Trekking to Dolpo - Travel in Nepal

Trek to Dolpo

Trek informations West Nepal -

Lower and higher Dolpo

Dolpo is a marvelous Nepali region, not very frequented by the tourists who come into this country. So, the adventurers who desire to perform some popular trekking paths, like the one from the Everest base camp or the ones from the Annapurnas can enjoy the maximum from the generous nature and from the captivating landscape from the West of Nepal.

The Dolpo is protected from the monsoon thanks to its high mountain chain which creates a natural barrier in front of the heavy rain which falls to the rest of the country from June to August. Thus, trekking in Dolpo can be ideal for the visitors in this period of the year.

The Dolpo region was originally trekked in 1956 by the first occidental named David Snellgrove, after a long adventure which took him 7 months, accompanied by 3 Nepalese friends. Though, the Japanese monk Ekai Kawaguchi was one of the first foreigners who adventured in this savage region in 1890. They were heading towards Tibet.

It was only in 1989 that the Nepalese government opened the doors to the tourists. Since then, numerous trekking fans came here every day, and the region became another high mountains place suited for adventure.

This section dedicated to Dolpo offers information about trekking paths which are possible in this region of Jumla.

The walking time and the altitude of the places are approximate. A mountain guide is an essential element in this isolated region of Nepal.

Trekking permit for the High Dolpo

The place has strict rules and in order to go there, one should be in a group of minimum 2 persons, and the permit price is 50$ per day, for a minimum of 10 days.

Trekking permit for the Lower Dolpo

The price of the permit for the Lower Dolpo is 10$ for the entire trekking path. It should be bought from an accredited trekking agency.

Going to Dolpo

For the ones keen on walking and high mountains, there is the possibility to do a walking path of 10-12 days, starting from Pokhara. On the other hand, the typical way to get in Dolpo is the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. It takes about 1h30. Then, a trip towards Juphal from where it takes about 3 hours of walking until you get to the north-west of Dunai. The road back can be done through Jumla, via Nepalganj. In Nepal, delays, strikes or technical problems can cause a delay in getting back, so an itinerary with large time flexibility should be taken into account, in order to catch the return flight.

Trekking from Juphal to Dunai (2h30-3h00 of walking)

This path takes about 2h30-3h00, and it starts from the town of Juphal, situated at 2350m. The valley on Thuri Bheri can be admired from the path. The way to Dunay has a constant downhill of about one hour. After 10-15 minutes of walking after leaving Juphal, the trekkers can see the village of Dhangi Bhara. 40-45 minutes after this village, you will pass through the valley of Kala Gaura.

Trek from Dunai to Tarakot (4h-4h30 of walking)

This path follows again the south bank of the river. After 30 minutes from the start, Dunai can be seen in the right. At this point, the river must be crossed on a bridge. After a continuous ascent, you will get into the village of Hetaughar. In this moment, you will have about 2h or 2h30 of walking. After this short stage, you will encounter a hamlet called Byashgar. On the way to Tarakot, ascents and descents follow in succession. The town of Tarakot is situated 2800m above the sea level.

Trekking from Tarakot to Khanigaon (3h-3h30 of walking)

During these three hours of walking, you will pass close to the rivers Barbung and Yalakot. At 50 minutes from Tarakot, a bridge crosses the latter. Outside the valley, the road continues on the south bank of the river Barbung. The vegetation is present everywhere. This road will eventually lead to a bridge located at the confluence of rivers Barbung and Tarap. The bridge is named Shahartara.

Trekking from Khanigaon to Chukore (5h-5h30 of walking)

Trekking from Chukore to Kamorkharka (5h30-6h00 of walking)

Trekking from Kamorkharka to Dho (3h00 of walking)

Trekking from Dho to Numa La Camp (2h00-2h30 of walking)

Trekking from Numa La Camp to Baga La Camp (7-8 hours of walking)

Trekking from Baga La Camp to Sanu Bheri Valley (5h-5h30 of walking)

Trekking from Sanu Bheri Valley to Lake Phoksundo (4h-5h00 of walking)

Trekking from Lake Phoksundo to Pugmo Valley (4-5 hours of walking)

Trekking from Pugmo Valley to Lasa Meadow (4-5 hours of walking)

Trekking from Lasa Meadow to Garpung Valley (4h30 of walking)

Trek from Garpung Valley to Hurikot (5-6 hours of walking)

Trek from Hurikot to Forest Camp (5 hours of walking)

In this moment, it’s important to choose the path that you want to do. The tourists have the options to choose between Baharla Lagna (4290m altitude) and Mauria Bhanjyang (3820m). The first one, also called La Barbaria, is well known for its splendid view of Mata Tumpa. On the other hand, Mauria Bhanjyang offers a very nice view over Daulagiri.

Trek from forest Camp to Churta