Dolpa Experience Trek Circuit
Dolpa district lies completely on the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal and borders Mustang on the east, Myagdi, Rukum and Jajarkot in the south and Jumla and Mugu districts on the west, and the Tibet region of China on the north.
The district spans an altitudinal range of over 5,000 meters from a little over 1,500 meters at Tribeni in Kalika VDC to 7,381 meters at the summit of Churen Himal. Kanjiroba (6221m), Mukot (6638m) and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m) are other noted peaks. Physiographically the lesser ranges of the Great Himalayas constitute the southern border of the district. Between these and the border mountain ranges of Gautam Himal and Kanti Himal to the north Dolpa district is a maze of often wide glacial valleys and ridges. Kanjiroba Himal and Kagmara Lekh running north-west to south-east separate the valleys of the Jagdula in the west with the rest of the district.
Area: 7889 sq. km.
District Headquarters: Dunai
Population: 29545
Ethnicity: Hindu 60%, Buddhist 40% (including 5.5% ancient Bonpo Religion)
Altitude: 1525m from sea level upto 7754m variation
Climate: Himalayan; above the snow line, Alpine; found in Bhot region and high mountain in the south; Cold temperature between 7000 and 13000 feet and sub temperate climate below 7000 feet.
Religion: Buddhists, Hindu, Bon and Shamanistic
Language: Nepali, Dolpo (Analogous to Tibetan with native dialects), Kaike (indigenous to the Tichurong valley of Dolpa)
Economic Occupations: 79.5% agriculture, 2% service
Hidden Valleys of Dolpa
Dolpa runs parallel to the image of the Shangri-la of Nepal in many aspects. One has to see the landscape in all of its rugged natural beauty and experience the remoteness to understand this is so. The nature and culture of this place is rich almost beyond measure. Dolpa is one of the last sanctuaries of medicinal plants in western Nepal. 407 species of medicinal plants grow in Dolpa and are used by Aamchis (traditional healer). The eco-system is diverse with deep valleys to the south and alpine prairies to the north. Thorny Caraghana ionicera bushes can be found in this area.
The ancient cultural traditions of Buddhists can be experienced first hand here. Remoteness of this place has helped conserve the traditions still found eminently present. Some of the oldest monasteries in Nepal are found in this region. You will still see people dressed in their religious costumes and treading along yaks. The view of this un-spoilt heaven hidden from the world is magnificent to the weary eyes of modern man.
Culture and Religion
The Bonpo tribal people (former Buddhist followers) of the area are unique in their cultural and social traditions. Te Tarali people of Dolpa speak Kaike language, which is believed to exist only in Dolpa.
Perhaps, impressed by these unique features of Dolpa, the famous filmmaker Eric Velley chose the district for visualizing his Oscar nominee Caravan. He selected Thinle of local Saldang as the main character. Caravan is famous internationally, especially in France and the film is still shown in cinema halls of major cities of France.
"Caravan has helped promote the beauty and lavishness of Dolpa among the French, and I came to trek this area after seeing the film," says one of the members of a French trekking team at Kagani village.
Cultural Attractions
130 gombas of which 25 are major gombas including the famed Shey Gomba. Saldang, Dho, Chharka, and Bhijer VDCs have some of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in the Himalayan region. Most of the Nyingmapa monasteries of Saldang and Phoksumdo are over 700 years old .
Also, some of the oldest Bon-po monasteries in Nepal (Yungdung Gomba in Kaigaon, Pumma and Thashun Gomba in Phoksumdo) are in the region. Bon-po faith represents the adaptation of Buddhism in the old indigenous religion of western Tibet (Gurung 1980). Shen-rab is the supreme teacher in Bon-po.
Another aspect of Dolpa culture is the unique trade and transhumance based livelihood strategies of Upper Dolpa exemplified in the film "Caravan". While much of northern Dolpa is the domain of Buddhism, areas in southern Dolpa such as the temple of Bala Tripura Sundari in Tripurakot VDC are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and large number of devotees come from the surrounding region.
This circuit is the most popular trek of the lower Dolpa mainly because of the Shey Phoksundo lake. The lake featured in the famous Documentary 'Caravan' is of great interest to visitors. The lake cuts the deepest gorge and owing to extreme geographical factors, no living beings, not even fish can survive in the lake. The route of Juphal-Dunai-Dho-Phoksundo-Dunai-Juphal is a 15 days long trek, passing through high Himalayan valley of Dho Tarap. If lucky, one can sight Snow Leopard and Musk Deer.
Dolpo Trip Itinerary:
Day 01 : From Kathmandu fly to Nepalgunj (1610m). Overnight at lodge. Nepalganj, the largest town in western Nepal, is a hub for flights and located just 6km from the border with India.
Day 02 : Fly to Japhal and trek to Dunai (2030m, 3 hrs). Overnight at camp. Spend the day stocking up on trek necessities and goodies for the coming days, as there are few facilities from here on in.
Day 03 : Trek to Chepka (2670m./4 to 6 hrs). Overnight at camp. Follow firs the Thulo Bheri river and then the Suli Gaod river, past abandoned settlements and small villages.
Day 04 : Trek to Renje (3010m./ 3 to 4 hrs). Overnight at camp. The trail continues to follow the river, ascending and descending through fir and larch forest.
Day 05 : Trek to Phoksumdo Lake (3620m./6 to 7 hrs). Overnight at camp. Climb through forests of cedar and then open country to a ridge at 3730m. where the highest waterfall in Nepal can be seen up close. Then descend through forest to reach the shores of the beautiful lake.
Day 06 : Trek to Chunemba (3630m/5 to 6 hrs). Overnight at camp. Climbing precariously high above the lake, the trail winds through pine and birch forest. There are great mountain views along the way.
Day 07 : Trek to Latsa. (4120m./4 to 6 hrs). Overnight at camp. Follow the main valley to Kang Gopa, then climb to a ridge with spectacular mountain views to the west. After topping out at 4200m., descend easily to camp by the river.
Day 08 : Trek to Mendot Ding (4610m./2 to 3 hrs). Overnight at camp. A short trekking day, as the altitude is now significant. Blue sheep can usually be spotted on the hills above the campsite.
Day 09 : Trek to Shey Gompa (4390m./7 to 9 hrs). Overnight at camp. The trail takes many ups and downs today, cresting at Sehu La (5160m),then at 2 more passes of 5010m and 4860m, before descending through grassy slopes and meadows to Shey Gompa.
Day 10 : Rest Day at Shey Gompa. Spend the day resting or exploring the surroundings. Crystal Mountain lies to the east and is well worth a day’s effort to get close to this sacred and strange mountain, so named for the veins of quartz that traverse its base.
Day 11 : Trek to Namgung (4430m./6 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. Climb to the Shey La pass (5010m), descend and then climb again to the village of Namgung, where there are caves and an interesting monastery.
Day 12 : Trek to Karang (4050m./5 to 6 hrs). Overnight at camp. Take the direct route, high above the Namgung Khola to Karang.
Day 13 : Trek to Mugaon (4100 m./6 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. During today’s trek you will see the Yangster Gompa, the oldest monastery in Dolpo.
Day 14 : Trek to Shimen (4010m./7 to 9 hrs). Overnight at camp. Traverse the Mushi La pass at 5030m. and then descend to a good campsite set in pastures above the village.
Day 15 : Trek to Tinje (4150m./7 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. Today’s trek follows the Polang Khola upstream for most of the day.
Day 16 : Trek to Rapka (4530m./7 to 8 hrs).Overnight at camp. Follow the Sarang Khola to Rapka.
Day 17 : Trek to Chharka (4120m./7 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. Climb up to the Chharka La pass (4920m.) and then descend far into the valley to the pretty village of Chharka.
Day 18 : Trek to Norbolung (4750m./6 to 7 hrs). Overnight at camp. Today’s trek climbs and drops several times on simple trails.
Day 19 : Trek to Sangda Phedi (5100m./7 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. Climb through meadows and pastures to the pass at Sangda La( 5460m) and then descend to the campsite.
Day 20 : Trek to Sangda (3700m./7 to 8 hrs).Overnight at camp. Cross the lower Sangda La pass at 4090m, drop to the river and then climb and drop several times before reaching Sangda.
Day 21 : Trek to Dhagarjun (3290m./7 to 8 hrs). Overnight at camp. Today’s long trek is spent on a high traverse, where there are fine views of the Mustang region.
Day 22 : Trek to Jomsom (2670m./3 to 4 hrs). Overnight at lodge. Finally a short day, descending steeply to the town of Jomsom, where possibilities of hot showers, beer and the Internet await.
Day 23 : Fly to Pokhara and then optionally fly on to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel. Many people chose to stay a few nights in Pokhara, to relax and enjoy the lake-side life before heading back to the bustle of Kathmandu.
NEPAL EXTENSIONS
There are varieties of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek.
*Rafting in Nepal *Wildlife Safari *Canyoning
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Expenses For Dolpo Trek: The cost for trekking in Dolpo will depend on several different factors. The types of accommodation you prefer in Kathmandu and during the trek will make a difference to the overall cost (Budget to 5 star accommodations). The mode of transport you prefer will also affect the cost of your package trip, for example prices vary greatly between flying versus private car/van, tourist or local buses. The camping trek and teahouse trek made a difference in the cost. The number of guide, assistant guides and porters required will also affect the total cost of the trek. For these reasons on the same trek/tour can vary in price quite substantiall |
Cost Includes:
1. All domestic flights, buses and cars as per itinerary
2. Pretrip services & advice.
3. All permits such as National park, Trekking Permit, ACAP, Climbing permits as described in the itinerary.
4. All hygienically prepared meals such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while you are on the trek.
5. High quality tents, mattresses and kitchen equipment for treks that require camping.
6. Medical Kit Bag for every trek.
7. First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking guide.
8. Domestic airport tax.
9. Porters as required.
10. We provide our staff with insurance, a well paid salary, high altitude equipment, food and accommodation.
11. Rescue arrangements if necessary. We do not cover the expenses!
12. High altitudes chamber bags (PAC) for high altitudes treks, expeditions
13. Group farewell dinner
Cost Excludes:
1. International airfare to/from home city;
2. Food and Accommodation while you are not on the trek/tour/safari.
3. Nepal entry visa costs.
4. Visa extension fees.
5. International Airport departure tax.
6. Excess baggage charge.
7. Travel, trek and expedition medical and evacuation insurance.
8. Emergency evacuation charges, if required.
9. Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, laundry, alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, souvenirs, etc.).
10. Tips for the staff because it is the sign of the guests happiness at the end of the trip.
11. Any loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, road blockage due to landslide, etc.
