Dolpo, a region isolated by the Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal mountain ranges, is a remote and stunning area of the Himalayas. Due to its location in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas, it is more similar to the Tibetan Plateau than the lush, green hills of Nepal. Despite occupying 15% of Nepal, Dolpo remains one of the least explored regions since opening for trekkers only in 1989. Known as the hidden land, Dolpo is the land of Tibetan Buddhism and the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, called Bon, with beautiful landscapes and impressive monasteries in areas like Do-Tarap and Phoksundo Lake.
A challenging but rewarding trek to Dolpo involves a long walk up a steep, uninhabited river valley leading to a highly isolated valley enclave of Tibetan tradition where one can meet nomadic Tibetans and their yaks. Dolpo is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park, providing a preserved ecosystem where rare wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards can still be observed.
The trek will require moderate to strenuous effort with some high-altitude mountain passes to cross, such as Numa-la at 5318 meters and Baga-la at 5190 meters above sea level. The trek will include sleeping in tents and being supported by experienced and reliable staff, including a guide, cooks, porters, and pack animals, all providing high-quality camping equipment and healthy, hygienic, and delicious food.
- Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
- Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation
- Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the border of India. Overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.
- Day 4: Fly Nepaljung to Jufal (2,400m). Trek to Dunai (2,150m), approx. 4 hours
- Day 5: Trek to Tarkot (2,600m) approx. 5 hours
- Day 6: Trek to Lahini (3,500m) approx. 8 hours
- Day 7: Trek to Sim Sim Odhar (3,850m), approx. 8 hours
- Day 8: Rest day at Sim Sim Odhar, with a possible acclimatization day hike
- Day 9: Trek to Do Tarap (4,040m) approx. 7 hours
- Day 10: Rest day at Do Tarap, with a possible acclimatization hike
- Day 11: Trek to Tok-kyu High Camp (4,565m) approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 12: Trek to Pelungtang (4,465m) over the Numa-la pass (5,318m), approx. 9 hours
- Day 13: Trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m) over the Baga-la pass (5,190m), approx. 5-6 hours
- Day 14: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,730m), approx. 3-4 hours
- Day 15: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake
- Day 16: Trek to Renje (3,010m), approx. 6-7 hours
- Day 17: Trek to Chepka (2,670m), approx. 5-6 hours.
- Day 18: Trek back to Dunai, approx. 6-7 hours
- Day 19: Trek Chepka to Dunai (2,150m), approx. 6-7 hours.
- Day 20: Dunai to Jufal (2,400) is a slow ascent back to where we started the trek, approx. 4-4 ½ hours
- Day 21: Fly Juphal to Nepaljung and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day
- Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice
Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.
Your trek cost does NOT include:
- International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
- Visa for Nepal
- Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
- Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
- Meals unless specified
- Sightseeing
- Gratuities
- Excess baggage on internal flights
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors
