RaraLake via Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve & LowerDolpo - 37 Days

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan trekkers will greet you and transfer you to the hotel . We will be discussing the trek in details and free time of your own.

Today you will have a scenic flight to Pokhara also regarded as ''city of Lake paradise,'' after your breakfast. During day time, free to explore Pokhara.

The journey starts with a drive in the morning. We drive uphill taking a winding road all the way to Naudanda. The road then descends to Nayapul. Along the way, you can have a panoramic view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, lush green hills, terraced fields, and villages. The drive offers one of the most picturesque terrains on the whole trip. We drive along the banks of the Myagdi River until we reach Beni.

Beni (830m) is a large village situated on a plateau above the river. The trail to Dhorpatan and Dolpo starts at the southern end of Beni. We further drive by following the river (Myagdi Khola), which starts from the Dhaulagiri glacier till we reach hot spring (Tatopani) along the way is one of the most notable places to see today. It is a great idea to take a dip and relax at the hot spring with a chilled beer! We stay overnight at Tatopani.

We will cross the bridge of Myagdi Khola and climb up a rocky path dug into the cliff just over the river. The trail goes up and down through the village and forest. Majority of people in this area belong to the Magar, Chhetri and few other ethnic communities. 

We walk through a flat path passing the villages of Takum and Sibang. After Sibang, We approach a climb to ascend up to the small settlement known as Mattim. From here there is a crest which we descend and reach Muna.

We take the trail from Muna to Jaljala La (3390m.) via Lumsum (2100m.) and Moreni (2670m.). To reach Lumsum we make a steep climb, passing through oak and rhododendron forests with views of Himalayan peaks like Dhaulagiri, Mana Pathi and other unnamed peaks. As we are walking past the Moreni village we will see a glimpse of Tibetan lifestyle and culture as most people here have Tibetan roots. After Moreni, we will make a steep descent and reach the settlement at Jaljala Jangla.

An alpine settlement on top of a ridge, Jaljala is a vantage viewpoint. It is also used by the nearby villagers as pasture land for their cattle’s. Don’t be surprised if you see some Yaks and mountain goats along the way! This is a perfect camping area and the view of Dhaulagiri range from this point is just breathtaking. Jangla La is the place from where the ancient kingdom of Tichrong, the valley of Fragrant water starts. Tichurong was a medieval kingdom which was administered from the then city of Tarakot or Taragaon or Dzong.

Today we will trek from Jaljala La to Dhorpatan (2870m) via Gurjakot (3070m). The trails are vertically steep till Gurjakot and then it moves through flat land all the way to Dhorpatan. We walk along the banks of the river passing through the forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, juniper and other local vegetation. Gurjakot is a small village, predominantly inhabited by people who follow the Tibetan culture. The trek gets more interesting as we walk past the Chortens and Mani walls, which are symbolic to Tibetan Buddhism and the culture of the area. Dhorpatan, our campsite of the day lies at the junction of roads leading to the districts of Baglung, Beni, Rolpa, and Rukum. We can also see a small airstrip as we approach Dhorpatan. The place has apple orchards and you can also see terraced fields of wheat, buckwheat, maize, and potatoes. One of the most significant features about Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is that anyone can go for hunting by paying certain fees to the Government authority.

Leaving Dhorpatan, we head uphill to Phagune Pass. On the way, we pass grasslands and sparse forests. Phagune Pass is surrounded by green hills and we can see the distant mountain top villages. We camp for the night at a grassy campsite.

Today we will follow a steep trail that goes down past some beautiful villages, terraced fields and a suspension bridge over Pelma Khola (stream). As we cross the bridge we will make a gentle ascent up through terraces and local villages all the way to Takur. AS we are heading towards Pelma we will cross the wooden bridge over the Pelma River and walk ahead. This part of the trail is most notable for the terraced farms and small settlements along the routes. Pelma is just another village like the many others dotting the hillside.

We will trek from Pelma to Dhule (3300m) crossing Yamakhar (2480m) and Gorba Khola (2930m). After crossing Pelma Khola the trail climbs steeply all the way to Dhule. As we are moving forward we come across a number of small villages and terraced farms and we also get an opportunity to peep at the daily lives of people here. We camp for the night at Dhule, a beautiful mountain village.

Leaving Dhule we trek via Nautale Bhanjyang (3961m) to Seng Khola. This part of the trail goes past dense forest with vegetation such as rhododendron, pine, and juniper after which we reach the resting place at Nautale Bhanjyang. From here we can have magnificent views of Dhaulagiri range and the other Himalayan peaks. Another 2 hours of climb and we reach our campsite for the day. The last quarter of the walk is steep and we might slow down a bit and take enough stops and rest along the way. There are terraced fields of wheat, buckwheat, and potatoes surrounding the village of Seng Khola, which is our campsite for the day! We will camp near the village.

We will trek from Seng Khola to Purpang (4050m) following a steep and rocky path. In route, we will come across alpine grasslands and the Panidal Pass located at an altitude of 4412m. From here we can have a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri range, Kantagaton Himal, Nurbukang Himal, and some other unnamed peaks. The trail leading to Purpang can be considered slippery as it is comprised of rocky terrain and involves a steep climb. Purpang is an open rocky grassland surrounded by magnificent mountains. From Purpang to Sahartara (2730m) the trail is steep passing through rocky terrain. From Jangla Bhanjyang (4535m) we get a panoramic view of Norbu Himal, Kantagaton, Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks. Crossing Jangla Bhanjyang (End of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve area), we will follow a gently descending path all the way to Tokar, a small village surrounded by hills. After passing through some villages on our way down we, at last, reach SaharTara which is popular for Yarchagumba harvesting trail, our camp for the night.

Sahartara is a small mountain village surrounded by terraced fields. The village boasts of a hot spring and today we can spend some leisurely hours bathing in the hot spring to ease our tired muscles.

From Sahartara we follow a trail along the banks of the river until we reach a large and green valley. Trekking forward from the village of Khani Gaon to Lahini we have a chance of meeting the famous musk deer, bounding away in the midst of juniper and pine forest. We camp for the night at Laini.

From Laini, the trail becomes narrow and adventurous as we walk through areas that are prone to landslide and avalanches. We set up camp at Pibke cave which is situated in a grassy area.

This day is one of the most significant milestones of this trek as it is a difficult and dangerous part of the trek. The valley narrows here. On this trail, we will approach some deep gorges and cross innumerable small bridges. We will follow a path that is carved out of a rocky cliffside. Following such an adventurous trail we will reach Dho Tarap.

This day is dedicated for rest and acclimatization as we are approaching higher altitudes from now on. We will spend this day taking a short walk and hike around the village which as a notable number of chortens, Mani walls and monasteries. The village also offers insight into the mountain life of Nepal, you will get an idea of how hard life is in this rocky areas, where you see people engaged in daily chores such as farming and cattle raising. The quest for water might also surprise you as you see people carrying huge containers of water and climbing up and down!

After having a relaxed time and visiting all the gompas and Chorten in Tarap valley we take a trail that climbs up through grassy meadows filled with wildflowers to reach to Numala base camp. From the base camp, we get a beautiful view of the distant Tibetan mountains and the upper Tarap valley.

Today we will be crossing the Numala Pass and descend towards Poyon Khola till we reach the Bagala Base Camp that is surrounded by big glaciers and blade-shaped rock cliffs. We stop for the night at Danigar (4,510 m), a village surrounded by hills that has temporary houses, yak pastures, and terraces. From this point, you have your first glimpse of Topo Peak (4900m). The Norbu Kang Himal sparkles brightly in the background.

We make our way to Yak Kharka (3,800 m) via Bagala Pass (5,070 m). The top of the pass is a great vantage point as we can see the massive Kanjiroba Massif from here. After Baga La, the trails turn gently down all the way to Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka literally means then-grazing place of Yaks in the local language.

The trek to Phoksundo Lake (3612m) via Ringmo village (3660m) takes about seven hours. Ringmo is a small village predominantly inhabited by the Gurung and Thakuri communities. We will move along the flat land passing through pine forests, grassland, terraces, hills, and villages. After some time Phoksundo Lake appears before you in all its glory. Before we reach the final destination of the day, we have to cross a bridge made of wood, resembling wooden bridges of medieval Europe Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of Nepal and also the deepest lake found in such a great altitude in the world. The big village on the banks of this lake is quite rich culturally. This area will help you understand more of Tibetan Buddhist culture and its practices that are unique to the mountainous regions of Nepal and some parts of Tibet, as you will visit small Chortens and monasteries.

Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is most notable for is green color resembling that of turquoise. Ringmo village, which looks like a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the folds of this area.

It is also home to many beautiful glaciers found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-Po religious sites and we can spend our time visiting some of these. Shey Gompa one of the oldest in all the Himalayan region is believed to date back to the 11th century. Thashung Gompa, one of the popular Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago.

After warm breakfast, we will ascend the hills followed by rough trail to reach our next camping spot locally called as Pungmo. Overnight at Pungmo.

As usual, we will complete our breakfast and begin our trek to Kagmara high camp where we will be staying for an overnight.

Today, we will start our trek lately than the usual scheduled time. We will enjoy the scenic beauty in the morning and grab our breakfast by enjoying the sunlight with beautiful views. Then we will climb down the hill towards our next stop called Kagmara Phedi for overnight stay.

We will leave Kagmara Phedi after good breakfast prepared by the staff of Himalayan trekkers and move towards Toijum where we will be spending our overnight.

From Toijum, we will start our trek to a new place called Chaurikot where we will build our camp for overnight stay.

The trail from Chaurikot descends to Chotra by following the rough and downhill trail for the night stop. The trail goes mostly through the forest with mixed species of plants. One can have nice scenic views around from the trail.

The way from Chotra to Gothichaur goes through several villages. One can experience the different culture most of the Khas people around. There are small woods along the road.

3 hours trek to Manigaon 2820m stops for lunch and 3 hours trek to Gothichaur for the night stay.

 The trek begins from Gothichaur to Jumla. There are several villages and the motorable road is under construction.  Overnight at Jumla.

Now you will start your trekking from Jumla taking the trail through some villages. The trail goes somehow straight and it will be easy walking experiencing the social lifestyle of the region.

Nearly after the walk of 3 hours, the trail slightly ascends. After the walk of nearly 4 hours passing a small pass Danphe Nangla (3691 meters), you will reach the village Khaligaon. This is the village where the only technical school of the western region “Karnali Technical School” is producing technical manpower on a regular basis. The village is interesting to observe the activities carried out there. There are some hotels and tea houses to refresh.

The trail ascends through a jungle of pine and rhododendron trees and some villages are seen from the trail. After good and handsome walk for 6-7 hrs, we will reach at Bulbule where we will be staying for an overnight.

The trail ascends and passing Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3480m) reaches to Jhyari. After crossing Jhyari we will further walk to Rara Lakeside (3,010 m) area to build our camp for overnight stay.

Rara is the biggest lake of Nepal that gives relief with its magnificent look. The lake is surrounded by forest and different kinds of flowers can be seen by the side. People can cycle around the lake. Boating facilities are also available. There is a hotel by the side but camping is also available.

From the lake, the trail goes through the jungle by the side of the lake through Army barrack and National Park office. After a walk of nearly one and a half hour, the trail ascends and then it goes downwards for nearly one or one and a half hour to reach you to the airport. Overnight stay nearby airport site.

Today we have one and a half hour scenic flight from Talcha - Nepalgunj, and Nepalgunj - Kathmandu. Since we have different flight schedule so we need to stay some time at Nepalgunj airport for the connecting flight to Kathmandu. We will reach Kathmandu in the afternoon.

 Free time of your own. In your free time, you can visit a good spa and massage center to realize your pain. In the evening, you will be invited and driven for farewell dinner to enjoy with a team of Himalayan trekkers.

You can depart from Kathmandu to your home country or extend the trip and head for another trip within or outside Nepal.

Have a safe journey and please do visit Nepal on your next vacation too.