Lower Dolpo trek with Phoksundo lake - 0 reviews

Max. Elevation

4000m

Accommodation

Hotel-lodge-Tea house

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

17 Days

Trip Grading

Moderate

Activity

Expedition

Meals

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Kathmandu

Offering stunning views of pristine landscapes, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a secluded and daring adventure in Nepal's western Himalayas. The journey passes through tranquil alpine valleys, rocky terrain, and historic communities. Shey Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its breathtaking turquoise-blue waters and breathtaking snow-capped mountain backdrop, is a highlight of the hike. You will see uncommon wildlife, highland monasteries, and the distinctive Bon culture along the journey. Trekkers looking for seclusion and a close relationship with nature will love this off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Lower Dolpo is located in Nepal's northwest Dolpa area. The area is renowned for its untamed and isolated Himalayan scenery. The trek to Phoksundo Lake on the lower Dolpo is a breathtaking experience.
  • A trek under tent and far from the crowds.
  • A preserved Tibetan culture.
  • The turquoise blue lake of Phoksundo.
  • 2 passes over 5,000m, Dho Tarap Valley.
Travel Style

Nature & Adventure

Description


The challenging walk offers a chance to discover the Dolpo region's unspoiled beauty. Its untamed scenery, historic Buddhist temples, and the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake will captivate you. This hike combines physical difficulty, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. Phoksundo Lake is the trek's primary destination. The height of this aquamarine lake is 3,611 meters. The lake is the deepest and most exquisite in all of Nepal. Within the community, the lake is revered. The surrounding sceneries, distinctive rock formations, and alpine vegetation all contribute to the lake's increased appeal.

The trail will take you through the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This park is the largest park of Nepal and have diverse flora and fauna—various species such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and the Himalayan musk deer. The trail will lead to the lush forests with a stunning landscape that adds a unique experience of Nepal’s biodiversity.

The journey typically lasts 18–20 days, depending on the schedule and the hikers' level of fitness. The lower Dolpo hike is best done in the spring or fall. The trekkers need to have a permit from Shey Phoksundo National Park because it is a restricted region. The adventure hike that leads to Phoksundo Lake in the lower Dolpo is rewarded with a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. For hikers looking for excitement in the Himalayas off the usual route, this is the perfect trek.

Trip Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.

Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel

From Nepalgunj to Juphal Impressive flight subject to climatic hazards between Nepalgunj and Juphal. We fly over patchworks of cultures, rivers, villages on the mountain ridges. Welcome by our team of porters then we start the walk crossing Juphal, a very lively village with picturesque rural scenes (picking, among other things, lentils, peppers...) We descend towards Dunai (2,100 m) administrative capital of the Dolpo district.

NB: If the weather makes the flight impossible, we may have the possibility of going to Juphal by helicopter under certain conditions: weather and a sufficient number of participants to co-charter. For this we ask you to provide the sum of 200 euros in cash. We would cover a third of the price and our Nepalese partner a third to divide the cost in 300 $.

Transport: private vehicle and domestic flight
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

We hike up the bank of the Thuli Bheri river to Tarakot, an old caravan village; we are entering a Buddhist country. We cross caravans of mules and cross several hamlets with their pepper gardens.  Walk in a deep gorge, a turbulent river. Camp near the river; above, cresting, Tarakot.

5 hrs of walking 
final Atitude:  2,350m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

We cross a long suspension bridge, at the confluence of the Thuli Bheri River and the Barbung, which allows us to reach Kanigaon and the valley of the Tarap River! We are in the Buddhist world as evidenced by the monastery of Kanigaon that we can visit. We climb through a forest of Himalayan cypresses which leads us to the gorges of the Tarap river, sometimes very impressive, but which widen before our arrival on Laina.

7hrs of walking 
final altitude: 3200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

We continue our progression through the gorges of the Tarap, with its transparent waters, by a steep cornice path, then “Nepali flats” lined with spruces and junipers.

5hrs of walking 
final altitude: 3510m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

Long and regular stage along the Tarap river that we cross several times by bridges and even a ladder! Vegetation of junipers and daphnes. Toltol, in Nepali, means “hole, cave”; we see several of them in the mountains. A small “unnamed” pass at 3,800 m, with a labtse and prayer flags. Kaolin soil. Herds of yaks, sheep, goats. The Sisaul khola joins the Tarap on the right bank. A wild nature of sea buckthorn, barberry, barberry on marshy land. We may see herds of bharals before arriving on the immense Tibetan plateau at an altitude of 4,000 m. Discovery, with the setting sun, of the village of Dho with engraved walls of Mani, typical chortens of Dolpo. 

6hrs of walking 
Final altitude: 4000m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

Day of acclimatization to the altitude, but also discovery of the well-preserved Tibetan villages and monasteries of Upper Tarap, in particular the Buddhist monasteries of the Nyingma school (red caps) of Ribo Bhumpa and Doro, as well as the Bön monastery -Po of Shipchhok. We leave Dho Tarap and the Tarap river to follow the Thakchin khola river. We pass in front of magnificent chortens. We may come across herds of sheep and goats and also observe bearded vultures in flight. The students of Cristal Mountain School take us on a tour of their establishment. Arrival in Tokyu, at the foot of the river. Sometimes caravans of mules come from Saldang.

4hrs of walking 
Final altitude: 4200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

Crossing the Numa La pass (5,230 m) from where you dominate the Himalayan chain to the south and the Tibetan plateau to the north. View of the Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri. The landscape is made up of ochre, burnt orange and pink rocks! We are in an area frequented by snow leopards. Camp at the foot of the Baga La pass, in vast pastures, among the shepherds and caravanners who transport salt to the Nepalese valleys. We can observe the Norbung Kang glacier (6,085 m).

6hrs of walking
Final altitude:4450m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge or in a tent

Very gradual ridge line climb to cross the Baga La (5,090 m), the last pass of the trek. The Kanjirowa Himal (6,612 m) is in sight. Very long descent along the Ghuchun khola, with its stalactites of ice, towards a Yak Karka at 3,760 m, near the Maduwa khola. Beautiful camp site, with, below, on the other side of the river, the village of Maduwa and its terraced crops. A family is still present in one of the large stone buildings.

6hrs of walking 
Final Altitude: 3760
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

One of the most impressive days of our trek. We go up and down on a narrow path, eroded into a balcony of cliffs which dominate the confluence of the Phoksumdo river with the Maduwa khola, its grandiose waterfall and the translucent blue Phoksumdo lake. The arrival on this huge lake, set in orange cliffs with on its edges, the prosperous and remote village of Ringmo is a highlight. Around us, a pine forest with very resinous apples, junipers laden with berries and large expanses of pasture grazed by yaks as well as alignments of chortens, weavers and lodges under construction. The intense life around the river (toilet, laundry). In the afternoon we can walk along the lake under a pine forest and visit the Bön monastery in the presence of a monk. Dolpo is one of the rare regions of the Tibetan cultural area to practice this pre-Buddhist religion, which is nevertheless very close to Buddhism. Many activities in the village in the evening: herds of yaks return from the pastures, women sift seeds on the roofs, others fetch pots of water, children play in the courtyards and alleys with objects very rudimentary. Ringmo is a village inhabited by Bhotias of Tibetan origin and Magars. the children play in the inner courtyards and alleys with very rudimentary objects. Ringmo is a village inhabited by Bhotias of Tibetan origin and Magars. the children play in the inner courtyards and alleys with very rudimentary objects. Ringmo is a village inhabited by Bhotias of Tibetan origin and Magars.

3hrs of walking 
Final Altitude: 3590m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

If the authorities allow it, stroll on the steep path and on a balcony above the lake. We find the landscape of the famous scene of the yak falling into the lake from the film “Himalaya, the childhood of a Chef” by Éric Valli. After several days of walking in a mineral universe, it is good to find trees. In the afternoon, we reach Sanduwa after a nice climb above the Phoksumdo waterfall. A small watchtower allows you to observe the highest waterfall in Nepal, the waters of which come directly from the lake. We pass the winter village of Palam. Vegetation of Himalayan pines, spruces, birches. It is not uncommon to meet riders who come from Shey and go to Dunai for administrative appointments.

6hrs of walking 
Final altitude:3,050m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

We go up the valley to a high point at 3,700 m. A small watchtower allows us to observe the highest waterfall in Nepal whose waters come straight from the lake. We pass by the winter village of Palam and then the center of the national park of Phoksumdo. We find denser vegetation. We follow the Suligad to the Chepka camp.

6hrs of walking
about 2,690m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent

We follow the Phoksumdo khola then the Suligad, first in gorges then in the forest. The torrent is becoming more and more tumultuous. We descend to the village of Suligad (2,080 m), the valley becomes pleasant with its fields of barley and mustard. The vegetation consists of physallis, daturas, sagebrush, hemp and medicinal herbs. The last "ups and downs" to reach Dunai, capital of the district with its main street and all the fabric, telephone, pharmacy, hardware and grocery stores.

5 hrs of walking
Final altitude:2,100m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent or in a lodge

Last day of the trek. We follow the Bheri khola. Ascent to the altiport which serves the valley. Lots of activities in this very populated village. The women shell the corn on the roofs of the houses, thresh the amaranths with a flail or harvest vegetables in the gardens of the interior courtyards. 

4 hours of walking
Final altitude; 2,450m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent or in a lodge

We reach Nepalgunj then Kathmandu by plane—free time in the capital.


NB: If the weather makes the flight to Nepalgunj impossible, we may have the possibility of going to Pokhara by helicopter under certain conditions: weather and a sufficient number of participants to co-charter. For this we ask you to provide the sum of 200 euros in cash. We would cover a third of the price and our Nepalese partner a third in order to divide the cost in 3.
by private vehicle and domestic flights

about 2 hours
about 1 hour 20 minutes

Safety day which can be used during the trekking or as a free day in Kathmandu.

Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel

Trip Included & Excluded


Trip Included

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
    Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
    3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER :
    One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
  • PERMITS :
    All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit
  • SPECIAL PERMIT :
    Lower Dolpo special permit.
  • STAFF INSURANCE :
    Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
  • MAP :
    Region Trekking map.
  • MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
    By flight  as per itinerary.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE :
    Up to 20 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
  • FOODS & LODGING :
    3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
  • CAMPING EQUIPMENT :
    All necessary camping equipment during the trek if required.
  • GUIDE :
    Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.
  • PORTER :
    Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
    All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.

Trip Excluded

  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
    International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES :
    Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  • LUNCH & DINNER :
    Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
  • EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
    Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • INSURANCE :
    Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES :
    Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
    Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
  • TOILETRIES :
    Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • FILMING :
    Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • INTERNET SERVICE :
    Internet facility during the trek is not included.
  • TIPS :
    Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
  • EXTRA :
    Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

    Notes: Costs may prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
    Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure . your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.

Organization


Your Guide and Team

Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

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The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.

The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp. 
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.

Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. 
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and  Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.

Accommodation during the Upper Mustang 

For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room. 
Here is a typical one-day menu: 

breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.

Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.

Preparation for the Trek

Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.

Medical check-up

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.

Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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