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Lower Dolpo Trek via Numala Pass – 20 Days

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Duration20 Days
Trip DifficultyStrenuous
Best SeasonSpring & Autumn
Arrival CityKathmandu
Departure CityKathmandu
Altitude maximum5238m (Numala Pass)
TransportVehicle / Flight
AccomodationCamping
MealsFull Board

Overview

The Lower Dolpo trek is one of the well-known trekking destinations in far-western region of Nepal. The Dolpo is renowned for its’ Lake Phoksundo, the deepest lake in the entire Himalayan Region. This remote and rugged protected area is both scenically and culturally diverse and attractive. The region is known for its scenic beauty and rugged charm, where one can still have opportunity to meet the nomadic people and observe their life style which is almost untouched and unexplored, making it a destination one would love to visit time and again. In addition, its natural splendor and culture: the spectacular landscape; unique Tibetan Buddhist and Bon settlements with their fascinating monasteries; and a chance to see Himalayan pheasants and blue sheep; witness yak caravans and primitive agricultural practices catch your attention.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel

A scenic flight to Nepalgunj for about an hour. Nepalgunj is a small city which lies near the Indian border in the Terai region of Nepal.
Overnight: Guest House
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Difference in Elevation: -1169m

Early morning flight takes you to Juphal which offers you wonderful view of precipitous hillsides and the river valley. Then we start our epic journey to nomadic land.
Overnight: Camping
Flight Time: 35 minutes
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1975m.

Following the trail along the south bank of the Thulo Bheri and ascending slowly upstream crossing this river many times we arrive to our campsite below the fortress of Tarakot village. It is worth climbing to the village for a spectacular view of surroundings.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 397m

The trek steadily ascends following the Thuli Bheri and going through fir and juniper forest.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 833m

As we continue, we follow a river valley of Tarap Khola and go through some up and down hills.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 105m

Following Tarap kholo gorge and climbing gently to weatherworn chortens on top of the ridge we continue our trek through rocky trail and cross a bridge beneath a huge cliff to the east bank. We continue climbing up the canyon alongside the river. As we approach to Dho Tarap, we get a glimpse of the white Ribo Bumpa Gomba. Then a short climb along with the ancient chortens takes us to our camp site in a grassy meadow at the southern side of the village.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 469m

As our body needs to acclimatize to the gaining altitudes, we spend another night in Dho Tarap to give enough time for this process. We visit some monasteries and surrounding during the day.
Overnight: Camping

After getting well acclimatized with the altitude, we continue our trek towards the passes. The trek to Numala Base camp provides spectacular views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri, (8167m), Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +496m

Today we cross Numa la pass (5238m) and camp at west base camp just before Bagala pass. It is one of the challenging days as it goes through the high pass. It is about 6 hours trek with the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 190m

We continue our trek crossing another high pass, Bagala Pass (5214m) and descend towards Phoksundo valley. It is another challenging day going through the pass and takes about 6 hours to reach our camp at Bagala Base camp.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 648m

It is fairly easy walk to Phoksundo / Ringmo village for about 3 hours, which gives you enough time to visit Phoksundo Lake and surroundings.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 249m

We spend another night in Phoksundu to enjoy the lake and explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Camping

We continue our trek following the river valley of Phosudo khola. It’s about 6 hours trek and goes through some green pastures.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 895m

It is mostly downhill trek up to our lunch spot in Sulighat then a steep climb takes us to Juphal. It is about 8 hours trek and goes through some fir and juniper forest.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 363m

Early morning flight takes us to Nepalgunj to connect with our flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Juphal – Nepalgunj: 35 minutes
Flight Nepalgunj – Kathmandu: 45 minutes
Difference in Elevation: – 1141m

Overnight: Hotel

Drive for an hour to visit oldest part of the Kathmandu valley called Bhaktapur.
Overnight: Hotel

Tour Price Includes

Transfers airport/hotel/airport
Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on twin sharing BB basis
Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu as per Itinerary
Domestic flight ticket Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj
Domestic airport taxes
Trekking permit – National park entry fee
Special permit for Dolpo region
A professional tour / trekking guide, Cooks and porters
Meals Full board during trek
Accommodation in tents / camping during the trek
Your international flight re-confirmation
All necessary documents and government tax
Insurance for all staff (including guide, Cook, porters, assistant guide)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

International Flights
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc
Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), accommodations in case of bad weather, landslide, flood, strike, road blockade, scheduled flights removal by airlines and other natural calamities beyond our control
Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Special Note: This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by Camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year. Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments