Lower Dolpa Phoksundo Lake 18 Days Trek

Day to Day Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m)

  Arrival and accord warm welcome at the Kathmandu airport, then pick up and transfer to the hotel with briefing of the tour

• Day 02: Full day Kathmandu Sightseeing tour

  After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Bodhanath Stupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world! Then next destination today is Patan Durbar Square which is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts.

• Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (152m) and transfer to Hotel

  Today we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

• Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj – Juphal (2,320m), trek to Dunai (2,850m): approx., 45 min flight, 2-3 hrs

  After an early breakfast, we take a morning 45 min flight to Juphal with the views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. 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. Overnight in Dunai at Camp

• Day 05: Dunai – Tarakot (2,543 m): approx., 5-6 hrs

  After breakfast our trek continues along the southern bank of the Bheri River heading upstream on an easy trail. Along the way, we pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. Our trail also includes a tremendous gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. After walking for a while, we will be greeted by the colorful, terraced field of Tarakot, a small village that stands on a hillock to the south of the Bheri River. Overnight in Tarako at Camp

• Day 06: Tarakot – Laini (3,160 m): approx., 6-7 hrs

  We continue our walk following the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing a suspension bridge to open lunch spot.The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu Rriver. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, finally encounter river bed to reach our overnight camp at Laini. Overnight in Laini at camp

• Day 07: Laini – Nawarpani (3,545m): approx., 5 hrs

  We climb on a steep trail and walk along switchback above the Tarap River. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani. Overnight in Nawarpani at camp

• Day 08: Laini – Do Tarap (4,090m): 7-8 hrs

  Our morning walk begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of nice morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bön Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight in Do Tarap at Camp

• Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization

  We spend a rest day in Do Tarap for gradually getting used to the altitude. Explore villages, monasteries and enjoy the surrounding breathtaking views. Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bön po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bön Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour’s walk. Overnight in Do Tarap at Camp

• Day 10: Do Tarap – Numa La Base Camp (4440m): 6-7 hrs

  We trek towards the upper Tarap valley enjoying views of lush grasslands on both sides of the river which is unique to this part of the inner Dolpo. We walk alongside Tarap Chu river and take pleasure in the amazing views of the vast Tarap valley with its wide plains and high mountains. A few hours’ good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a rough trail before reaching the Numa La Base Camp. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp at camp

• Day 11: Cross Numa La (5,190m), and camp at Baga La Phedi(4465 m): 6-7 hrs

  This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes. An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8167m). After getting to the top of Numa La we will descend to camp at Pelung Tang Overnight in Baga La Phedi at Camp

• Day 12: Cross Baga La (5,070m) and camp Dajok Tang (4,080m): 6 hrs

  After breakfast, our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight. Overnight in Dozak Tang at Camp

• Day 13: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m): 3-4 hrs

  Our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo. Overnight in Ringmo Village at campsite

• Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo village in Phoksundo Lake

  Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje. This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with a great views. Overnight in Ringmo Village at campsite

• Day 15: Phoksundo Lake – Shyangta (2520m): 5-6 hrs

  We trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows a massive overhanging rock. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through villages, before climbing to Shyanta. Overnight is Shyangta at Camp

• Day 16: Shyangta – Juphal (2,320m): 5-6 hrs

  Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Juphal via Sulighat. We meet tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Juphal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Juphal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like. Overnight in Juphal at Camp

• Day 17: Fly Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu

  Today we take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return flight back to Kathmandu. Spending the evening leisurely, last minute shopping and celebrate farewell dinner together with us.

• Day 18: Final departure

  After the breakfast, transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination with beautiful memory back home.