Dolpo Trekking

18 Days

Dolpo Trekking: A Journey into the Remote Himalayas

Welcome to Dolpo, a hidden gem nestled in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal. Dolpo Trekking offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure for those seeking pristine landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and untouched wilderness. This extraordinary trek takes you through high mountain passes, deep canyons, and traditional villages, providing an unforgettable experience for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Key Highlights:

  1. Shey Phoksundo Lake:
    • Begin your Dolpo adventure with a visit to Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest alpine lakes in the world.
    • Marvel at the stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient monasteries.
  2. Remote Villages and Monasteries:
    • Trek through remote villages like Dho Tarap, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas.
    • Encounter the unique culture of the Dolpo people, who have preserved their Tibetan traditions for centuries.
    • Visit ancient monasteries, such as the Shey Gompa, offering insights into the spiritual heritage of the region.
  3. High Mountain Passes:
    • Challenge yourself with high-altitude trekking, including crossing the challenging Kang La and Sela Passes.
    • Witness panoramic views of the Dolpo Valley, surrounding peaks, and vast landscapes from these breathtaking vantage points.
  4. Phoksundo Waterfall and National Park:
    • Explore the mesmerizing Phoksundo Waterfall, cascading down from the heights of the Dolpo plateau.
    • Traverse Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.
  • Best Time to Trek: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and clear mountain views.
  • Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits, including the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Dolpo.

Why Dolpo Trekking?

  • Unparalleled natural beauty and remote wilderness.
  • Authentic cultural experiences with the Dolpo people.
  • Challenging trekking routes for adventure enthusiasts.
  • Limited tourist traffic, providing a sense of exclusivity.

Embark on the Dolpo Trekking adventure and discover a world of untouched beauty, ancient traditions, and Himalayan grandeur. This journey promises an escape into the heart of the pristine Dolpo region, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Overview

Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.

The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the Old French word travail, which means ‘work’. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century.

It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil). In English we still occasionally use the words “travail”, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers’ Tales (2004), the words “travel” and “travail” both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means “three stakes”, as in to impale).

 

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, explore cultural sites, and take an evening flight to Nepalgunj.
Overnight stay in Nepalgunj, preparing for the upcoming adventure.

Take a scenic flight to Jhupal and commence trekking to Dunai.
Acclimate to the altitude in Dunai while exploring the local surroundings and engaging with the local culture.

Trek through enchanting landscapes, dense forests, and remote villages to reach Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Spend several days exploring the lakeside, visiting nearby monasteries, and interacting with the local communities.
Enjoy the tranquility of the region and marvel at the turquoise waters of the lake.

Embark on a challenging trek, crossing high passes such as Kang La and Sela Pass.
Traverse through the ancient villages of Dho Tarap, experiencing the unique culture of the Dolpo people.
Explore monasteries, interact with locals, and witness the traditional way of life in these remote settlements.

Trek back to Jhupal, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way.
Take a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu.
Spend the last day exploring Kathmandu, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting any missed cultural sites.
Depart from Kathmandu with cherished memories of the Dolpo Trek.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Dolpo Trekking

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