Dolpo is an ancient Tibetan kingdom located in the northeast part of Nepal. It was only opened to trekkers in 1990. The Himalayan range can be seen in all its splendour and Phoksondo Lake with the Ringmo village provide some of the most beautiful Nepalese scenery. We follow the ancient Tibetan salt caravan route, across two high passes and through the wilderness in one of Nepal’s most remote areas. In the Dolpo region the monsoon, created by the sea winds blowing from the Gulf of Bengal, is tempered by the Dhaulaghiri range and trekking is therefore also possible during the summer, a period during which flora explodes in all its splendour: orchids, edelweiss, campanulas, forget-me-nots.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. 1,350m.
There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. The same day you will also have an opportunity to meet your travel group before the final departure. 1,350m.
We walk north through the arid plateau lands that stretch up to Tibet. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche (6920m) and, in the west, the awesome mountain above Kagbeni–Nilgiri. Over to the south and southwest the entire Annapurna Massif can be seen.
During the flight, we can enjoy a superb panorama of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. 2,660m.
The trail goes along the Thulo Bheri river towards Tharakot. This village was an ancient fortress and a caravan stop. 3,000m.
After crossing to the western side of the Phoksundo Khola on a wooden bridge, then the path follows the west bank of the Pungmo Khola which leads all the way to Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village. The views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are superb. 3,600m.
Today is a day to explore the Phosundo Lake. At Phoksundo we can go for a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is well worth a visit and around the village to experience the typical life style of people residing in this area. From here you can enjoy the panoramic views of Kanjelaruwa Peak (6612m.), Tso Peak (4716m.) and many other unnamed peaks and mountains. 3,600m.
The emerald waters of the Phoksondo lake and the picturesque village of Ringmo form one of the most beautiful Himalayan landscapes. The views from the top are magnificent and well worth all the hard work. 5,090m.
We transverse through some dusty barren mountains, neat terraced fields to the picturesque village of Saldang, situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala and the biggest village of the inner Dolpo area. 4,100m.
As Shey means crystal, this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Chakang Gompa which is west of Shey. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Chakang has been a meditation centre to many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. Crystal Mountain is to the west of Shey monastery. It is a very strange mountain indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju nala. Near the confluence there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels.
Gentle walk around the lake and visit the Tesu monastery. The monastery rules life in Ringmo, a town inhabited by “Bothias “, a tribe originally from Tibet. 3,600m.
Along the Phoksundo Khola river, the route crosses wooded and verdant areas. The high point of this leg is a spectacular 330m waterfall, the highest one in Nepal.
The route gets easier. We start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and descend through fir tree and rhododendron forests to Tillije.
Your time is free to either further explore Kathmandu and its shops or simply chill out. 1,350m.
