Description
Dolpo or Dolpa is also called Ba-Yul, the Hidden Land, highest inhabited land on earth. People are mainly Drokpa (nomads) from Tibet settled since 10th century. It is far west north area of Nepal and close to Tibet, but calls as “Tibet of Nepal”. It is more influenced by Tibet than Nepal as it is too far from capital. Most of the area is now in Shey Phoksundo National Park and special permit necessary if travel higher land above Phoksundo lake to Shey Gompa – Saldang – Charkabot which normally counts as remote trekking and very few tourist.
We basically fly to Jumla via Nepalgunj (South western town close to Indian border) or Surket. Trek through Gohi Chaur, Kagmara Pass, 5115 meter high to Ringmo, Phoksundo Lake, which is so beautiful, tranquil and fresh at 3610 meter. It is also called Bonpo country, where people practiced shamanistic religion predating Tibetan Buddhism.
Visit Ringmo village and Bonpo monastery if possible. Continue above 5000 meter higher passes Numa la and Bagala to Dho Tarap. The people of these regions are well dressed and worn colorful jewels adorning the women and men with red braid in their hair, Tibetan style. You will see more Buddhist monasteries, local stone houses as well as cliff caves and yak pastures with wild herb bushes. . It is also called Bon Po country, where people use to practice shamanistic religion predating Tibetan Buddhism.
Trek through cedar forest and fields of cannabis as some of the trails climb over the tops of some spectacular landslides. Some trails are newly built with wide stone steps as well as open grassy meadow where wild flowers abound as well as the chance to see a snow leopard. Blue sheep are also popular walking over rocky cliffs. Mountain views are so impressive. Enroute, we encounter many herders and nomads and yaks grazing during summer time. Also chances to see many low land locals collecting Yar-Cha-Gom-Bu (insect) which is now most attractive source of income. Via riverbed of Tarap Khola, continue trekking to Tarakot village to Juphal and fly out.
NOTE: Optional route with 7 more days for Upper Dolpo – Shey (Crystal) Gompa, Saldang, Charka Bot towards Jomsom for more adventure.All trips can be customized as per your interest, fitness level and schedule.
Duration
21 DAYS
Grade
ADVENTURE
Driving Duration
4-7 HRS
Altitude
MAX 5318 M
Group Size
2-15 PAX
Season
MARCH TO MAY & OCT TO DEC
Route itinerary
Fly and Drive to Nepalgunj, Then Onward to Jumla to Begin the Trek
Flight and drive to Nepalgunj, South – west of Kathmandu valley which is highly populated and commercial border city. Early next morning, flight to Jumla and after preparing, start trek.
Trek to Gothichaur via Tila River and Barbara Pass (4,300m)
Trek to Gothichaur (2780m), by crossing Tila river. We walk through maple and walnut forest up and down hill to terraced rice field. Overnight camping by villages of Naphukhana, Chaurikot. Cross Barbara pass of 4300m.
Trek Along Garphung Khola and Over Kagmara Pass (5,120m) to Phoksundo Lake
Trek continue by Garphung Khola and cross other high pass of Kagmara 5120m. Trek continue by river bed of Pungmo before reaching the main village. We take the upper route to Phoksundo turquoise lake with optional day for rest.
Trek to Yak Kharka and Cross Bagala & Numala Passes to Do Tarap Village
Trek continue to Yak Kharka, grazing ground, ascent slowly to Bagala Phedi. Cross pass of Bagala, higher to Numala, pass above 5000m towards Do Tarp the largest village. Visit local monasteries, might encounter Dokpa camps enroute.
Trek South Through Magar, Gurung, and Brahmin Villages via Tarap and Bheri Rivers
Trek south through the local village of Magar, Gurung then at lower Brahmin and Chetri. Trekking through deep gorge and river bed of Tarap and Bheri river via Lahini, Tarakot, Dunai and Juphal.
Flight out from Juphal via Nepalgunj or Surkhet
Flight out from Juphal via Nepalgunj or Surkhet to Kathmandu
Fly and Drive to Nepalgunj, Then Onward to Jumla to Begin the Trek
Flight and drive to Nepalgunj, South – west of Kathmandu valley which is highly populated and commercial border city. Early next morning, flight to Jumla and after preparing, start trek.
Fly and Drive to Nepalgunj, Then Onward to Jumla to Begin the Trek
Flight and drive to Nepalgunj, South – west of Kathmandu valley which is highly populated and commercial border city. Early next morning, flight to Jumla and after preparing, start trek.
Trek Along Garphung Khola and Over Kagmara Pass (5,120m) to Phoksundo Lake
Trek continue by Garphung Khola and cross other high pass of Kagmara 5120m. Trek continue by river bed of Pungmo before reaching the main village. We take the upper route to Phoksundo turquoise lake with optional day for rest.
Trek to Yak Kharka and Cross Bagala & Numala Passes to Do Tarap Village
Trek continue to Yak Kharka, grazing ground, ascent slowly to Bagala Phedi. Cross pass of Bagala, higher to Numala, pass above 5000m towards Do Tarp the largest village. Visit local monasteries, might encounter Dokpa camps enroute.
Trek South Through Magar, Gurung, and Brahmin Villages via Tarap and Bheri Rivers
Trek south through the local village of Magar, Gurung then at lower Brahmin and Chetri. Trekking through deep gorge and river bed of Tarap and Bheri river via Lahini, Tarakot, Dunai and Juphal.
Flight out from Juphal via Nepalgunj or Surkhet
Flight out from Juphal via Nepalgunj or Surkhet to Kathmandu
