Lower Dolpo Trek

Your Kathmandu sightseeing adventure is a fascinating exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each brimming with history and cultural significance. Here’s an overview of the remarkable places you’ll have the chance to discover:

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Steeped in history, this square served as the ceremonial venue for the coronation of Nepalese kings and various royal events. Today, it’s home to a palace museum and a treasure trove of ancient temples, statues, and monuments dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Prepare to be captivated by the architectural splendor and rich cultural heritage of this square.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple):

Known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is a renowned Buddhist stupa that sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. Marvel at the awe-inspiring stupa adorned with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha painted on each side, and take time to explore the surrounding complex.

Pashupatinath:

Pashupatinath stands as one of the holiest Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. While only Hindus have access to the inner sanctum, visitors can appreciate the temple’s magnificent architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance from its exterior. With some luck, you might witness a Hindu cremation ceremony on the sacred banks of the Bagmati River.

Bouddhanath:

Bouddhanath is another significant Buddhist stupa and a major pilgrimage destination. Its massive white dome is a striking sight, encircled by a kaleidoscope of colorful prayer flags. Stroll around the stupa’s base, where you’ll find 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.

Your personalized sightseeing experience allows you to tailor your visit to your interests and preferences. It’s a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage, with your knowledgeable local guide providing valuable insights and historical context along the way. Enjoy your exploration of these remarkable Kathmandu sites

Nepalgunj, situated in the south-western Terai Region of Nepal, is characterized by its hot climate, with temperatures often soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. This city holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Indian border, situated just 8 kilometers away. As a result, certain parts of Nepalgunj reflect cultural and traditional influences from northern India.

Nepalgunj serves as the primary gateway for accessing Bardia National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity. The city is also celebrated for the presence of the Bageshowri Temple, an important religious site. In the local transportation landscape, traditional horse carts are a common sight. To explore the city and its bustling markets, rickshaw rides in the evening offer an engaging experience.

Given the city’s warm and humid climate, Nepalgunj can be prone to mosquito infestations, making it advisable to have mosquito repellents on hand to protect against insect bites.

This particular flight can be classified as a mountain flight, primarily owing to the breathtaking vistas it offers of snow-covered mountain ranges. The journey commences with a morning flight, adding to the allure of the experience.

The landing at Juphal Airport is a distinctive encounter, as it is a feature unique to select regions around the world. Notably, the runway at Juphal Airport is composed of gravel stones, a characteristic rarely encountered in aviation.

Upon disembarking, the trekking trail leads you to the Thulo Bheri River. En route, you pass through fields adorned with wheat and vegetables, providing a scenic interlude before ascending above the river. This journey is poised to take you deeper into the mountainous terrain, eventually culminating in the central region of the Dunai district.

Throughout this trek, you will find yourself following the course of the Phoksundo River, which promises its own set of captivating views and natural wonders.

The trekking trail presents a diverse range of challenges and landscapes. It alternates between relatively easy sections and challenging uphill segments. Along the way, it traces the banks of both the Bheri River and the Barbung River, leading trekkers through picturesque areas and charming villages such as Byasghar and Baijibara. Additionally, the trail navigates through gorges, offering dramatic vistas. The journey culminates at the hilltop village of Tarakot, following a path flanked by stone walls and cultivated fields. Our campsite will be set up at Lingdo, further enhancing the immersive experience of this trek.

The trekking route continues with an ascent, guiding you along the banks of rivers such as the Bheri and the Bharbung. Throughout this journey, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of notable mountains, including Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal. Along the way, you’ll encounter quaint settlements like Laisicap and Khanigaon, each offering glimpses of local life.

The trail features several suspension bridges, adding to the adventurous aspect of the trek. One notable landmark to behold is the renowned Sandul Gompa, a significant spiritual site. As you progress, the path winds through terraced farmlands nestled within charming villages, offering a firsthand experience of the local agrarian way of life.

Continuing your uphill journey, you will eventually arrive at Laini Odar, where a captivating waterfall graces the landscape. This natural wonder provides a serene and picturesque setting, offering an ideal opportunity to unwind and savor the beauty of the surroundings for the remainder of your day.

Continuing your ascent, you eventually arrive at a gorge, where the path follows the contours of the hillside. The trekking trail narrows at this point, leading to an open expanse further along. This marks a transition to a more manageable and less demanding stretch of the trek.

Navigating this gentler terrain, you will come upon the village of Chhyugar. This relatively easy trail includes the crossing of a river. Along the way, a pass is encountered, and a pine forest graces the landscape, adding a scenic dimension to your journey.

Further along the trail, you will reach a winter settlement known as Toltol, with the trek continuing alongside a river, ensuring your exploration remains both engaging and rewarding.

Your trek continues with an uphill trajectory, predominantly following the meandering path alongside the Tarap River. This journey takes you through a picturesque valley, where you’ll encounter several villages along the way, including Ghyamghar, Sisaul, and Langa. The landscape on this route is characterized by a scarcity of trees, with towering rock formations flanking both sides, resulting in a barren, yet striking terrain.

This region is renowned for being the habitat of blue sheep and, if fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, a rare and majestic sight. Despite the ascent, the trekking trail remains relatively easy.

As you progress further, you’ll descend from Langa village to Dho Tarap. Situated atop a hill, Dho Tarap is a small yet enchanting village known for its scenic beauty and unique charm, offering a captivating destination on your trekking journey.

Continuing along the ascending trekking trail, you will encounter notable landmarks such as the Crystal Mountain School and Health Post before arriving at the village of Tokyu. This portion of the trek entails a predominantly uphill climb, yet it includes river crossings and a visit to the villages of Tokyu and Kanger.

It’s important to note that the trekking trail in this section is not characterized by narrow or steep pathways. Instead, you’ll find yourself traversing a vast arid landscape before reaching the Numala Base Camp. Along the way, you’ll ascend to Tokyu village, which stands at an impressive altitude of 4209 meters, marking it as the highest permanent settlement in the world.

The village hosts a noteworthy gompa (monastery) located at its culmination, which is a cultural and spiritual gem well worth exploring during your trekking adventure.

Indeed, the upcoming phase of your journey presents a formidable challenge as you prepare to cross a mountain pass surpassing an altitude of 5000 meters. The endeavor to traverse such a pass demands considerable effort and endurance. However, the reward at the zenith of this ascent is nothing short of breathtaking.

From the summit of this pass, an awe-inspiring panorama unfurls before your eyes, featuring a stunning array of mountains, including the majestic Dhaulagiri, the formidable Norbung Kang, the striking Churen, as well as the captivating Manaslu Ranges, Shey Shikar, and Kanjirowa. The visual spectacle at this vantage point is nothing short of a testament to nature’s grandeur.

Following your descent from the pass, the terrain takes a downward turn, leading you through a route characterized by a gentle decline. You will continue along this downhill trajectory, eventually walking alongside a river as you progress toward Numala, a village that embodies both the charm of a meadow and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Before reaching Numala, your trail will lead you through a meandering route, ultimately bringing you to Danigar, a location situated at an altitude of 4631 meters. Danigar is a picturesque meadow that provides yet another opportunity to appreciate the pristine beauty of this remarkable region.

Today’s leg of the journey entails another uphill trek, leading you to the summit of a pass whose remarkable vistas you’ve been anticipating. The trekking guide has rightly indicated that the view from this pass is among the most spectacular, featuring an awe-inspiring perspective of the Norbung Kang and the Baga La Range, along with the majestic Kanjirowa and Shey Shikhar peaks. The panoramic vista from this vantage point is bound to be a highlight of your trek.

Following your descent from this commanding pass, you will make your way to Yak Kharka, a verdant and picturesque meadow. Along the path to Yak Kharka, you’ll have the pleasure of encountering stunning waterfalls, adding an enchanting element to your journey.

The trekking trail beyond the pass levels out, offering relatively easy and flat walking conditions as you proceed downhill, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape with ease and comfort.

Your journey continues with a descent along a trail that guides you through a forest of birch trees, leading you to the tranquil Phoksundo Khola and a bridge crossing that marks your approach to the remarkable Phoksundo Lake. Along the path, you may have the pleasure of encountering yaks, adding to the charm of your trek.

Arriving at a meadow, you will find Ringmo, a small village where the residents practice the Bon Po religion. Phoksundo Lake, an internationally significant body of water, beckons you for exploration. Today, your itinerary includes a visit to the enchanting surroundings of this lake.

First, your destination is Tshowa, a Bon Po Monastery situated atop a hill overlooking Phoksundo Lake. This monastery holds unique cultural and spiritual significance as a representation of the Bon Po tradition. Visiting this monastery offers a novel and enriching experience.

Continuing your descent, you’ll reach the pristine Phoksundo Lake. The azure waters of this lake are truly mesmerizing. In the southern vicinity of the lake, you’ll find more than 20 stupas, while on the eastern shore stands a gompa, or monastery, where annual prayers and religious rituals are conducted, providing a window into the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

Your day begins with an ascent along a trekking trail that leads you to the pinnacle of a hill, affording you a breathtaking panorama of the serene Phoksundo Lake. This vantage point promises a truly mesmerizing view of the pristine lake.

Subsequently, your journey unfolds with a combination of ascending and winding pathways, as well as descents, eventually guiding you to the village of Polum. Here, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a forested terrain, tracing the course of a river. The trekking trail undulates, taking you through a blend of uphill and downhill stretches. As you progress downhill, you’ll arrive at Chhepka, a locale where your keen eye may spot an array of medicinal plants that thrive along the route, further enriching your trekking experience.

As you continue your trek, you’ll encounter a wealth of medicinal plants renowned for their healing properties, offering remedies for various ailments. Your path will lead you through pristine villages, each exuding its unique charm.

After a stretch of trekking, you’ll arrive at Shyanta, a village distinguished by its scenic beauty. Along the way, you may notice an army barrack, a testament to the region’s strategic significance. You will follow a river that accompanies you on your journey toward Juphal, passing through villages like Kalagauda and Rupghar.

Traversing meadows and occasionally passing quaint houses, you’ll eventually arrive at the small hotels nestled in Kala Gaura. Along this route, you’ll also come across apple orchards, adding a delightful touch to your surroundings. The trail continues uphill, leading you to your ultimate destination, Juphal, where your trek comes to a rewarding conclusion.

To conclude your trekking adventure, it is advisable to catch the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you will then board a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transported to the same hotel where you had initially stayed on your arrival day.

The flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj is aptly described as a mountain flight, as it affords passengers the privilege of gazing upon the awe-inspiring vistas of snow-covered mountains. This experience is bound to be a remarkable and fitting conclusion to your trekking journey.

Following the culmination of our incredible trekking adventure, today is dedicated to leisure and rejuvenation. You have the opportunity to indulge in well-deserved rest, partake in body therapy, or take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of Thamel.

This is an ideal occasion to peruse local shops and acquire souvenirs, tokens of your journey, to share with friends and loved ones. In the evening, we will gather at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Here, we will come together to share our experiences, relive memorable moments, and savor the flavors of Nepali cuisine during a delightful dinner, creating lasting memories to cherish from our extraordinary expedition.

A company representative will ensure your seamless transition to the airport by providing transportation in a private vehicle, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free departure process.