Dolpo! The word conjures up visions of mysterious monasteries of snow leopards and blue sheep. A land beyond the Himalaya. Laying in western Nepal, Dolpo is one of the most remote of Nepal’s regions. By special permit, through our Nepalese tour operator, we are able to offer this-day trek through upper and lower Dolpo. In addition to trekking we will spend a day rafting on the Trisuli River, three days in remote Bardia National Park (looking for rhinos and tigers) and 4 days in Kathmandu visiting Buddhist & Hindu shrines and temples.
Our route follows much of the route taken by Peter Mathiessen and George Shaller as described in "The snow Leopard”. We trek 200 miles, averaging 10 miles a day. We spend 6-8 hours a day trekking .Several layover days are planned. Porters carry a day pack with the things you need for the day. Participants should be in good shape. We are at high elevation much of the time on this trip. Five passes, over 16,500 feet, are crossed . Steep climbs and descents are made.
We use a reputable, local, trekking agency that is licensed by the Nepalese government and is environmentally friendly. Their guides are some of the best in Nepal. Ron Yarnell, the owner of Wilderness: Alaska/ Mexico, accompanies the trip as your leader.
Itinerary
- Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu. You will be met at the airport and transported to our hotel.
- Day 02 Tour the Buddhist sites of Swayambhunath and Bodhanath on the edge of the city.
- Day 03 After breakfast we travel by van 3 hours to the Trisuli River.
- Day 04 Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (elevation 8900 feet)
- Day 05/06 Climbing 3000 feet out the Kali Gandaki Valley
- Day 07/09 We ascend the convoluted Chalung gorge, then climb 400 feet, to 16,800- foot, Sangdak Pass, the eastern entrance to Dolpo.
- Day 10/13 From Chharka we climb 3000 feet to Chharka Pass (16,500), then descend into the Keheng Khola.
- Day 14/15 Entering Phoksundo National Park, we climb 3000 feet over a 17,300
- Day 16/18 Leaving Shey Gomba we climb 3200 feet over a 17200- foot pass.
- Day 19/20 From Phoksundo lake we descend past the spectacular waterfall draining the lake.
- Day 21/22 Climb 3000 feet to the summit of Kagmara Pass( 16,800)
- Day 23/24 Descend Garpung Khola 8 miles to Hurikot and the park boundary
- Day 25 Ascend steeply, 2300 feet, through forests of pine and oak, across avalanche tracks to Mauriya Pass (elevation 12,500).
- Day 26 For the next two days we descend the Tila valley through spruce forests,
- Day 27 From Jumla we fly to Nepalgunj , then drive to Bardia National Park
- Day 28 Drive back to Nepalgunj and fly to Kathmandu . Dinner is not included today.
- Day 29 Today is a layover day in Kathmandu for shopping . Meals are not included.
- Day 30 The end of the trip. You are free to return home today.
Cost Details
Accomudation in Kathmandu with breakfast
All necessary transportations by private vehicle
Airport pick up/drops on private vehicles
First aid kits
All government taxes and official charges.
Airfare: Kathmandu - Tumlingtar
Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, assistant cook and Porters
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs
All Permit, TIMS and entrance fees
Personal equipment such as sleeping bags/ jackets (if you do not have we can arrange within US $1.00/day for two items)
- Nepal entry visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days).
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
- International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
- Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
- Personal travel insurance and medical bills
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)