Beni Dolpo Trek

Dolpo

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Trip Facts

Days

Group Size

Trip Type

Trekking in Nepal

Grade

Strenuous

Altitude

5010 meter

Overview

Beni Dolpo trek is a very demanding trek consisting of high passes and rocky trails. It passes through villages, national parks, Lake and Rivers. Tibetan influenced culture and tradition of local people will add charm to Beni Dolpo trek. This trek will lead you to a maximum altitude of 4600m. On the way we will visit Buddhist monasteries, hot springs and the unparalleled views of the Himalayas in the North.

The best season for this trek would be from February to June and September to November.

Itinerary

1

Drive from Kathmandu to Beni

You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. The drive from here goes uphill on a zigzag road all the way to Naudanda. It then descends again on a zigzag road to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, you drive along the bank of Mardi river. Stay overnight in camp.
2

Drive from Beni (770m.) to Darbang for 3 hrs and then trek to Takam (1600m.) for 2.30 hrs.

We will drive on a graveled road from Beni to Darbang. The trek starts from Darbang going uphill through millet and maize farms and forest passing by villages. Stay overnight in camp.
3

Trek from Takam to Lamsung (2200m.)

Leaving Takam, we walk along forest path enjoying scenic Himalyan peaks and Magar villages. The trails are well maintained. The trail gradually climbs up to Lamsung. Stay overnight in camp.
4

Trek from Lamsung to Ghurjaghat (3020m.)

The trail slowly ascends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. It takes 3 hrs to reach Jaljala pass (3500m) which affords great view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We then descend enjoying rivers and romantic waterfalls. Gurjaghat is a secluded and serene place in the middle of forest. It is also a popular place for cattle herds to graze. Today we will camp by the river side and raise bonfire. Stay overnight in camp.
5

Trek from Ghurjaghat to Dhorpatan (2890m)

The trail today follows the river bank walking through pine forest. We will cross several wooden bridges. In no time you will reach Shelpakhe (2900m), a Tibetan refugee center. Further it takes around 1.30 hrs to arrive at Dhorpatan. This is a place settled by Magar, Nauthare, Dalit and Tibetan refugees. The beautiful Dhorpatan valley is the headquarters of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Stay overnight in camp.
6

Trek from Dhorpatan to Thangkur (3010m)

After breakfast, we begin our 3.30 hr climb to Jumla pass (4100m). Spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Sisne Himalayan peaks along with surrounding hills can be enjoyed from Jumla pass. From here we descend steeply through rugged trail followed by dense forests. Thangkur is a valley specially used for cattle grazing. Stay overnight in camp.
7

Trek from Thangkur to Tatopani (2400m.)

Today you will descend through dense jungles of pine, rhododendron and orchid. There will be occasions where you will have to cross suspension bridges and make some climbs over the hill. Before long you will trek along river bank witnessing small villages in between. You will see many orchid trees and picturesque ponds along the way. At Tatopani, you will have time to bath in natural hot spring. Stay overnight in camp.
8

Trek from Tatopani to Dhule (2860m)

It will be a challenging walk today ahead of Tatopani. The trail gradually ascends through orchid forest and small settlements such as Wibang. Dhule is a commercial center in the region with facilities of lodges, restaurant and communication. It is also the last human settlement north of eastern Rukum. Stay overnight in camp.
9

Trek from Dhule to Pidi (3200m)

Leaving Dhule you slowly climb a forest of orchid and rhododendron. Within two hours the path levels and is a good trail. The geography changes as you will see more barren landscape. You will also see waterfalls and buki (Himalayan flower) and cross small streams. Pidi is located by the river side. Stay overnight in camp.
10

Trek from Pidi to Phurpang (3600m.)

The trail moves upwards through meadows. You will experience cold climate as you move higher. This region is famous for Himalayan herbs and beautiful Himalayan flowers and close-up views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains. On the way you will also come across scenic Pupal lake and religious altar of nature worshipping Magar community. Phurpang in ancient times were the main route of passage for salt traders. Stay overnight in camp.
11

Trek from Phurpang to Tarakot (2460m.) via Jung La pass (4600m)

We gradually move up from Phurpang. You will not see any trees but meadows and rivers. It takes 3 hrs to reach Jung La pass. Views of Sisne, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna can be seen from the pass. Tarakot is a settlement of Tarali Magar community. Stay overnight in camp.
12

Trek from Tarakot to Laini (3100m.)

After breakfast, we continue our walking to follow the Tarap chu river upstream, crossing by bridge and crossing the same river twice. The famed Sandul Gompa lies farther east from Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung khola and Tarup chu River. The path leads through the farm terraces and rural villages and after a few ups and downs, you finally descend to reach Laini. Stay overnight in camp
13

Trek Laini to Toltol (3500m.)

After breakfast we continue walking up to the gorge of the Tarap River, rising high above on a trail built out from steep slopes. The walk is quite exciting as the valley becomes narrow gorge that in some places you can jump from one side to another. Descend to Chewar Khola and then go past Nawarpani . From here it takes 1 hr to reach Toltol. Stay overnight in camp.
14

Trek from Toltol to Dho Tarap (4000m)

Our morning walk begins after breakfast with a gradual up leading us at Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After few hours of good morning walk leaving the narrow gorge, from here the path leads just above tree lines for juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himlayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walk brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall. In this Valley both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Stay overnight in camp.
15

Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap.

We spend a rest day in Do Tarap for gradually getting used to the altitude. Time to visit monasteries and enjoy the breathtaking views. Make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerners. The Dolpo people wear home spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon po and Nyingmapa of Buddhist sect.

There are three villages in Dho Tarap valley, namely Dho, Lang and Takshi. In Lang village there is a Bon monastery and ruins of ancient castles. When you interact with villagers, you will greet them saying ‘Tashi Delek’. Nowadays locals can speak in both English and Nepali language and they are very friendly. In Dho Tarap valley, there is only one school called ‘Crystal Mountain School’ which is sponsored by Dolpo France Action. Stay overnight in camp.
16

Trek from Dho Tarap to Numla Base Camp (4440m.)

After a wonderful time at Do Tarap, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains. A few hours' good walk takes us to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After visit this village our walk continues further up this valley and after one hour walk we reach campsite in Numa-la. Stay overnight in camp.
17

Trek from Numla Base Camp to Dhanighaar (4000m) via Num La pass

This is one of the long and difficult days during the trek. After breakfast our journey continues to crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes. 4 hrs to reach the pass and 3 hrs to descend to Dhanighaar. An incredible panoramic view of the barren mountains of Dolpo up to the Dhaulagiri (8167m). After getting to the top of Numa La we will descend to Dhanighaar. If we are lucky, we can see herds of blue sheep grazing in nearby hills. Stay overnight in camp.
18

Trek from Dhanighaar to Yak Kharka (3800m) about 7-8 hrs.

After breakfast our morning trek starts with a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m. It takes 3.30 hrs to reach the pass which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of downhill walk takes to the Dajok Tang for overnight. The route along Baga La is also a good section to catch sights of wild blue sheep. Stay overnight at camp.
19

Trek from Yak Kharka to Ringmo Village/Phoksumdo (3660m)

After breakfast our morning trek starts through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo. The top of the hill offers great views of the Phoksundo Lake and beautiful waterfalls. Stay overnight at camp.
20

Exploration day at Phoksumdo Lake

A rest and exploration day. And of course we sit right on the shore of the spectacular Phoksumdo Lake; remember the harrowing scene in 'Himalaya' when Thinley's yak caravan attempted the 'Devil's Trail'. Yak caravans will be heading in and out of Ringmo on their way north towards the border of Tibet, and our most northerly destinations, Saldang and Thinje. This is the pleasant day free from the hassle of packing and chance to visit the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo.

A walk part way round the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo with a great views. In the village is a Bon community and a Bon monastery, stupas and beautiful pine forest. Stay overnight at camp.
21

Trek from Phoksumdo Lake to Chhepka (2660m)

After walking 25 minutes good trail we go downhill for approximately 45 minutes and the way is slippery. After Palam, the trail is good as we walk through dense pine forest and along the bank of a river. We found many important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything in this area. The trail has some ups and downs. In Chepka, there is electricity and some good lodges and also excellent camping sites. Stay overnight in camp.
22

Trek from Chhepka to Juphal (2600m)

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jhupal via Sulighat. We go through birch and pine forests on our way with few villages in between. The trail is good and we mostly walk along the bank of a river. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain and Jhupal below. After reaching Jhupal, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like. Stay overnight in camp.
23

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day.

Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day.