Lower Dolpo

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.

  When you arrive to Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Crystal Himalaya will see you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the evening, we brief you on the upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.

• Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley and acquire permits.

  
  After breakfast, we brief you on our upcoming adventure and welcome you to a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including its famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spend the rest of the day preparing for your upcoming trek and exploring the capital city. Overnight in hotel.
  

• Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

  Board a flight from domestic airport in Kathmandu and fly to Nepalgunj, a steamy city in the Terai region, on the edge of the border with India. Wander the streets before embarking on the long awaited journey the following day. You will notice that this place is much different than Kathmandu. Overnight in a guest house.

• Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal, trek to Dunai (2140m).

  Take another morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Become filled with glee as the plane lands at the foot of the Himalaya. Begin the trek toward Dunai, a lovely village nestled in the mountains. Overnight in tented camp.

• Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (2540m), 5-6 hours.

  After breakfast, start east out of Dunai following the bank of the Thulo Beri River. Stay along the river and climb upstream. The trail zig zags over the river several times before it reaches Tarakot. We arrive in the early afternoon, so take the rest of the day to hangout and relax. Overnight in tented camp.

• Day 06: Trek from Tarakot to Laina Odar, 4-5 hours.

  Pack up camp and prepare for another exciting day on the trail! Walk through the valley from Tarakot until it narrows to a steep, rugged gorge. Ascend to Khani (2950m), and continue hiking. Khani is where the people of Dho Tarap go to reside during the winter months. The last leg of the trail is rough, but amazing. Overnight in tented camp/guest house near Laina Odar.

• Day 07: Trek from Laina Odar to Nawarpol to Toltol

  After a scurmptious breakfast in Laina Odar, we head through the gorge of the Tarap River. Hiking in this area here is awe-inspiring as we are constantly surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. We stop for a rest in Nawarpol, an incredible remote village, before continuing to Toltol. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 08: Trek from Toltol to Dho Tarap (4040m), 6-7 hours.

  Starting early in the morning, we follow the Tarap Chu Khola and the Lang Khola. Hike through sparse juniper forests with wild rose plants dispersed throughout. It is a long, gently ascending trail. Dho Tarap is an ethnically Magar village located at 4040 meters above sea level. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 09: Excursion around Dho Tarap. For acclimatization

  Spend the day learning about the people of Dho Tarap, trying some local foods, and enjoying the jaw-dropping natural beauty. There is much to see around the village and beyond that, spend the day at this high of altitude helps us acclimatize for the upcoming increase in elevation. Cap the day with a tasty dinner. Overnight in tented camp.

• Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp (4440m), 6-7 hours.

  Wake up with a delicious meal and look forward to the journey ahead. The trail leads us up to Numala Base Camp after walking through a beautiful valley. After a few hours, we reach a small settlement clled Tokyu, where we rest for a bit. Up and onward, we reach Numala Base Camp, where our team pitches a tent and sets up for the night. Overnight in tented camp.

• Day 11: Trek from Numa La Base Camp to Danighar (4510m) via Numa La Pass (5190m), 6-7 hours.

  We’ve got a strenuous, but rewarding day ahead of ourselves. Get an early start (around 5 or 6am) to arrive early enough to the pass. The morning provides the best and clearest weather. The views are the best and there is less of a chance for clouds/snowfall. After about 3 hours, we reach the pass. On a clear day, we can see Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) looming high in the distance. Also, we can see the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. After the pass, we head steeply down for about an hour and then the trail evens out. After a couple more hours, we reach a meadow, where we set up camp for the night. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 12: Trek from Danighar to Yak Kharka (3860m) via Baga La Pass (5070m), 5-6 hours.

  It’s another challening day on the Lower Dolpo Trek as we cross another high pass. The views, though, make it worth it. Again, we wake up early. Climb until the Bagala Pass, where we have unbelievable views of snowcapped mountains in all directions. In the spring, there may be snow on the pass, which makes it a bit more exhilarating. We descend quickly from here, so be careful if there is snow or ice. Not long after the pass, we are surrounded by lots of vegetation and even green meadows in the distance. It’s a unique sight, as we haven’t seen many trees for a few days. We also see waterfalls on our way to Yak Kharka, where we arrive after some hours. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 13: Trek from Yak Kharka to Phoksundo Lake (3610m).

  
  It’s a relaxing, short hike today. The trail goes up and down after departing from Yak Kharka. Pass meadows, forests, waterfalls, and overall spectacular scenery. We leave the forest and arrive to Ringmo shortly thereafter. Ringmo is a charming village of people who follow the Bon Po religion. You can buy some beautiful handicrafts from the locals here – a wonderful authentic souvenir. Also, Ringmo lies on the shore of the holy Shey Phoksundo Lake, a majestic lake that will be unlike anything you’ve seen before. There is a perfect campsite right along the shore. Take the rest of the day to admire the marvelous surroundings. Overnight in a tented camp/.
  

• Day 14: Explore around Phoksundo Lake

  Wake up excited to spend the day exploring Shey Phoksundo Lake. If you have a desire, we can walk part of the famous Demon’s Trail, as shown in the movie Himalaya (Caravan) by Eric Valli. The Demon’s Trail is a route that traders have used for hundreds of years to bring salt from Tibet using their yaks. It’s a scenic route, tracing the upper rim of the lake. However, some parts are a bit dangerous and prone to landslides so we use caution. Otherwise, there is a Bon Po Monastery at the other side of the lake that we can visit. Check out the statue of Tonpa Shenrab Miwo, the founder of the Bon Po religion, who lived about 1,000 years ago. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 15: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2840m), 6 hours.

  We first head to Rechi on an even trail through pine and mixed forests. At the beginning, though, there is a quick steep incline where we get some last views of Shey Phoksundo Lake. Snap some photos and carry on. After, we check out Phoksundo Waterfall, one of Nepal’s highest waterfall at 167 meters tall. Then most of the day is spent descending to Chhepka. During the journey, we pass Amchi Hospital, where traditional Tibetan medicinal practices are still being carried out. It is a very fascinating place to check out. Then trail then goes flat until Chhepka, follow along the river. Soon we reach the small village surrounded by millet and wheat fields/’. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 16: Trek from Chhepkha to Juphal, 6 hours.

  We descend to Dunai today, with small climbs in between. The first part goes through a forest. Listen to the powerful river down below. We leave the forest and pass several small villages before checking out of Shey Phoksundo National Park. From the bridge, its about 3 hours to Juphal. The first bit follows a large path and passes the small village of Kalagaonda. Then, leave the main road and take a small path through fields of barley and wheat with walnut, peace, and apricot trees scattered around. Then, it’s a steep climb to Juphal, a large village with a small market. It’s nice to spend some time wandering around here. Overnight in a tented camp.

• Day 17: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj in the morning, then fly to Kathmandu.

  After breakfast, take a morning flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal, and there will be a layover in Nepalgunj before the next flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic mountain views during the flight. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing or taking a well-deserved rest. Overnight in hotel.

• Day 18: Buffer day for flight delay and cancellation due to bad weather.

  This is an extra day in the itinerary to account for any problems that cause a delayed or cancelled flight. If all goes smoothly, we will arrange for activities for you during this day.
  
  

• Day 19: Departure from Nepal.

  We take you to Tribhuvan Airport to leave from Nepal. Thank you for choosing Crystal Himalaya Treks and Expedition as your guide! Hope to see you soon.