Lower Dolpo Trekking

Nepal alternative treks has started to arrange tea house trekking in this area since 2010 AD. You can find lodges in every places that we have designed the itinerary except Numa la, Baga La and Yak Kharka for three days. We will organize tents and foods for that days. 

Make a rendezvous with the remote Himalaya mountains of Dolpo, the land of the Oscar nominated Caravan fame, Thinley, a culture nearby Tibet that has survived its originality for centuries. Thanks to the reportage of National Geographic Fame Eric Valli, the Dolpo region of Nepal has been shown in all its integrity and full mystical experience. Along with one of the deepest Himalayan Lakes, the Phokhsundo with beautiful turquoise blue water, watch the yak caravans that maintain the traditional salt trade with Tibet. The region lies further north from the Dhaulagiri Range in the rain shadow of the Himalayas - reflected in the colorful barren slopes of the mountains where the play of light and shadow is a perpetual fascinating spectacle. In summer, the caravans of yaks and sheep run through this valley on a trade route through the Himalayas and allows the exchange not only goods but also of ideas between the Tibetan Plateau and the valleys of Nepal.

The Lower Dolpo Trek is meant for real adventurers wishing for an off-the-beaten-path experience. This remote region in western Nepal was opened forthe foreigners only in 1990. The trek passes through Shey-Phoksundo National Park with spectacular mountain scenery, Buddhist monasteries and yak caravans. Our trek takes us through a wooded area, then load through rugged canyons in the barren plateau near the border with Tibet. After your arrival in Kathmandu, make a historical and cultural tour of Kathmandu valley and monuments while we obtain special permit for the lower Dopla trekking. Then we take our flight to Jhupal via Nepalgunj. Experience the high altitude tundra and rocks and the microclimate of Lower Dolpo and Phoksumdo with the cold air of the glaciers of Kanjiroba. 

Nepal alternative treks invites you for life-time wilderness experience in Lower Dolpo region. 

 
Fact of this Trek
Trip Duration      14 days trekking
Max. Altitude: 5,310m./17,523 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2354mm/77682ft
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Lodge/Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee
Transportation: Plane/Overland 
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the Month
Group Size: 1 person  to 20 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, June, Sep, Oct & Early Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day hiking: 5 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu - Fly to Nepalgunj (150m./495ft)- 45 minutes
Nepalgunj is lowland terrain which lies in the Mid Western region of Nepal nearby Nepal India border. The short 45 minutes flight takes you with great views of hilly mid-regions of Nepal, with the long-range of Himalayas in the north. Overnight in Hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Nepalgunj to fly Jhuphal (2475m./8167ft.) and drive to Dunai (2140m./7062ft.) - 2 hours 
Another 30 minutes short flight to Jhuphal. Take a lunch there while guide will arrange porters and necessary thiings in Jhuphal. We drive through a beautiful village, joined houses, Hindu flags in their roof top and the houses are built with mud and rocks. We will cross Thuli Bheri along the route to Dunai. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner 

Day 3: Dunai - Shar Tara (2730m./9009ft.) - 7 hours walk
We trek through Thuli Bheri River after breakfast. The trail lead us through  full of local villagers, the donkeys carry stuffs for villages up to upper Dolpa. The trail is "nepali flat" . Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shahar Tara - Laina Odar (3370m./11121ft.)- 7 hours walk
The trail passes through the nature and is full of ups and downs to get Laina Odar. Stay overnight there at ldoge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Laina Odar - Toltol (3523m./11625ft.) - 6 hours walk
After taking our breakfast, we leave Laina early for Toltol. Another day of full of ups and down through the Dho Khola, the beginning of Thuli Bheri River. We really can enjoy the unique landscape of Dolpo region, with rocky hills, wild animals, various species of butterfly, and the blooming flowers on the trail is amazing. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Toltol - Dho-Tarap (3945m./13018ft.) - 5 hours walk
We are crossing the trees lines and walk through desert and wide view of himalayas. We can see only juniper bushes, wild roses with sharp thrones, various types of flowers in the ground, different shapes and full of deep colors. We gradually trek up to the Dho Valley. As we head higher, the valley gets wider and we can see the Dho valley with crops on the field, and the monastery with colorful praying Buddhist flags in the upper ridge of the valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Acclimatization Day - Explore Bon Monasteries and  Visit local village
Today is acclimatization day to get acclamatized to high altitude. Dho valley is situated on east to west. We visit a Bon monestry in Sipchyo on the eastern part of the Dho valley then we can climb up to the hill, there is Amchey lama and from that monastery we can see the bird’s eyes views of the Dho-Tarap Village. It will be extraordinary experience to get into the local houses of Dho Tarap village and to know their life style, food, jewels, dresses, etc. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Dho Tarap to Numa-La Base Camp (4440m./14652ft.) - 5 hours walk
We continue to walk to Tokyu. After crossing the small river and visit a newly built monastery and our journey continues toward Numa-La Base camp.  Yaks and horses will be grazing on the field. If you are there in May /June, the Caravan in the hunt for Yarcha Gumba makes you think about how important or costly Yarcha Gumba is. Hundreds of thousands of people from the Dolpo and even from lowlands will be in such elevation, camping for months in their search for Yarcha Gumba.
Yarcha Gumba is half plant and half insect, half of its body is in within the ground and the remaining half is above the ground as a plant.
Overnight in the tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Numa-La Base Camp to Numa-La (5310 m) and to Danigar (Baga La Base Camp) (4512m./14889ft.) -  7 hours walk
We head  toward Numa-La early in the morning. Firstly, we trek steeply up and another 3 hours goes gradually upward with wonderful views of Kannjiroba and Mt. NorbiKang mountains. We step down to Baga-La Base Camp, another 4 hours to get down to Danigar. Overnight in the tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Danighar - Baga-La (5170m./) -  Yak-Kharka (3860./12738ft.) - 6 hours walk
We move to Yak kharka today. After crossing the river, this vertical trekking trail takes 3 hours up to the Baga La. You will have breathtaking views surrounded by landscapes and snow capped mountains while you get on the top. Then we walk downhill to the Yak Kharka for another three hours. Overnight in the tented camp.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Yak Kharka - Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3641m./12015ft.) - 4 hours walk
Now, we are down enough to get tree line, we can see vegetation like pines, walnut, willow oak . At begining, we walk an hour through the vegetation and another 2 hours we pass by the cliffs, narrow rocky with the great views of the landscape. We may visit Ringmo village, Phoksundo Lake and the monastery on the north corner of the lake after taking a short break and lunch. The lake views from the courtyard of the monastery are amazing. Overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ringmo - Chhepka (2838m./9365ft.) - 6 hours walk
Today, is easy and entertaining walk through the forest and there is a beautiful viewpoint of waterfall running out from the Shay Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Chhepka - Dunai - Jhuphal ( 2500m./8250ft.) - 3 hours walk
We follow the Phoksundo River and join the trail we started our trek on first day and national Park Head Quarter.  After we reacj Dunai, we drive to Jhuphal . We will walk around Jhuphal village in the evening. Overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Jhuphal to fly Nepalgunj and connection flight to Kathmandu 
Fly to Nepalgunj and connection flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch 

Trek ends

Lower dolpo special permit
Lower dolpo trekking route is considered as protected region and has to obtain the permits under certain formalities. Trekkers must obtain permit through government registered trekking company as Nepal Alternative treks and government registered trekking guide is compulsory. The permit cost is $ 20 per week per person. We have included in our service though. 

She-Phoksundo National Park fee
Some part of Lower dolpo trekking is inside the She-Phoskundo National park area. You either can pay at Nepal Tourism Board or directly along the trek. The cost of national park fee is fixed NRs. 1500 per person for SAARC country, NRs. 3000 per person for foreigners and below 10 years child are free. You need a passport copy and cash in NRs. to obtain it. We have included in our service. 

Trekking Clothing equipment for Lower Dolpo Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants 
-  T-shirts. 
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap 
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 
- Small daypack - 25 liters. 
- Wind proof jacket  and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 
- Small towels 
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 
- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is elevated at 5310 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will be various choices. We will arrange two men northface tents during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, Basic meals will be provided in lodges and our cook will serve varities of foods during camping part. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route with tea/coffee .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Lower dolpo Trek is hard level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5310 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Mr. James and Ms. Mariya
USA

I found my experience in Nepal to be an overall favorable experience.  Our guides were very hospitable, knowledgeable and helpful. This company arrangement for our trip was perfect. I would like to come back again for longer time. Thanks ! 

Kornkamon Chittreekhun
Thailand

For the whole package is so good. I am very satisfied with the service, guide and porter while trekking. Good guide for sightseeing is also Ok. I will probably come back and use the company’s service again soon! Thanks for everything!

Thomas Fisher Sedona Arizona
USA

As an American who has trekked and climbed often in the Himalayas nothing has compared to the service, kindness, professionalism and caring that I have always received from Tej and his company on many of my trips to Nepal.

You will find many companies offerring a similar package---- but the quality of what Tej offers has always made me return each time to use his services. Over the years, I have referred many of my friends to connect with Tej and they have always called me afterwards expressing their thanks and gratitude.

I wish all of those of you who choose to connect with Tej and his company to have the trip of a lifetime. I can say---- YOU WILL NEVER FORGET IT. 

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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