Learning by Experience

Lower Dolpa Phoksundo Lake Trek


Dolpa is the largest district of Nepal covering 5.36% of the total landmass of the country.


DURATION

21 Days


DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Strenuous


MAX ALTITUDE

5,318 M

DESCRIPTION

A large portion of the district is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park. The name is derived from the 12th century Shey Monastery and the deepest lake in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake, both of which lie in the district. The park protects endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer and the Tibetan wolf. Shey Phoksundo is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal.

DEPARTURE SEASONS

2021

June-October


We also do custom private trips according to your time and availability.


Trip Overview


Trekking to Lower Dolpa offers you the remarkable and breathtaking experience of a lifetime by seeing snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes. Also presents an exposure to the high and remote Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. A large portion of the district is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park. The name is derived from the 12th century Shey Monastery and the deepest lake in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake, both of which lie in the district. The park protects endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer and the Tibetan wolf. Shey Phoksundo is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal.


  • Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
  • Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation
  • Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the border of India. Overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.
  • Day 4: Fly Nepaljung to Jufal (2,400m). Trek to Dunai (2,150m), approx. 4 hours
  • Day 5: Trek to Tarkot (2,600m) approx. 5 hours
  • Day 6: Trek to Lahini (3,500m) approx. 8 hours
  • Day 7: Trek to Sim Sim Odhar (3,850m), approx. 8 hours
  • Day 8: Rest day at Sim Sim Odhar, with a possible acclimatisation day hike
  • Day 9: Trek to Do Tarap (4,040m) approx. 7 hours
  • Day 10: Rest day at Do Tarap, with a possible acclimatisation hike
  • Day 11: Trek to Tok-khyu High Camp (4,565m) approx. 5-6 hours
  • Day 12: Trek to Pelungtang (4,465m) over the Numa-la pass (5,318m), approx. 9 hours
  • Day 13: Trek to Dajok Tang (4,080m) over the Baga-la pass (5,190m), approx. 5-6 hours
  • Day 14: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,730m), approx. 3-4 hours
  • Day 15: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 16: Trek to Renje (3,010m), approx. 6-7 hours
  • Day 17: Trek to Chepka (2,670m), approx. 5-6 hours.
  • Day 18: Trek back to Dunai, approx. 6-7 hours
  • Day 19: Trek Chepka to Dunai (2,150m), approx. 6-7 hours.
  • Day 20: Dunai to Jufal (2,400) is a slow ascent back to where we started the trek, approx. 4-4 ½ hours
  • Day 21: Fly Juphal to Nepaljung and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day
  • Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice


Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
T-Shirts – walking 2 We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping 1 This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top) 1 Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers 1 Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest 1
Rain jacket 1
Down Jacket 1
LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear 1
Trekking Trousers 2 Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers 1(optional) 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts 1 If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants 1
PACKS & BAGS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Day pack 1 Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack 1 Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner 1 Optional
FOOTWEAR
Equipment Quantity Comments
Hiking boots 1 Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks 3
Flip flops/Camp shoes 1 Lightweight for evening use
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Water bottles 2 One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops 1 Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm 1 With SPF factor
Sunscreen 1 We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent 1
Personal first aid kit 1 To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses 1
Bandana/Buff 1 Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch 1 Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel 1 Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer 1 Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat 1
Warm hat 1
Gloves 1
Trekking poles (Optional)
Trekking snacks Good selection available in KTM
Camera With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game 1 For evening entertainment
Passport photos Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude Essential – don’t come without it!! J
This is a guideline only



Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • `Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors


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