Lower Dolpa Trek

After having our breakfast in the hotel at Kathmandu we moved towards Tribhuvan International Airport early in the morning. It takes 50 min to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj 200m. Enjoying the view of Himalayan ranges while being on the flight, we reach Nepalgunj(gateway to Simikot). The weather is comparatively warmer than Ktm. Due to the nearness to India, necessities are quite cheap, esp. vegetables. Many Nepali go shopping in Rupaidiha, a little market town beyond the border. The biggest temple of Nepalgunj(Bageshwori Temple) one of the famous and most religious temples in Nepal. It dedicates to goddess Bageshwori- a Durga. Travelers can visit the temple and do arati, a mini zoo with a playground and a few animals. Visitors can also have a bicycle trip to the Rapti river and can experience the elephant safari at Bardia National Park few distances from the main market of Nepalgunj but if you are interested to participate these activities, you require extra additional days. We will have a look of more than three hundred and fifty species of birds, along with other wild animals like deer, wild boars, wild elephants, crocodiles, dolphins, blue bulls, etc. After the visit back to the hotel where our accommodation is arranged.
Overnight at hotel

We take a scenic flight to Juphal with views of the great wrinkle of green ridges peppered with small, terraced villages and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It takes 40 min to reach Juphal, the main airport of the Dolpa region. After arriving at Juphal, we will start our first trek to Dunai. Walking through terraced fields and descending steeply we will see a small group of buildings near Thulo Bheri Khola with the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Following the Bheri River, we will continue walking Dunai headquarter of the Dolpo region as well as the main trading center.
Overnight at teahouse

The trail ascends passing through the pine forest, we will see several campsites by the river. Passing through the valley becomes narrow in a deep gorge. The george is adventerous and thriller. On the way, we’ll see many people taking their herds to the lower pastures for the winter via steep slopes. Passing smaller villages and into a small wooded area, following the river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village. After reaching Tarakot, we will visit Sandul Gompa which lies about 8 km east of the village at a juncture of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu.
Overnight at camp

We walk along the side of Tarap Chu river before reaching Sandul Gompa. The gompa lies at a juncture between Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through farm terraces and rural villages. The trail into a narrow gorge along juniper and wild rose bushes, some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. The trail is steep drops to a pretty lace waterfall at Laina Odar.
Overnight at camp

We will climb on a steep trail and walk on a zigzag trail above the Tarap River. The walk is quite adventerous as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola. Crossing the suspension bridge and walk along the side of the stream of Chaya Khola. Here the local slate like the rock is excellent for building bridges and stairways for the trail. Continue walking to Tazam, we again cross the suspension bridge to the river bank and follow the riverside trail and sooner we arrive at Nawarpani. This is mule caravan stop.
Overnight at camp

We begin our trek crossing the river bank over the bridge and pass a small cave and camp site to climb a breathtaking section of trail chiseled out of the sheer rock face. The trail then gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu on a wooden bridge at Tal Tole and climb on the east bank through a classic eroded Trans-Himalayan landscape to a chorten on a ridge. This is Serkam an abandoned border post between Nepal and Tibet in the 19th century. Descend from Serkam you swing into the Sishul Khola. Then the trail climbs gently to two weatherworn chortens and a mani wall atop a ridge. After that, it descends all the way to Do Tarap passing impressive views. Do Tarap is beautiful village surrounded by an irregular stone wall. Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects are major inhabitants of the region. It is populated by few Tibetan and mostly Magars who lived here for generations.
Overnight at camp

Today we will explore village of Dho Tarap and visit monasteries. The village is made of clusters of closely packed stone houses and corrals surrounded by fields of barley. Here huge shaggy yaks are used for plowing and carrying loads. It will be rewarding to visit three interesting monasteries of Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, it is unique ‘chorten in a chorten’ which contains remains of a demon killed by Guru Rinpoche. The paintings inside the chorten represent both Bonpo and Nyingma traditions; Doro Gompa, it is located on the north side of the river and has an unusual entrance; Shipchok Gompa, it is the Bonpo school lies across the river which is recognizable by the dozen of Mustang style chortens. It has a wonderfully carved door and finely painted prayer wheel in the atrium. We also acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects).
Overnight at camp

Leaving Dho Tarap village we walk through impressive kani (gate) and climb to the century old Mekyem Gompa, a large statue of Maitreya Buddha. Then the trail passing through Crystal Mountain School continues uphill to Gakar village and Dorje Phurba Gompa which has collection ancient weapons. Afterward, the trail moves towards Tarap Chu river with mesmerizing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains and crosses it over a wooden bridge that leads to Mondo. From here the trail divides. We follow southern branch route to the Numa La passing white walled Jampa Lhakhang to Tokyu village which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, after one hour of steep ascent on a rough trail, we will reach Numa La base camp.
Overnight at camp

This is one of the challenging part of the trek. We will cross the stream on rocks then climb steeply on yak trails up a grassy slope to a ridge where there are several mani walls and a chorten. Then dip into a high glacial bowl and cross the small stream. From here a long climb up a moraine to the Numa La. We climb towards Numa La Pass through the steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the ridge we get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Shey Shikha and other peak. Descend from the pass into a scenic U-shaped rocky valley crossing stream, and slopes. On the way, we will see yak caravans hauling timber from Phoksundo to Dho Tarap. Finally, we arrive in pastures at Pelung Tang.
Overnight at camp

After having breakfast, we continue another steep climb to the summit of Baga La Pass. From here, we admire the fantastic view of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. We spend some moments at the top of the pass and enjoy the mesmerizing views before dropping down to Dajok Tang. The final descent on steep switchbacks to Dajok Tang, meadow marked with prayer flag. This is a spectacular valley and one of the most scenics in western Nepal with a large moraine at its head and numerous waterfalls.
Overnight at camp

On this day we will hike to Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest and second largest, lake. During the day we will have a short hike to the village of Ringmo and Bon monastery. Perched on the south end is Ringmo, a traditional village in Dolpo sits on the landslide dam that formed Phoksundo Lake above sea level. The people are mostly of Tibetan ethnicity, are of the Bonpo faith, and engage in trade, yak herding, and tourism. We will get a chance to explore the local culture. On the south edge of the lake, there is Bon tradition Pal Sentan Chholing Gompa. Bon, the religion in Tibet was practiced before Buddha made an impact on his religious in the western Himalayan region of Nepal. We should pass a mani wall or Chorten on the left side within the gompa. After exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery we’ll trek down to Phoksundo Lake via the steep cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and scenery. Beautiful glaciers can be found near the lake area. We will also explore the wonderful natural sites, monastery and Bon-Po religious sites.
Overnight at camp

We will follow the path on the riverside and climb along the steep uphill trail. After an hour long uphill climb we will reach a top hill from where the river we followed earlier begins to diminish in size. However, the last view of Phoksundo Lake atop a hill is truly fascinating. Then slide down for a while and resume the trek along leveled trail to Chunuwar. Beyond Chunuwar, the trail slides down gently along lush forests of pines and birches to Recchi. Then the series of gentle ups and downs along the trail beside the river throughout until we arrive at Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals believed to cure almost anything. The route then passes through several small villages, before reaching to Shyanta.
Overnight at camp

From Dunai, we trek along the Bheri River enjoying the beautiful landscape. On the way, we pass through Dhupichaur and Rupgad villages as well as a temple. We continue trekking via Kalagaonda village and Motipur village. Walking on the wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach Dunai. In the evening celebration of the completion of the trek.
Overnight at teahouse

After having breakfast in the morning, we will take the flight back to Nepalgunj and fly again to Kathmandu on the very same day. Our representative shall take you to your hotel after your arrival in Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the by relaxing or shopping for gifts and souvenirs.
Overnight at hotel