Trekking in the Dolpo region has only been permitted since mid-1989. The region lies to the west of the Kali Gandaki Valley; Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. The region offers opportunities to visit ancient villages, high passes, beautiful Lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries and also to experience the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the region, including Blue sheep, Mountain Goat, Jackal, Wolf and the legendary Snow Leopard. This remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal, time has stood still here for centuries as inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade. This trip covers you the traditional salt route from Dunai the headquater of Dolpo District to Shey Phoksundo Lake (Nepal Second Largest Lake) and ancient village of Tibetan civilization.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Sight seeing:
Around Kathmandu valley: The holy place of Pashupatinath temple, Shoyambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Kathmandu Darbar Square), arrange the necessary permit for Trekking and Climbing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sight seeing:
Around Kathmandu valley: The holy place of Pashupatinath temple, Shoyambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Kathmandu Darbar Square), arrange the necessary permit for Trekking and Climbing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Nepaljung. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Morning fly to Juphal (2550m) and Nepalganj - Juphal (2250m) by plane - Dunai (2150m). 3-hour walk
during the flight, we can enjoy a superb panorama of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: Dunai - Tharakot (2700m) in 5h.
The trail goes along the Thulo Bheri River towards Tharakot. This village was an ancient fortress and a caravan stop. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Tharakot - Lahini (3200m) in 5h.
Steady ascent by steep trails through fir and juniper forests. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Lahini - Naure Odar (3100m) in 6h.
The narrow trail goes through the Tarap Khola gorges. Overnight at camp.
Day 08: Naure Odar - Dho (4000m) in 6h.
We come out onto the Tibetan plateau. A tough walk gradually-disappearing vegetation, towards Dho, the main village of the valley. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Dho. Acclimatization day.
We will visit the three main villages of the Tarap valley and the Ri Bhumpa Gompa and Bon-Po Gompa monasteries. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Dho - Camp at 4100m (before the pass) in 5h.
In this region, men trim their hair with red threads and wear them in a chignon like the Khampas from Tibet. Women wear heavy silver headgear. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Camp at 4100m - Nun La Pass (5360m) - Camp at 4200m in 6h.
From the Nun La, literraly " salt pass ", the views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are superb. We then descend the other side of the mountain and establish the campsite at 4200m. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Camp at 4200m - Bagla La Pass (5090m) - Roman (3800m) in 5h.
The emerald waters of the Phoksondo lake and the picturesque village of Ringmo form one of the most beautiful Himalayan landscapes. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Roman - Ringmo (3510m) in 2h.
Gentle walk around the lake and visit the Tesu monastery. The monastery rules life in Ringmo, a town inhabited by "Bothias ", a tribe originally from Tibet. Overnight at camp.
Day 14: Ringmo - Pungmo (3500m) in 5h.
The trail follows the Phoksondo banks and later the Pungmo Khola river. Overnight at camp.
Day 15: Pungmo - Lasa (4100m) in 5h.
A pleasant path that goesthrough blue fir tree forests and later through birche and juniper forests. Overnight at camp.
Day 16: Lasa - Kagmara La (5115m) - Kagmara Phedi (4000m) in 6h. Overnight at camp.
Day 17: Kagmara Phedi - Toijem (2920m) in 4h
Descent over a moraine and then along the banks of the Garpung Khola river. Overnight at camp.
Day 18: Toijem - Kaigaon (2650m) in 5h. Overnight at camp.
Day 19: Kaigaon - Chaurikot (3060m). Overnight at camp.
Day 20: Chaurikot - Mauri Lagna Pass (3820m) - Chatra (3380m) in 6h
Mauri Lagna means "Honey Pass ". During spring, the trail is lined with blue lilies, azaleas and blossoming rhododendrons. Magnificent panorama of snowy summits: Gutumba (5608m), Mata Tumba (5767m), Bhahul Himal (5460m). Overnight at camp.
Day 21: Chatra - Gotichaur (2650m) in 5h.
Corn, potatoes, barley and buckwheat fields alternate with meadows and forests. Overnight at camp.
Day 22: Gotichaur - Jumla (2300m) in 5h
Peaceful verdant areas strewn with shining irrigation canals and rivers. In summer, the flora blossoms brightly: orchids, forget-me-nots, geraniums, mint, buttercups, and gentians. Overnight at camp.
Day 23: Fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 24: Free day for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 25: Departure.
