Lower Dolpo circuit tre

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Today your journey goes deep into the remote Dolpa region. Early in the morning, take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (2,475m/8,118ft), a thrilling 35-minute ride with stunning views of the rugged terrain and snow-capped peaks. On arrival at Jhuphal, the gateway to Dolpa, you meet your trekking crew and get ready for your first-day trek.

• n Day 3, the journey continues with a 5-6 hour trek to Tarakot (2,540m/8,331ft), a route filled with cultural and natural wonders. The trail follows the Bheri River upstream, winding through narrow gorges, terraced fields, and small settlements. Along the way, you’ll pass lush vegetation and cross suspension bridges, soaking in the tranquility of the remote Dolpa region.
  Today, the destination will be the ancient fortress town of Tarakot. Rich in history, it served as an important trade hub and a military outpost. The villages command stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and are built with traditional architecture that speaks volumes about Dolpa's uniqueness. Take your time to explore the area, interact with the local inhabitants, and rest for the challenges at higher altitudes in the days to come.

The trek from Tarakot (2,540m/8,331ft) to Lamachaur (3,600m/11,808ft) will take approximately 5-6 hours in gradual ascendancy. The trail follows the meandering Tarap Chu River with a marvelous amalgamation of rugged terrain, lush riverbanks, and scattered traditional settlements.
As you ascend higher, the landscape changes into alpine vegetation, with the high Himalayan environment slowly starting to come into view. On the way, you may catch a glimpse of yaks and mules-the primary modes of transport in this remote region-along with the culture and way of life that is so different from yours.
Upon reaching Lamachaur, you’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of the highlands. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere, with towering cliffs and distant snow-capped peaks creating a dramatic backdrop. Take time to rest and acclimatize while savoring the pristine mountain environment that defines this part of the Dolpa trek.

On Day 5, your trek continues with a 5-6 hour journey from Lamachaur (3,600m/11,808ft) to Toltol (3,523m/11,555ft). The trail descends slightly, weaving through rugged terrain, pristine rivers, and picturesque valleys that showcase the unspoiled beauty of Dolpa. Upon reaching Toltol, you’ll be surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of this remote area, with towering cliffs and the ever-present sound of the river flowing nearby. Take the evening to relax, enjoy the natural beauty, and prepare for the next phase of your adventure deeper into the Dolpa region.

On Day 6, the trek takes you from Toltol (3,523m/11,555ft) to Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,936ft), a 6-7 hour journey that gradually ascends into the heart of the Dolpa region. The trail follows the Tarap Chu River upstream, with the landscape transitioning into high-altitude terrain featuring expansive meadows, rugged cliffs, and alpine vegetation. As you trek, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. Along the way, you may encounter local herders tending to their yaks or sheep, as well as small, ancient monasteries that hint at the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. The cultural charm of the area becomes more apparent as you approach Dho Tarap, a picturesque village renowned for its traditional stone houses, vibrant prayer flags, and well-preserved monasteries. Dho Tarap, nestled in a broad valley surrounded by mountains, offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the Dolpo-pa people. Spend the evening exploring this culturally rich village, interacting with the friendly locals, and acclimatizing to the higher altitude in preparation for the adventures ahead.

Day 7 is a much-needed acclimatization day in the serene and culturally rich village of Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,936ft). This day allows your body to adapt to the higher altitude while providing a chance to explore one of the most fascinating villages in the Dolpa region. Dho Tarap is renowned for its unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions. You can visit ancient monasteries, such as Ribo Bumpa Gompa and Drakmar Dewa Monastery, to learn about the region's spiritual heritage and admire the intricate artistry of the prayer wheels, frescoes, and chortens. Take a walk through the village to observe traditional stone houses and interact with the local Dolpo-pa people, who are known for their warm hospitality and traditional attire. For those seeking a bit of adventure, short hikes around the valley offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, rolling meadows, and yaks grazing in the highlands. The tranquil environment of Dho Tarap makes it the perfect place to rest, reflect, and prepare for the challenging days ahead in the higher altitudes of Dolpa.

The journey continues with a 5-6 hour trek from Dho Tarap (3,944m/12,936ft) to Numala Base Camp (4,440m/14,563ft). This stage of the trek leads you deeper into the high-altitude wilderness, offering stunning views and a true sense of adventure. The trail gradually ascends through the scenic Tarap Valley, surrounded by towering peaks and vast open landscapes. You’ll traverse through rugged paths, alpine meadows, and barren highlands, where the vegetation becomes sparse, and the raw beauty of the Dolpa region becomes even more pronounced. Along the way, you may encounter herds of yaks or blue sheep grazing in the high pastures. As you approach Numala Base Camp, the air becomes thinner, and the sense of remoteness deepens. The campsite is situated in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Numa La Pass, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the evening resting and acclimatizing at this high altitude, enjoying the crisp mountain air and preparing for the challenging ascent of the Numa La Pass the following day.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek as you cross the Numa La Pass (5,238m/17,180ft), a high-altitude mountain pass, before descending to Gyambo (4,250m/13,940ft). The trek takes approximately 7-8 hours, demanding both physical endurance and mental determination. The day begins with an early start to tackle the steep ascent to Numa La Pass. As you climb, the trail offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, rugged terrain, and the expansive Dolpa landscape. Upon reaching the pass, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of snow-capped summits, including Dhaulagiri and the distant Tibetan Plateau. This high point is a perfect place to pause, catch your breath, and take in the grandeur of the Himalayas.

From the pass, the trail descends steeply toward Gyambo, passing through high-altitude meadows and rocky terrain. The descent requires careful footing but gradually leads to more gentle paths. Upon reaching Gyambo, nestled amidst serene mountain surroundings, you can rest and reflect on the incredible achievement of crossing one of the highest points of the trek. This day is a true highlight of your Dolpa adventure.

The trek continues with a 5-6 hour journey from Gyambo (4,250m/13,940ft) to Temche (3,995m/13,103ft), offering a mix of descent and more manageable trails. After the challenging ascent and descent of the previous day, this leg allows for a more relaxed yet equally captivating exploration of the Dolpa region. The trail leads you through stunning high-altitude landscapes, passing by meadows, rocky outcrops, and scattered settlements. As you descend, the vegetation gradually becomes denser, with the barren highlands giving way to lush alpine scenery. Along the way, you may encounter herds of yaks and sheep, as well as friendly locals going about their daily routines. The journey provides ample opportunities to enjoy the serene beauty of the region, with cascading rivers and distant mountain views enhancing the experience. Upon reaching Temche, a tranquil stop surrounded by nature, you can rest and rejuvenate, preparing for the continued adventures that lie ahead.

The trek takes you from Temche (3,995m/13,103ft) to Ringmo Gaun (3,641m/11,942ft), a 5-6 hour journey through beautiful high-altitude landscapes. The trail gradually descends, offering a mix of meadows, forests, and rugged terrain, with occasional views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. As you trek, you’ll pass by small villages and rural settlements, giving you a deeper glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Dolpo-pa people. The region's culture and way of life are shaped by its remote location, and the friendly locals often greet trekkers with warm hospitality. Upon reaching Ringmo Gaun, you’ll be welcomed by the village's tranquil atmosphere and the surrounding natural beauty. The village, located near the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, offers a chance to explore the area further, with the lake’s turquoise waters adding a stunning backdrop to your adventure. Ringmo Gaun is also known for its Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites, providing a peaceful environment to reflect and acclimatize before the next part of your journey.

On Day 12, enjoy a shorter and more leisurely 2-hour trek to the breathtaking Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m/11,808ft), one of the most iconic and serene destinations in the Dolpa region. The trail takes you through scenic landscapes, with glimpses of the stunning turquoise lake gradually becoming more visible as you approach. The journey is marked by gentle paths, passing through forests of pine and juniper trees and alongside cliffs, adding to the allure of the setting. Upon arriving at Shey Phoksundo Lake, you will be greeted by its crystal-clear, vivid turquoise waters, which are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The lake, which holds sacred significance for the locals, is a place of tranquility and beauty, offering a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation. The surrounding environment, with its unique flora and fauna, provides ample opportunities for short explorations, including visits to nearby monasteries and sacred sites. This peaceful day by the lake serves as a memorable highlight of the Dolpa trek.

On Day 13, you will trek from Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,600m/11,808ft) to Chhepka (2,678m/8,787ft), a 5-6 hour descent that takes you through lush forests and scenic valleys. As you leave the serene surroundings of the lake, the trail gradually drops in elevation, offering views of the lush alpine vegetation and the beauty of the lower-altitude landscapes. The path winds through pine and birch forests, crossing rivers and suspension bridges, while descending into the vibrant lower valley. The trek provides a more relaxed pace compared to previous days, giving you a chance to enjoy the rich natural diversity of the region, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife, such as Himalayan tahr or pheasants. Upon arriving in Chhepka, a small village surrounded by terraced fields and mountain views, you can unwind and reflect on the beauty of your trek so far. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. The day provides a wonderful contrast, as you transition from the high-altitude landscapes to the warmer, lower elevations of Dolpa.

On Day 14, you will trek from Chhepka (2,678m/8,787ft) to Jhuphal (2,475m/8,118ft), a 5-6 hour journey that marks the beginning of your return toward civilization. The trail follows a gentle descent through beautiful forests and rural landscapes, with the scenery gradually shifting from alpine terrain back to more temperate surroundings. As you trek, you’ll pass through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush river valleys, providing an opportunity to interact with locals and observe the daily life of the Dolpa people. The trail gradually brings you closer to the lower altitudes, where the climate becomes warmer and more humid, offering a relaxing contrast to the harsher conditions of the highlands. Upon reaching Jhuphal, you'll be back in a small but bus tling town that serves as the gateway to Dolpa. The area offers the chance to rest and prepare for your flight back to Nepalgunj, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken through one of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful regions.

On Day 15, your Dolpa trek concludes with a flight from Jhuphal (2,475m/8,118ft) to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft), followed by a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. The journey begins with a scenic flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj, where you’ll be treated to a stunning aerial view of the rugged hills and valleys of Dolpa, transitioning into the flat plains of the Terai region. After arriving in Nepalgunj, you’ll have a brief stop before boarding your flight to Kathmandu. The second leg of the flight offers more panoramic views of the landscape, gradually revealing the Kathmandu Valley as you approach the capital. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can relax and unwind, reflecting on the incredible adventure you’ve just experienced. The bustling capital city, with its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere, provides a stark contrast to the remote landscapes of Dolpa, marking the end of your unforgettable trek in Nepal’s wild and beautiful western region