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Jumla Phoksundo Lake - 21 days
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Dolpo is also called “Ba Yul” or the Hidden
valley is a land of mystery, scenery and peace.
Surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from south
and north, The Dolpo region is the natural
embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna
and sweeping vistas. The medicinal plant,
Yarchagumba (Coerdiopsis sinensis) a type of
wild mushroom is found in abundance in this
region. Extracts from Yarchagumba is believed to
significantly improve health and fitness. This
trekking is for combination of natural and
cultural phenomena which is enriched by the
traditional Tibetan cultural heritage. It is a
rain shadow area and was opened in 1991 for
trekking. The whole trekking areas in this
region stretches through and around Arun River
whose origin dates back to prehistoric period.
The Arun valley is one of the most beautiful
regions to trek in Nepal.
Dolpo is protected by Shey-Phoksundo National
Park. It lies to the north of the Dhaulagiri
Range bordering the Tibetan Plateau. Here one
can find a well-preserved eco-system of plants
and wildlife, including the blue sheep and the
elusive snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba
peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif
is one of the most rewarding moments of this
trek. A visit to the Phoksumdo Gompa – dedicated
to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo
and Tibet, is a memorable experience.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 21 Days
Trek type: Camping
Max Altitude: 5190 m.
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Minimum Pax: 2 +
Mode of travel: Flight
Grade: Strenuous
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which takes
about 40 minutes.
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Day 02 : |
Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla and it takes
30 minutes.
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Jumla (2370m.) to Dochal Ghara
(25340m.)and it takes seven hours.
To reach Jumla, confluence of Tila Khola and
Chaudhabise Khola (2330m.), you have to follow
quite flat route until Gariakot. This is a small
village with apple orchard, terraces, beautiful
green hills and it lies at the bank of Tila
Khola (stream). Now you go uphill all the way to
Dochal Ghara passing forests covered with pine,
oak, juniper and other local vegetation.
Moreover, you are quite charmed by the beauty of
green hills, local birds and sheds on the way.
Dochar Ghara is camping spot and you can see
sheds and beauty of nature.
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Dochal Ghara (25340m.) to
Gothi Chaur (3080m.) via Pattyata Lagna Pass
(2830m.) which takes about six hours.
The trails you follow is steep ascent up to
Pattyata Lagna Pass. En route, you come across
forests covered with pine, oak, rhododendron and
green hills. Crossing Lagna Pass, you begin to
follow gentle descent path passing through grass
land all the way to Gothi Chaur. There is a
sheep farm and you realize that you are
completely surrounded by pine forests.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Gothi Chaur to Naphukana
(3080m.) via Chotra (3010m.) and it takes about
six hours.
This day you trek through completely flat land
until you reach Naphukana along the bank of
Julitar Khola. En route you see terraces, pass
forests and villages situated at the bank of
river. Chotra is a typical village of West Nepal
which you come across while trekking. On the
other hand, Naphukana is a village where you
find monastery, chorten, mani walls and prayer
flags fluttering in the bridge. Mostly this is
inhabited by Gurung and Chhetri community.
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Napukhana to Balasa (2900m.)
via Mauri Lagna Pass (3820m.) and Chaurkot
(3060m.) which takes seven hours.
While trekking you move through flat land up to
Rulpatra passing through oak and rhododendron
forests with views of green hill, terraces and
villages. Rulpatra, situated at the bank of
Churta Khola (stream) is a small village with
monastery, chortens, mani walls and prayer
flags. This is mainly occupied by Gurung.
Leaving this village, you walk steep up to cross
Mauri Lagna Pass passing evergreen forests and
wooden bridge. After walking for couple of hours
through steep uphill you reach Chaurkot. En
route, you pass oak, pine, rhododendron forests.
Chaurkot is a village with hotels, tea houses,
lodges, camping sites and typical houses. To
reach Balasa, you trek mostly downhill and
through flat land for some distance. You walk
along the grass land. Balasa is a village with
lot of terraces, monastery, chorten, mani walls
and prayer flags.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Balasa to Forest Camp (3165m.)
via Rimi (2890m.) which takes about six hours.
Trekking downhill you reach Kai Gaon, a big
village with Police check point. En route, you
pass Rimi village and see terraces. Now you walk
through forests along flat path all the way to
Forest Camp. This is a camping spot surrounded
by green hills. This is adorned by alpine grass.
You can see some animals grazing here during
monsoon.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Forest Camp to Tibrikot (2100m.) via
Balangra La (3760m.) and Dagin (2930m.) and it
takes about seven hours.
You follow steep ascent path crossing suspension
bridge over Chang Khola until Dangi (2700m.). En
route you walk along the path covered by alpine
grass. Dangi is best defined as ridge and you
can see mani walls, temporary inhabited houses
and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
Leaving Dangi you have to walk through gentle
descent path all the way to Tibrikot following
Chang Khola and sometime you walk through pine
and oak forests, villages and terraces.
Tiberikot is a village mainly inhabited by
Chhetri, Gurung and few other communities. It
lies at the bank of Thulo Bheri Khola. There is
an attractive monastery, mani walls, chortens
and prayer flags which really welcome the
visitors. You find local people being involved
in farming and the main crops found here are
wheat, buck wheat, maize, barley, millet,
potatoes and green vegetables.
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Tibrikot to Dunai (2150m.) and it
takes about five hours.
This day you trek along the bank of Thulo Bheri
river passing through grassland and terraces,
local houses and people of different culture.
Dunai is the headquarter of Dolpa district. Here
you find administrative offices, lodges, hotels,
market and so on.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Dunai to Kanigaon (2540m.)
which takes seven hours.
To reach your destination you have to trek along
the bank of same river, Thulo Bheri river and
after some distance you cross suspension bridge.
On the way you enjoy walking through alpine
grass land. Few Kilometres away from Kanigaon
you trek gently up passing through Tarakot
village, terraces and alpine grass land. There
are few typical houses in Kanigoan with
terraces, small monastery, chorten, mani walls
and prayer flags.
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Day 08 : |
Trek from Kanigaon to Chheur (3610m.)
via Tilba Khola (3570m.) and Lahini (3160m.) and
it takes about seven hours.
You trek through gentle ascent path all the way
to Lahini. You are quite accompanied by
beautiful hills, grassland and few forests.
Lahini is village and a beautiful camp site as
well. From here you can see Thakpa Lake (5599m.)
and you become quite mesmerized by its beauty.
Leaving Lahini you head towards up hill to cross
suspension bridge over Tarap Khola. And you will
again have to cross suspension bridge to enter
Chheur. This is yet another village which
resembles much to Tibetan village. You can see
monastery, chorten, prayer flags, mani walls,
beautiful hills, typical houses and terraces.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Chheur to Sishul Khola
(3770m.) via Tol Tol (3680m.) and Gyam Gyar
(3740m.) and Serkam (3870m.) which takes about
six hours.
To reach Gyam Gyar you trek along the gentle
ascent path passing through alpine grass,
terraces and villages exhibiting Tibetan life
style. While walking you enjoy hills on both
sides. Gyam Gyar is a typical village with
monastery, mani walls, chortens, prayer flags,
Tibetan style houses and people being very close
to Tibetan life style. Now you again move gentle
ascent path passing through alpine grass land,
forests covered by juniper, hills and villages
at some distance. This day you can enjoy the
panoramic views of Norbukang (6000m.) and few
other hills and unnamed mountains. Serkam is a
village full of terraces, Tibetan style houses,
mani walls, prayer flags and typical Tibetan
culture. Leaving this typical Gurung village you
begin to follow gentle ascent path all the way
to Sichul Khola. En route, you can enjoy
panoramic mountain views of Norbukang, grass
land and hills on both sides. Sishul Khola is an
attractive camping site from where you can have
a panoramic view of Norbukang and hills with
villages at far distance.
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Day 10 : |
Trek from Sishul Khola to Do Tarap
(4150m.) and it takes about six hours.
While trekking this day you follow quite gentle
path along the bank of Tarap Khola (stream) and
you have to cross several suspension and wooden
bridges. On the way, you find some caves in the
grassland. Your walking is compensated by the
views of Norbukang. Do Tarap is a famous big
village. There are chortens, mani walls, few
monasteries, prayer flags and terraces where
farmers grow wheat, buck wheat, barley, potatoes
and green vegetables. You find tea houses, shops
with minimal supplies and lodges.
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Day 11 : |
Trek from Do Tarap to Tok-khyu (4180m.)
via Dorje Phorba Gompa (4170m.) which takes
about six hours.
This day you come across several villages, many
terraces while walking along the bank of Tarap
Khola. Not only this, you find many chortens,
monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags fluttering
in the breeze and local people who are very
close to Tibetan life style. Your destination,
Tok khyu is a Gurung village rich in Buddhist
culture. You find a beautiful monastery,
chortens, mani walls and prayer flags.
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Day 12 : |
Trek from Tok-khyu to Palungtang
(4465m.) via Numa La (4318m.) and it takes about
seven hours.
You trek along the steep ascent path crossing
grassland until you reach Numa La. En route you
are quite captivated by the panoramic views of
Norbukang. After crossing Numa La you follow the
same steep ascent path along the grassland till
Palungtang. At a time you have to cross
suspension bridge and wooden bridge as well over
Charaghari Khola. Palungtang is a village
surrounded by hills with temporary houses, yak
pasture
and terraces. For the first time you can see
Topo Peak (4900m.) in panorama. The Norbukang
Himal sparkles at the back.
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Day 13 : |
Trek from Palungtang to Dajok Tang
(4080m.) via Baga La (5190m.) which takes about
seven hours.
To cross Baga La you trek along the gentle
ascent path passing through grass land and
hills. After Baga La the trails turn gentle down
all the way to Dajok Tang. You find grassland on
both sides of your path and you can enjoy views
of Kanta Gaton in panorama. In Dojok Tang also
you find temporary houses, yak pastures and
hills.
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Day 14 : |
Trek from Dajok Tang to Phoksondo Lake
(3728m.) via Ringmo (3730m.) and it takes about
seven hours.
Till Ringmo the trails goes down hill. Here you
meet Sano Bheri Khola. Ringmo is a small village
inhabited by Gurung and Thakuri. The life style,
houses and tradition appear very close to Tibet.
Now you move along the flat land passing through
pine forests, grassland , terraces, hills and
villages at far distance. The views of Phoksondo
Lake appear before you. After crossing a wooden
bridge you reach the destination. Phoksondo Lake
is the deepest lake of the world. The big
village lying at the bank of this lake is quite
rich in Buddhist culture as there are
monasteries, chortens, mani walls, shops, prayer
flags, hotels, lodges, terraces and so on. This
village is beautifully surrounded by hills.
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Day 15 : |
Rest day at Phoksondo Lake for
excursion.
This day you can visit monastery and go in and
around the village to experience the typical
life style of people residing in this area. From
here you can enjoy the panoramic views of
Kanjelaruwa Peak (6612m.), Tso Peak (4716m.) and
many other unnamed peaks and mountains.
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Day 16 : |
Trek from Phoksondo Lake to Renje
(3010m.) via Palam (3340m.) which takes about
seven hours.
The early part of your trails till Palam move
through steep descent path passing beautiful
waterfall, hills, pine forests and mountain
views of Kanta Gaton (5916m.). Palam is a
village surrounded by green hills on two sides
and pine forest rest of the sides. You find
magnificent views of terraces, caves and typical
houses. To reach Renje you head towards gentle
descent path along the bank of Suli Khola. En
route you come across forests covered by
juniper, pine, rhododendron, oaks and other
natural vegetation.
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Day 17 : |
Trek from Renje to Chhepka (2670m.) via
Shirak (3010m.) and it takes about three hours.
To reach Shirak you follow down hill passing
through forests covered by pine, oak, juniper,
rhododendron and other natural vegetation. There
are chances to see deer and various species of
birds. Shirak is another village which is also
influenced by Tibetan lifestyle and culture.
Here you find terraces, monastery, chorten, mani
walls, prayer flags and Hindu and Buddhist
temples. Leaving this beautiful, you head your
trekking again towards downward all the way to
Chhepka. En route you see terraces, villages,
suspension bridge and forests covered by pine,
oak, juniper, rhododendron and other vegetation.
These forests are the home of various species of
birds and animals as well.
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Day 18 : |
Trek from Chhepka to Dunai ( 2150m.) via
Raktang (2260m.) which takes about five hours.
You trek along the gentle ascent path until you
reach Raktang. On the way you come across
forests covered by pine, oak, juniper,
rhododendron, bamboo and other natural
vegetation. There are chances to see animals
like deer and so on. These forests are rich in
various species of birds too. Leaving Raktang,
you go steep down for few hours and then your
trail moves along the flat land. En route you
cross several terraces, villages rich in typical
culture, check post and grass land. Your path is
quite surrounded by beautiful hills. Dunai is
the headquarters of Dolpa. There are
administrative offices, lodges, hotels, tea
houses, market and many other places to be
visited.
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Day 19 : |
Trek from Dunai to Juphal and it takes
about three hours.
This day you trek through flat land and steep up
as well. You come across several villages,
grassland and terraces. On the way you can enjoy
the magnificent views of surrounded hills.
Juphal is a village where there is an airport.
Moreover, you find shops, guest houses and
lodges (tea houses). The houses here are made in
Tibetan style.
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Day 20 : |
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj which takes
about 35 minutes.
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Day 21 : |
Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and it
takes about 40 minutes.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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