Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will welcome you and give you more information about the tour. There are no planned activities for today, so check into the hotel. Relax at the hotel for the night.

Kathmandu visit

We visit the World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. We stay at a hotel and have breakfast each morning.

To Nepalgunj

It is generally necessary to fly to Nepalgunj before visiting the Dolpo region. Nepalgunj is a hot, steaming city in South Western Nepal, in the lowlands of Terai, close to the Indian border, which is only 8 km away. Culturally, the area resembles that of India more than upland Nepal.

You can ride a cycle rikshaw through town, passing the bustling bazaar and seeing colorful people crossing the border at horse carts. The Bageshowri temple is one of Nepal’s most important Hindu temples, and is worth visiting.

Nepalgunj to Juphal

It only takes 35 minutes to reach Juphal across steep mountain ridges with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Juphal airport is a gravel airstrip nestled among the mountains, so landings will be breathtaking. Upon stepping out of the plane, you enter into a completely different world. From a sweltering city in the plains, you are now in a mountainous village near the Himalayas, breathing in the crisp, cold air. You walk on a path through fields of wheat and vegetables from Juphal to reach Thuli Bheri River, which you will follow after you reach it.

From Dunai to Lingdo

After leaving Dunai, the landscape turns into a beautiful mountainous landscape, sometimes reminiscent of the Alps. Rocky slopes are covered with pine trees, mostly blue pine. The snow-capped Kang Tokal (6294 m) can be seen at the horizon.  The path ascends and descends slightly, following the Thuli Bheri River, passing a couple of houses here and there.

The next village you will pass is Byasgar (2427 m). After leaving Dunai, all the villages you will pass will be inhabited by Buddhist people. The inhabitants of this region are Tarali’s, a Magar group. Byasgar’s landscape becomes more rough and rocky. The path can be carved out of the rocks, and at some points is very narrow. A motorable road is planned all the way to Dho Tarap. The walk seems to be a huge challenge, and it might take a couple of years. However, it might be a good reason to visit Dolpa sooner than later. After a little while, you reach Lingdo, a small village with a guesthouse and camping grounds.

Getting to Laina Odar

The path gradually ascends. Along the way, you can see some of the villages of this area, such as Sarakot, which is perched high on a cliff. These are the last villages you’ll see until you reach Dho Tarap. You will pass mani walls (a wall with loose stones carved with Buddhist mantras) and chortens. As per Buddhist tradition, you must pass these Buddhist shrines clockwise, on the left. In the distance, you can see the gorgeous Kang Tokal, a snowcapped mountain. On the path we trek to Laina Odar via Laisicap.

Laina Odar to Nawarpani

Following Laina Odar, the trail climbs to a small pass, which takes about 45 minutes walking. After the pass, the trail is fairly easy with a few minor climbs. The walk is beautiful once again, sometimes going through pine forests.

You reach Nawarpani (3475 m) about 4 hours after you left Laina Odar, where you find another tent-hotel. You can camp there today, or you could continue walking to Sisaul (3750 m) today.

Nawarpani to Sisaul

The landscape soon becomes more barren after Nawarpani. There are fewer trees and most of the walking is in the valley near the river, with high rocks looming over you on both sides. This is the land of the blue sheep. If you watch out for them you have a good chance of seeing big groups high on the slopes. Furthermore, if you’re very lucky, you might even spot a snow leopard.

At some points, the path is beautifully carved into the rock, making you feel like you are walking in a tunnel. The path ascends steeply for about half an hour until you reach a small pass with a nice stupa.

Sisaul to Dho Tarap

On the way out of Sisaul, the trail ascends a small pass. After the pass, the valley suddenly widens. The terrain has changed significantly. The landscape is now very dry, and small bushes have replaced the previously existing trees.  A small collection of houses appears behind the mountains: Dho Tarap. As you approach Dho Tarap, you pass by many mani walls and small chortens, making it clear how important Buddhism is for the people of the Dolpa.

Dho Tarap to Numala Base Camp

Leaving Dho, you pass a beautiful gate chorten before heading to Numala Base Camp. Due to the short distance to Numala Base Camp, you can use the morning to explore the area around Dho.  We will travel to Tokyu and eventually Numala Base Camp after 4 to 5 hours of trekking through interesting landscape.

Numala Base Camp to Danigor

As the day begins to wear on you, it’s a good idea to start early (between 5 and 6 am), so you arrive at the pass early. In the morning, the weather is generally better, making the crossing of the pass safer and easier. We will trek through snowy path to Danigar passing Numa La Pass.

Danigar to Yak Kharka

Today we will cross another pass, so we should leave early and start climbing on the other side of the Panklanga Khola. The path climbs steeply, going “zig-zagging” over the slope. We will enjoy the trek to the snowy Baga La pass at 5190 meter. Finally, after six hours of trekking, we reach Yak Kharkha, our destination for the day.

Yak Kharka to Ringmo

Leaving Yak Kharka, the path immediately climbs high on the side of a slope, and the river (Maduwa Khola) is soon far below. If you have the energy, you can even cross the Baga La while walking this portion. The walk begins through pine forests and meadows with the birds singing. After leaving the forest, you cross a bridge from which you ascend into Ringmo in just a few minutes.

Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka

The following stretch can be walked in two short days, or in a single day. The distance from Rechi to Chhepka is about 3.5 hours, and the distance from Rechi to Chhepka is about 3 1/2 hours. As you walk to Rechi, you pass through beautiful pine forest, interspersed with bushes, birches, and broadleaved trees. After leaving Ringmo, the path begins relatively flat, but soon begins to ascend steeply.

Chhepka to Juphal

Today you mostly descend, with some small climbs thrown in. The first section takes you back through the forest, with a wild river below you. After Shyanta, the forest ends and you walk through a bit drier terrain. As you approach the check post of Shey Phoksundo National Park, you pass villages like Sangta (2520 m) and Kageni (2413 m).  After crossing a significant iron suspension bridge (the Dhim Bridge, 99 meters long), you should turn left (west) towards Juphal. Turning right (east) would bring you back to Dunai.

It takes approximately three hours to walk from the bridge to Juphal. The first part is a wide path passing through Kalagaonda; the second part is a small path passing through fields of barley and wheat with peaches, apricots, walnuts. To get to Juphal, you have to climb steeply.

Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

After the trip concludes, you fly back to Nepalgunj through the mountain valleys. Afterwards, you fly back to Kathmandu. The next day is free for you to explore or rest in Kathmandu, depending on your inclination.