Lower Dolpo Trek From Jumla

Daily Tour 16 Days
Lower Dolpo Nepal

Dolpa which is also called “Ba Yul” or the hidden valley is a land of mystery, scenery and peace and is surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from South and North. The Dolpo region is the natural embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna and sweeping vistas. All the trekking areas in this region stretch through and around Arun River whose origin dates back to the prehistoric period. The Dolpo region was opened for the foreigners since 1990. The Dolpo region is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. The region offers opportunities to visit ancient villages, high passes, beautiful Lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries and also to experience the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the region, including Blue sheep, Mountain Goat, Jackal, Wolf and the legendary Snow Leopard. This remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal, time has stood still here for centuries as inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade. Most treks into Dolpo take from 14 to 30 days. The best time to trek here is towards the end of the monsoon season Sept to November. Shorter Dolpo treks are possible by flying into the air strip at Jumla. In the far reaches of Northwestern Nepal lies the extreme landscape of Lower Dolpo. The route begins by meandering through pine and cedar forest with views of the massive Dhaualgiri range in the background. The entrance to Dolpo lies beyond the Jangla Bhanjyang Pass, (4500m). At the head of the valley lay snow-capped peaks and the desolate Tibetan plateau beyond. Protected from rain, this region is dry where the Dolpo inhabitants have carved out a niche of survival in the harsh surroundings by trading with nearby Tibet. A vision of beauty, the Phokshindo (Ringmo) and the legendary monastery of the pre-Buddhist Bonpo sect is our momentous destination. As the most remote and least developed district in Nepal, this trek is reserved for those with a true sense of adventure.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will transfer to your hotel, We will brief about your trip activities. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu (1300 m) 
Sightseeing in Some of landmarks that are the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of (Pashupati Nath), the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). You can also make your last minute buying of personal items and preparation for the next day. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Flight Kathmandu – Nepalgunj
To get to Dolpa, generally you have to fly to Nepalgunj first. Nepalgunj is a steaming hot city in South Western Nepal, in the lowlands of Terai, close to the Indian border, which is just 8 km away. Culturally the areas more resemble India than upland Nepal. Take a cycle rikshaw for a ride in town. You pass the hustle and bustle of the bazaar and see horse carts full of colorful people going to or coming from the Indian border. The Bageshowri temple is one of Nepal’s most important Hindu temples and is worth a visit as well. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Nepalgunj to Jumla
An early morning plane will take us to the town of Jumla, which lies on the banks of the Tila Khola river at 2370 meter. Jumla is one of the highest rice-growing areas of the world, where the unique ‘red’-rice is grown. Overnight at Camping.

Day 05: Trek Jumla to Gothi Chaur (2650 m)
From Jumla our trail leads past several water-driven mills before dropping to the confluence of the Tila Khola and the Chaudhabise Khola. From here our trail climbs gently alongside rice terraces to the village of Dochal Ghara at 2530 meter. From here we follow the trail through a forest of maples and walnuts to a meadow. In season the wildflowers seen here include cinquefoils, terrestrial orchids, forget-me-not, mints, buttercups, primulas, edelweiss and gentians. Beyond the meadow the trail climbs to a rocky cairn at Pattyata Lagna (2830 m), and then descends into a magnificent alpine amphitheatre towards Gothi Chaur close to the stream at the bottom of the valley. At the spring here there are some 13th century Malla dynasty stone carvings. Overnight at Camping.

Day 06: Trek Gothi Chaur to Naphukana (3080 m)
After ascending through fields of barley and buckwheat we arrive at the trail junction at Muni Sangu, a small settlement where we can see peculiar carved wooden faces, called dok-pa and are supposed to offer protection from evil spirits. These faces can be seen throughout the whole Dolpo region. We stay on the southern side of the river from here as the valley slowly becomes narrower and follow our way to Changrikot (a series of houses built into the hillside on the opposite side of the river at 2900 m). The trail then finally crosses the river and climbs towards the grey stone houses of Chotra (3010 m). The village has typical many walls (walls containing stones carved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers) and a kani (arch, decorated with paintings on the inside) over the trail. A short distance from here is the Tibetan settlement of Naphukana where we will make our camp for today. Overnight at Camping.

Day 07: Trek Naphukana to Balasa (3110 m)
The trail becomes steeper today as it climbs past rocky fields to forests of oaks and birch trees strangled with Spanish moss. The climb will end at the Mauri lagna (‘honey pass’) at 3820 meter. From this pass we have good views of the snowy peaks of Gutumba (5608 m) and Mataumba (5767 m) to the north-east and Bhalu Himal (5460 m) to the south. We will descent from here to the Bheri valley to the large Khampa settlement of Chaurikot at 3060 meter. A short time past this village there are some excellent campsites alongside the way. Overnight at Camping.

Day 08: Trek Balasa to Forest Camp (3100 m)
We slowly descend to the village of Rimi where the amusing faces of the dok-pa peek at us from the tops of houses. After crossing the stream we will arrive in Kaigaon (2610 m), where we will find the first shop since leaving Jumla. We will slowly descend along the side of a large valley to a few campsites in the forest. Overnight at Camping.

Day 09: Trek Forest Camp to Tibrikot (2100 m)
Today we will climb to the pass of Balangra La at 3760 meter, from where we can see Dhaulagiri Himal on clear days. From here the trail levels out and continues through a treeless, water less area, before making our final 500 meter descent through a rocky area to the stream just below Tibrikot, where we can make a good campsite. Tibrikot is a picturesque village on a promontory overlooking the Thulo Bheri valley. Overnight at Camping.

Day 10: Trek Tibrikot to Dunai (2130 m)
We climb slightly to the temple of Tibrikot, which is dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari Devi, from where we descend past extensive rice terraces to a long suspension bridge. Our trail continues with a few ups and downs to the village of Dunai. Overnight at Camping.

Day 11: Trek Dunai to Juphal (2354 m) 3 hours
Today we walk to the region famous for its lotus-like plant called chuk, which is used to make vinegar and medicines. We pass through the villages of Ankhe, Rahagaon and Parela, meaning ‘eye’, ‘eyebrow’ and ‘eyelash’ respectively. We keep walking downstream following the river to Dunai. From here we ascend to Juphal climbing through wide meadows. Matterhorn Treks  will host an evening to celebrate the farewell party to thank the Sherpa,s for their support and friendship.

Day 12: Trek Tibrikot to Dunai (2130 m)
We climb slightly to the temple of Tibrikot, which is dedicated to the goddess Tripura Sundari Devi, from where we descend past extensive rice terraces to a long suspension bridge. Our trail continues with a few ups and downs to the village of Dunai. Overnight at Camping.

Day 13: Trek Dunai to Juphal (2354 m) 3 hours
Today we walk to the region famous for its lotus-like plant called chuk, which is used to make vinegar and medicines. We pass through the villages of Ankhe, Rahagaon and Parela, meaning ‘eye’, ‘eyebrow’ and ‘eyelash’ respectively. We keep walking downstream following the river to Dunai. From here we ascend to Juphal climbing through wide meadows. Matterhorn Treks  will host an evening to celebrate the farewell party to thank the Sherpa,s for their support and friendship.Overnight at Camping.

Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Early morning flight to Nepalgunj. Today we need good weather to complete the two flights and
This is a wonderful 35-minute flight over the Himalayan foothills, with fine views of the main peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north. You then connect with the flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening Matterhorn Treks & Expedition will take you for Farewell dinner at Typical Nepali Resturant. Overnight at Hotel

Day 16. Departure from Kathmandu. Matterhorn treks & Expedition will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your own destination

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