Dolpo Rara trek is a strenuous trek so one needs to be physically fit. We provide experienced guide and porters who will be there to assist you in this challenge. Since there are no lodges along the trail, the trek will involve staying in tented camps.
Upper Dolpo, located at an average elevation of 4000m above sea level, is part of Dolpo district in northwestern Nepal. It falls in the trans Himalayan region bordered by Tibet province of China in the north. Upper Dolpo is geographically and culturally similar to Tibet so much so that it is often regarded as a go-to destination to learn about Tibetan culture, history and lifestyle.
The people of Upper Dolpo, called Dolpalis, follow Bon religion which is the earliest religion of Tibet. Because of its remoteness, life here is often characterized by hardships and simple living. However the unique culture of locals and exquisite natural beauty undoubtedly make it a must visit place. The 800 years old Shey Gompa along with
Shey Phoksundo National Park and Rara National Park are two national parks that lie in Dolpo region. Named after Rara Lake and Shey Phoksundo Lake, the first and second biggest lakes in Nepal respectively, both parks are home to a wide range of rare wildlife species such as Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Black Bear, Marten, Tibetan partridge and rosefinch among many. The region is also famous for wild herbs such as Yarshagumba.
Along the trek you will be able to enjoy beautiful glimpses of Himalayan peaks such as Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges as well cross high passes, namely Kang La pass (5350m), Tata La (4750m) and Yumbur La (4813m).
We take an hour's flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj which is a border town near Nepal-India border is the gateway to Simikot of Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town of Nepal with influences from both the Nepal hills and plains well as local Hindu & Muslim cultures. Some sightseeing places in Nepalgunj include Mini Zoo, Muslim bazaar, or if possible and interested take a walk into nearby villages. We have to also make preparation for tomorrow's flight to Jhupal. Stay overnight in hotel.
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45minutes flight over the high mountains brings you at Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our trekking staffs will receive you. Our first day adventure begins through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. Dunai is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Stay overnight in camp
The trekking trail from Dunai to Chhepka is good. The trail passes through pine forests and sometimes along the bank of a river. You will come across a few villages on the way. Stay overnight in camp
You will leave Chhepka and follow the trail through pine forests with some ups and downs reaching Sumduwa. Stay overnight in camp
It takes approximately 1. 45 hrs from Polam to arrive at Phosundo Lake. The trail makes an uphill climb through pine forests to reach Ringmo village. Stay overnight in camp.
It is the deepest lake of Nepal also listed in Ramsar sites. The region is rich in biodiversity. Stay overnight at camp.
Today you will walk along the bank of Phoksundo lake. The first 25 minutes is on a level trail and then it gradually climbs for 1.30 minutes to reach the top. The hilltop provides beautiful view of Phoksundo lake. Afterwards descend through dense pine forest. We will camp on the riverbank of a river nearby a jungle with bonfire. Stay overnight in camp.
You will walk through pine forest initially on a leveled path and thereafter ascend a hill until we reach Kangla High Camp. The trail is bit difficult. Camp will be set up on the highest spot, which is prone to a colder windy climate. Stay overnight in camp.
It takes 4 hrs to reach Kang La pass from Kangla High Camp. You will gradually descend the pass to Shey Gompa. Stay overnight in camp.
Shey Gompa is a very special holy place for Buddhists people. In this region, there are three monasteries. These 700 year old monasteries are carved into steep hills and are isolated from village. Shey Gompa is a temporary settlement of the Saldang villagers and also at a transit point to get to Saldang and Bhijer villages. From Shey Gompa you can see Crystal Mountain. The parikrama (circumambulation) of Crystal Mountain takes around 10 hrs. Stay overnight in camp.
The trail goes uphill over a barren landscape and then levels. The trails has many ups and downs sections. If you are lucky, you will see blue sheep on the way. The views of Api Saipal, Kanjiroba and others beautiful mountains are constantly visible along the route. In Tata village there are around 40 houses. Stay overnight in camp.
We will walk past Shamling Gumba then descend to Bhijer village. Blue Sheep could be seen near this village. Bhijer is a big village in this region consisting of a monastery, school and a few shops surrounded by barren landscape. Stay overnight in camp.
From Bhijer village, we go uphill. The landscape is almost barren with good chances of seeing blue sheep. Stay overnight in camp.
We start downhill trek for 1.45 hrs and then ascend. Pho is the last village in the northwestern region of Dolpo district. The village has about 16 houses and surrounded by buckwheat and barley fields. Very few people here speak Nepali. Stay overnight in camp.
The route from Pho village to Nimagyalzen La is an uphill climb that takes about 6-7 hrs. The trail is fairly difficult and is the hardest trail of the entire trekking journey. As you move higher, you will experience strong winds and snows. The view from the top of the pass includes beautiful Dhaulagiri, Api Saipal, Kanjirowa peaks. The descent from the pass is easy taking about 3 hrs partly along the riverbank to reach Daldung Khor. Stay overnight in camp.
The route goes along the riverbank, making it an easy trek. The surrounding valley is extremely beautiful. We will camp near the river shore, which is comparatively a colder place. Stay overnight in camp.
After walking for a few hours on a fairly good trail, we climb a hill. It takes 4.30 hrs to reach the pass and then descend to Chyandi Khola. The camp will be set up at the highest spot of Chyandi Khola. The camp spot is bit colder. Stay overnight in camp.
Initially the trail goes downhill until you come to a a river crossing point. Thereafter you climb steeply through a narrow trial with bushes on sideways. Descend the Jack pass to arrive at a jungle before coming out to a river bank. We will choose a warmer spot for camping and enjoy campfire in the evening. Stay overnight in camp.
Leaving Takla khola, we ascend gradually through a jungle. On reaching top of a hill, we climb down through a moderately easy trail till we arrive at an open ground nearby a river. The place is equipped with drinking water. Stay overnight in camp.
The trail descends slowly crossing forests and rivers. There are few hotels available in Shilen Kharka. Stay overnight in camp.
Today walking is mostly along the bank of river, requiring to cross the river at different points. With the loss in altitude, we enter into a warmer zone. There are some hotels along the way. Pulu is the administrative center of the region consisting of police posts and good hotels. Stay overnight in camp.
The trail continues along the riverbank, crossing it several times over suspension bridge. You will go past villages and millet fields offering you the chance to meet locals.
Lumsa is a small hamlet featuring about 30 houses and a few shops. The people here mostly belong to Chhetri caste. There is telephone facility available in Lumsa. Stay overnight in camp.
It takes 2.30 hrs to reach Gamgadi from Lumsa and another 2 hrs to reach Talcha. From Talcha it is yet another 2 hrs to get to Rara Lake. You will have to cross over a wooden bridge on the way to Gamgadi, which is perched on a hill. Gamgadi, the headquarters of the Mugu district, is a medium sized town consisting of lodges, government offices etc.
Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest lake in Nepal located inside Rara National Park. The park is hemmed in by pine forests from all sides. You can make a complete trek around the lake on foot or horseback. The lake is famous for Nepali snow trout fish. Stay overnight in camp.
On this day trekkers can walk around the lake to see wild animals, birds and enjoy with the beauty of nature. It is also possible for boat riding. Stay overnight at lodge.
You take a 45 minutes flight from Talcha Airport to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with the staffs.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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