Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)

You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a HV Treks’ placard with our guests’ names displayed.  dropping luggage at the hotel,

A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas.  Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 4.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)

A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati,  Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas.  Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 4.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Beni (900m) 8-9 hours’ drive.

Immediately after we left Kathmandu you climb to the pass over the mountain ridge that surrounds Kathmandu valley. If it is a clear day, we can enjoy the phenomenal view of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna on the way. The road descends to about 400 meters and runs along the Trishuli River. Sometimes we can see a group of people in rafts in the Trisuli River. The bus stops for lunch on the way. Finally, we reach Pokhara the most beautiful city of Nepal by the afternoon. From Pokhara we drive further to Beni. After the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.

Day 04:   Beni to Dharapani (1560m).  3-4 hours’ drive

We drive to Dharapani on vehicle.  We drive along the beautiful river Myagdi Khola. We drive through fertile valleys and big villages with beautifully decorated houses where the tribes like Gurung and Magars inhabited the most original people of Nepal reside. We cross the Myagdi Khola on the west bank.  we get a glance of a big mountain village Dharapani, from where we can see the southern walls of a large part of the Dhaulagiri- range, including Dhaulagiri I and III and Churen Himal. We will camp at Dharapani for the night. The view of Gurja Himal is magnificent from here.

Day 05: Dharapani – Muna (1920 m) 4-5 hours

Starting point of walking. In the beginning, the route goes uphill up to 1730 meters then we walk through another big village Takum. Takum is the village where Magars, Gurungs, Kami/Damai so-called dalit castes and other tribes of Nepal live in peace and harmony. This is a village with health post from where the local people get their general health services. Shops where handlooms produced by the local people are available here.  We see the local farmers growing millet, sorghum, papaya, orange etc in this region. We cross the Phaliya Gaun and reach the camp at Muna which is a big village in the Himalayan region. The tribes found over here are just like the tribes living in Takum. We can meet the hard-working local people and know about their lifestyle in the village. These simple people love to talk to you welcoming you with smile and Namaste. From Phaliya Gaon we leave the “Around Dhaulagiri” route here and catch the ‘main road’ to Dolpo. We follow the route to Muna, descend to the river and the river to stabbing then down the other side have to walk quite a distance to Lumsum where we stay overnight. We pass a beautiful waterfall (via the lower route). Their maturity is today between 6 and 6½ hours.

Day 06:  Muna – Jalja La (3435 m) – Patihalna Kharka (3340m) 5-6hours

We cross a village called Lamsung and slowly climb to the pass Jalja La which is the first pass of this route. We walk through the huge rhododendron forests and gradually go up and up to the top of the Jalja La which is a flat meadow with various pastures. We may get the luck to have panoramic views of the peaks of Dhaulagiri range and Gurja Himal. Weather becomes snowy from the autumn. After the pass, we slowly walk down to the camp at Patihalna Kharka.

Day 07:  Patihalna Kharka – Dhorpatan (2880 m)– Forest Camp (3080 m) 3-4 hours

Today we cross a river Dhanche Marne Khola through a suspension bridge. Then we walk alongside of the Uttar Ganga River. We cross jungles and some small villages on the way. People live in those villages only in the summer, not in the winter. We see a monastery in Chhentung. Near the monastery is a school for Tibetan medicine. The route takes us to the plain of Dhorpatan, a wide valley where Tibetan refugees have settled. Here is the check post of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.  An airport has been constructed in Dhorpatan but no air service yet. Dhorpatan is the last human settlement in this region. We camp at the Forest camp that lies in the north of Dhorpatatn.

Day 08:  Forest Camp – Phaguni Duri (4000m) – Thankur  Phedi (2800m) 4-5 hours

After the forest camp today we climb up to the pass called Phaguni Dhuri and which is 4000 meters. We view the barren land everywhere here. After the pass, we slowly walk down the steep route which sometimes may be covered with snow.  We gradually walk down to Thankur Phedi enjoying the panoramic views of Himalayas. We walk fully steep downhill to the campsite which is located in the jungle on the banks of a small river. The campsite is in a lonely place just with a tea shop nearby.

Day 09:  Thankur Phdei – Pelma (2400m) -5-6 hours hours

The route still goes downhill after Thankur Phedi. We walk through the forest with the trees that have mosses and orchids hanging and cross a wooden bridge over a stream called Ghustang Khola. Then we head to Pelma which is a small village where so-called low caste tribes reside here. We camp in Pelma. Local products; eggs, hens, green vegetables, alcohol, and wine are found here at a very good price. In the past, we could see the local people wearing house made garments often not washed for long due to severe cold. But now they are changed. They have a school in the village too.

Day 10:  Pelma – Dhule (3300 m) 4-5 hours

The route goes still downhill in the beginning. Then we cross a stream called Doagri Khola through a wooden bridge. The route goes quite uphill through the terraced fields. We cross a village called Yamakhar where the tribe called Magars reside. Local products; eggs, hens, green vegetables, wine, and alcohol are found here too just like in Pelma at a very good price. We walk through a stunning ravine. We slowly head to Dhule, our campsite where we see shepherds’ huts specially made for the rainy season. Hunters’ also camp also seen in this area.

Day 11:  Dhule – Seng Khola (3880 m) 4-5 hours

From Dhule, we walk the route through a jungle that goes straight about 400 meters very steep up for about one and half hours. We head to the pass, Nautale Bhanjyang (3970m). The route over here is dangerously steep. From the pass, we can see the Jalja-La in the southeast. Then we walk downhill along the Seng Khola, a river. We finally reach the camp which is situated at the Seng Khola. This spot is one of the coldest places on this trip. This area is of Yarsagumba, a precious natural drug that is found in this region.

Day 12:  Seng Khola – Purbang (4050) 4-5 hours

Today we are going to walk for about 4 hours only because we are walking in the high altitude and need to acclimatize slowly. The other reason is that the route goes straight uphill to the Purbang where we will camp. We have pack lunch today and rest in Purbang for acclimatization. Purbang is also Yarshagumba area. It has a very big area of meadow. In summer, the shepherds take their sheep to graze in this area. From here we can have a magnificent view of the high Himalayas and barren lands. In March and April, the route may be totally covered with snow and trekkers may be lost. This is the borderline for Rukum and Dolpa districts. You may have the luck to see Himalayan blue sheep and big Himalayan rats.

Day 13:  Purbang – Sahartara (2980 m) 5- 6 hours

Still, our route going uphill. We walk through a pass called Jang La (4500 meters). After the pass, the route goes downhill through the barren lands. We walk through the forest just before an hour to Sahartara, a small village near Tarakot. We can visit Daisi Gompa and Samteling Lama Gompa here. Sahartara is a Magar village that has close trade relations with the Tibetans hence they have taken the Lamaic religion. Thus, we can witness in some house temples and many stupas. We have a rest day here and maybe a guest in one of their traditional houses.

Day 14:  Sahartara Relax day or visit village

Today we can visit the somewhat lower Sahartara and there also visit an ancient temple just near the camp. We can visit the local people and know about their lifestyle. We can enjoy some local products here also just like in Pelma and Dhule. The local people in Sahartara are very simple and love to welcome the guest with a smile and serve their local products. Apple trees are grown here, so in the autumn, we can enjoy the local apples. The view from here is panoramic. We can just rest, have a bath or visit the places today. We can shop in the village for our trekking. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition leader will arrange for our visit to the various nearby places today.

Day 15:  Sahar Tara – Laina Odar (cave) (3370m) 5-6 hours

In the beginning, we walk downhill to the village of Tarakot. We cross a small stream that comes from the Lama Gompa village. A wooden bridge has been made over the stream. Then we walk along the Thuli Bheri River.  About half an hour later we cross the Thuli Bheri River through a suspension bridge. There is one more suspension bridge over the point where Thuli Bheri River and Tarap Khola meets. After crossing this bridge, we have lunch and head to Lahini again along the Thuli Bheri River. The path goes uphill through the jungle. We camp beside the river in Laina Odar. Odar means a cave. Nepali staff prepares dinner or do campfire in the cave.

Day 16:  Laina Odar- Nawarpani (Laina Odar) (3475 m) 4-5 hours

After Laina Odar we walk through the barren land along the Tarap Khola. No jungles anymore. The path goes uphill and downhill both. The campsite is again beside the river which is near the Nawarpani but it is also called Laina Odar. This is the point where the Tarap Khola and Kyakuchin Khola meet.  One more cave is there. We may see blue sheep and yaks in this area.

Day 17:  Nawarpani – Dho Tarap (3944m) 5- 6 hours

Today walk along the side of Tarap Khola in the beginning. The path goes slightly uphill and downhill. After the lunch, the path is easier to walk since it is almost flat with slightly uphill.  Let’s say we are slowly rising to over 4000 meters, but also the valley is so narrow that the sun, especially in the autumn is seen for a few hours a day. Hence the weather is cold in this area. A number of chyorten, stupas is seen on the way. We slowly head to Dho Tarap, a group of real Tibetan villages. A whitewashed Tibetan Buddhist gompa shines among the village. We are here in a totally different world. Since it is very cold here, the villagers don’t prefer to take bath often. The villagers go to the market at the Tibetan border for shopping and Yak is used to carry loads.

Day 18: Dho Tarap Half Day Acclimatization, and to Thaksi

We have a rest day here as acclimatization. Let’s meet the local people in Dho Tarap today. We learn a totally new way of life here. The people wear very thick clothes called Bakkhu and shoes called Docha. You can compare the costumes of Dho Tarap people with the costumes of Tibetan. They prepare the shoes themselves using coarse wool and yak leather. Their houses are sturdily built with thick walls of stones and decorated with prayer flags. Barley is the staple food crop grown in the fields. Potato is another root crop grown over here. They have yaks, horse, mules, and sheep as their domestic animals. They have trade with Tibet.

We can go to visit gompa. The view we see round Dho Tarap is the barren lands everywhere since this area falls in the range of Tibetan plateau.

After having lunch today and walk at ease for three and half hours to Thaksi at the foot of the Numa La. On the way we cross Ghakar village, Chrystal Mountain School, Kakar village, Kakar Gompa, Chhumagaon, Rimpoche Gompa, Modo village, Modo Gompa. We take our time to visit the gompas in the delightful villages where we walk through to get to us. We camp at a spot about a half hour walk from the last village of Modo at Thaksi. It will be a really cold night. We can view the beautiful barren landscapes from here. Blue sheep can be seen from here. We can hire mule for transportation if necessary.

Day 19:  Thaksi – Numa La (5309 m)- 4450 m)   Baga La BC (4512m) 6-7 hours

Today we walk one or one and a half hour earlier than the other days because the weather may go worse all of sudden. We are fresh and acclimatized well for the highest pass Numa La (south), that we are going to cross today. We carry our pack lunch. In the beginning, the path goes slightly uphill along a stream, Numala Khola. Then we cross Numa La BC. After this, the path goes uphill. Then we cross Numa La (South) pass. From the top, we can see clearly the outline of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Also, we can see in the north rows of the endless barren mountain ranges that go to the Tibetan plateau in the distance. Then we walk downhill to the stream called Gyambo Khola. We walk along the Gyambo Khola. In some places, we cross wooden bridges. Finally, we reach Baga La base camp beside a stream called Chakbari Khola.

Day 20:  Baga La BC – Baga La (5169m) – Phoksundo Lake (3641m)7-8 hours

Today also we start one or one and a half hour earlier than the other days because sometimes the weather may go worse all of a sudden. We walk for about 3 hours uphill in the beginning. We carry our pack lunch which we eat somewhere on the way. Soup or tea will be served by the staffs on the way seeing the condition so that you feel fresh and will gain the energy soon for walking. We are going to cross a pass called Baga La today. From the top of the Pass, the view of the Phoksundo valley is spectacular. We can view the most beautiful lake in Nepal, Phoksundo. We camp on the beach of Phoksundo and watch the settlement of monks and extremely beautiful blue of the lake. The water in the lake is highly cold. Hence, we cannot swim or wash our clothes in the lake.

Day 21:  Phoksundo Lake Rest Day, 

Today we rest at Phoksundo camp—not for acclimatization, but to relax and recover after the exhausting days of trekking behind us. This is also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the stunning Phoksundo Lake and visit the nearby beautiful village of Ringmo Gaon (Phoksundo).

We can visit the picturesque gompa situated on the lakeshore of Phoksundo. It is also possible to cross the lake and take a scenic walk uphill, as the trail is clearly visible from the camp. Climbing higher rewards us with a splendid panoramic view of the turquoise lake and the surrounding majestic mountains. After many days on the trail, we can once again enjoy the lush greenery of the jungle in this area.

We will have time to interact with the friendly local residents and taste traditional local products such as local wine, alcohol, and phapar dhindo. At the campsite, there is a check post office of Shey Phoksundo National Park, where our permit cards are inspected. The HV Trek guide will arrange visits to key places today, especially the gompa and the lakeside, while we are free to explore the village on our own.

Later, we begin walking downhill along the Phoksundo Khola. After a short stretch, the trail climbs uphill before descending again. Along the way, we enjoy views of a large waterfall formed by the waters of Phoksundo Khola. We also visit a mountain museum en route. Continuing our walk alongside the Phoksundo Khola, we head towards Chhepka.

Day 22:  Chhepka – Dunai (2140m) 4-5 hours

Today we walk downhill along the stream, Phoksundo Khola towards Dunai. Dunai is the headquarter of Dolpo. Hence, Dunai has internet and other facilities. We can call our family and friends after long days.  We have lunch at the camp. We are gearing up for the final day to Juphal.

Day 23:  Dunai – Juphal (2475m) 2-3 hours

We walk along the Thuli Bheri River today almost for the whole day. Just before we reach Juphal we walk uphill for about one and a half hours. Juphal is the village with air service. Juphal is also the village with internet and other facilities like Dunai. You can have the taste of Apples and wall nuts which are famous over here. We rest here today and get ready to fly to Nepalgunj tomorrow morning.

Day 24:  Flight Juphal to Nepalgunj (165m) 45 minutes, Nepalganj to Kathmandu 1 hours  Fligh

Today we fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu on the same day. OR from Nepalgunj, we may catch a bus to Kathmandu too. The flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj takes 45 minutes only. And Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight takes 40 minutes. But flight has no certainty due to the special climatic reason: sometimes windy, sometimes cloudy etc. Flight cancellation and delay is the common phenomenon in this point. So, we may have to pay extra charge USD 250-350 for the plane charter so that we will not miss our flight to our home country from Kathmandu. But the extra charge depends on the number of pax in the group. If it is a small group, then the price will be higher. The flight route also may be changed. We may fly to Pokhara or Kathmandu from Juphal instead of Nepalgunj.

When we get off the plane in Nepalgunj, suddenly we feel very hot since we were in the high alpine climate for several days. So we suddenly need to put off our warm clothes and shoes and socks we had been wearing for several days.

We feel again, we came to the new world after having walking in the silent, barren lands for several days where there is no crowd, no rush, no noise of city life etc.

Day 25:  Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu (1337m)

This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged.  The tour lasts 4 hours and will cost an additional up charge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by HV Treks.

Day 26:  Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)

Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. HV Treks’  staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.