Dolpo is a remote and untouched land in North-East Nepal at the border with Tibet. It is a preserved ecosystem and a Tibetan populated place located in the Shey Phoksumdo National Park. Bordered by the impressive Dhaulagiri massif, The Dolpo region is one of the wildest parts of Nepal that inspired Peter Matthiessen for his best seller "Snow Leopards".
Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrival in Kathamndu. O/N in Hotel.
- Day 02 : Visa day. Prepare your bag for the trek. O/N in Hotel.
- Day 03 : Fly to Nepalgunj. O/N in Hotel.
- Day 04 : Fly to Juphal. Trek to Dunai. O/N in Camp.
- Day 05 : Trek to Hankhle. 4 hours. O/N in Camp.
- Day 06 : Trek to Reiji. 4 hours. O/N in Camp.
- Day 07 : Trek to Phoksundo lake. 5 hours. O/N in Camp. - Day 08 : Acclimatization day by Phoksundo lake. Explore Ringmo village. O/N in Camp.
- Day 09 : Trek to Chunemba. O/N in Camp.
- Day 10 : Cross the Kang La pass (5375m./17,635ft.). Enter Inner Dolpo. O/N in Camp.
- Day 11 : Trek to Shey Gompa. O/N in Camp. - Day 12 : Acclimatization day. Have an extra time to rest. O/N in Camp.
- Day 13 : Trek to Namgung and cross the Saldang pass. 4,380m. 5 hours. O/N in Camp.
- Day 14 : Trek to saldang. O/N in Camp.
- Day 15: Trek to Sibu. O/N in Camp.
- Day 16: Trek to Jeng La. O/N in Camp.
- Day 17 : Trek to Tokyu. O/N in Camp.
- Day 18 : Descend to Dho. O/N in Camp.
- Day 19 : Trek along Tarap Chu valley. O/N in Camp.
- Day 20 : Trek through gorges to Kanigaon. O/N in Camp.
- Day 21 : Trek Tarakot. O/N in Camp.
- Day 22 : Trek to Dunai along Thulo Bheri river. O/N in Camp.
- Day 23 : Reach the airstrip at Jhupal. O/N in Camp. - Day 24 : Contengency day
- Day 25 : Fly via Nepalgunj and Kathmandu the same day. O/N in Hotel.
- Day 26 : Free day in Kathmandu. Celebration dinner. O/N in Hotel.
- Day 27 : International departure
Why Choose Dolpo?
The Dolpo region lies at the feet of Dhaulagiri massif in Western Nepal at the border with Tibet in the Shey Phoksundo national park. The area is divided in Lower and Upper region and has remained restricted area until 1989 with no tourists.
You travel to Dolpo for its natural and cultural heritage. Ancient Buddhist monasteries are still intact and preserved. The Phoksundo Lake offers an impressive turquoise blue color turning to deep steel blue with the last glimmer of the day.
The Tibetan influences and lifestyle are still very rich. Bon and Buddhists religion mixed with Nepalese culture highlights a tremendous cultural diversity.
Dolpo District in Northern Nepal
Upper Dolpo will delight nature lovers and adventurers alike. You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj at the Indian border for a night. The next morning you fly north to the Shey Dolpo Area. The main access to Dolpo is from the hilltop airstrip at Jumla for a memorable landing amidst the surrounding peaks. You trek downhill passing through traditional villages and get into alpine forests following Tila and Bheri River.
From Beri River valley, the path goes across the hillside towards traditional Tibetan villages. The trail climbs gradually towards Rimi and Kaigaon villages with bridge crossing and visit of monasteries to finally reach Phuksumdo Lake near Rigmo village.
A rest day at the lakeside allows you to slowly adjust to altitude. Then, the route gets steeper heading to higher altitude with the pass crossing over 5000m. This is the most demanding part of the trek. The trail is an uneven terrain. It is a bumpy and rocky path, sometimes covered by snow in the highest elevations. From the top of the pass, the view is staggering with Dhaulagiri in the distance and the snow-dusted peaks of the Kanjiroba Himal.
After crossing the last high-pass, the landscape changes dramatically. Endless brownish colored mountains, stretching over the dusty land which makes the surroundings indeed surreal. Tibetan villages are scattered in endless valleys, Yak caravans slowly head to the next village for the night and mani stone carvers repeating the "Om Mani Padme Hum" mantra cadenced by the splitting sound of the hammer. This part of the trek offers one of the finest experiences of a lifetime!
Finally the trail winds downhill to Khanigaon, Tarakot and Dunai through stunning gorges along the raging river. The walk continues to Juphal village where you fly to Nepalganj and then Kathmandu the same day.
Why trekkers come to Dolpo?
Upper Dolpo region is a truly magnificent unspoiled region with remarkable views from surrounding mountains. Villages are isolated, valleys look infinite and monasteries seem inaccessible perched on the top of hills or imbedded in massive caverns built into the rocks. Extraordinary wildlife diversity has developed in this outlying region. This is the land of the Blue Sheep and the Snow Leopard. The area is locked between the Daulaghiri range, the Tibetan plateau and the high passes over 5000m altitude making Dolpo inaccessible during winter season and monsoon time.
The main attraction of the Upper Dolpo lies in the Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo is a fascinating turquoise green lake surrounded by gigantic cliffs, snow-capped peaks and a tiny monastery bordering the banks of the lake. Each hour of the day reveals a surprising kaleidoscope of colors shimmering over the crystal waters.
Dolpo is also the land of the ancient Tibetan Bon culture. The Bon religion is an ancient pre-Buddhist tradition practice that has survived among the Tibetan culture. The circumambulation of Chorten is made anti-clockwise and the practice of 'traditional' Buddhism is still vivid.
Dolpo is an unspoiled world of wonder and an astonishing remote region that would elate your spirit and delight your senses. It is an amazing once in a life time journey.
Cultural interest: Films & Books
The Dolpo region has preserved its genuine Tibetan culture and remains untouched. The 1999 Eric Valli's Film Himalaya - Caravan has drawn people's attention for those valleys surrounded by impressive Himalayan Mountains.
The Snow Leopard is a 1978 book by Peter Matthiessen, which is an account of his two month journey along with naturalist George Schaller in 1973 to Crystal Mountain, in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas.
Acclimatization program
Dolpo is indubitably one of the most remote regions of Nepal. We have planned enough acclimatization days to allow you body to get time to adjust to altitude. You gradually gain altitude before crossing Passes over 5000m. You will have enough days to adapt to the lack of oxygen and be fully acclimatized to tackle the challenging sections.
To reduce the impact of AMS (Acute mountain sickness), each member must be fit and ready to walk in remote areas for long periods, sometimes in high altitude. We recommend that you start cardio workouts at least 2 months before your trip. Walking, climbing, running, cycling or/and swimming several times a week before your trek is recommended to be in an excellent physical condition before booking for Dolpo.
The autumn season, from September to October, is an ideal period to discover the Dolpo region. Days are warm and night temperatures slowly drop down to 5°C in the valley and can reach 0°C in higher altitude.
From early November, temperatures are getting cooler and can easily get down to -5°C at night. You will have more snow while crossing passes with some wind at altitude. It is also a good time to appreciate the beauty of the valleys and the stunning views of the mountains.
From February to May begins the dry season. Days are warm with crystal clear sky in the morning and clouds in the afternoon. In June, the monsoon starts with more clouds and snow falls over 4000m.
What does the trip include
Price Includes
- Welcome at the airport in Kathmandu.
- Airport - Hotel transfers in Kathmandu.
- Hotel in Kathmandu, double occupancy, Standard comfort, B&B basis.
- Flight to Nepalgung and Juphal
- Trekking Permit fee.
- Professional guide & necessary local staff, cook and porters.
- Insurance, salary and proper equipment for guide & porters.
- All camping equipement, kitchen, shower and mess tent.
- Tented accommodation in camps (twin sharing basis).
- General group trekking equipment.
- 3 meals a day as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Comprehensive medical kit.
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) for safety in altitude.
Price does not include
- International flight to / from Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal clothing, equipment and trekking and climbing gear *
- Travel / Personal / Rescue / Medical insurance including Helicopter rescue.
- Emergency Rescue evacuation.
- All personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, internet ...).
- All drinks including bar bills & mineral water.
- Departures taxes in Kathmandu.
- Visit or activities not included in your itinerary.
- Tips.
- Visas.
* You can rent sleeping bags and down jackets from us , more here >
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