Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

Login

Introduction to Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

The Upper Dolpo to Rara Traverse trek highlights two of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in Nepal. Starting in the barren yet stunningly beautiful landscape of Dolpo, and ending in the equally beautiful Mugu district, one of the poorest areas of the country, this trek is as challenging as it is enthralling. Spread over three weeks, there are four high passes to cross as well as high, steep, narrow and rocky trails to negotiate. A good deal of this trek is done at over 4,000m with the passes being between 5,000 to 5,500m. The lakes themselves Phoksundo (3,641m) in Dolpo and Rara (2,980m) in Mugu are both turquoise jewels set in a craggy, rocky landscape, and in pine forests, respectively. On the way the route, part of the newly opened east to west Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), passes through interesting villages with a Buddhist culture closely linked to Tibet, monasteries and gompa, and the quartz studded Crystal Mountain.

The Upper Dolpo to Rara Traverse trek highlights two of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in Nepal. Starting in the barren yet stunningly beautiful landscape of Dolpo, and ending in the equally beautiful Mugu district, one of the poorest areas of the country, this trek is as challenging as it is enthralling. Spread over three weeks, there are four high passes to cross as well as high, steep, narrow and rocky trails to negotiate. A good deal of this trek is done at over 4,000m with the passes being between 5,000 to 5,500m. The lakes themselves Phoksundo (3,641m) in Dolpo and Rara (2,980m) in Mugu are both turquoise jewels set in a craggy, rocky landscape, and in pine forests, respectively. On the way the route, part of the newly opened east to west Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), passes through interesting villages with a Buddhist culture closely linked to Tibet, monasteries and gompa, and the quartz studded Crystal Mountain.

Dolpo is an area where the Bon Po religion (similar but different to Tibetan Buddhism) is still practiced and the majority of the people are more closely tied to Tibet than Nepal. Trade routes along which yaks and mules pass still run from Tibet to the lower parts of Nepal. Shey Gompa, a 12th century monastery, is often referred to as the spiritual heart of Dolpo, and is situated at the base of the Crystal Mountain, a long-standing pilgrimage area.

Mugu is the least developed district of Nepal, where its rugged landscape has meant it remains pretty much as it was in the past. With the opening of the GHT and a push towards local tourism, the beautiful Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest, is making its way onto the map. Rara National Park is the smallest national park in Nepal at only 106 square kilometers. As in the Shey Phoksundo National Park (3,55km2) which covers a large portion of Dolpo, there are several interesting mammal species in Rara National Park including the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Langur and rhesus monkeys, among others.

Stark landscapes, alpine forests, green meadows, craggy rock faces, tricky trails, high passes, beautiful people and completely stunning lakes await those with the time and willingness to try out this section of the Great Himalayan Trail.

Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek Highlights

  • Arrow Right Primary One of the biggest lakes of Nepal, Rara Lake
  • Arrow Right Primary Enjoy the soft breezes of Shey Phoksundo lake, the deepest oligotrophic lake in Nepal
  • Arrow Right Primary Collect blessings at Shey Gompa, a 12th-century monastery in DolpoBecome an active participant of Bon dance and other cultural activities
  • Arrow Right Primary Explore around the Rara National Park, and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region

Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (Flight)

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Flight) to Chhepak

Day 3: Chhepak to Chunuwar

Day 4: Chunuwar to Ringmo

Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake

Day 6: Ringmo to Chunemba

Day 7: Chunemba to Snowfield Camp

Day 8: Snowfield Camp to Shey Gompa

Day 9: Shey Gompa to Bhijer

Day 10: Bhijer to Pho

Day 11: Pho to Pung Kharka

Day 12: Pung Kharka to Chyandi Khola

Day 13: Chyandi Khola to Takla Khola

Day 14: Takla Khola to Thaju Chaur

Day 15: Thaju Chaur to Shilen Chaur Kharka

Day 16: Shilen Chaur Kharka to Tiyar

Day 17: Tiyar to Mangri

Day 18: Mangri to Gamgadi

Day 19: Gamgadi to Rara Lake

Day 20: Day Trip To View Point

Day 21: Rara Lake to Talcha

flag

Day 22: Talcha to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight)

Not satisfied with this Itinerary?

Are you interested on planning custom trip? It only takes 2 minutes.

Includes

21 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses and tents


1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj (Hotel Sneha or similar)


Guide for 22 days


Cook for 22 days


Required number of porters for 22 days


Kathmandu Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj Jhupal Flight


Jhupal Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj Kathmandu flight


Shey Phoksundo national park and Rara national park permits


Restricted area permit


22 x breakfast, 21 x lunch and 21 x dinner while on the trek

Veg

This si a tooltip

Vegan

This si a tooltip


Lunch and dinner in Nepalgunj


Packing List

backpack

Daily Wear


Gear


packing list

Garment


Hygiene and Safety


compass

Electronics

Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

Read Before your book Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek 

To help you determine if the Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek  is right for you, we’ve provided detailed information on key aspects such as flight details, trek difficulty, and the best times to visit. Each section also includes a video explanation to guide you in planning your trip smoothly.

If you’re still unsure whether this trek is the perfect choice for you, feel free to reach out to us via email or WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to answer any additional questions.

Location of the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

Required Experience for the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

Hiking icon

Physical Fitness – What You Need to Know

A Day on the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

Places of Interest on This Trek

Camping Trek in a Remote Area

Best Time to Come

flag

Before the Trek

Trekking Permits You Need for Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

Safety on the Trek

Expenses You May Encounter

dollar

Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters

course up

Trip Extensions

Required Experience for the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek Map

dolpo-region-trek-map

Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek Map

Best Seller
33% off

Price Per person

  • Satisfied Client

  • Personalised Guide

  • Instant Response

Get Instant Response:
+977-9851402018 (WhatsApp)

FAQs For Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

General Information of Dolpo Rara Traverse Trek

What is the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek?

Where does the trek start and end?

How long does it take to complete the trek?

What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?

Can beginners do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Is it safe to trek alone?

Ho do I get to the starting point of Annapurna Base CampTrek?

Do I need to book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in advance?

How far is Annapurna from Kathmandu?

How cold does it get on the trek?

Guide For Annapurna Circuit Trek

Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Can your guide speak English?

How experienced is your guide? How well do they know the Annapurna Region?

Required Permits for Annapurna Circuit trek

Do I have to issue my permit for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

What documents do you need for the permits?

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

What is covered in the amount I pay for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

How much money do you recommend to take us on the trek?

What are the extra costs of the trek?

How much does it cost to trek the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

How much money should I budget for the trek?

Booking Process and Cancellation

How Can I book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Magical Nepal?

My dates are not listed in the Fixed Departure Date

What is the cancellation policy?

Accommodation and Food on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

What kind of food is available on the trek?

What type of accommodations are available on the trek?

What kind of traditional food should I try?

Can I get a single room on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Do you have any hotel recommendations in Kathmandu?

Is it possible to have a shower in the trek?

Can I do Laundry in the trek?

Luggage and Storage in Kathmandu

What is the ideal weight for my Backpack in Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

What is the weight limit of the porter?

Do you provide a storage facility at your office?

Can you ship my luggage to Pokhara after the trek?

Payments and Extra Costs

Do you accept the remaining payment in Cash? What currency do you accept?

How much extra money do you recommend on the trail?

What are the extra costs that I am not aware of?

Trek, Safety, and Altitude

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

How can I minimize my environmental impact?

What should I do with my trash?

Is there Wi-Fi available on the trek?

Are there medical facilities on the trek?

Can I charge my electronics on the trek?

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

What is the trail condition like?

How do I deal with the lack of sanitation facilities?

Are there alternative routes within the trek?

Are there any dangerous animals on the trek?

How can I ensure my safety on the trek?

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Can I drink the water?

How do I avoid getting lost?

Can I do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek during the monsoon season?

What impact has tourism had on the region?

Preparation and Packing

What should I pack for the trek?

Do I need to bring my own water purification method?

What kind of shoes are best for the trek?

Is travel insurance necessary?

Do I need trekking poles?

Are there any vaccinations required?

Can I rent trekking gear in Nepal?

What should I not bring on the trek?

Cultural and Social Aspects

What languages are spoken along the trek?

What kind of cultural etiquette should I follow?

What festivals might I experience during the trek?

Are there religious sites along the trek?

Can I interact with local communities?

What are the main religions in the region?

Is tipping expected?

How do locals dress in the region?

What souvenirs can I buy?

Ask a Question

Feel free to ask us anything about this tour. A travel expert will then get back to you as soon as possible.


Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Need Help?