Dolpo Short Trek

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Style: Home Stay
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals: BLD (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge &Tent
  • Group Size: Minimum Two Person
  • Max Altitude: 4500/14,760Ft

Highlights of Dolpo Short Trek

1. Polyandry:

Polyandry is a ancient tradition in the Dolpo region in which the brothers of a family share the same wife. The wife usually has more than 2 husbands numbering upto 6-8. The wife has a major role to maintain equal relation, affection and love among all the husbands. She has to read the psychology of the husbands and provide sexual satisfaction to them. Sometimes she has to provide the sexual services to three of four husbands in a night. This tradition is has a history of development to prevent from splitting the property of the house.

2. Sky Burial :

Sky burial is considred to be a practice of Buddhism in the Upper Dolpo region. This ritual was developed to imitate the act of compassion shown by Buddha who saved a starving tigress by offering his own body. This belief has shaped a foundation that even after death, the human body is useful and can be used to satisfy the hunger of the starving vultures. The rital is so famous that Buddhist people from all over the world bring dead bodies to the Dolpo region to perform this ritual. In this ritual, the lama separates the hair from the skull, separates flesh from the bone and chops down all the bones into small pieces. At first he gives the bones and organs to the wild vultures and later serves the flesh. The tradition is held three days after the death of the person. This tradition is said to clean all the sins done by the person and get a place in heaven.

Dolpo Short Trek is a natural splendor and a first choice to the trekkers who seek unspoiled and unexploited lands that gives a pure vibe of trekking. If you have been a serious trekking enthusiast and prefer routes that have not been rearranged by the influx of crowd, then Dolpo Short trek is just for you.

Dolpo Short Trek

Located in the Northwest region of Nepal, and nearby the Tibetan border, the Dolpo region has its own rustic charm because of its remoteness. Opened for travelers after the late eighties, this region got its fame after Peter Mathesons narrated his journey of the Dolpo Region in his book “The Snow Leopard”.

Dolpo Region has so much to offer despite its wilderness and remoteness. The hidden valleys, the Shey Gumpa; an ancient Buddhist monastery, breathtaking view of turquoise Phoksundo lake, the high Himalayas, The largest National park: shey Phoksundo National Park, live in Buddhism Bon Po Culture, witness Yak Caravan walk-in desert, pie forests, high passes trails and rare wild animals such as musk deer, thar, blue sheep, ghoral, snow leopard and the unique and astonishing culture of the local people. The Dolpo region trek is filled with Buddhist lifestyle, culture, tradition and history. It has also been a shooting hub for many movies such as “Himalayas” which was nominated for an Oscar.

Children in Dolpo

Dolpo region is very vast in size and covers about 6% of the total area of the country Nepal. Split into two regions; Upper dolpo region and lower Dolpo region, the areas have been explored frequently in the recent years to understand the depth of beauty Dolpo region has to offer. However, the treks to the Upper Region and the lower region are usually done separately and are comparatively very long treks.

With years of experiences in the Dolpo region and by understanding the need of a shorter dolpo trek that covers both the region in a shoter time frame, the team of Orbit Alpine Adventure has designed a short itinerary for fellow travelers. This short Dolpo Trek can be experienced by any trekkers who want to explore both the regions but are short of time.

FAQ

1. What Permits & Regulations do I need?

Only 250 travelers from abroad are allowed to enter Upper Dolpo in a year. The permits to the region are expensive and are strictly enforced. You have to have different permits for both Upper and Lower Dolpo. There is an extra entry fee of Rs. 1000 to enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park. It is mandatory to have a guide to trek this route. The permit fees and other entry fees are already added to the total cost of the trip.

2. How difficult is Dolpo short trek?

Upper and lower Dolpo region treks are very long and difficult treks, however our team at Orbit Alpine Adventures has developed an itinerary that covers both the regions and takes easy measures for your safe and successful travel experience in a very short span of time. But you have to be prepared to trek uphill and downhill and difficult terrains that is challenging and exciting at the same time.

3. What kinds of Accommodation & Meals should I expect on this trek?

The route is remote and most of the nights are spent in tented camps. The food supplies are very difficult to find in the region, so it is recommended to carry as much food as possible.

4. What to Bring on this trek?

For this trek, you need a proper hiking boots, clothes to layer on, waterproof outers and jackets, tents, some basic equipments, sleeping bags and medical kits. For more details our travel consultant will reply you once we get email from you. 

 

Day to Day Itinerary

OPEN ALL DAYS Outline Itinerary

When you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport in the Kathmandu Valley, you will be picked by one of our team mates already waiting for you at the airport. Our team member will take you to your hotel and you refresh there from the jetlag. With sufficient rest, you can roam around the outskirts of the city alone or with a team member. You will spend the night in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Our team will introduce you to your guides and fellow travelers over breakfast. We explain you about the trek and plan a perfect itinerary for you. The guides and the team are very friendly and always willing to help you. They will answer all your queries and make you comfortable for your expedition for the next day. You can also visit different UNESCO World Heritages in the Kathmandu Valley and also go shopping for necessary gears if you aren’t prepared. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

On 3rd day, we march towards our destination with full energy. First we fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight to Nepalgunj is just an hour and the aerial view is very rewarding as you will be witnessing the various beautiful landscapes of the country. Nepalgunj and its vibrant city welcome you with their unique local bazaar, horse carts and temples in every corner. You stay in a hotel for the night in Nepalgunj.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Nepalgunj
  • Altitude: 492m/1,614ft
  • Time: 55 Minutes
  • Distance: 150km

On 4th day, after an early morning breakfast, a short flight of 35 minutes from Nepalgunj takes us to Jhupal. The flight takes you above the majestic mountain Ridges, Mountains and beautiful valleys that are enough to excite you already. After landing at the Jhupal airport, we walk a few hours to reach Dunai, which is the headquarters of the Dolpo District. We rest in a guesthouse in Dunai for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Place: Dunai
  • Altitude: 2,000m/6,567ft
  • Time: 3 Hours

On the 5th day, after an early morning breakfast, we reach ThuliBheri River after an exciting downhill through the green vegetable fields that the locals work on as their livelihood. After crossing a suspension bridge on the way, we enter the region of Shey Phoksundo National Park which is the Largest National Park of Nepal. Certain permits have to be arranged to enter the National park. After a trek through the wild and beautiful forests of fir and juniper, we reach Chhepka. This small village is shy of urbanization but rich in their unique local culture and hospitality. We rest for the night in Chhepka Village.


  • Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local House
  • Place: Chhepka
  • Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

On the 6th day, after an early morning breakfast, we trek from Chhepka village to the Palam Village, which is a small village rich in local tradition and culture. We explore the village and walk to nearby village of Rechi. This village has an ancient monastery which has been practicing ayurbedic healing and spiritual healing since many years. This village is located at the bottom of Phoksundo Lake.  We stay in a tea house for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping/Monastery
  • Place: Rechi/Palam
  • Altitude: 3300m

On the 7th day, after an early morning breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful waterfall and trek towards our destination of the day Ringmo. The route to Ringmo has amazing pine forests and unique vegetations that are home to different floras and faunas. After a few uphills and downhills, we reach Ringmo village which is located at the bank of Phoksundo Lake. The Phoksundo Lake is very famous for its geographical location, aquamarine blue color and has a staggering depth of 145 meters. After exploring this pristine lake, we trek back to the Ringpo Village and discover its hidden beauty. The village is full of ancient history, tradition, culture and monasteries that carry religious significance of the locals. We camp in the village for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Place: Ringmo
  • Altitude: 3,610 m/11,838 Ft
  • Time: 4- Hour

This day we will take our whole day for enjoying the lake view with all snow-caped mountain around it. This will give you the felling of being at haven. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Place: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
  • Altitude: 3,610 m/11,838 Ft

On the 9th day, after an early morning breakfast, we start our journey back to the Chhepka village. From Chhepka village, our journey to the Dolpo region officially completes and we follow the same route back enjoying the nature and its beauty along the way. On the way back we explore the otherwise missed sites. On reaching Chhepka village, we rest there for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Local Hous
  • Place: Chhepka
  • Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft

On the 10th day, after an early morning breakfast, we head towards Jhupal. The trek is downhill and has simple terrains. On reaching Jhupal, we rest there for the night. This is our last night of the trek before we fly back to the capital city Kathmandu. Take your time to enjoy your accomplishments and rest.  

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Place: Jhupal

On 11th day, after an early morning breakfast, we explore the city of Nepalgunj and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, our team van will take you back to the Hotel and you rest and enjoy rest of the day and night. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu

On 12th day, we thank you for your visit and drop you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. You travel to your next destination and we wish you best regards. 

  • Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

  • Free airport pick up upon your arrival and departure back to home
  • All local flight ticket and ground private transportation is included
  • Private ground transportation for Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Kathmandu city guide provided for kathmandu valley city tour
  • Experience English speaking special license holder trekking guide, potter, or donkey for carrying guest luggage, Tent and food items for trekking
  • Three night hotel in Kathmandu two night hotel in Nepaljung three star level with breakfast
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and tent accommodation during the trek is included
  • All kind of government permit for the restricted area of Dolpo trek is included, also national park fee
  • During the trek if needed we can provide a guest down jacket on hire that needs to be returned after finishing the trek.
  • Duffel bags and trekking sticks are provided from Orbit Alpine Adventure without any cost
  • Guide, potter, donkeys food, salary, tent accommodation along with insurance are provided
  • Guest international flight ticket fair
  • Guest emergency evacuation insurance but we will assist you if need emergency evacuation with your insurance company and give all the details information to your family about the situation
  • All kinds of alcoholic drinks, chocolate and snacks
  • If you have to take any regular medicine that is not included and you need to be sure before leaving for trekking and take it with you from Kathmandu or bring it from home
  • In case of an early arrival in the city from your trek, an extra night of city hotel is not included and there will not be any refund because of your problem of early return back from trekking
  • Extra night at the hotel and if incase of changing flight tickets due to early return or late return to home we will not make any refund of money. All the cost has to be managed by the guest
  • Tips and donations to the hotel, restaurant and trekking area are not included. Guide and potter are expected tips at the end of trekking and it is not fixed but depends on your financial condition and their services during the trekking and tour