Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek (Camping Trek)

Trip Facts

  • Cost Start FromContact Us
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • TransportationNA
  • DestinationNepal
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About Trip

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is a journey along remote Nepal where culture and traditional practices have been preserved for centuries. The trail passes through exotic viewpoints, ethnic communities and barren plateau near the Tibetan border. Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, yak herds et cetera embellish the trail. During May/June, Yarcha Gumba hunting caravans are seen along the trail. The trek requires special permits as it passes conservation areas.

We take a short trek from Jhupal along terraced fields and a narrow gorge to Dunai on the first day of the trek. The next day we reach Tarakot, an old fortress town. Passing Laini and Nawarpani through rivers, gorges, and small farming villages we reach Tarap, a Magar village. Walking past the beautiful valley of Tarap, the trail reaches Numa La Base Camp where we set camp for the day. The next day, we cross Numa La from where views of barren mountains of Dolpo and the Dhaulagiri are incredible. We descend to Pelung Tang, our stop for the night. We further drop to Ringmo where we take a rest day and hike to Phoksundo Lake. From Ringmo, the route first drops and then climbs at Shyanta our next stop. We return back to Jhupa and return to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Trip Highlights

Passes likeNuma-La and Baga-La are famous for outstanding view of mountains including the Kannjiroba.Phoksundo Lake and SheyPhoksundo National Park add to the attraction of the route. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m]
  • Day 02:Trek preparation
  • Day 03:Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj& transfer to Hotel
  • Day 04:Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m] and trek to Dunai [2,850m]: 2-3 hrs walk
  • Day 05:Trek to Tarakot [2,543m]: 5-6 hrs walk
  • Day 06:Trek to Laini [3,160 m]: 6-7 hrs walk
  • Day 07:Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m]: 5 hrs walk
  • Day 08:Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m]: 7-8 hrs walk
  • Day 09:Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
  • Day 10:Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m]: 6-7 hrs walk
  • Day 11:Cross Numa La [5,190m], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m]: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 12:Cross Baga La [5,070m] and camp Dajok Tang [4,080m]: 6 hrs
  • Day 13:Trek to Ringmo (3,600m): 3-4 hrs walk
  • Day 14:Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 15:Trek to Shyanta [2520m]: 5-6 hrs walk
  • Day 16:Trek to Jhupal
  • Day 17:Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
  • Day 18:Final Departure or onward for next program

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrival day in Kathmandu [1,300m]Arrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detail arrangement of the Trek.
  • Day 02Trek preparationAfter breakfast, you will be introduced with the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring along your passport and three passport sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. You can use your free time to rest or explore around for some last minute shopping. A visit to the world heritage sites in Kathmandu including Swayambhu, Boudha, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square et cetera is also arranged as per request.
  • Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj& transfer to HotelIts takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj on an airplane. From the airport, a representative from Green Valley Nepal Treks will transfer you to the Hotel. You can stroll around the city in your free time and know about the lifestyle in the terai plains.
  • Day 04Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m] and trek to Dunai [2,850m]: 2-3 hrs walkA morning flight leaves from Nepalgunj to Jhupal which takes around 40 minutes. After a short rest, we move towards Dunai, which is an easy walk for a couple of hours. Overnight stay at Dunai.
  • Day 05Trek to Tarakot [2,543m]: 5-6 hrs walkWe start our trek after breakfast along the southern banks of the river. As we tramp through the indigenous trail, the trail passes a few meters above the river to reach colorful terraces of to reach Tarakot with an ancient fortress on a Hillock. Overnight stay at Tarakot.
  • Day 06Trek to Laini [3,160 m]: 6-7 hrs walkToday, we begin walking along the trail leading upstream to the Tarap Chu River. The former Sandul Gompalies to the east of Tarakot at the junction of Barbing River and Tarap Chu River. The trail reaches to Laini passing through terraces and a few ups and downs where we stay overnight.
  • Day 07Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m]: 5 hrs walkWe continue our trek up to the gorge of Tarap. The trail keeps rising high above a river. Farther we walk, narrower the gorge grows.At times the trail cannot be seen across stone slabs fitted on logs. A final descent down to the river and a further ascent leads to Nawarpani where we stay overnight.
  • Day 08Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m]: 7-8 hrs walkEarly morning after we have our breakfast we begin our walk to Kamattarka. After walking further from the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola we reach the village of Do-Tarap in 3 hours. We come across Juniper forest and wild rose amid typical inner Himalaya valley of Dolpo then finally reach the valley where Bon and Chaiba sect reside. Do Tarap at an altitude of 4090m is our campsite for the night.
  • Day 09Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatizationOn this day we stay in Do-Tarap to get acclimatized while taking plenty of rest. Breathtaking mountains and peaceful monasteries form a special part of this highland.
  • Day 10Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m]: 6-7 hrs walkWe begin our trek early in the morning through the trail that takes along Tarap Chu upstream. After walking further we reach Tokyu village where we find a monastery of Chaiba sects. The pleasing walk of about seven hours leads to Numa La Base Camp(4440m) where we stay overnight.
  • Day 11Cross Numa La [5,190m], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m]: 6-7 hrsThe eleventh day of our trek, we take a difficult and yet another long trek which starts early. Across Numa La Pass at 5190m, the trail continues to climb steeply to the Numa ridge. We enjoy the wonderful paramount views of Dhawlagiriabove the barren mountains of Dolpo, then begin our descent of Numa La, our Campsite.
  • Day 12Cross Baga La [5,070m] and camp Dajok Tang [4,080m]: 6 hrsAfter breakfast, we follow the trail that leads to the Buga La. At the apex we will enjoy viewing the landscape of snowcapped KanjirowaHimal range at the pass. We then follow the downhill walk till our next camp site at Dajok Tang.
  • Day 13Trek to Ringmo (3,600m): 3-4 hrs walkToday we walk through pine forests after having breakfast early in the morning.With vegetation of alpine shrubs and a few ups and downs the trail eventually we reachesRingmo. Overnight in a camp.
  • Day 14Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo LakeIt’s a rest day, especially scheduled for exploring the virgin Phoksundo lake area. The walk around the lake is very enjoyable, where the tranquil beauty of crystal clear lake surpasses the fear of the challenging path that leads to it.
  • Day 15Trek to Shyanta [2520m]: 5-6 hrs walkWe take breakfast and then trek down the hill to Chepka which leads to massive overhanging rocks. On the trek route we come across different medicinal plants, minerals and villages until we reach Shyanta.
  • Day 16Trek to JhupalThis is the final day of the trek in Dolpo. The trail goes upward to Solighat then finally reach Juphal. We can see spectacular mountain views on the way. In the evening we can enjoy the dense market area of Juphal town.
  • Day 17Fly to Kathmandu via NepalgunjAlong the scenic flight from Nepalgunj back to Kathmandu, a clear view of the chain of Himalayas spread across the northern horizon for several minutes. Once in Kathmandu, you would be transferred to the hotel. A small celebration dinner is scheduled by Mountain Rock Treks Treks for the successful completion of the journey. You can use your free time strolling around Thamel or getting souvenirs to take back home.
  • Day 18Final Departure or onward for next program Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle. You can also opt for another package with Mountain Rock Treks Treks and elongate your stay.

Trip Note

Above itinerary can be re-designed as per your interest & preferences. Let us know whether you would like some changes. 

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