Lower Dolpo With Lake Shey Phoksundo Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Introduction:
Lower Dolpo Trekking is one of the challenging treks that explores the far west Karnali region of Nepal. This trekking route was opened for foreigners in 1982.
This region has opportunities to see and visit ancient settlements, high passes, beautiful lakes, and isolated monasteries. We also get to explore a diverse array of flora & fauna found in the region. Because of its natural and cultural uniqueness, this remote trekking destination is well known as the ‘hidden gem of Nepal’. The bluish water of Shey Phoksundo Lake lies within the remote and relatively unexplored Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Local people in this isolated part of the world still follow the ancient religion of Bon Po. Their culture and traditional farming are untouched since ancient times. During the trek the trail passes through wooded areas, then rugged canyons of the barren plateau near the border with Tibet. Particularly in summer, you will encounter the caravans of yaks and sheep running through this Dolpo valley along a trade route via the Himalayan Mountain trails and allows the exchange of goods at the Trans Himalayan border with Tibet.
Lower Dolpo Trekking: The Trek
Trekking to Lower Dolpo area requires a special trekking permit from the Immigration Department of Nepal Government due to its remote sensitive geo-location and cultural preservation. The daily lifestyle of the people is very difficult as Dolpo area is dry and parched. However, the people of this area are very innocent, friendly and humble with ever smiling faces.
Having spent a great time at Shey Gompa we follow the trail that leads to cross few high passes to reach scenic areas and charming villages of Tokyu Gaon and Dho Tarap, then further to historical Tarakot village where we take a local jeep to Jhupal past Dunai town. Next morning we take a sweeping flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and our Lower Dolpo Trekking comes to an end.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic flights both ways with marvellous views of a great Himalayan range of peaks
- Magnificent views of great Himalayan peaks
- Breathtaking landscapes
- A large number of ancient monasteries and different communities
- Hike along the beautiful and tranquil Phoksundo Lake
- Cross sparkling waterfalls
- Observe unique wildlife including blue sheep, mountain goats, jackals, wolves, and snow leopard
Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel
Day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
Day 03 Fly to Juphal (2,320m) & trek to Dunai (2,150m) 2-3 hrs walk
Day 04 Trek to Chhepka (2,838m) 6 hrs
Day 05 Trek to Samdua village (2,960m) 6 hrs
Day 06 Trek to Phoksundo lake (3,630m) 6 hrs
Day 07 Rest day at Phoksundo lake for local excursion
Day 08 Trek to Temche (3,995m) near Ghuchun Khola 5 hrs
Day 09 Cross Baga-La (5,169m) overnight camp at Danigar (4,512m) 6-7 hrs
Day 10 Cross Numa-La (5,309m) overnight camp at Phedi 6-7 hrs
Day 11 Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m) via Khanger 6-7 hrs
Day 12 Trek to Dho Tarap 3,944m) 5 -6 hrs
Day 13 Trek to Ghyamgar (3,759m) 7 hrs
Day 14 Trek to Tarap Khola (3,652) via Chhyugar (3,440m) 6 hrs
Day 15 Trek to Tarakot (2,540m) 5-6 hrs
Day 16 Trek to Dunai (5 hrs) and drive to Jhupal
Day 17 Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel
Day 18 Kathmandu Seightseeing; Farewell Dinner
Day 19 Transfer to the Airport for Final Departure
- Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle
- 4 night’s Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Full board camping with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle during airport transfer
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- All supporting staff (trekking guide and porters), as well as their necessary salary, equipment, insurance, and domestic airfare, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Dolpo region trekking map
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, Special Permit)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
- All camping equipment such as tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Table, chairs, Mattresses etc
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Nepalese visa fee
- Excess baggage charge (s) on the domestic flight
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
