Lower Dolpo Trekking – 18 Days

Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
First day, focusing your arrival hour at Tribhuwan International Airport our company representatives will warmly welcome and escort you towards fine tourist standard hotel. We also hold a brief meeting regarding our upcoming trek.

Day 2: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Kathmandu valley is really considered a spot to sight major cultural and historical sites. Today early morning, we step forward for sightseeing some historical spots which are on UNESCO World Heritage Site. After spending some hours to explore these locations, we return back for finalizing our trekking equipments, which are required during our trek and this night we spend at fine hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu (1,300 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m)
Early morning after delicious breakfast, our private vehicle escorts you to the airport to catch a flight towards Nepalgunj leaving Kathmandu. Finally after an hour of scenic flight plane lands on Nepalgunj airport and further we will be shifted towards the fine hotel. Remaining hours of the day will be spent by exploring mini zoo, Muslim Bazaar and unique Tharu villages throughout. We return back to hotel on evening hour for preparation and night will be spent at lodge in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Nepalgunj (165 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m) – Dunai (2,140 m)
Today catching an early morning flight over the Himalayas, we reach Jhupal by leaving Nepalgunj to meet the crew members there, those who are awaiting our arrival. Therefore after meeting them, we quickly arrange our bag and luggage for aiming to develop our trek ahead. Walking downward route till Thulo Bheri River by passing terraced field and beautiful villages offers a flat trail before steeping Dunai. Finally, leisure hours will be spent by exploring around and night will be spent at lodge in Dunai.

Day 5: Dunai (2,140 m) – Tarakot (2,537 m)
Leaving Dunai behind, early morning we head towards the east through the south bank of the Thulo Bheri River. Marching forward trail gradually ascends upstream to cross the bridge to get to the north bank of river. Therefore, continuing the walk forward passing deep George, pine forest and remote villages along crossing next bridge takes to Tarakot. Few hours will be remained for exploring the village and this night will be spent at Lodge at Tarakot.

Day 6: Tarakot (2,537 m) – Laini (3,370 m)
Aiming our destination, we move forward crossing the bridge over the river and gently climbing through the field of buckwheat. Continuously steeping forward, leads to cross another bridge at Yalankot River before climbing to the south of Thulo Bheri River along further crossing cypress trees, suspension bridge and confluence of two Rivers rewards Kanigoan village high above the trail. From there, passing cedar forest and the steepest part of the gorge finally takes to Laini for staying overnight.

Day 7: Laini (3,370 m) – Nawarpani (3,475 m)
Today, we make a sharp ascend towards the mini pass to walk across the steep gorge and for crossing waterfall. Next, we climb up one more ridges and then descend to Chyangru River along after crossing the river for getting the east bank; we continuously follow the river till Thanjam. Matching forward crossing the bridge and following riverside trail takes to Nawarpani for spending the night.

Day 8: Nawarpani (3,475 m) – Dho Tarap (3,940 m)
Early morning, developed walk through west bank of the river by crossing the compact cave (most thrilling section of the trail) takes to Tarap River for crossing the bridge. Therefore climbing through the east bank of river, the ridge at Serkam greets us with the chorten before crossing bridge across river. After that continuing walk through rocky trail beneath the cliff, takes to Dho Tarap for stay overnight.

Day 9: Dho Tarap (Acclimatization day)
As, we are already above the height of 3,900 m so acclimatization is very essential for us and focusing on this point, today we don’t attach additional elevations on our journey. Therefore, the day will be spent by exploring village inhabited by few Tibetans and more Magars or as option we move ahead towards monasteries. Today’s accommodation and dinner will be managed and hosted at same spot that we had before.

Day 10: Dho Tarap (3,940 m) – Numa La base camp (4,440 m)
Today, we head towards century old Mekyem Gompa neglecting main trail for exploration and further returning back to the main trail, we continue uphill walk till Gakar village. Continuing walk forward through plain valley enjoying the yaks and horses grazing think green grasses along crossing numerous of bridges and passing a trail junction takes to Numa La base camp. This night will be spent at tented camp beneath Numa La.

Day 11: Numa La base camp (4,440 m) – Phelung Tang (4,465 m)
Developing our early morning trail forward by ascending up to the rigid towards a grassy mound and a tiny stream, from where a long climb takes us to Numa La for viewing marvelous beauty of Dolpa including towering mountains throughout. Therefore dropping down into a U shaped rocky valley by crossing the stream leads forward to meet another valley along continuing walk forward reaches Phelung Tang for spending overnight.

Day 12: Phelung Tang (4,465 m) – Dajok Tang (4,080 m)
Quitting Phelung Tang early morning, we move forward by crossing the stream and passing a meadow for climbing up a moraine which greets us the chorten of overturned stones. Therefore, gentle ascend leads us to (Baga La Pass) the next high pass of the trek along encountering the pass, we take a steep descend which bring us to the right bank of the stream. Soon after crossing multiple streams trail takes to Dajok Tang for staying overnight.

Day 13: Dajok Tang (4,080 m) – Ringmo (3,600 m)
Today leaving Dajok Tang behind and passing vegetations like pines, walnuts and oak leads to thrilling cliff walking way. However, walking about an hour through narrow rocky cliffs takes to Ringmo village. Finally after steeping Ringmo village, remaining hours will be entirely invested on exploring the beautiful village throughout. Tonight’s accommodation and dinner will be conducted at lodge in Ringmo.

Day 14: Ringmo village: (Exploration day)
According to trekking schedule, today is the special day separated for exploring the eye catching destinations of Dolpo. We won’t include any additional elevation on out trekking but we plan to explore lake area, Tibetan monasteries and nearby temples as well for entire day and if the time remains as leisure then we move forward for exploring village tradition and cultures too. Finally, this night will be spent at same spot.

Day 15: Ringmo (3,600 m) – Shyanta (2,520 m)
On fifteenth day leaving Ringmo, we follow Phoksundo River and walk forward to cross the bridge across Pungma River past Polam and a village hospital. After that, easy walk along the east bank of Phoksundo River through the forest leads towards Chhepka before steeping Shyanta. Finally, after reaching Syanta this night will be managed at lodge there.

Day 16: Shyanta (2,520 m) – Jhupal (2,500 m)
Developing a moderate walk ahead by following the bank and passing Raktang descends to Sulighat for crossing the bridge across Thulo Bheri River. Therefore, heading west by changing the direction enjoying the opposed settlements takes to Jhupal. Remaining hours can be spent by inspecting the Jhupal market throughout and surrounding areas or can be spent by resting at lodge too. Night will be spent on lodge in Jhupal.

Day 17: Jhupal (2,500 m) – Nepalgunj (165 m) – Kathmandu (1,300)
Leaving day of Dolpo begins with morning scenic flight over high Himalayas to Nepalgunj and after landing on Nepalgunj Airport according to schedule, we catch next flight to fly towards Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu). On reaching Kathmandu, our private vehicle will be there to transfer you safely towards fine tourist standard inn. Evening hours will be hosted for a farewell dinner and night will be spent at hotel.

Day 18: Departure day
On the final day of trip, you can march forward to collect some memories and gifts for your loving ones before the flight time. Our company’s private vehicle will escort you to airport focusing your flight time for your final departure and our representatives will be there to wish for your safe journey and successful steps ahead with respects at airport. 

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.