Detail Itinerary
Day 01- Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to a hotel.
Day 02- Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel
We take an hour's flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj which is a border town near Nepal-India border is the gateway to Simikot of Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town of Nepal with influences from both the Nepal hills and plains as well as local Hindu & Muslim cultures. Some sightseeing places in Nepalgunj include Mini Zoo, Muslim bazaar, or if possible and interested take a walk into nearby villages. We have to also make preparations for tomorrow's flight to Jhupal.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Dolpo)[2,320m] and trek to Dunai [2,850m/9,348ft]: 2-3 hrs walk
After an early breakfast, we take a morning flight to Jhupal. The 45minutes flight over the high mountains brings you to Jhupal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jhupal our trekking staff will receive you. 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. Dunai is the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region. Explore Dunai in the evening.
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot [2,543m]: 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast we start our trek along the south bank of the river heading upstream on a good trail. Deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. A tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meter above the river. The colorful terraced field of Tarakot greets us. Tarakot is an old fortress town built by the local people as Dzong or fort. The village stands on a hillock to the south of Bheri River at one time supervised collection of tolls for the trading caravans.
Day 06: Trek to Laini [3,160 m]: 6-7 hrs walk
After breakfast, we continue our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu River. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages. After a few ups and downs, we finally descended to reach our overnight camp at Laini.
Day 07: Trek to Nawarpani [3,545m]: 5 hrs walk
After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes a narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chyugur Khola. Sometimes the path vanishes for a while, making our own path across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge.
Day 08: Trek to Do Tarap [4,090m]: 7-8 hrs walk
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 a few hours of good 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 Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations.
Day 09: Rest Day at Do Tarap for acclimatization
We spend a rest day in Do Tarap to gradually get used to the altitude. Time to visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views. Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba aur dhokha (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 Bon po and Nyingmapa of the Buddhist sect. The Buddhist Gompa is nearby to the camp while the Bon Gompa (pre Buddhist) is about half an hour's walk.
Day 10: Trek to Numa La Base Camp [4440m]: 6-7 hrs walk
After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours' good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu, which has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visiting this village our walk continues further up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach our overnight camp beneath the Numa-la.
Day 11: Cross Numa La [5,190m ], and camp at Pelung Tang [4465m]: 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 a 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.
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.
Day 13: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m): 3-4 hrs walk
After breakfast 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.
Day 14: Rest Day at Ringmo for a hike to Phoksundo Lake
A rest and exploration day. And of course we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksundo Lake; remember the harrowing scene in 'Himalaya' when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the 'Devil's Trail'. 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 a pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and the 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 great views. overnight at camp.
Day 15: Trek to Shyanta [2520m]: 5-6 hrs walk
Trek downhill to Chepka. From Chepka the trail follows the massive overhanging rock. We found many important medicinal minerals which are believed to cure almost anything in this area. The route then passes through the villages, before climbing to Shyanta.
Day 16: Trek to Jhupal
Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Bhopal via Sunlight. We met tall birch trees on our way. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
We take a flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catching up on some last minute shopping and celebrating dinner together with Himalayan Glacier Trekking staff. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 18 : Kathmandu Departure
Free for adequate personal activities till departure transfer from hotel to the International.
