This trek provides an outstanding trekking experience in the remote western part of Nepal. The 18 day trek includes visit to range of landscapes and also different heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
A Mountain Kick representative will receive you as you land into Kathmandu and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel on your own. Brief trek orientation and equipment check will be provided to ensure you are well-prepared for this challenging adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote wilderness areas.
We take a one hour flight to Nepalgunj in southern plains of Nepal . Nepalgunj is the biggest city in the region and shares its southern border with India. It is hot and humid in Nepalgunj but you can visit around town in the evening. This flight marks the beginning of our journey toward one of Nepal’s most remote regions.
Time: 1 hour flight
This day serves as a buffer for potential flight delays or cancellations, which are common in mountain flying conditions . If flights operate on schedule, you can explore Nepalgunj’s markets and experience the blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures in this border town . The day can also be used for final trek preparations and equipment checks before heading into the remote Dolpo region.
Difficulty: Rest Day
We will reach Juphal in 35 minutes . This small airport is the main entrance to the Dolpo region from the rest of Nepal. From here, we begin our trek downhill through grasslands till Kala Gaura. Then we follow a river upstream to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpo. It takes three hours in total. This marks the official beginning of our Dolpo adventure.
Distance: 35-minute flight + 3 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate
This hiking could take up to 6 hours as we have to gain 1,300 feet in altitude . We follow the southern bank of Bheri River through deep gorges and isolated villages. The trail includes a spectacular gorge with pine trees and a path built about seven meters above the river. Beauty of the nature will be our company on this day.
Distance: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
After leaving Tarakot we head toward Laina which is around 7 hours of journey through nature . We cross Tarap River twice and pass Sandul Gompa at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu rivers. Rivers will accompany us till we reach our destination. We trek through farm terraces and rural villages experiencing the traditional way of life in this remote region.
Distance: 7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Our next step is Nawarpani which is about 6 hours of trekking away . It is next to Laina Odar and there are several lakes and forests on the way. We climb on steep trail with switchbacks 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.
Distance: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Dho is a remote village and it takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach this village. We leave the tree line behind us and welcome wild rose and juniper bushes, typical of the dry inner Himalayan valleys. Dho lies next to its neighbor village Tarap so they both are collectively known as DhoTarap. The village is surrounded by an irregular stone wall where Bon Po and Buddhist sects coexist.
Distance: 7-8 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
Being in such high altitude, we are suggested to rest a bit due to change in humidity and temperature. Visit nearby Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect and learn about traditional Dolpo culture. Observe traditional clothing, Tibetan-style boots, and religious practices of both Bon Po and Nyingmapa Buddhist communities. Different cultural dance and performances can be arranged in the village for the entertainment of the tourists . Tarap is said to be the dream valley of vast plains in high mountains.
In order to reach Numa La Base camp we have to pass the upper Tarap valley walking on lush meadows. We visit Tokyu village which houses a Buddhist monastery of the Chiba sect. After exploring the monastery, we continue walking up the valley on a rough trail. Crossing the vast land of Tarap we will reach our destination of Numa La Base Camp.
Distance: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Leaving the Numa La Base Camp behind and continuing forward for 7 hours we will reach Danigar . We have to cross the Numa La pass which lies above 17,000 feet on our way. The view from this high is what makes the trip worth all the trouble . From the ridge we get incredible views of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to Mt. Dhaulagiri. After reaching the top, we descend to camp at Danigar.
Distance: 7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
After breakfast we have to walk for 6 hours with a steep climb to reach the top of Baga La ridge which lies at 5070m . The surrounding landscape consists of distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range . Walking downhill from here for 3 hours takes you to the pastoral yak grazing area of Yak Kharka.
Distance: 6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
From Yak Kharka, we continue our journey through pine forest at first and vast grassland next till we reach Ringmo. This is a short 3-4 hour trek through beautiful pine forests and alpine vegetation to the traditional Tibetan village of Ringmo. We rest and prepare for the exploration of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake.
Distance: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy
We explore Nepal’s deepest lake at the maximum depth of 476 feet, it is the deepest lake in Nepal . The lake spread over 1.91 square miles is beautiful to say the least . As you might have seen in pictures, the landscape is surreal and that is why the Tibetan and Buddhist people consider this place sacred . We visit the ancient Bonpo monastery and experience pre-Buddhist religious traditions unique to the Dolpo region. The full day allows us to hike around the turquoise waters and explore the pristine wilderness.
Difficulty: Rest Day / Exploration
We will trek downhill to Chepka and follow the massive overhanging rock . We make our way through the thin forest and pass through villages till we reach Shyanta. During our trek, we find many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area.
Distance: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Following the trail that leads gently upwards, we will head to Jhupal . From the top of the ridge we can have glorious view of mountains. A 35-minute flight takes us to Nepalgunj . We will fly back to Kathmandu on the same day . You might want to visit some landmarks of the city before we have a farewell dinner to officially end your vacation. We suspect you will have mixed feelings throughout the night: excited to get back home but sad to leave Nepal behind.
Distance: 4-5 hours trek + flights
A 35-minute flight takes us to Nepalgunj. We will fly back to Kathmandu on the same day.You might want to visit some landmarks of the city before we have a farewell dinner to officially end your vacation. We suspect you will have mixed feelings throughout the night: excited to get back home but sad to leave Nepal behind.
We will drop you to Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be gone with recollections of your Himalayan journey to keep you busy throughout the flight. Goodbye.
In Kathmandu
Three-star hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis (breakfast included)
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In Nepalgunj
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This day serves as a buffer for potential flight delays or cancellations, which are common in mountain flying conditions . If flights operate on schedule, you can explore Nepalgunj’s markets and experience the blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures in this border town . The day can also be used for final trek preparations and equipment checks before heading into the remote Dolpo region .
During the Trek
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We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
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