Lower Dolpa Trek

Dolpa, the biggest district of our country and one of the famous trekking destinations of our country is rapidly growing its popularity among the visitors and tourists from all over the world. One can do the sightseeing of some of the majestic places of the Dolpa region and also do the sightseeing of the unique culture and lifestyle of people living in this region for many years. Starting from the sightseeing of the magnificent views of the Himalayan range to getting an opportunity to explore the ancient and authentic culture of people living in this region for many years, the Dolpa region has many more to offer to its visitors.

Although the biggest district of our country but the population of people living in this district is significantly low as this is one of the most remote and isolated places in our country. One should trek through some of the most isolated and remote villages of our country which can be challenging as well as rewarding to the visitors. We can also call this trek an alternative trek of the Upper Dolpa trek and this trekking package is specially designed for those tourists who can’t trek on the higher altitudes.

Lower Dolpa Trek starts with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and then we will take another flight to Jhupal. We will start our trek and reach Dunai. Trekking via Tarakot and Lahini will take us to Dho Tarap. Trekking ahead, we will reach the Numa LA base camp and cross the famous Numa La pass. Trekking ahead, we will reach the Shey Phoksundo lake and do the sightseeing of this beautiful lake. After the sightseeing, we will trek back to Jhupal and then fly back to Kathmandu to end our trip.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu:
Day 02 Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley:
Day 03 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:
Day 04 Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft):
Day 05 Dunai to Tarakot
Day 06 Tarakot to Laini
Day 07 Laini to Nawarpani
Day 08 Nawarpani to Do Tarap
Day 09 Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
Day 10 Trek to Numa La Base Camp
Day 11 Cross Numa La pass (5,190m/17,023ft), camp at Pelung Tang
Day 12 Cross Baga La pass (5,070m/16,630ft), trek to Dajok Tang
Day 13 Dajok Tang to Ringmo
Day 14 Hike to Phoksundo Lake
Day 15 Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta
Day 16 Shyanta to Jhupal
Day 17 Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
Day 18 Final departure

  • Day 01

    Arrival at Kathmandu:

    This will be the first day of our trekking journey. After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to our hotel via private vehicle. We will rest for some time and then begin the sightseeing of the capital city of our country. At evening, you will be welcomed with a typical Nepali food at a typical Nepali restaurant. Overnight at Hotel.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 02

    Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley:

    After an early morning breakfast, you will do the sightseeing of some of the famous places of Kathmandu valley. You will be transferred to many places of Kathmandu with our private vehicle which includes Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambunath Stupa, Bouddanath Stupa and other many famous places of Kathmandu. At evening, you will meet your fellow trekking mates and then we will have a short briefing about the journey in our office. An evening stroll at Thamel and Durbarmarg will give you much energy which will help you at the trek. Overnight at Hotel.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 03

    Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:

    After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 04

    Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft):

    We fly to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 05

    Dunai to Tarakot

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

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 06

    Tarakot to Laini

    We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and cross it twice before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. After ascending and descending for a while, we finally reach Laini. Overnight in Laini.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 07

    Laini to Nawarpani

    We climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 08

    Nawarpani to Do Tarap

    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 and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. After walking for several more hours, we reach the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in Do Tarap.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 09

    Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization

    The day off will assist with acclimatization and allow some bodily rest. We can spend the day visiting nearby monasteries. During today’s short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color 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 (Buddhist sects). Overnight in Do Tarap.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 10

    Trek to Numa La Base Camp

    We trek towards the upper Tarap valley enjoying views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains. A few hours’ good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a rough trail  before reaching the Numa La Base Camp. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 11

    Cross Numa La pass (5,190m/17,023ft), camp at Pelung Tang

    Today is going to be the toughest and one of the longest days of our trek.  After breakfast, we begin crossing the Numa La pass on a steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the ridge we get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m).  After getting to the top of Numa La, we descend to camp at Pelung Tang.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 12

    Cross Baga La pass (5,070m/16,630ft), trek to Dajok Tang

    After breakfast we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass. From here, we get fantastic views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa.  We spend some time at the top of the pass taking pictures and generally enjoying the mesmerizing views. Next, we descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight stay.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 13

    Dajok Tang to Ringmo

    We spend most of today’s trek on trails alongside 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. The village is a traditional Tibetan village of the Dolpo region. Overnight in Ringmo.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 14

    Hike to Phoksundo Lake

    Today we explore the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shores. We see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. The scene is even depicted in a Hollywood movie ‘Caravan’ shot mostly in this location. On our way to the lake, we also tour a nearby monastery. Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake’s shores. Overnight at Phoksundo.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 15

    Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta

    We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight in Shyanta.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 16

    Shyanta to Jhupal

    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. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply taking a rest. Overnight in Jhupal.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 17

    Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu

    We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek
  • Day 18

    Final departure

    You will be taken to the airport and then you will fly to your respective country.

    5310 m 3* Hotel in Kathmandu & lodges during the trek

Include

  • Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3/4/5 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking
  • Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • Your destination map.
  • Both ways domestic Flights with airport tax.
  • An experienced Government licensed holder Climbing guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Permit
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • If you need we will provide you sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and, if necessary etc.
  • All necessary Government paper works and national park entry permits and TIMS Card etc.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All government taxes and Vat.

Exclude

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It is depend of the group.
  • Meals yourself Kathmandu (L+D).
  • equipment / Gears
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
  • All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, Water )
  • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
  • Personal trekking Equipment’s.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
  • If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.

 

Usefull Info

Important Note and Optional Activities: We, at Pikey Paradise trek are always concerned about the safety of our clients while travelling with us. Just be sure that your trek leader has the authority to cancel or amend any part of itinerary if it is necessary for the safety concerns. We will work and put every effort to keep the above itinerary as it is but as we are travelling in the remote and isolated areas od mountainous region, we can’t guarantee it! Some of the major factors of changing the itinerary are the health of clients and also the extreme weather conditions. Our trek leader will try to do their best as to run according to the plan on the trip but we personally recommend to be prepared for the changes in itinerary if necessary. You will be informed if there will be changes in the itinerary by your trek leader. Your trek leader will assist you with information about your options but please note that any additional activities you undertake are not part of our itinerary and our makes no representation about the safety of the activity. We recommend to use your own judgements when choosing any optional activities in your free time.

Acclimatization:

Trekking itinerary of Pikey Paradise is designed with a high degree of minimization of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). We won’t be going to the higher altitudes too fast as it causes a serious medical condition which may lead to death. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in air. On the height above 5000m in mountain ranges, oxygen level drops low at more than 50%. Human body need to adapt at this attitude so we will take acclimatization and rest days on some of the points of our trek. We recommend to the clients who are suffering from heart and lung disease to consult with their doctor before being a part of the journey. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS. Our itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS but it is important to remember, some people can be more susceptible than others.

Trek leader and Staff Arrangements:

We, at Pikey Paradise firmly believe that if you want to get the most of the output from your staffs, you must treat them well. We also believe that a happy staff is a hard-working staff. We extremely believe in these things and also try our best to maintain a good relationship with our staffs.

Most of the emphasis are given to the local leaders and local guides as we believe working with the staffs of local communities is ore fruitful. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum;

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  • Trekking Guide Training
  • Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
  • English Language
  • Conservation & Biodiversity
  • Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

At, Pikey Peak, we guarantee our clients that they are working and coping with the best professionals of the country who are friendlier and also much experienced on their respective field. All of our guides are fluent in speaking English and if you want, we are ready to provide you guides who are good at speaking other languages such as French, Spanish, Japanese, German and Italian. We only select professionals who are experienced, have leadership skills, are friendly in nature and also have a good personal ability. All these years, we have learnt that one of the major needed things in the trip is the leadership quality that a guide should have so that the trip will be safe, enjoyable and successful.

You will also be glad to know that most of our guides are actually from the mountainous region of our country and have spent half of their whole life in the most isolated and remote areas of our country. Mountainous region is the home for them and walking through these challenging paths is in their blood. They’re not ‘familiar’ with local communities, they’re a part of them. They don’t ‘know’ local culture, they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the opportunity to show travelers why.

Porter Care

One of the most underrated professionals of our country are the porters who are a major part in the trekking and expedition journeys at the Himalayas. No doubt, the entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal is built on the back of these hard-working porters. We must be blessed with the effort of the porters as their tireless efforts of carrying supplies, equipment and baggage makes the journey to the Himalayan region successful. So, its kind of unfortunate that they have endured a history of exploitation and abuse at the hands of the industry. In an effort to combat this, we are firmly committed to porter rights.

We assure all our porters are well treated, well paid and we also provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. And for the porter’s sake we require that all trekkers keep their bag weight under 15kgs/33 pounds.

We totally support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters.

Environmental Concerns:

Most of the areas of the Himalayan region is stunningly beautiful but at the same hand it’s to risky as well. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as we do and so the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. We employ a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live there. We enforce a number of do’s and don’ts, and staff can advise how to minimize your impact.

Trekking to the base camp of the mountain of our country is not an easy task and one should be in a good health and physical condition. Most of the days have four to five hours of walking and some of the days are up to seven hours as well. Although less but these walks are very much tiring and difficult. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself in the lead-up to your trip with some regular exercise, the best form of which is long walks in hilly areas. Technical experience is not required, hiking/camping experience is an advantage, but by far the most important thing is a positive attitude and a generous amount of determination.

We recommend to let us know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions as it might be difficult above 5000m if you get sick. Also, before coming to Nepal it’s important to consult your doctor regarding vaccinations and any other medical concerns that the trip may raise. Medical and evacuation expenses are your responsibility

A typical day on the trail:

You will be waked up early in the morning with a bucket of hot water to wash in. You will then have your breakfast and then pack your bag to head for the trek. We will trek through forests, hills, mountains and local villages all about 3hours. We will then stop for an hour at a particularly pleasant spot and have our lunch. We will then again start our trek and trek about another 3hours to reach the destination where we will stay for overnight. Then you can have tea or coffee and some light snacks, before exploring the area with trek leader or just relaxing until dinner is served in a warm dining hall.

Evenings are quite interesting and fun as we will be chatting and doing entertainment stuffs with our fellow trek mates. Finally, it’s off to bed for a well-deserved night’s rest before you start it all again.

Pre-Trip Meeting:

Our trek journey starts with a pre-trip meeting at Kathmandu at our office. We will be usually doing the pree-trip meeting on the second day of our trekking journey and then you will be introduced to your fellow trek mates. You will also be introduced with your trek leader and then you can ask the important questions to your trek leaders in the pre-trip meeting.

The Trekking Group:

For the Everest Base Camp trek, there will be one leader, one assistant leader and one Sherpa porter for each group of two trekkers. This arrangement ensures that should any one of them fall ill, the trip can still go on as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but generally have a maximum of ten people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than ten people it can easily be arranged.

Accommodations:

The cost of the accommodations in this trek is included in the trip cost and we have chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. All accommodation is based on twin share. We will provide you single supplement if there is different sex. For the solo trip and on request single supplement will be charge US$300.

Toilet Facilities – On trek, toilet facilities are available at Tea Houses but some places are beyond your expectation and you should be satisfied with a local toilet.

Meals during Trek:

All Meals on full board basis will be provided during the cost spent on trek. Three meals (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Bhutanese, Continental, Italian and Indian cuisine) a day will be provided from the teahouse/lodge menus. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will also be provided by our company and at the same cost.

 

 

 

0  Reviews on Lower Dolpa Trek

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *