Dolpo Classic Trekking

Highlights of Dolpo Classic Trek

Dolpo Classic trek or also known as Lower Dolpo region is a relatively long and difficult trek. The trek will offer you an outstanding and extraordinary experience of the life in the remote western part of Himalayan region. Your 18 days long trek begins with a one day city tour of Kathmandu by visiting some of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. The next day will be a flight to Nepalgunj followed by another flight to Jhupal the other day. The multicolored barren and mostly uninhabited landscapes and sloppy and rocky terrain gives an idea about the wilderness of the region. The constant sight of ever standing tall Himalayas, beautiful lakes and waterfalls and multi species of flora and fauna are some of the fascination of the trip.

Overview of Dolpo Classic Trek

Dolpo classic trek lies is the lower region of Doplo and is an exciting journey which offers you the pristine beauty and rugged terrain in some of the Nepal’s most under developed districts. The lower Dolpo region was under complete isolation until 1989 when Nepal Toursim board opened up a trekking route in this part of the country. It was only then it came under the notice of People living in Nepal and abroad. It is a beautiful region with some extraordinary landscapes and had served as a trans-Himalayan trade route between Tibet and India in those olden days. The panoramic Mountain View, high mountain passes, rocky terrain, spectacular landscapes, beautiful high altitude lakes and rich cultural and religious history are the main highlights of this trek. Dolpo lies in the foot of massive Tibetan Pleteau and is surrounded by the long ranges of Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8172).

Much of the trail of the trek goes through Shey Phoksundo National Park which also gives you an opportunity to encounter with different varieties of flora and fauna and some of the rare and endangered species of animals. As you go through your journey you will have a rare chance to explore Shey Phoksundo lake which is located at an altitude of 3733 meter above sea level. This lake is very pious and holy especially for Buddhists, which is quite evident as you explore the lake. You can notice number of stupas in the southern side of the lake and one Gompa in the eastern vicinity of the lake. The people in this region follow a typical branch of Buddhism called Bon religion which has a typical shamanic ritual. People are very much hospitable and friendly in nature.

The 18days journey will take you to some of the marvelous and the most remote places on earth known to men. The much of the region is cut off from the modern culture and infrastructure. This trip you take will be a kind of wild ride which will take you back in time. The passes like Kangmara la, Baga la and Numa La will be an impact and the main focal point of your trip. This wild region with insurmountable living conditions possess some of nature’s most beautiful gift that all the man made marvels looks incomparable in every aspects.

Long out of bounds to foreign trekkers, Dolpo lures adventurers with promises of untouched natural splendor, mystical cultures and rare wildlife. Dolpo situated in Nepal's far west was only recently opened to trekkers. This is where you find the stunning Phoksundo Lake, celebrated as the jewel ofDolpo. The people here trace their origins to Tibet, and their culture is a window of the tradition as practiced on the roof of the world centuries ago. The delusive snow leopard is a famous denizen ofDolpo and the rare cat has acquired the status of a mere legend. Thus it's not only the scenery that attracts trekkers to Dolpo, it's the chance to see a corner of Nepal that very few visitor will ever experience.

The trek begins at Juphal and follows the trail to Dunai, the first camp then proceeds to Tarakot, way up to SheringGompa (4440m) which is the highest point of this trek, passing through the Saldang and SheyGompa village, we descend to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, which is apart of the SheyPhoksundo National Park. This region of more than 3000sq.km is among the most spectacular and protected area in Nepal.

Trip Facts
Itinerary
Include / Excludes

Total duration of trek: 25 days where 2 would be accounted for arrival and departure.
Trek Category: Difficult
The highest altitude: Kang- la pass (5360m).
The lowest altitude: Syabrubesi (1550m).
The best time to visit: Between October and December or between March and May
Major Attraction: Diversified cultures and religions, life styles of indigenous people of the Dolpo region and the historical places with religious and cultural value.
Mountains: Kanjirowa(6883m), Chhamlang peak (6739m)

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our representatives, at the airport will meet and greet you with outstanding level of hospitality. You will be transferred to one of the deluxe hotel of Kathmandu. Your guide will come and meet you to brief you about your upcoming trek.

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)

You will take a flight to Nepalgunj which would take you for about 55 minutes. Upon your arrival in Nepalgunj you will be transferred to a hotel to spend the night.

Day 03: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and Trek to Dunai (2850m)

You will fly early to reach jhupal. It is a small beautiful town located at the foothills of Himalayas. As soon as you land you will start up gearing yourself and then take off for Dunai through terraced fields and narrow gorge.

Day 04: Dunai to Ankhe (2670m)

You will criss-cross suspension bridge ascending towards Thulo Bheri Vallley. The view of kangmara peak during the walk is tantalizing. You will go through Dhera and Rahagaun villages, dense green forest on your way to Ankhe. Ovenight at Ankhe.

Day 05: Ankhe to Sulighat (2050m)

You will go on an uphill and downhill trail along the riverbank walking by past several streams. After few hours of walk the trail gradually leaves the shore of river into lush green forest to reach Sulighat. Overnight at Sulighat.

Day 06: Sulighat to Phoksundo lake (3611m)

Today your trail will take you to the confluence of Phoksundo and Pungmo river. After you leave the confluence you will enter forest mainly consisting of cedar trees to reach Palam village. You will continue your trail uphill to a ridge on your way to Phoksundo lakes.

Day 07: Phoksundo lake to silver forest (3510m)

After an early nutritious breakfast you will ascend to a pass situated at a height of 4048m and then will descend to silver forest where you will spend the night in a tented camp.

Day 08: Silver forest to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4405m)

You will, for most of the part trek go through the forested area. A long ascend will bring you to a valley from where you can see the Kang-la pass. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 09: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4500m) via Kang-la pass (5360m)

You will ascend very steep trail towards Kang-la pass. On reaching the top height of the pass you will see some of the magnificent view of gushing river going through right from the middle of the valley. Finally after 5-6 hours of walk you will reach Shey Gomla where you will be spending the night.

Day 10: Acclimatization at Shey Gompa

After a strenuous walk a day before it is worth taking a rest and getting yourself acclimatize with low level of oxygen. It is believed that Shey Gompa was built in 17th century and has a typical architectural master class. During some time in day you will take a tour of the monastery and little Shey village.

Day 11: Shey Gompa to Namuda Gaun (4800m)

The first part of trial will be descending towards canyon going through a forest of juniper trees. You will then follow a zigzag trail all the way to the top of Saldang la pass. You will then continue towards Namuda Goan with a total duration of today’s trek will be 6-7 hours.

Day 12: Namuda Gaun to Saldang village (3620m)

You will continue your walk ascending high up to see saldang village in a distant above the Namga khola stream. Saldang village is one of the largest in inner dolpo region consisting of more than 80 houses with a population of little over 600.

Day 13: Saldang village to Yangze Gompa (4960m)

Your trail will go further northwards alongside Nagon khola to wild and barren and rocky terrain. You will go through Marang and ki villages before you cross tributary of Panzang river on your way to Yangze Gompa.

Day 14: Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4560m)

You will trace back your trial towards Saldang village while you trek to Sibu which in fact is much easier one than taking another trail. The total duration of today’s trek will be in between 6-7 hours.

Day 15: Sibu to Jeng-la-phedi (4900m)

You will walk alongside the shore of Nam Khong river. During your walk you can see the people with lots of Yaks moving towards Tibetan border for their annual trek sale. Overnight at Jeng-La-Phedi.

Day 16: Jeng-La-Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m) via Jeng-La-pass (5090m)

You will sart up early after breakfast and will head straight to Tokyu goan. Just after two hours of walk you will be there at the highest point of the Jeng-La pass. After reaching the highest point the trail starts descending all the way to Tokyu goan.

Day 17: Tokyu Goan to Dho Tarap (4040m)

On your day 17 you will trek downhill towards plain valley with patches of green grass and wet soil everywhere. It will take you 4-5 hours to reach Dho Tarap. Overnight at Dho Tarap.

Day 18: Rest day at Dho Tarap

After a long and strenuous trek today will be your rest day. You will take a stroll around the village of Dho tarap. There are about 40 houses in the village. Overnight at Dhotarap

Day 19: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3800m)

Today you will be descending through a narrow gorge while we walk along the juniper and wild rose bushes before you reach the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola river. During the walk you might see some herds of blue sheep grazing if you are lucky enough.

Day 20: Tarap khola to Khanigoan (3150m)

Today your trail will be exciting and somewhere dangerous as well. As you walk through the gorges it becomes very narrow at some point. In some places there is no trace of any trail that small wooden logs serve as bridge. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 21: Khanigoan to Tarakot (2573m)

From Khanigoan you will head towards Lalberi village and then your trail passes through lush green forest to reach Tarakot. The total duration to reach Tarakot will be around 4-5 hours.

Day 22: Tarakot to Dunai (2140m)

You will begin making your way to Lawan village and crossing the bridge over Bheri river. From here onwards the trail is relatively easier while you go through Lochakhola Goan towards Dunai.

Day 23: Dunai to Jhupal

Today will be the last day to walk which is going be like 3-4 hours. Initial part of your trail will be going alongside the shore of Bheri river. And then you will continue your walk through the villages of Rupgad, Kalagaonda and Motipur to reach Jhupal.

Day 24: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

You will take an early flight from Jhupal ro Nepalgunj which will be just about 15 to 20 minutes of flight. You will catch the next available flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Day 25: Final departure.

The time to say final goodbye has come. You will be dropped at the airport exactly 3 hours prior to your departure time.

Includes

Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van /Bus.
Three meal during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
All Domestic Flights with Airport Tax and/or Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus for the trekking.
Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking in a Tea House Trek.
Porter with Insurance. (We provide 1 Porter for 1 Trekker).
An English Speaking Trekking Guide with Government Licence Holder.
Trekking starting and ending points by Private Car/Tourist Bus/Local Bus.
Accommodation in Kathmandu / Pokhara on a twin share bed and breakfast basis.
Kathmandu city and trekking maps.
Trekking permit (Conservation fee), TIMS.
Insurance for all staffs.