Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

Trip Overview
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate or Grade B (**)
  • DestinationNepal
  • Meals & AccommodationBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Trip Start & EndKathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip TypeTrek
  • Major AttractionBuddhist monasteries, prayer flags, yak herds
  • Best TimeApril-May-June, September-October-November

Highlights

Passes like Numa-La and Baga-La are famous for their outstanding views of mountains, including the Kannjiroba. Phoksundo Lake and SheyPhoksundo National Park add to the attraction of the route. 

The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek is a journey to remote Nepal, where culture and tradition have intermingled for centuries. The trail passes through exotic viewpoints, ethnic communities, and a 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 with you along the trail. The trek requires special permits as it passes conservation areas.

We take a short trek from Jhupal along with 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. Then, passing Laini and Nawarpani through rivers, gorges, and small farming villages, we go to Tarap, a Magar village. Walking past the beautiful valley of Tarap, the trail runs to the Numa La Base Camp, where we set camp for the day. The next day, we cross Numa La, from where views of the barren mountains of Dolpo and the Dhaulagiri are incredible. Next, 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 decreases and then climbs at Shyanta, our next stop. Finally, we turn to Jhupa and return to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

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Itinerary

Day to Day Info

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Arrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport.  We will arrange a drop at the Hotel by private tourist vehicle. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1,300m

After breakfast, Mountain Rock Treks and Expedition will introduce you to the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring your passport, three passport-sized photos, and a copy of your travel insurance policy. Then, 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.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1,300m

It takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj on an airplane. A representative from Mountain Rock Treks and Expedition Nepal will transfer you to the hotel from the airport. You can stroll around the city in your free time and learn about the lifestyle in the Terai plains.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A morning flight leaves from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, 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.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2,850m

We 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 the colorful terraces of Tarakot with an ancient fortress on a Hillock. Overnight stay at Tarakot.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2,543m

Today, 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 Laini passing through terraces and a few ups and downs where we stay overnight.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 hrs walk
  • 3,160 m

We continue our trek up to the gorge of Tarap. The trail keeps rising high above a river. The farther we walk, the narrower the canyon grows. At times the trail cannot be seen across stone slabs fitted on logs. The final descent down to the river and a further ascent lead to Nawarpani, where we stay overnight.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5 hrs walk
  • 3,545m

Early morning after 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. Next, we come across Juniper forest and wild rose amid the 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.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 7-8 hrs walk
  • 4,090m

On this day, we stay in Do-Tarap to get acclimatized while taking plenty of rest. Breathtaking mountains and peaceful monasteries form a particular part of this highland.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4,090m

We begin our trek early in the morning through the trail along with Tarap Chu upstream. After walking further, we reach Tokyu village, where we find a monastery of Chaiba sects. The lovely walk of about seven hours leads to Numa La Base Camp(4440m), where we stay overnight.

  • Tented Camp/Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 hrs walk
  • 4440m

On the eleventh day of our trek, we take a challenging yet another long trek that starts early. Across Numa La Pass at 5190m, the trail continues to climb steeply to the Numa ridge. We enjoy the incredible paramount views of Dhawlagiriabove the barren mountains of Dolpo, then begin our descent of Numa La, our Campsite.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 hrs
  • 4465m

After breakfast, we follow the trail that leads to the Buga La. At the apex, we will enjoy viewing the landscape of the snowcapped KanjirowaHimal range at the pass. We then follow the downhill walk to our next campsite at Dajok Tang.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6 hrs
  • 4,080m

Today 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 reachesRingmo. Overnight stay in a camp.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3-4 hrs walk
  • 3,600m

It’s a rest day, especially scheduled for exploring the virgin Phoksundo lake area. The walk around the lake is delightful, where the tranquil beauty of the crystal clear lake surpasses the fear of the challenging path that leads to it.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We take breakfast and then trek down the hill to Chepka, which leads to massive overhanging rocks. We come across different medicinal plants, minerals, and villages on the trek route until we reach Shyanta.

  • Tented Camp/Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5-6 hrs walk

Today is the final day of the trek in Dolpo. The trail goes upward to Solighat and then finally reaches Juphal. We can see spectacular mountain views on the way. In the evening we can enjoy the dense market area of Juphal town.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Along with 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 return to the hotel. Mountain Rock Treks Treks schedule a small celebration dinner to complete the journey successfully. After that, you can use your free time strolling around Thamel or getting souvenirs to take home.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight time in a private tourist vehicle. You can also opt for another package with Mountain Rock Treks Treks and elongate your stay.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast

We are pleased to offer the flexibility of tailoring your journey to your desired duration and places, whether extended or shortened, as our proficient team of locals-cum-guides, porters, and accompanying staff have an in-depth understanding of every location traveled.

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Client Reviews

  • Nature's Embrace

    The 15-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek led by Mountain Rock Tours was simply amazing. The carefully organized trip took us through the original, genuine, and culturally vibrant landforms. The weather bestowed us with marvelous vistas, and the journey, particularly about Larkya La pass, offered spectacular views. Our guide, Tenzing, was a treasure – professional and educated with loads of patience. His observations about local vegetation and animals enriched the trek. The whole trek with Mountain Rock Treks was a smooth process, which left us with life-long experiences of glorious visions and the intentionally established relationship with this lovely Manaslu Valley. 

    Z
    Zihnija NacevCayman IslandsOctober 15, 2022
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