Jumla Dolpa Trek is one of the most remote and isolated treks of our country is located in western Nepal. Dolpa, although it is the biggest district of our country is located in one of the most remote and isolated places of our country. One can get an opportunity to trek on the diverse and dramatic landscapes. We pass many dense rhododendron and oak forests which makes this trek more thrilling and adventurous. Although this area has lots of beautiful things to offer to its visitors only a few and a limited number of tourists visit this place.
This is the only place in our country where ancient Bon Po Buddhism is still in practice. In short, if you are planning to trek on some of the highest passes of our country with an opportunity to explore the untouched and ancient culture and lifestyle then the Jumla Dolpa Trek is the ideal option for you. You will also get an opportunity to do sightseeing of some of the famous mountain ranges of Nepal and Tibet which include Everest 8,849m-29032ft, Annapurna 8,091m-26545ft, Sishgampa, and other many beautiful mountain ranges. Sightseeing rare species of animals and birds is also another major attraction of this trek.
Jumla Dolpa Trek starts with a short flight to Nepalgunj and then another flight will take us to Jumla 2,514m-8248ft. Trekking via Jumla and Chatra will take us to Neulighat. Trekking via many Sherpa settlements and villages will take us to Kaigaon. Trekking via Kangmara Base camp and then passing the Kangmara La pass will take us to Phoksundo lake (The deepest lake in our country). We will then trek back to Jhupal and fly to Kathmandu which will be the ending point of our trek.
Welcome to the land of peace, Nepal.
Northern Trekking Team will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel.
It is a leisure day so you can just roam around Thamel and enjoy this key touristic hub of Kathmandu.
We will introduce you to a certified trek guide who will accompany you throughout your trek from tomorrow. He will assure about things to bring once again and this will ensure your peace of mind while on the trek.
We will catch the earliest flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. But prior to this, we will drop you at TIA domestic terminal.
It is nearly a flight of an hour.
Nepal is situated west of Kathmandu. It is one of the largest cities of the country that shares a border with India. You can stroll around the street of Nepalgunj and witness the typical culture of this lowland of Terai.
Wake up! Time to move.
Well, we will head to the airport to catch a flight to Jumla. The flight will be for half an hour. This small town of Jumla will capture your heart. The lush green vegetation of this hilly area will fascinate you.
On this day, we will also arrange a porter for you who will take care of your luggage throughout the trek. One of the main reasons to camp Jumla today is that you will be acclimatizing with increasing altitude. This is highly recommended because it will minimize the chances of being arrested by altitude sickness.
Here we go!
From today begins our trek regarding which you read a lot. Now you will be experiencing it.
At first, we follow descend trail to arrive at a bridge. Following a silent course will lead us to Garjankot. The vegetation is so calm and peaceful that will drive you silent. We will set camp at Gothi Chaur.
We head toward the bank of a tributary of Tila River. Crossing alpine forest and streams, we arrive at Munigaoun. Muni refers to saint and gaoun means village. Hence, it used to be a village of saints in the time of yore.
We arrive at the check-post where we will produce the necessary permit and head further ahead to get in Nephukhona.
The winding river and thick forest will mesmerize you. The uphill climb will bring us to Maure La. The peaks of Ghyuthumba and Matathumba ranges are the key attractions of today.
The first glimpse of Kagmara Lek will deliver a sense of happiness in you. We descend through Rimi. On the left of the rive is Kaigaoun. We proceed toward Hurikot. There is one beautiful monastery here in Hurikot.
We will be walking along the bank of the river. The villages that you will observe or pass through exhibit Tibetan culture. Following gradual uphill, we reach Jagdula Khola. The viewpoint of Kagmara is nearly half an hour from here. The further walk will bring us to Garpung Khola.
Despite being the rest day, our part does not stop. We will hike to Kagmara Phedi. We cross a bridge and follow the stream for a couple of hours. This will lead us to Kagmara Phedi. The view of Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m-21692ft) from here is astounding.
Get ready for today’s challenge! What challenge? Well, we will be crossing Kagmara La Pass which is at an altitude of 5,115m-16781ft. It is an uphill climb of a couple of hours. The fluttering colorful prayer flags and mountains on the backdrop will mesmerize you. Lasa is roughly an hour away from the pass.
We will be walking on a downhill course today. You will be crossing several streams today. The view of Kanjirowa Himal is fascinating. The site is also popular for blue sheep and wild foxes. It (blue sheep) is one of the endangered species of the world and is normally found at over an altitude of 3,000m-9842ft. A further downhill walk from Kyagru will lead us to Pungmo.
It is a rest day today and is essential to adjust your body with the gaining altitude. This will minimize or avoid the chances of being arrested by altitude sickness.
Despite being the rest day, we will explore the local area as it is rich in the ancient culture of Bon. The Gompas where we will visit still practice Bon culture and currently existing Buddhism. The walk to Gompas is quite pleasing and beautiful. We retrace the path to Pungmo.
Ahh! It is another interesting walk of your life as a hike today will lead you to Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in the country. You find several kinds of literature about this lake but none of them can actually portray the real beauty of this lake. To experience the turquoise beauty of this lake, you have to be here and feel it.
We arrive at the army camp after following descend the trail. The glimpse of the lake from Ringmo is simply majestic. Yes, it is simply MAJESTIC!
You deserve the rest day like the beauty of this lake will not let you go ahead without spending a night in this piece of heaven. The breathtaking view of Phoksundo Lake will become your lifetime memoir to cherish.
We will also take you to one of the monasteries which practice Tibetan Buddhism. The local culture and traditions are other key attractions for you to observe. A local Dolpo in maroon Tibetan style somba or docha (boots with upturn toe) will attract you a lot.
Today’s hike will unfold the beauty of the hidden valley of Tarap. The walk is not that challenging to get to Ya-Kharka. Kharaka refers to the pasture field of yak.
Today’s hike will lead you to another pass of the trek, Baga La. It is roughy at an altitude of 5,182m-17001ft. walking on the roof of the world, Tibetan plateau, we get at the pass. The view of Phoksundo lake, Kanjirowa Himal, and Norbung Kang (6,085m-19963ft) from the top of the pass is awesome. We follow a downhill course to get in Danigar.
You will be crossing Numa La Pass (5,350m-17552ft) to get to Dho Tarap. The view of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m-26794ft) and Kanjirowa Himal are key attractions witnessed from the top of the pass. Following the downhill trail, we enter Tarap Valley.
Before leaving Dho Tarap, we pay a brief visit to Bon Gompa—Dhoro Gompa and Shipchaur Gompa. Following tarap Khola descent, we reach Ghyamar via Langa Camp.