Royal Dolpo Trek - 20 Days

After breakfast, you will take a scenic afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in southwestern Nepal near the Indian border. The warm, humid climate is a stark contrast to the Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and relax or explore Bageshwori Temple, local markets, and street food. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

An early morning flight takes you to Juphal, the entry point to Dolpo. The small airstrip offers breathtaking views of snowy peaks and deep valleys. From Juphal, descend through lush fields, villages, and the Thuli Bheri River valley to reach Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpa district. Explore the town, visit a local monastery, and enjoy the serene ambiance. Overnight in Dunai.

Follow the Bheri River along a picturesque trail, crossing suspension bridges, terraced farmlands, and small Magar settlements. Tarakot, an ancient fortress town, once controlled the Tibetan salt trade. The landscape gradually shifts to arid terrain, marking the beginning of the Dolpo region’s wilderness. Overnight in Tarakot.

The trail climbs alongside the Tarap Chu River, passing deep gorges and cliffs. Expect steep ascents and descents through narrow canyons, with occasional prayer flags marking Buddhist chortens. As you approach Laini, the vegetation becomes sparse, offering panoramic mountain views. Overnight in Laini.

Continue trekking along rocky paths, wooden bridges, and river crossings. The trail features sections carved into sheer cliffs, providing dramatic scenery. You’ll notice a shift in the cultural landscape, with Tibetan-style houses and mani walls. Overnight in Nawarpani.

A long but rewarding trek leads through wide valleys, yak pastures, and scattered stone houses. As you reach Dho Tarap, one of the highest human settlements in the world, you’ll encounter Bon and Buddhist monasteries, yak herders, and Dolpo’s unique culture. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Spend a day acclimatizing to the altitude. Visit Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, interact with the Dolpo-pa people, and learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Explore the mud-brick houses and barley fields, with spectacular views of Norbung Kang. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

The trail ascends gradually along grassy meadows before reaching the base camp of Numa La Pass. You’ll pass highland yak pastures and encounter trekkers preparing for the challenging pass crossing. The campsite offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Tibetan plateaus. Overnight in Numa La Base Camp.

Start early for a steep ascent to Numa La Pass, marked by prayer flags and panoramic Himalayan views. A thrilling descent leads through glacier-fed rivers and barren landscapes before reaching Danighar, a remote camping site amid the high-altitude wilderness. Overnight in Danighar.

Another tough climb to Baga La Pass rewards you with mesmerizing views of Kanjirowa Himal. Descend through rocky ridges and meadows to reach Yak Kharka, a pastureland where yaks and sheep graze. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

A scenic trek through forests leads to Ringmo, a traditional Bon village near the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and bluest lake. The turquoise waters, surrounded by barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks, create an unforgettable sight. Overnight in Ringmo.

Spend the day exploring Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest and bluest alpine lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and Kanjirowa Himal. Visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa, a sacred Bonpo monastery, and learn about the pre-Buddhist Bon culture. Stroll through Ringmo Village, interact with locals, and experience their traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyle. Capture stunning reflections of Kanjirowa Himal on the lake’s crystal-clear waters. For the adventurous, an optional hike along the shoreline offers hidden waterfalls and meditation spots. Overnight in Ringmo Village.

Descend through dense pine forests, with views of Nepal’s tallest waterfall (167m). Stop at Jharana Hotel, offering a peaceful setting and excellent mountain views. Overnight in Jharana Hotel.

A gradual descent through lush greenery leads to Chhekpa, a charming village surrounded by rhododendron and juniper forests. Overnight in Chhekpa.

Continue descending through narrow trails and riverside paths to Rupgad, a small settlement with stone-built houses and terraced fields. Overnight in Rupgad.

Your final trekking day takes you back to Juphal, marking the completion of this incredible Dolpo adventure. Celebrate with the team. Overnight in Juphal.

A scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes about an hour. After completing your trek, you will fly back to Kathmandu for the concluding part of the trip, allowing you to explore the capital before departure.

This day is reserved as a buffer day to accommodate any flight delays, climate changes, or unexpected issues that may arise during the trek. It provides an opportunity to relax, enjoy some leisure time in Kathmandu, and explore the vibrant city. Visit historical sites like Swayambhunath or Pashupatinath, or simply shop for souvenirs from your trekking adventure.

In the evening, you will join a farewell dinner with your trekking guide and porter, hosted by Adventure Highpass. This is a perfect chance to reflect on the memorable journey and share stories with your fellow trekkers, before heading into the Kathmandu nightlife for a final celebration.

On the last day of your trip, your journey comes to an end. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure, carrying the memories of an unforgettable trekking experience in Dolpo.