The Dolpo to Rara Trek leads you from the barren landscapes of Dolpa via Shey Gompa into the vast, thick alpine forests around Rara Lake. The trail will lead you by two stunning lakes, the emerald green Phoksundo Lake and pristine Rara Lake, the biggest lake in Nepal. Along the way you will pass by Shey Gompa, often referred to as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It’s a magical place situated a
t the base of Crystal Mountain. Crystal Mountain itself is visited by hundreds of pilgrims each year who make a kora (circuit) around the mountain. We like to think of it as Dolpo’s own version of Mount Kailash. The Dolpo to Rara Trek is a strenuous hike with four passes above 5000 meters: Nagdalo La (5350m), the Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563m), the Yala La (5414m), and the Chyargo La (5150m). On top of that, the trail lingers above 4000 meters for quite a while resulting in very cold nights. That being said, the unforgettable landscapes, the views from the passes, and the rare insight into a preserved culture make it all worth it. There are a few basic teahouses along the way but bringing a tent is highly recommended for this trek. DOLPO TO RARA TREK ITINERARY
Day Activities
Day 1 Flight Kathmandu – Nepalgunj
Day 2 Flight Nepalgunj – Juphal (2475m), trek to Shyanta (2520m) or Chhepka (2830m) 5-6 hrs
Day 3 Shyanta (2520m) or Chhepka (2838m) – Chunuwar near Amchi Hospital (3110m) 6-7 hrs
Day 4 Chunuwar (3110m) – Ringmo village near Phoksundo Lake (3641m) 3 hrs
Day 5 Explore Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake, visit Bon Gompa
Day 6 Ringmo – Forest Camp beyond Sallaghari (3730m) 6 hrs
Day 7 Forest Camp (3730m) – Kang La Low Camp (4400m) 6-7 hrs
Day 8 Kang La Low Camp (4400m) – Shey Gompa (4310m) via Nagdalo-La (Kang La) pass (5350m) 6-7 hrs
Day 9 Rest day at Shey Gompa (4343m)
Day 10 Shey Gompa (4343m) – Bhijer Gaon (3850m) 8 hrs
Day 11 Bhijer Gaon (3850m) – Pho (4087m) via Yambur La pass (4813m) 9 hrs
Day 12 Pho (4087m) – Pung Kharka (4650m) via Nyingma Gyanzen La pass (5563m) 9 hrs
Day 13 Pung Kharka (4650m) – Chyandi Khola (4830m) via Yala La (5414m) 6 hrs
Day 14 Chyandi Khola (4830m) – Takla Khola (3785m) 7 hrs
Day 15 Takla Khola (3785m) – Thajuchaur (4050m) via Chyargo La pass (5150m) 7 hrs
Day 16 Thajuchaur (4050m) – Shilenchaura Kharka (2945m) 6 hrs
Day 17 Shilenchaura Kharka (2945m) – Tiyar (2418m) 3-4 hrs
Day 18 Tiyar (2418m) – Mangri (1950m) 4 hrs
Day 19 Mangri (1950m) – Gamgadhi (2095m) 4 hrs
Day 20 Gamgadhi (2095m) – Rara Lake (2990m) 4 hrs
Day 21 Rest day at Rara Lake (2990m)
Day 22 Rara Lake (2990m) – Talcha Airport (2200m) 2-3 hrs walk and flight to Nepalgunj/Surkhet and onward flight to Kathmandu
