Dolpo Trek

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Dolpo Trek

Overview
Dolpo is a high-altitude culturally Tibetan region in the upper part of the Dolpa District of western Nepal, bordered in the north by China. Part of the region lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park. The sparse, agro-pastoral population, known as Dolpo in standard Tibetan and Dhol-wa in the local dialect, is connected to the rest of Nepal via Jufal airport, which can be reached in three days by horse. There are no precise population numbers for the region, with estimates including less than 5,000 and 18,000
 
The Dolpo are generally adherents of Bon, a religion whose origins predate Buddhism but whose modern form is officially accepted as a fifth school of Tibetan Buddhism. The remote region has preserved its Tibetan culture in relatively pure form, making it attractive to Westerners. Dolpa was the location for the 1999 Oscar-nominated film Himalaya and more recently for the German documentary Dolpo Tulku.
 
Dolpo region which was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book - The Snow Leopard. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a huge success and was also nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category.
In spite of the near inaccessibility of the region and tourism restrictions for the more remote parts, Dolpa is a popular destination for trekking tourism.
General information on Upper Dolpo Trek:
 
INTRODUCTORY
Ba-Yul, the hidden land of Dolpo, was first settled by Rokpa farmers and Drokpa nomads from Tibet in the 10th century. It is one of the highest inhabited places on earth, with scattered fortress-like villages and monasteries nestling amongst mountains of stark, ascetic beauty. Though part of Nepal today, Dolpo remains culturally and economically firmly tied to Tibet, the people of this desolate area are cut off from their southern neighbors by snow-covered passes for most of the year. This is a fascinating and difficult part of the country to travel in. 
 
Most of Dolpo is protected by Shey Phoksumdo National Park. It is bounded in the east and south by Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal ranges and in the west by the Jumla district. Dolpo has been bypassed by development and until recently by tourism. Although a few Anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, the entire district was closed to foreigners until 1989, when southern parts of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups.
 
Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard and David Snellgrove's Himalayan Pilgrimage have contributed to the mystique and attraction of Dolpo. Both writers visited the Shey Gompa, to the north of the Phoksumdo Lake, in inner Dolpo. This is the goal of most trekkers but this Dolpo trek will take you even further into this mysterious land…
 
Dolpo is Bon-pro country, where people practice a shamanistic religion predating Tibetan Buddhism.
 
Much of Bon-po symbolism is the opposite of Buddhist practice. You should walk to the right of ancient mud ‘chortens’, which are inscribed with swastikas with their arms pointing in the opposite direction to the Buddhist chant of "om mani padme hum", the Bon-pos chant 'om ma tri mu ye sa le du", in Tibetan means "in clarity unite'.
 
Phoksumdo Lake
The lake is spectacular, it is 4.8km long, 1.8km wide and said to be 650m deep. It is known for its aquamarine color a greenish blue similar to a special Tibetan turquoise .There is no aquatic life in the lake, which helps to make the waters brilliantly clear. If you toss a rock in, you can watch it for a long time as it sinks to the bottom. According to legend, Phoksumdo Lake was formed by a spiteful female demon
 
In Buddhist Himalaya, David Snellgrove recounts how the demon was fleeing from the saint Padmasambhava and gave the village people a turquoise after they promised not to tell that she had passed by. Padmasambhava turned the turquoise into a lump of dung, which upset the local people so much they revealed the demon's whereabouts. She, in return caused a flood. It is said you can see the remains of a village below the lake's surface.

Itinerary at a glance

Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day02: Sightseeing Of Kathmandu Valley
Day03: Transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Nepalgunj.
Day04: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2150m)
Day05: Dunai to Tarakot (2550m)
Day06: Tarakot to Lahini Kharka (3450m)
Day07: Lahini Kharka to Thulo Odar (3550m)
Day08: Thulo Odar to Dho Tarap (4050m)
Day09: Acclimatisation at Dho Tarap
Day10: Dho Tarap to Numa La Camp (4350m)
Day11: Numa La Phedi to Yak Kharka (4550m) via Numa La Pass (5180m)
Day12: Yak Kharka to Roman Kharka (4000m) via Bag La Pass (5070m).
Day13: Roman Kharka to Phoksundo Lake (3730m).
Day14: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake to explore the lake surroundings.
Day15: Hoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2700m).
Day16: Chhepaka to Juphal (2500m).
Day17: Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj and connection flight to Kathmandu.

 

 

Detailed Itinerary

17 Days / 16 Nights

Arrival in Kathmandu
Receive upon arrival from International airport in Kathmandu by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Remaining time will be at leisure to browse around on own.

Tribhuvan International airport

Tribhuvan International airport

Suspension bridge

Suspension Bridge

Kathmandu
While we will be proceeding to acquire the special permit for the trek to Dolpo region from the government office, you may proceed for sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhnath stupa.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Fly to Nepalgunj
Transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj airport you will be received by the trekking crew and be transferred to the Hotel in Nepalgunj. Remaining time is at leisure to take a stroll around.
O/N at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Summit

Summit

Annapurna

Annapurna

Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2150m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Tarakot

Tarakot

Dunai to Tarakot (2550m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Tarakot to Lahini Kharka (3450m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Tarn Lake

Tarn Lake

Summit

Summit

Lahini Kharka to Thulo Odar (3550m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Thulo Odar to Dho Tarap (4050m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Gokyo Lake

Gokyo Lake

Mount Everest

Mount Everest

Acclimatisation at Dho Tarap 
Overnight at tented camp.

Dho Tarap to Numa La Camp (4350m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Nepal

Nepal

Mountaineering

Mountaineering

Numa La Phedi to Yak Kharka (4550m) via Numa La Pass (5180m)
Overnight at tented camp.

Yak Kharka to Roman Kharka (4000m) via Bag La Pass (5070m).
Overnight at tented camp.

 


Summit

Summit

Roman Kharka to Phoksundo Lake (3730m).
Overnight at tented camp.

Far West Nepal

Far West Nepal

Phoksundo lake

Phoksundo lake

Rest day at Phoksundo Lake to explore the lake surroundings. 
Overnight at tented camp.

Phoksundo lake to Chhepka (2700m). 
Overnight at tented camp.

Chhepka

Chhepka

gosaikunda dhunche

gosaikunda dhunche

Chhepaka to Juphal (2500m). 
Overnight at tented camp.

Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj and connection flight to Kathmandu.

airpot

Airpot

includes

Two way airfare for Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Kathmandu.

Two way airfare for Nepalgunj / Juphal / Nepalgunj.

Twin share accommodation at the Hotel in Kathmandu and in Nepalgunj.

14 days trek to Dolpo, as specified in the above itinerary on full board with accommodation at A shaped tents on the trekking trail.

All the trekking gears such as kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, cooking utensils mattresses etc.

A team of the Sherpa crew members such as Sirdar, Sherpa guide, cook, kitchen boys, porters.

All the airport transfers as specified in the above itinerary by private vehicle.

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking professional guide on a private vehicle and with the entrance fees to the monuments during the sight seeing tour.

Equipments, lodging, fooding and clothing for porters and the staffs.

excludes

Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.

Insurances of any kind and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Yacca Travels & Tours.

Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.

Gallery

TRIP INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION
 
TRIP GRADE - Strenuous Trek
This is a long trek that goes far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists, to remote areas of the country where the landscapes are wild and untamed and where the local inhabitants have seen little change in their way of life for centuries- untouched corners of an increasingly crowded planet. It is physically challenging, likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and strenuous activities, such as, climbing/ scrambling across high passes.
 
TREK TYPE
Camping trek
Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents
 
ACCOMMODATION
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’.
 
MEALS & DRINKING WATER
We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. 
 
After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. 
 
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, 
 
Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors. 

PERSONAL EXPENSES
On this trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places). 
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
 
COMMUNICATION
Cell phone can be used at most of the trekking route.
 
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. 
 
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Your typical day begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.
 
Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep. 

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO
The best seasons to trek in the upper Dolpo region are Autumn (from mid-September till November end) and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C and 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C).The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Dolpo region being located in rain shadow area it may be possible to trek during monsoon but domestic flights are often disrupted by heavy monsoon cloud and rain.
 
March, April, May, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the time that is convenient for you.
 
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Dolpo consists of an ethnic group called Bhotias (with Tibetan origins), Magar, and Gurung. The Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo) are mongoloid featured people with unique cultural and social traditions. Apart from speaking Tibetan, they speak kaike language which is believed to exist only in Dolpo. They are engaged in farming, sheep herding and small scale business. Agriculture on a large scale is impossible because fertile land is scarce. Historically, the men of Dolpo were salt traders. They used to travel across the great Himalayas with their yaks and horses to bring salt from Tibet.
 
Marriages in Dolpo are very relaxed in general. Pre-marital and extra-marital sex union is not prejudiced. All the brothers in a family marry a common wife. Marriages can be of any type; by arrangement, capture or elopement.
Their main festival is ‘Losar’ (Tibetan New Year), celebrated in the month of February. 
Another festival they generally celebrate is ‘Yul-lha’ ceremony which is a ritual to appease the Gods.
 
ITINERARY CHANGES
The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. 
However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative depending on circumstances.
 
TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. 
 
HEALTH ISSUES
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. 
 
The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor. For your safety, we also carry the ‘Portable Altitude Chamber’ or ‘Gamow Bag’. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate.
 
For your service, we carry a medical kit with standard prescribed medicines along with a users’ manual which you can use upon your own risk. We do not take any medical liability since our staffs are not qualified to prescribe medicines.
 
If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude area before booking. We suggest that you take enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. 
 
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
 
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. 
 

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Yacca Travels & Tours, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible. 
 
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. 
 
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
 

PORTERS AND STAFF CARE FOR
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG - www.ippg.net). 

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