Overview
The life of a trekker is not achieved, unless done in the isolated valleys of the Himalayas of Nepal to Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo, where you are blessed with the bounties of nature and man at its best. This trek is in the trans-Himalayan ecosystem, where some of the rarest species of wildlife like blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, leopards, wolves, and the hard to sight snow leopard are there for the trekker’s discovery. This region is also home to the last remnants of the Tibetan culture, which is also the highest settlement in the world at 4260m and evolved around the Buddhist culture. The model villages on these high pass trails are some of the most magnificent ones which one would encounter in such terrain.
The trek takes you past gigantic cascading waterfalls, past difficult trails to a gompa named after the Crystal Mountain that has nine complexes and Mandalas of ceiling paintings depicting the life of Buddhism.
The trek in the Dolpo region is done following the Suli Gad River, where one passes through thick conifer forests and villages of both the Thakuri and Buddhist communities, all in the vicinity of colossal Mount Dhaulagiri looking down on you.
Itinerary
You will be met at Tribhuwan International Airport by a representative of Green Lotus Trekking holding a welcome placard and token for your overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu and to freshen up. Prior to dinner, a briefing will be held. You could spend the rest of the day resting or wandering around the city of Kathmandu, sightseeing.
We get to the border town of Nepalgunj by an hour’s flight, which is of interest as we get to view the intricate branches of streams and rivers flowing southwards, which gave life to civilization. We get to rest and see what life is like in the Terai (plains) of Nepal, where religions and various cultures live in relative harmony. O/N stay in the lodge.
We get some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north after our morning flight to Jhupal over Nepal’s foothills. On reception by our staff at the airport, your trek begins in earnest through terraced fields to the Bheri River through its narrow gorge. We then camp for the night just outside Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of Dolpo.
We continue our trek via the south bank of the river, heading upstream on a good trail. Going deeper, we pass through massive gorges, suspension bridges, and far-flung villages. We are eventually welcomed by the terraced fields just before Tarakot at the confluence of Barbung Khola (stream) and the Tarup Chu River. After a couple of ascents and descents, we get to our camping site for the night.
The day’s trek initially moves along the bank of the Tarap Cho River, crossing it twice over suspension bridges. We eventually pass the famed Sandul Gompa east of Tarakot at the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarup Cho Rivers. The path then takes us through terraced fields and, after a few descents and ascents, we arrive at our camping site for the night.
The trek continues high above the Tarap River gorge on a path with steep slopes. It is an exciting hike as the gorges are narrow in some places and you could hop across in others. On descending to Chyugur Khola, the path totally disappears altogether. Finally, the path becomes a slab stone trail placed on logs in the walls of the slopes, which act as a bridge. Eventually, we get to our camping site just outside Nawarpani, where we stop for the night.
The day’s trek slowly leads up to Kamattarka at the junction of the Tarap Chu River and Lang Khola (stream) from the east. After a couple of hours’ walk, departing from the gorge, the trail is above the tree line of juniper bushes and wild roses that are characteristic of the Himalayan Valleys. A few hours later, we reach Do Tarap, a village surrounded by irregular walls. The village, a hybrid of Tibetan and Magar communities, has lived in social harmony for centuries.
Since we are at quite a high altitude, it becomes a necessity that we acclimatize to a lower level of air in the atmosphere, and there is no better place to do so than in Do Tarap. We can make friends with the local people who are most welcoming into their homes to see their lifestyles and especially the way they have spun and woven clothes for generations, which might entice you into purchasing some. You are also free to investigate the surrounding milieu.
Our day’s trek continues to the Upper Tarap Valley. It moves along the upper plains of the valley, which show off its lush verdure grass on both sides of the river. The trek then continues on a nice track upstream of the Tarap Chu. After a few hours of pleasant walking, we get to the village of Tokyo, with its monastery of the Chiba sect. We then continue down the valley to descend again for a few more hours to reach our destination for the day at Numa La Camp.
Today’s trek is going to test the grit in us, as we trek, which in fact is a grueling walk to Numa La Pass (5190m), not without the magnificent views of the surrounding surreal landscape. It is a scintillating view of the Dolpo barren mountains right up to Dhaulagiri (8167m). After which, it is a relief to descend to our camp for the night at Pelung Tang.
Starting with a steep climb, we get to the pass at Baga-la (5070m) offering us some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and far off snow capped peaks. After the breathtaking view, it is a few hours descend to Dajok Tang for an overnight halt.
The day’s trek begins in a pine forest. On leaving this forest, the terrain changes to that of pastoral kind and alpine shrubs. It is all gradual ascents and descents all the way to Ringmo.
We can call this a day of rest with a short trip to the coruscating lake called Phoksundo, plus a visit to the nearby settlements of Saldanj and Thinje, which is worth a visit due to the monastery there.
It is a downhill trek to Chepka from where the path is via a massive overhanging rock that is supposedly containing healing minerals. Just before we get to Shyanta there is a stiff climb.
Today’s trek takes us back to our starting point on the trek via Suligath. We reach our destination in the mid afternoon, after which we rest for the remaining part of the day to get feeling back into our tired muscles.
Today we head back to Kathmandu via flight to Nepalgunj, where we change planes for Kathmandu and then rest for the remaining part of the day or go sightseeing in the capital city of the beautiful country to buy souvenirs for folks back home.
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
US $3500 Per Person
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Local English speaking guide, porter(s)
- Sleeping bag & down jacket
- Full camping support (equipment, staff, meals)
- Local airfare (Kathmandu-Nepalgun-Juphal return)
- All trekking related fees
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare, Nepal Visa,Insurance
- All your Kathmandu accomodation and meals
- Gratitude and tips (allow $5 per day
- Departure tax ($28)
You can find good places to trek somewhere in the Himalayas at anytime of the year. However for most regions the best time is from October to May, with Oct-Nov having best weather for trekking. During the autumn nights are cold in the high Himalaya, but the bright sun makes for pleasant daytime temperature (20 degree centigrade to 5 centigrade in the night). Above 3500m temperature range goes down to -10 degree centigrade, and in winter (Dec-Jan) it is about 10 degrees colder.
Whilst you do not need to be super-fit, you need to be fit enough to comfortably walk for 5-6 hours per day in the mountains on reasonable trails. Most of our customers have an interest in walking in the hills or countryside of their homeland and are used to similar daily trips.
We pride ourselves in our small group approach to Adventure Travel. Small groups allow you to share great company without crowding your experience. Our typical groups range in size from 2 up to 8. One of the attractions of such a trip is the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and personalities.
If this is the case, we can organize a personalized trek for you. Additionally if you want to spend more time in Kathmandu before or after a trek we can organize the hotels and quote you a price.
If you are group of two and more the trip is guaranteed to run.
Usually our clients simply bring their existing clothing and equipment and if necessary supplement this with some extra items purchased cheaply in Kathmandu.
What gear to bring?
Passport (with photocopies)
Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
Day pack for daily personal items
For Trekking:
Walking boots
Light sandals or plimsolls to wear in the lodges
2 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of walking socks
2 warm shirts/ thin fleece
1 pair of thin thermal under trousers.
Long trousers for walking (or long skirt for women)
T shirt
Shorts
Gloves (it’s cold on the Thorung La, Laurebina Pass and Cho La)
Warm hat which covers your ears (for the Kali Gandaki and Thorung La – it’s windy)
Base ball cap or broad brim hat to keep the sun off (Australian Barmah recommended)
Sunglasses (vital)
Sun cream
Soap and soap dish
Small towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizing lotion
Head torch
Moisturizer, Lip balm
Tampons – hard to buy in rural areas
Ear plugs for light sleepers
Toiletries
Sheet of plastic (Use as a poncho if it rains)
1 roll of toilet paper. You can buy more on the way.
2 large plastic bag. One for smelly clothes, one for things which must be kept dry.
Small good quality padlock
Water bottle
Iodine tablets for water purification
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
Notes. All of the trekking items are available in Kathmandu at nominal prices. However we suggest you bring hiking boots from your home country if you decided to purchase these items in Kathmandu.
Yes, all hotels provide storage facility for free.
Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. It is a condition of booking a tour with Green Lotus Trekking, and your responsibility to ensure for type of tours you are undertaking; the policy must include satisfactory cover for repatriation, high altitudes, trekking and climbing, and helicopter rescue. Please forward your insurance details (e.g. policy number, 24-hour emergency telephone number, name of insurance company) to Green Lotus Trekking when available.
Yes. You can apply in your home country thorough Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or obtain it at the airport on arrival by paying fee as below:
Multiple entry 15 days: US $25
Multiple entry 30 days: US $40
Multiple entry 90 days: US $100
Notes. We suggest you to bring the exact change. You also need bring 2 passport size photo.
Tourist Visa Extension
Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
Gratis (Free) Visa
Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
Normally single trekkers have no problems fitting in with a group. Normally single trekkers share rooms or lodges with other trekkers of the same sex, but if we have an odd-number we ensure that a room or lodge is organised accordingly.
To confirm your booking we will require deposit of $250 for treks and $300 for a peak climbing which can be made by bank transfer or online through paypal.com (leading transaction site). The balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash or traveler cheque. Alternatively balance can be paid by bank transfer or PayPal shortly before arriving in Kathmandu.
Following details is needed to process your trekking permit, national park permit, flight booking etc.
Gender:
First Name:
Last Name:
Passport number:
Expiry date:
Place of issue:
Nationality:
Date of birth:
Occupation:
Your arrival details (time, date, flight no., airlines):
All above info can be sent electronically via email.
You will typically walk 4-9 miles (5-8 hours) each day. Some days may be rest days for impromptu exploration. In high and steep areas, you may move more slowly. Most people begin to feel the effects of high altitude over about 2000 meters and your trekking pace is always adjusted to permit safe acclimatization. Our treks follow established trails used by local people. You will probably carry only a light day pack.
You can hike at your own pace, stopping when you wish. There is ample time to cover the necessary hiking distance each day with lots of stops. If you are on a private trek, you may wish to take more or fewer days to cover a given distance, or add in rest days. If you like to hike fast, your guide will be concerned that you acclimatize to high altitude effectively. You may wish to reach camp at a measured pace, but take a side hike after camp arrival. Your guide is always interested to learn about your personal interests and to accommodate those interests as the trip permits.
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia/ sleeplessness
Persistent headaches
Dizziness, light headaches, confusion
Disorientation, drunken gait
Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, slight swelling of hands and face
Breathlessness and breathing irregularly
Reduced urine output
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of the appearance of any of the above symptoms, any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur which can cause death, sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.
Our itineraries are designed so that our clients ascend at a sensible and safe rate. The effects of altitude are felt by everyone, even the Sherpas, but most people find that gentle acclimatization allows them to reach their high point without any problems.
Tea House accommodation: There are a number of lodges along the popular trekking routes in Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. These lodges are called Tea House Lodges and managed by local people. These lodges have basic requirements for over night accommodation like private rooms, dormitories, toilets, shower room with hot and cold water, and one attached restaurant. The quality of food offered might vary from lodge to lodge but most serve simple and hygienic meals. The teahouse trekking provides you an opportunity to feel the warm hospitality of friendly Nepali hosts. The money you spend goes to the local community.
Camping Trekking
In a typical camping trekking, each pair of trekkers will sleep in a spacious mountain tent with a durable rain, fly, and full insect netting. The tent is fitted with foam mattresses. When your campsite is near villages or lodges you may be invited to sleep in the lodges or homes of local people.
Breakfast options includes Oatmeal,French toast,Chapatti, Tibetan bread, eggs,, pancakes,, muesli and for Lunch or dinner you can have sandwich, soups momo (dumpling), macaroni dishes, pizzas, noodles, steak, dal bhat (rice, lentils, veg platter) pasta etc.
Our trekking guides are carefully selected for their ability and are generally from Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and other communities from remote mountain villages. Each guide is trained and has abilities in eco-friendly trekking methods and safety. They help to maintain your health and your happiness as well as his crew members. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, come back safe and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you his country’s specialties and, perhaps, meet his home and family too.
Services of porters and pack-animals to carry your luggage and equipment are hired at the beginning of a trek to make sure that most of the costs our clients pay go directly into the local community where you trek.
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $2- 5 dollars per day for the guide and $1.5 to 3 dollars per day per porter. The total amount can then be divided among the group.
Please have them contact at any of the following numbers:
Cells: +977-9841250258, +977-9841269376
We check email frequently throughout the days so you could also write to our email: info@green-lotus-trekking.com if it’s not urgent.
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