25/01/2021
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01Welcome at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Welcome at airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Kathmandu.
Day 02Free day for final trekking preparation
Free day for preparation and sightseeing
Day 03Fly Kathmandu to Juphal via connected flight from Nepalgunj then drive to Dunai 2140m.
After a flight to Nepalgunj we use local transport to make the drive to Juphal, and then start our trek in the region with a short hike to Dunai along the Thuli Bheri river. If time permits there is plenty to interest within the town, including a Stupa and monastery.
Day 04Dunai to Tarakot (2540m, 5-6 hrs)
A series of streams map the pathway for the day through dense pine forests and terraced hillsides to the fortified village of Tarakot sitting resolutely atop its picturesque hillside, with myriad flagpoles jutting up proudly amidst the homes. Nearby is the monastery of Sandul Gompa, well worth the visit along a pathway lined with numerous chortens and mani walls.
Day 05Tarakot to Laina odar (3370m, 6-7 hrs)
The trail climbs steadily throughout the day across a series of picturesque suspension bridges and through dense jungle until we reach the day's goal, Laini Odar, a former construction camp with a dramatic Cliffside setting and nearby cave that provides suitable shelter in inclement weather.
Day 06Laina Odar to Nawarpani (3780m, 5-6 hrs)
The dense forest of the previous day gives way to barren landscapes as we slowly ascend beside the banks of the Tarap Khola, with alpine wildlife on show such as yak and blue sheep. The day concludes with a dramatic suspension bridge crossing high over the Chaya Khola and our arrival at the village of Nawarpani.
Day 07Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3944m, 7-8 hrs)
The Tarap Khola leads the way for the start of the day, guiding us over an undulating course that peaks at Charkala (4920m) and descends again into the narrow valley, so deep a ravine that it requires the midday sun to light the lower pathways. Numerous chortens and stupas mark the passage through to Dho Tarap, with the Tibetan village's whitewashed gompa standing proudly at its heart.
Day 08Acclimatization day
A day to ease back and allow the body to acclimate to the higher altitudes, with Dho Tarap allowing ample opportunity to explore its many charms, as well as to observe the traditional Tibetan lifestyles of its friendly inhabitants, who still trade with their ancient homeland to the north via their Yak caravans. Throw in a visit to the Gompa, the maze of fascinating laneways to explore, and the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Phoksundo Lake, and Dho Tarap is the kind of place you could easily spend the better part of a week reveling in.
Day 09Dho Tarap to Numala basecamp (4440m, 6-7 hrs)
Reluctantly exiting Dho Tarap we head higher through the northern and arid section of the valley to Numala Base Camp, taking in the stunning landscapes of Dhaulagiri and other peaks around us as the trail brings us in to the rocky basin that comprises our campsite.
Day 10Numa La to over Numa La pass 5309m then overnight at Danigar (4512m, 6-7 hrs)
A steep trail takes us on towards the challenging climb of Numa La pass, where we pause to take in the magnificent panorama our high viewpoint grants us. From there it's all downhill through terraced fields and Yak pastures to the village of Danigar.
Day 11Danigar to Timche 3995m via Bagala Pass 5169m (5-6 hrs)
A further day of high altitude trekking, climbing steadily along a traditional yak trail back over the 5000 meter mark to Bagala pass and its equally impressive views of the nearby mountain ranges. A steady descent through a deep gorge brings us back down through the alpine stretches of the trail to a more temperate climate of pine forests and our day's destination of Ringmogaun.
Day 12Timche to Ringmogaun (3641m, 4-5 hrs)
After the high altitude and lung-wrenching trekking of the previous few days we get the welcome break of a relatively easy hike to Phoksundo Lake, with glorious views of the turquoise waters and the lake's stunning setting amidst the high mountains soaring up on either side. Imagine Lake Como or Interlaken without the development or people — the answer is fabulous Phoksundo!
Day 13Explore stunning Phoksundo lake 3600m
A full day to explore the surroundings of the glorious lake waters. The medieval Bon monastery of Tshowa, built over 900 years ago, stands nearby and offers up further opportunities to explore.
Day 14Ringmogaun to Chhepka (2678m, 5-6 hrs)
Leaving the classic mountains capes behind us we trail along by a stream until a steep climb gives us one last farewell view of Phoksundo before our heading takes us south through dense pine and birch forests to our day's destination of Chhepka.
Day 15Chhepka to Jhupal (2475m, 5-6 hrs)
A gradual ascent takes us through birch forests to the villages of Shyanta and Kageni, heralding our exit from Shey Phoksundo National Park and the return to the outside world. A suspension bridge takes us across the Dhim Khola and on to our final destination for the trek, Juphal, where we spend the night and celebrate the completion of our long journey.
Day 16Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Local transport takes us back to Nepalgunj, where we pick up a flight to take us back to Kathmandu.
Day 17Join with different program or farewell
Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.
