Dolpo lies in the far western hilly region of Nepal. This is one of the most remote districts of the country. It lies in the shade of the
Trekking in this region includes witnessing the high Himalayan valleys, which resemble the Tibetan highlands. The major highlight of this trek, which is specially organized by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition, includes “Shey Phoksundo National Park” which is the largest National Park in Nepal. hvtreks.com/camping/dolpo-phoksundo-lake Shey Phoksundo Lake is another site we won’t forget. As it’s totally free of aqua life, the waters are crystal clear. Surrounded by rock, forests, and snow-capped peaks, this area is described as one of the World’s “Natural Hidden Wonders”.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Over night in Nepalgunj in Hotel.
Day 02: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal and Walking to Dunai about 3 hours walking,
Day 03: from Dunai to Tarakot, 6 hours walking,Day 04: Tarakot – Laina Odar (cave) ( 3370m ) 5-6 hours
Day 05: Laina Odar- Nawarpani (Laina Odar) ( 3475 m) 4-5 hours
Day 06: Nawarpani – Dho Tarap (3944m) 5- 6 hours
Day 07: Dho Tarap Half day Acclimatization, and to Thaksi
Day 08: Thaksi – Numa La ( 5309 m)- 4450 m) Baga La BC ( 4512m) 6-7 hours
Day 09: Baga La BC – Baga La (5169m) – Phoksundo Lake (3641m)7-8 hours
Day 10: Phoksundo Lake Rest Day,
Day 11: Phoksundo -Chekpa
Day 12: Chhepka – Dunai (2140m) 4-5 hours
Day 13: –Dunai – Juphal ( 2475m) 2-3 hours
Day 14: Flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj (165m) 45 minutes, Nepalganj to Kathmandu 1 hours Fligh
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Such as dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events like landslides, can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
The Airport is at high-altitude and flights in or out are prone to delays due to weather conditions. In the wetter, cloudy months, flights are sometimes delayed or canceled until next day or when the weather permits. Guests should please make sure their timetable for the trip allows for these possible delays.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Over night in Nepalgunj in Hotel.
Day 02: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal and Walking to Dunai about 3 hours walking,
we will have a short trek towards Dunai where we will experience our first trekking night staying at Dunai village on their local houses. Dunai is the head Quater of Dolpo district which is largest district of Nepal in terms of area
Day 03: from Dunai to Tarakot, 6 hours walking,
Camping Services Accommodation. This is the day when you will be experiencing the real trekking adventure in Nepal as the trail begins harder and more exciting at the same time. You will walk along the southern bank of the Bheri river and Barbung river gorge.
Similarly, you will cross several isolated villages and hang bridges to reach Tarakot where you will experience the Tibetan Buddhism religion and have an overnight stay.
Day 04: Tarakot – 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: Phoksundo Lake Rest Day,
Today we rest in the Phoksundo camp, not for the acclimatization but to relax since we are extremely exhausted from the trekking in the past days. And of course, to enjoy the lake and visit the nearby beautiful village called Ringmo gaon (Phoksundo). We can visit the beautiful gompa situated on the beach of Phokundo. It is also possible we go across the lake to take a beautiful walk up. From the camp, we can see the path up well. Let’s go upstairs to have a splendid view of the lake and surrounding of beautiful mountains. After many days, we can enjoy the view of the jungle here. We can have a friendly talk with the local residents and can have the taste of local products like local wine, alcohol, Phapar dhindo. In the campsite, there is an office (check post) of Shey Phoksundo National Park. So the permit cards are checked here. HV Trek’s guide will arrange for our visit to the various places today, especially to Gompa and lakeside. We can visit the village on our own.
Day 11: Phoksundo -Chekpa
After breakfast, We. start walking downhill along the stream Phoksundo Khola in the beginning. Then the path goes uphill. We view a large waterfall made by the water from Phoksundo Khola on the way. Then we walk downhill. We visit a mountain museum on the way. We along with the Phoksundo Khola heading Chhepka.
Day 12: 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 13: –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 14: Flight from 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.
Included in the Cost
Not Included in the Cost
Number of participants
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 14
Max Altitude: 5309 meters
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty Level: Hard
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges a tour for these places.
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring. Except for rhododendrons, any kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
