The Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is set in the isolated and remote western region of Dolpo which falls under the protection of SheyPhoksundo National Park and offers an outstanding trekking experience in the remote western region of Nepal. You will have an amazing experience walking in the desert-like rainshadow area of the lower Dolpo region where landscapes and people are more Tibetan than Nepali. This mysterious land has a dry atmosphere and is at high altitude, despite being called lower Dolpo. We cross two high passes- Numa La and Baga La which are over 5,000m. Here you will witness the age-old Bon-Buddhist practices in different monasteries. Bon Po is similar and yet different from Buddhism and lower Dolpo is one of the few remaining places where the Bon Po religion is practiced and get a glimpse of ancient practices.
The trails are difficult and rough, yet the rewards are astounding. The clear blueness of Phoksundo Lake (3.611m), unique flora and fauna, a unique ancient religion, diverse culture, challenging high and narrow passes, enticing views of Yak Caravan and high snow-covered KanjirowaHimal peaks are some lists of attraction of Lower Dolpo. The Lower Dolpo is less popular than Upper Dolpo which makes it's the first choice for trekkers who wants to avoid large trekking groups. Besides, Lower Dolpo permit cost is much lesser than Upper Dolpo.
Please be noted the following conditions:
Our prime concern is to keep every effort to execute exactly the above stated itinerary taking in the mind of your Physical fitness whenever you book your holidays with Marron Treks. But Marron Treks has authorized its leader or guide to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is inevitable due to safety concerns. However, we are doing an adventure travel in remote mountain region the mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. So, the unpredictable mountain weather, your health condition, other unexpected natural casualties, health condition of the members, unexpected natural disasters etc can affect too. We cannot guarantee unexpected natural disasters etc which can enforce us to change your itinerary. The leader or guide will try their best to implement their trip as per the plan, but you are requested to be flexible in those conditions which are beyond our control.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu City Sightseeing (1400m) and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m /1 hour)
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo) (2,320m /45mins) and trek to Dunai (2,850m /2-3 hours trek)
Day 05: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m /5-6 hours)
Day 06: Tarakot to Laini (3,160 m /6-7 hours)
Day 07: Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m /5-6 hours)
Day 08: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090m /7-8 hours)
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m /6-7 hours)
Day 11: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m), camp at Pelung Tang (4465m /6-7 hours)
Day 12: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m), trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m /6 hours)
Day 13: Dajok Tang to Ringmo (3,600m /3-4 hours)
Day 14: Hike to Phoksundo Lake
Day 15: Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2520m /5-6 hours)
Day 16: Shyanta to Jhupal
Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
Day 18: Final departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then will have a quick pre-trip gathering where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. After meeting, you can spend the remaining time resting and relaxing to avoid the jetlag. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu; dinner included.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley
After breakfast, our transport vehicle will be ready by the hotel to pick you up for a guided tour to renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu. You will be visiting the sites like- Pashupati Temple (the most popular Lord Shiva Hindu shrine), Swyambunath (Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square. All these sites are listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. After an informative sightseeing tour, we drive back to the hotel and prepare for the next day flight to Nepalgunj. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 1hr)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Kathmandu Domestic Airport. About an hour's flight would take you to Nepalgunj, the western region hub of Nepal, which borders the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. As we don't have a connecting flight to Juphal, from where our trek commences, it gives us the opportunity to explore this hot and humid town. The city center, Dhamboji, happens to be the business hub with a plethora of hotels and shops. Hindu as well as Muslim culture influence the town. Bageshwori temple and Muslim market are also worth visiting. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj; breakfast included.
Day 4: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2354m /1 hr) and trek from Juphal to Dunai (2140m/ 3 hrs)
We take an early morning flight to Juphal after breakfast. Dolpo flights are always scheduled early in the morning as by 10 am, the swift winds in the ThuloBheri Valley begin to swirl causing serious problems for the flights scheduled later. Once we arrive at Juphal, we meet our trekking crew and commence our trek towards Dunai. We walk downhill through the meadow, pass by few houses and arrive at a small hotel at Kala Gaura (2090m). From here, the trail goes slightly up towards the Bheri river and then to a narrow gorge. Advancing ahead, we finally arrive at Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo region. We set up our camp here and then explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon. Overnight at camp in Dunai; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 5: Dunai to Tarakot (2,543m /5-6 Hrs)
After breakfast, we continue our trek along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, isolated villages and hanging bridges, pine forest and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight in Tarakot; breakfast, Lunch included.
Day 6: Tarakot to Laini (3,160m /6-7 Hrs)
After breakfast, we leave for Laini walking alongside Tarap Chu river. We come across a famous Gompa named SandulGompa which lies at a juncture between BarbungKhola and Tarap Chu river. We continue walking on a trail that takes us through beautiful terraces farm and rural villages. After several ascending and descending and crossing several suspension bridges, we finally reach Laini. Overnight at Laini; breakfast, Lunch, and dinner included.
Day 7: Laini to Nawarpani (3,545m /5-6 Hrs)
We start our trek early morning after breakfast. We continue our trails walking on the way made by steep stones following Tarap Chu River. Today walk is quite exciting as we will get some narrow gorges that in some places we have to jump from one side to another. On some path, we have to place logs between the stones and make our own way. After vigorous climbs and descents, we will reach at the banks of the ChyugurKhola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 8: Nawarpani to Do Tarap (4,090m /7-8 Hrs)
We begin today's trek by gradually ascending to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We cross a narrow gorge and leave the tree line behind us leading us to wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. After several hours of walking, we reach the village of DhoTarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. The Dho village is pretty interesting, as both Bon Po and Chaiba religious sects reside together and we can fine thirty-four houses divided into three groups and built-in random fashion. Tarap is inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight Camp in the village yard; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 9: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
Today is the well-deserved rest day free from the hassles of packing. We will spend the day visiting nearby monasteries and interacts with locals and familiarized with the local culture. The people in Dolpo wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color which favors Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes). Both men and women wear religious strings of coral, amber and turquoise and amulets. The people of this region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa of the Buddhist sects. Overnight in Do Tarap; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp (4440m /6-7 hours)
We trek towards the Upper Tarap valley, the trail leads us inside the plain valleys with the beautiful views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vas Tarap valley with its plains and high mountains. After a few hours' of a walk, the path leads us to the village of Tokyu where we can find a monastery of the Chiba sects. After exploring this monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a difficult and rough trail for about 3 hours and finally reach Numa La Base Camp. Overnight at Numa La Base Camp; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 11: Cross Numa La pass (5,190m) and camp at Palung Tang (4,465m/ 6-7 Hrs)
Today is the toughest and the longest day of our trek. After breakfast, we continue with the crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m on a steep trail all the way up the top ridge of the pass. From the top of the ridge, we get a fantastic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo, surrounding landscapes and the valleys including the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167m). After enjoying the glorious moment at the pass, almost 3 hours of descending hiking brings us to camp at Palungtang (4,465m). Overnight at Palung Tang; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 12: Cross Baga La pass (5,070m) and trek to Dajok Tang (4.080m/ 6 Hrs)
After breakfast, we begin our steep climb up to the top of Baga La pass at 5.070m. From here, we get fabulous views of the dry landscape and the distant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Kanjirowa. After spending some time at the top of the pass enjoying the mesmerizing views, we descend to Dajok Tang which is about 3 hours of hike. Overnight at Dajok Tang; Breakfast Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/ 4 Hrs)
We spend most of today's trek walking along with the beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation. After trekking for a short while on an easy trail with only gradual highs and lows, we reach Ringmo Village and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo. This village is one of the popular traditional Tibetan villages of the Dolpo region. Overnight in Ringmo; Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 14: Hike to Phoksundo Lake
Today we explore Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ringmo and the great Phoksundo Lake and camp at its shores. We can see yak caravans moving in and out of Ringmo mostly towards Tibetan borders on remote mountain trails. This location is also covered in the Hollywood movie ‘Caravan". Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, we can enjoy a relaxing walk on the serene lake's shores and just chill out here and let your spirits go free. Overnight camp on the shore of Phoksundo Lake; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 15: Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta (2,520m/ 5-6 Hrs)
After spending a wonderful time in Phoksundo Lakeshore next morning after breakfast, we trek downhill to Chepka. Its place is believed to be home to many important medicinal minerals which cure many diseases. The route then passes through some lovely villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight in Shyanta in camp; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 16: Shyanta to Jhupal
We march towards Jhupal via Sulighat on a trail surrounded by birch trees. From atop a ridge, we get the most spectacular views of the mountain above us and Jhupal Village below. We walk uphill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotel at Kala Gaura (2090m). After reaching Jhupal, the end point of our trek. We can spend our afternoon exploring Jhuphal, the busy market town, or simply taking a rest. Overnight in Jhupal; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we take the next flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we check in to the hotel for an overnight stay and get refresh and relax to do away the fatigue. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast.
Day 18: Final departure
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from Marron Treks will take you to the airport approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight. Unless you would want to extend your trip and try out some of the other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, etc.
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar.
During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We arrange the best quality food during the trek as we are concerned about the health of the trekkers as well as the staff members. Basically, we opt for locally available food in the Far Western Region so that you could a real sense of the culture, living patterns, simultaneously promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.
Porter and Staff Care
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. They are the backbones for the accomplishment of the trek.
Best Months
The best months for Snow Leopard Trek in Dolpo is during March-November
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you could actually connect with the nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides, who are fairly literate, multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the Far Western region. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining, but also equally informative.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you, makes your trip secure and hassle free.
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at marketing@marrontreks.com
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENTS
Needless to say that kitting and stuffing yourself out for a trek is almost a herculean task which keeps you mulling and often gets you overwhelmed. But at the mercy of the renting outlets sprouting in every visible corner in Kathmandu, preparing for trekking in Nepal these days is almost tantamount to equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. Most of the heavy and expensive items are easily available on rent, so you don’t actually have to travel Nepal with a cartload of gears. We have endeavored to formulate a categorical checklist that gives you a tentative idea regarding the gears and accessories mandatory for you during the trek. The list could vary depending upon the kind of trek you pursue, the terrain, weather conditions and time of the year. For instance, you don’t need the camp-trek equipments when you are on a tea-house trek. This listing below simply serves as a guideline and you can always have your own checklist. It is always preferable to pack light and the key to this is to carry the gears and accessories that have multidimensional uses.
CLOTHING (Core & Lower body)
Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella
Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes
Fleece jacket or Pullover
Fleece windcheater jacket
Down jacket or a Down vest
T-shirts (2 – 3) and Long-sleeved shirts with collars ( 2- 3 pairs)
Nylon (cotton ought to be strictly avoided) hiking shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Hiking trousers- one that is detachable from the knees so that the it can be folded up as shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Thermal underwear as well as synthetic underwear (3 -4 each – avoid cotton)
Synthetic sport brassieres for women (2 pairs- avoid cotton)
Head/Eyes & Hand Gears
Sun hat/cap
Woolen hat or Balaclava
Sunglasses/Goggles (preferably the one with 100% UV protection)
Liner, Synthetic or Thin wool gloves (1 -2 pair)
Warm gloves (designed to the shield the sub-zero temperatures)- 1 pair
Footwear
Trekking boots (1 pair) and spare laces
Running shoes, Sandals or Thongs (flip-flops)- 1 pair each
Hiking gaiters (1 pair) to do away the rocks, dusts and moist feet
Liner socks- preferably synthetic (3 – 4 pairs)
Heavy or wool blend socks (3 – 4 pairs)
Equipments
Backpack/Rucksack
Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it )
Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)
Day sack/Nylon stuff sack
Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be
returned after the trip)
Water bottle
Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs
Maps, compass and a guide book
Trekking poles
Miscellaneous Bits
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find
yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
Quick-drying camp towel
Detergent powder/bar
Toilet paper
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
Pocket knife
Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
Stuff sacks
Earplugs
Candlesticks
Medicaments
It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines
Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
Assorted band-aids
Small gauge pad
Roll of adhesive tape
Iodine tablets
Optional Carry
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek
Camera, memory card and battery charger
GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars
Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women
Books and magazines
Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.
