Start your adventure with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in the western region of Nepal. The flight is around 50 minutes long and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas as you descend into the lowland plains. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you’ll have time to explore the local market or relax in preparation for your journey into the remote Dolpo region.
After breakfast, take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal, a small town in the Dolpo region. The flight offers dramatic views of the mountains and valleys below. Once you arrive in Jhupal, you will begin your trek towards Chhepak. The trek will take about 6 hours, following scenic trails through villages, forests, and agricultural land. At Chhepak, you’ll rest for the night at a comfortable altitude of 2,830 meters.
Today’s trek will take you to Chunuwar, located at 3,130 meters. The trail takes about 6 hours, passing through dense forests of pine and oak. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture as you walk through traditional villages. Upon arrival in Chunuwar, you’ll be welcomed by the serene beauty of the surroundings and prepare for the upcoming days of trekking.
The trail today is a relatively short but beautiful hike to Ringmo, a village nestled at 3,612 meters. It takes about 4 hours to reach Ringmo, where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Ringmo is located near the serene Phoksundo Lake, one of the most scenic places in Dolpo. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
To ensure proper acclimatization to the altitude, today is a rest day in Ringmo. You can take a short hike around the area to explore the surroundings or relax and enjoy the tranquility of this remote village. Your guide will also brief you on the next leg of the journey, making sure you’re ready for the days ahead.
Today, the trek takes you from Ringmo to Chunemba, a village at 3,639 meters. The journey takes around 5 hours and offers beautiful views of Phoksundo Lake from different angles. You will pass through forests, grassy meadows, and traditional settlements, getting a glimpse of the local way of life. Chunemba provides a peaceful environment to rest for the night.
The trek today leads you to Snowfield Camp, located at 4,400 meters. It’s a challenging day with a 7-hour trek through alpine terrain. The trail ascends gradually, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Snowfield Camp is a remote spot surrounded by stunning snow-covered landscapes, where you will set up camp for the night.
On this day, you will trek for about 6 hours to reach Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery situated at 4,310 meters. The journey is challenging but rewarding, with magnificent views of the high Himalayas. Shey Gompa is a spiritual center for the Dolpo people, and you’ll have the chance to visit the monastery, which holds great significance in the region.
Today’s trek takes you to Bhijer, a village located at 3,850 meters. It’s a 6-hour hike through rugged terrain, offering views of dramatic landscapes and high-altitude valleys. Bhijer is a small but picturesque village where you can rest and enjoy the local atmosphere.
The trek continues for about 8 hours as you make your way to Pho, situated at 4,087 meters. The journey takes you through a series of ascents and descents, crossing rivers, valleys, and remote villages. Pho is an isolated village where you will spend the night, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain views.
Trekking for around 7 hours, you will reach Pung Kharka, located at 4,650 meters. The route takes you through scenic landscapes, with panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and valleys. Pung Kharka is a high-altitude settlement that provides a perfect base for further exploration of the Dolpo region.
Today, you will trek for about 6 hours to reach Chyandi Khola, situated at 4,830 meters. The trail ascends steadily through rocky paths and alpine meadows, providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Chyandi Khola is a remote campsite, offering a peaceful environment amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region.
A 7-hour trek today takes you to Takla Khola, located at 3,785 meters. The trail descends gradually through deep gorges and river valleys, offering a change of scenery from the previous days. Takla Khola is a quiet, scenic spot where you’ll rest for the night before continuing your journey.
The trek today will take you to Thaju Chaur, situated at 4,050 meters. The 7-hour journey will take you through forested trails and remote villages, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Thaju Chaur is a quiet area with few people, offering an ideal place to rest and rejuvenate.
Today’s trek will take you to Shilen Chaur Kharka, located at 2,945 meters. The 6-hour hike will pass through varied terrain, including alpine meadows and forests, before reaching the peaceful site of Shilen Chaur Kharka. It’s a serene place to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek for about 4 hours to reach Tiyar, located at 2,418 meters. The route takes you through lowland villages and farmland, offering a beautiful contrast to the higher altitudes you’ve traversed in the past few days. Tiyar is a small village where you will rest and prepare for the next part of your journey.
The trek today takes you to Mangri, situated at 1,950 meters. The 4-hour hike descends through lush forests and rural settlements, offering a more gradual and comfortable pace. Mangri is a small village where you can relax and enjoy the local culture and hospitality.
Today, the trek takes you to Gamgadi, the administrative center of Dolpo, located at 2,095 meters. The 4-hour trek offers an opportunity to explore the surrounding region, with views of terraced fields and traditional settlements. Gamgadi is a vibrant town where you can rest and explore the local markets.
On this day, you’ll reach Rara Lake, situated at 2,980 meters. The 4-hour trek takes you through forests and scenic ridges, with the lake appearing gradually as you get closer. Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and is known for its deep blue color and tranquil surroundings. It’s a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Take a day trip around Rara Lake, exploring the stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and the lake itself. The trek around the lake takes about 4 hours, with plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty and take photos of this serene environment.
After breakfast, take a short 3-hour trek to Talcha, situated at 2,990 meters. Talcha is a small settlement near the lake, offering a peaceful and scenic spot to relax after your trek. It’s a great place to reflect on your journey and enjoy the last moments of your adventure in the Dolpo region.
After breakfast, take a flight from Talcha to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. This concludes your Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek with Explore Holiday Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had on this incredible journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and stunning regions.
The Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek is an exceptional and remote trekking route that traverses two of the most stunning locations in Nepal: Dolpo and Rara Lake. The trek begins in the rugged, Tibetan-influenced region of Dolpo, where you will pass through villages that seem frozen in time, high-altitude landscapes, and dramatic mountain views. The journey then continues to Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, surrounded by pristine forests and snow-capped peaks. The trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural richness of the Tibetan Buddhist communities in Dolpo, along with an unforgettable exploration of Rara Lake's serene beauty.
Choosing Explore Holiday Nepal for the Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek ensures a smooth, safe, and immersive experience. Our team has extensive experience organizing treks in remote regions of Nepal, and we provide personalized services, including knowledgeable local guides, professional porters, and exceptional logistical support. We prioritize your safety with proper acclimatization schedules, first-aid equipment, and emergency evacuation plans. Our expertise in navigating Nepal's less-traveled regions guarantees that you will have a hassle-free and memorable trekking experience in some of the most beautiful and isolated areas of Nepal.
The Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek is a challenging and strenuous trek, primarily due to the rugged terrain, high altitudes, and remote nature of the route. The highest point on this trek is Nagdalo La Pass, which stands at about 5,100 meters (16,732 feet), and trekkers will be exposed to a variety of conditions, from high-altitude mountain passes to deep valleys. The trek involves long days of hiking over rocky terrain, and basic amenities are available only in certain sections of the trail. It’s recommended for trekkers with a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience at high altitudes. Acclimatization is key, and Explore Holiday Nepal ensures that rest days are incorporated into the itinerary to help mitigate altitude sickness.
The best time to do the Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally clear, offering excellent views of the mountains, lakes, and surrounding landscapes. Spring also brings blooming wildflowers, including rhododendrons, while autumn offers clear skies and crisp mountain air. The trek is best avoided in the monsoon season (June to August) due to the risk of heavy rainfall, landslides, and trail conditions. Winter (December to February) is also not ideal due to snowstorms and extreme cold.
Accommodation during the Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek is basic, especially in remote areas. You will stay in local teahouses and guesthouses run by the indigenous people. These lodges provide simple rooms, warm beds, and local food such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, and chapati. In higher-altitude areas, particularly near passes, you may need to camp, as there are fewer facilities. Sleeping bags, a good mattress, and other camping equipment will be provided by Explore Holiday Nepal as needed.
The highest point of the Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek is Nagdalo La Pass, at an elevation of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). Trekking at high altitudes for extended periods increases the risk of altitude sickness, so it’s vital to follow the acclimatization schedule carefully. Explore Holiday Nepal plans the itinerary to allow enough time for acclimatization at lower altitudes before ascending to higher regions.
Yes, it is highly recommended to trek with a guide and porter. The Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek goes through remote, isolated areas with limited infrastructure, and having a guide will ensure that you stay on track and safely navigate difficult terrain. A porter will help carry your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on the trek itself. Explore Holiday Nepal provides experienced, licensed guides and reliable porters to support you throughout the journey.