Jumla and Dolpo Trek

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.
Overnight in Hotel

Today after the breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar Square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world. Overnight in Hotel

This flight journey is best described by the scenic views of Jungle and Himalayan Range. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages.

A short 45-minute flight will take you to Jumla, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our trekking crew. Located in a charming valley, Jumla boasts the highest limits of paddy cultivation, known for its unique red rice. As the administrative center of Jumla district, the town is vibrant. Today’s trek begins with a walk to Gothichaur (2820 m / 9252 ft). The trek begins with a descent to the bridge near the confluence of Karnali River and Tila River. Then you’ll follow Tila River. After sometime you’ll leave the river and enter the village called Depalgaon (2409 m / 7904 ft). On the way you’ll pass through several villages including Kumdi (2480 m / 8136) and Garjyangkot (2516 m / 8255 ft), leading you to the village of Dochal (2550 m / 8366 ft) where you’ll meet Dochal Gad (River). Continuing on, you’ll meander through a forest of maples and walnuts before arriving at a beautiful meadow. In spring season, this area bursts with wildflowers such as cinquefoils, terrestrial orchids, forget-me-nots, mints, buttercups, primulas, edelweiss, and gentians. Beyond the meadow, the trail climbs to a rocky cairn at Gothichaur Lagna (1995 m / 9826 ft), also known as Pattyata Lagna. Then the trail descends into a stunning alpine amphitheater toward Gothichaur (2820 m / 9252 ft), situated near a stream at the valley’s base. Here, you can admire 13th century Malla dynasty stone carvings at a natural spring.

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

After breakfast, you’ll trek to Balasa. The trail becomes steeper today as it climbs past rocky fields to forests ofoaks and birch trees strangled with Spanish moss. The climb will end at the MauriLagna (‘honey pass’) at 3820 meter. From this pass you’ll have good views of the snowy peaks of Gutumba (5608m) and Mataumba (5767m) to thenorth-east and Bhalu Himal (5460m) to the south. You will descent from here to the Bheri valley to the large Khampa settlement of Chaurikot at 3060 meter. A short time past this village there are some excellent campsites alongside the trail.

You will continue our trek through walnut forests; the local people seldom eat the nuts but use them as a source for cooking oil. You’ll slowly descend to the village of Rimi at 2890 meter, where the amusing faces of the dok-pa peek at you from the tops of houses. After crossing the stream,you will arrive in Kaigaon (2610m), where you will find the first shop since leaving Jumla. The route climbs steeply up from here through pastures into a forest of birches and wild roses to an elevation of 3230 meter and then levels out in a forest of rhododendrons. After reaching at Hurikot, will set up camp.

Today, you’ll follow Jagdula Khola upto Toijum (2920 m / 9580 ft). At Toijum you’ll cross Jagdula Khola to the eastern side of the river. Then follow Garpung Khola where the valley narrows and the river transforms into a cascade of stunning waterfalls. The trail ascends to a moraine beneath Kagmara La, and you’ll set up camp among the boulders at Kagmara Phedi (4040 m / 13255 ft). Here, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your evening.

You will alongside the Kagmara Glacier to the Kagmara La. This is a good place to spot the rare blue sheep. After a 900m descent, we reach the pastures of the PungmoKhola Valley. And trek to Lasa where we shall set up today’s camp.

Today, you’ll commence on your trek through enchanting birch and juniper forests, which soon transition into towering blue pines. As you ascend the side valleys, you’ll catch glimpses of the majestic Kanjirewa peak in the distance. Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the fortress-like village of Pungmo (3245 m / 10646 ft, beautifully situated among verdant barley fields, creating a picturesque scene that captures the essence of this serene landscape.

Today, you’ll head downstream to the national park headquarters at Samduwa before joining the trail that follows the Phoksumdo Khola toward Phoksumdo Lake. In a short time you’ll reach the Tapriza Secondary School. This school, founded by Swiss ethnologist Marietta Kind, who spent one and half years in Ringmo. Passing Tapriza Secondary School you will cross a river at 3123 meters (10246 feet). After crossing the bridge, continue on the bank of the Phoksumdo/Phoksundo Khola (formerly the Suli Khola) for less than half hour to reach Jharana Hotel (3132 m / 10276 ft). From Jharana Hotel, the trail gently climbs along the bank of the Phoksumdo Khola on the hillside. Continue climbing through cedar and pine forest on the trail. You’ll encounter a long ascent past a small winter settlement called Polam (3266 m / 10715 ft), which is used by people of Rigmo as winter settlement. At Polam, there’s another national park check post. Passing Polam you’ll reach a rest hut at (3376 m / 11076 ft). The trail then continues up switchbacks to a slope offering stunning views of t a massive waterfall, Phoksundo Waterfall (3466 m / 11371), fed by the river’s headwaters. The path then passes through birch forest to the river’s clear headwaters before climbing gently towards Ringmo village (3641 m / 11946 ft), a Bon settlement.

Ringmo Village is a historical gem with roots stretching back centuries. It serves as a living museum, preserving the age-old ways of life through countless generations. The village’s cultural heritage is intricately linked to Tibetan traditions, reflected in its local customs, vibrant festivals, and traditional architecture. Ringmo Village boasts a distinctive architectural style, characterized by its traditional wooden and stone buildings with flat roofs and intricately carved windows. The design and structure of these homes reflect a strong Tibetan influence, offering a glimpse into an architectural heritage that has endured through the ages. The natural beauty surrounding Ringmo Village is truly awe-inspiring. Dominated by Lake Phoksundo, Nepal’s deepest lake, the area features stunning turquoise-blue waters that captivate the eye. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, the landscape exudes an otherworldly charm. Phoksundo Lake, also known as Phoksumdo Taal, is a RAMSAR- registered wetland, which means it is recognized for its importance to waterfowl habitat. It’s Nepal’s second deepest lake and the second largest in the country. On the southern shore of the lake sits Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan village known for its handmade crafts. About 1.5 kilometers from Ringmo, on the southeastern edge of the lake, stands the Pal Sentan Thason Chholing Gumba, which follows the Bon tradition. Youu should pass mani walls or chortens on your left and walk around a gumba in a counter-clockwise direction.

As you leave the tranquil shores of Phoksundo Lake, the trail gracefully rises through a vibrant tapestry of lush pines, junipers, and cypress trees. You then navigate a series of gentle ascents and descents along a cliffside, shaped like a balcony, that overlooks the confluence of the Phoksumdo River and the Maduwa Khola, showcasing a magnificent waterfall cascading into the depths below. Continuing onward, you arrive at Yak Kharka, a serene pasture where you can take a moment to absorb the beauty surrounding you. The landscape shifts, and from this point, you begin your ascent toward Baga La Phedi (3982 m / 13064 ft). With each step, the anticipation builds, promising even more stunning vistas and the thrill of adventure that awaits as you make your way deeper into the heart of the Himalayas.

Today’s journey features a challenging and steep ascent as you make your way toward Baga La (5170 m / 16962 ft). Upon reaching the pass, you are greeted with awe-inspiring views of Mt. Kanjirowa and other majestic snow-capped peaks that punctuate the dry landscape. This spectacular vantage point invites you to linger and capture photographs that will become cherished memories for a lifetime. After soaking in the beauty, the trail begins its descent toward the Numa La base (4500 m / 14764 ft), where new adventures await.

Ascend the rugged, arid slope leading to Numa La (5310 m / 17421 ft), whose name translates to “pass” in Tibetan, with “Numa” meaning “like a woman's breast.” After several hours of steep climbing, you finally arrive at the summit, where stunning views of Dhaulagiri and other majestic snow-capped peaks unfold before you. This breathtaking panorama provides the perfect opportunity to pause and capture photographs that will become treasured memories. After savoring this moment, the trail descends toward Dho Tarap Valley. As you continue, you’ll pass several mani walls and chorten on both sides of the valley as it widens. A final descent will lead you to the upper part of the Dho Tarap valley, the village of Tokyu (4209 m / 13809 ft).

Today is your rest day, a perfect opportunity to settle into the high altitude. In Dho, the valley opens up, transforming into a welcoming expanse. You’ll dedicate an entire day to this high valley of Tarap, immersing yourselves in its beauty. We explore the local monasteries and wander through the village, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Your adventure will take you to the quaint Bon Gumba of Sipchhog Gumba, where you’ll discover the unique traditions of Bon. Spend the day exploring and engaging with the local community. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the village, while also taking time to rest and recharge for the upcoming climbs. It’s a day to connect with your surroundings and prepare for the adventures ahead.

The Thakchu Khola valley is a large, fertile area dotted with around 10 Magar and Bhotia villages that nearly blend into each other. It’s one of the highest permanent settlements in the world, averaging 4100 meters (13451 feet), and a popular grazing spot for Tibetan yak herders. The valley hosts both Buddhist and Bon gumbas, though they are newer compared to those in Upper Dolpo. Walking through the valley is a pleasant experience as you pass by locals engaged in their daily routines. Towards the end of the valley, just before the trail turns south past some large kagni and mani walls, you’ll find the Crystal Mountain school, funded by French donors. This area leads into Dho Tarap (3950 m / 12959 ft), the last village in the valley. If you have extra time, visit the Ribum Gumba nunnery and Regu Chorten on the hillside above Dho Tarap. The nunnery houses a large and well-preserved statue of Tsong Kharpa. A tributary from Dho Tarap heads west towards Chharka Bhot. From Dho Tarap, continue down the increasingly narrow Tarap Khola valley. Initially, the valley doesn’t descend too quickly as it follows the east bank of the river. After more than two and half hours, you’ll reach Kama or Langa Kharka (4010 m / 13156 ft), at the confluence with the Langa Khola tributary from the east. Cross the Tarap Khola to the west bank and follow a rough, rocky trail through sparse forest. It might be surprising to encounter trees after the barren slopes of Upper Dolpo! The trail descends rapidly to the Sisaul Khola. It then swings back into the Tarap Khola and continues down to a bridge in a narrow gorge, which you cross to the east bank. Look out for Blue Sheep high on the rock faces. Beyond the bridge, you’ll climb about 200 meters (656 feet) over a small peninsula called Ghyamghar (3756 m / 12323 ft).

The valley ahead turns into a sheer-sided canyon with the river roaring beneath a bridge you need to cross to reach the west bank. The gradient becomes more gradual as you follow an undulating trail, leading you to a major tributary junction with the Kyakuching Khola at Nawarpani. The trail then crosses back to the east bank for a short stretch before returning to the west bank at Chhyugar (3440 m / 11286 ft). Here, the trail has been cut into the rock and descends more steeply through a series of switchbacks, eventually leading to a picturesque lace-like waterfall at Laina Odar (aka Lahini Odar, 3370 m / 11056 ft). As you continue down the trail, the Tarap Khola valley merges with the Thuli Bheri Khola valley. Then, you’ll cross the bridge and head to Laisicap village (2775 m / 9104 ft).

After navigating rugged trails for days, it’s a welcome change to walk on a wide, smooth path alongside the Thuli Bheri Khola. However, the open terrain offers little shade, making it quite hot on sunny days. You’ll follow the trail west, and after about an hour past Laisicap, you’ll find a charming kagni marking the entrance to Tarakot (2540 m / 8333 ft), a favored winter settlement for folks from Dho Tarap. Beyond Tarakot, the trail shifts to the exposed north bank of the Thuli Bheri Khola and follows a series of ups and downs. Continue along this path for hours until you reach Dunai (2091 m / 6860 ft), crossing back to the south bank of the Thuli Bheri Khola via a bridge.

To return to Kathmandu, retrace your steps to the airstrip at Juphal (2500 m / 8202 ft). You can take a jeep drive too. From Juphal, fly back to Nepalgunj (158 m / 518 ft), and then catch a late morning or afternoon flight to Kathmandu (1340 m / 4396 ft).
Overnight in Hotel

This is a contingency day in case of Juphal flight delays. If you have free time, you can let go the strains of your trekking in the Himalaya. You can explore around the Heritage sites in the city, stroll down the streets of Thamel for local cultural experience, visit nearby monasteries, relax at a nearby spa centers or do some souvenir haunting in the local bazar.

Overnight in Hotel

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.

Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.