The track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of surrounding landscapes. This is the place where we can have an incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. After getting to the top of Numa La we descend to Pelung Tang. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 12 :

Pelung to Dajok Tang [4080m] | Fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and distant snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kanjirowa | 5-6hrs |

After breakfast, our trek starts with a steep climb to reach the top of Baga-la ridge at 5,070 m. The ridge offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and distant snowcapped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range. After a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes us to Dajok Tang. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 13 :

Dajok Tang to Ringmo [3600m] | Through the pine forest | 3-4hrs |

From Dajok Tang, our journey continues through the pine forest. Upon leaving the forest, vegetation changes to pasture fields and alpine shrubs through most of the way to Ringmo. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 14 :

Acclimatization Day and Hike to Phoksundo Lake [3612m] | One of the beautiful lake we will ever see |

Today is our rest day and we spend the entire day taking complete rest, planning for forthcoming trips and getting habituated to the trekking destinations. There is an option to hike around the SheyPhoksundo Lake, Tibetan monasteries and Ringmo. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/camp.

Day 15 :

Ringmo to Shyanta [2520m] | The massive over hanging rock | 5-6hrs |

We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows the massive over hanging rock. On the way you can find important medicinal minerals. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 16 :

Shyanta to Juphal [2320m] | Exploring the busy market town in the afternoon | 5-6hrs |

From Shyanta, we continue the journey following the trail gently sloping upwards. We move towards Juphal via Sulighat. From top of the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountains and Juphal. Upon reaching Juphal, we can spend exploring the busy market town in the afternoon. Overnight stay at tea house lodge/ camp.

Day 17 :

Fly to Kathmandu [1345m] [45mins] via Nepalganj [45mins] Experiencing the amazing landscapes |

We take two flights. Firstly to Nepalgunj and we take another flight to Kathmandu. The entire day in
the capital is free for some shopping and relaxation. Evening farewell dinner will be organized at
Nepali restaurant with Nepali cultural dance program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18 :

Final Departure | to know how satisfied our guests are measured not only by how tight the goodbye hugs are but by staying in touch with us forever.

This is the last day of your visit. You can enjoy shopping and buying souvenir to friends and relatives.
We will drop you to the airport 3hrs prior to the departure time. The memories that you have shared
with us matter a lot. Waving hands and goodbye hugs are just not enough, we tell our beloved guests
to stay in touch with us, and this is how we feel satisfied by our services.

Costs

The Cost Includes

Meet & airport transfer.
Full day Kathmandu Sightseeing other required transfer services.
Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal/Dolpo Roundtrip airfare(subject to change ).
Twin sharing accommodation in 3-Star standard accommodation in BB basis: 3 nights at
Kathmandu & 1 nights at Nepalgunj.
Twin sharing tourist standard Tea house accommodation during the trek on full board basis.
Tour Escort at Kathmandu & professional trekking guide during the trek.
Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal/Dolpo Roundtrip airfare for the accompanying trekking guide
All kind of Permits & entry fees as per itinerary: National Park, TIMS, Restricted area permit &
monument fees.
Porters on 2: 1 basis and supporting staff for the group of 10 and more pax only.
Trekking equipment’s as stick, down (feather) jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, porter and first
aid kit set & basic equipment.
Insurance of porters and guide.
Farewell dinner with special souvenir from Nepal.

The Cost Excludes

Any kind of airfare: international or domestic airfare.
Meals other than mentioned in the itinerary.
Any items and services not mentioned in inclusions.
Nepal visa fees ( US$ 50 Single Entry Visa valid for first 30 days payable in cash at immigration
and requires a recent photograph).
Items of personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra
mileage, personal gratuities as tips to the staffs at hotel, guide, driver, porter etc.
Personal insurance policy – suggested a comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and
flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents and hospitalization.
Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions,
strikes, riots and other disturbances.
Emergency evacuation charges [ Helicopter rescue].
Horse / Pony ride.
Photography charges in the monasteries and monument.

Map

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Dolpo located?

Dolpo is a remote region in mid-western Nepal, nestled inside Shey-Phoksundo National Park. It is known for its untouched natural beauty, Tibetan culture, and diverse wildlife.

Why is Dolpo Trek also called the Hidden Valley Trek?

Dolpo is often called the Hidden Valley because of its seclusion, restricted access, and ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

What are the main attractions of this trek?