Lower Dolpo Trek

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Black Diamond at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check into the hotel, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Meals: Dinner
Max Altitude: 1350m/4429 ft

Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we get transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport and take an hour’s flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is located in the western Nepal border to India and is the gateway to Simikot of Humla. Blended with Hindu and Muslim culture as well as hills and plain land, the Nepalgunj is the interesting town which has Mini Zoo, Muslim Bazaar, B.P Chowk and more to visit. Overnight in hotel.Overnight at Nepalgunj: Hotel Siddhartha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in the early morning, we fly to Juphal. After 45 minutes flight over high mountains, we arrive at Juphal. We meet our trekking staff and begin the first adventure trip walking through the terraced fields to Bheri River and the narrow gorge. After 2-3 hours climbing, we reach our camping site, Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Explore Dunai and overnight in camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start our trek. The trail goes through small streams and then follows the Bheri and Barbung River. We pass through deep gorges, hanging bridges, isolated villages, pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meters above the river and finally greet us with colorful terraced field of Tarakot. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. Tarakot was a capital before Gorkha dynasty which stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River where once upon a time supervisor collect the toll for the trading caravans.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,543m/8,341ft

After breakfast, we continue our trek following the Tarap Chu River upstream, crossing a bridge and the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup Chu Rriver. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages of Sahartera. After a few ups and downs, finally descend to reach our overnight camp at Laini.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,543m/8,341ft
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places we have to jump from one side to another. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. After 5 hours adventurous and thrilled walking, we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 3,545m/11,627 ft
Trek Duration:5 hrs

Our morning walk begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk lead us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley, both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we hang around the Do Tarap to recharge our body and to get used to the altitude. Today we can enjoy the breathtaking views and dissolve with locals who have hardly seen the westerners. We explore monasteries and surroundings.

The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour’s walk. Overnight in camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours’ good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village our walk continues further climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp below the Numa-la.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is one of the long and difficult days as we have to cross first pass of the trek. After breakfast journey begins with steep climb to Numa La pass (5190m). Due to high altitude our walking pace may be slow but the hard walking will be rewarded after we reach on the top of Numa La with the great views of the surrounding landscapes, incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo, north face of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and many distance mountains. After spend some time on the top we descend to Pelung Tang and camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have to overcome another pass – Baga La (5,070m). After breakfast trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is quite easy and relaxing day. Morning after breakfast we begin our walk leisurely through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the beautiful lake of Phoksundo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 3,600m/11,808ft
Trek Duration: : 3-4 hrs 

Today we acquire the target destination of our trek, the Shey Phoksundo Lake, deepest Himalayan Lake. This is the pleasant day. Morning we visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with great views. overnight at camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in the morning we take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and afternoon, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Rest day is free and spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Late evening celebrate dinner together with Black Diamond staffs. Overnight at Kathmandu. Hotel Encounter Nepal, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast free till departure time. If you have more time you can do shopping or sightseeing around Kathmandu. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Black Diamond drops you to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast