Dolpo Kagmara-Pass Trek
Dolpo Kagmara pass Trekking
The Lower Dolpo to Kagmara Pass trek is a challenging and remote trekking route in the Dolpo region of Nepal. This trek takes you through pristine landscapes, ancient villages, and high mountain passes, offering a unique and adventurous experience. Here’s a guide to the Lower Dolpo to Kagmara Pass trek:
Arrive in Nepalgunj: Start your journey by flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in western Nepal. Nepalgunj serves as a gateway to the Dolpo region. Spend a night in Nepalgunj to make the necessary preparations for the trek.
Nepalgunj to Juphal flight: Take a short scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region. From Juphal, begin your trek by descending the Bheri River and following the trail that leads to Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo district.
Numu La and Baga La Pass Lower Dolpo: The Lower Dolpo trek with Numu La Pass and Baga La Pass is indeed a challenging and adventurous trekking route in the Dolpo region of Nepal. Here’s a guide to the Lower Dolpo Numu La and Baga La Pass trek:
Numula Pass Dolpo: The Numu La Pass (5,190 Meters) /17,027ft) is a challenging high-altitude pass that connects the Dolpo region with Tibet. Begin the ascent early in the morning to take advantage of better weather conditions. The pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Descend on the other side of the pass.
Numu La to Baga La Pass: After descending from Numu La Pass, continue trekking toward the Baga La Base Camp. The trail takes you through remote and rugged landscapes, and you’ll set up camp at the base camp to prepare for crossing Baga La Pass.
Baga La Pass to reach Phoksundo Lake: The Baga La Pass (5,070 Meters) /16,630ft) is another challenging pass that you’ll cross on this trek. After crossing the pass, descend towards Ringmo village, located near Phoksundo Lake. Ringmo is a culturally rich village with a unique Tibetan-Buddhist influence.
Rest Day in Phoksundo Lake: The Lower Dolpo region falls within Shey Phoksundo National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna. Take some time to explore the park, spot wildlife like blue sheep and musk deer, and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Trek to Kagmara Base Camp: Leaving Phoksundo Lake behind, trek towards the Kagmara Base Camp. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Set up camp at the base camp and prepare for crossing the Kagmara Pass.
Cross Kagmara Pass: The Kagmara Pass (5,115 Meters) /16,780ft) is a challenging high-altitude pass that connects the Dolpo region with Rara Lake in the Mugu district. Cross the pass, which may involve some snow and ice depending on the season, and descend on the other side.
Kagmara Pass to Jumla: After crossing the pass, descend towards Jumla, the largest town in the Karnali region of Nepal. The trail takes you through beautiful alpine meadows, forests, and traditional villages.
Flight back to Kathmandu: You can either fly back to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu or continue your journey to other destinations in Nepal, such as Rara Lake or the Karnali River region.
Restricted Area Permit: Lower Dolpo is a restricted area, and you will need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to trek in this region. The RAP is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. It is advisable to hire a registered trekking agency to assist you with obtaining the permit.
Park Permits: The Lower Dolpo region falls within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. To enter the national park, you will need a Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu.
Note for Trekking rule: It’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities or consult a reputable trekking agency for the most up-to-date information regarding permits and regulations for the Lower Dolpo Kagmara La Pass trek.
The best time to go for the Lower Dolpo Kagmara La Pass trek is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions in the Dolpo region. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
Autumn Season (September to November: Autumn is considered the best time for trekking in Lower Dolpo and crossing the Kagmara La Pass. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures during the day. The views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes are spectacular during this season. However, it can get cold at higher altitudes, so be prepared with proper cold-weather gear.
Spring Season (April to June: Spring is another excellent season for the Lower Dolpo Kagmara La Pass trek. The weather is generally mild, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The trail comes alive with colorful flowers and blossoming rhododendron forests, making the trek even more scenic. It’s a great time to observe the local flora and fauna. However, be prepared for occasional rainfall and some trails may still have snow at higher elevations.
During Both Seasons: The visibility is generally good, and the trails are more accessible compared to the monsoon and winter seasons. The Lower Dolpo region is known for its remote and rugged terrain, and these seasons provide the best opportunity to enjoy the trekking experience without extreme weather conditions.
Fixed Departure Dates
Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
---|---|---|
September 25 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to the beautiful country of Nepal! We will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. You can stroll around the place if you wish to. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2370m,
We take the first flight from Nepalgunj to reach Jumla, which takes about 30 minutes. At the campsite in Jumla, we meet our porters and other staffs. This resting day gives us time to get used to the changing climate and growing altitude. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Jumla to Gothi Chaur 2800m,
Moving ahead from Jumla, we descend to a bridge, and after an hour and a half trek on a quiet trail, we reach Garjankot. A slightly longer walk passes a few houses, and going via the irrigation channel, we can see amazing hills. The camp is 200m below at a sheep meadow known as Gothi Chaur (2800m). Stay overnight at tented camp
Trek from Gothi Chaur to Nephukhona 3010m,
The trail descends to the banks of a tributary of Tila River. Following the trails through alpine forests and clear streams, we arrive in Munigaon, where there is a police check post. The main track continues southeast to Jajarkot and then towards Bheri River. We cross a bridge over a stream and enjoying the views of soaring trees, we take a short stroll towards the village of Naphukhona. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Nephukhona to NauliKharka 3670m,
Passing the river through the dense jungle, we ascend towards Maure La (3927m). The delightful sights of the Bheri River Valley and the peaks of Ghyuthumba and Matathumba ranges appear before us. Upon reaching Nauli Kharka, we relish the views of amazing meadows and the alpine forest surrounding us. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from NauliKharka to Hurikot 2650m,
Today is the exciting day as we can get the first sight of Kagmara Lek and Bheri River. The path can be seen across the hillside through the village of Chaurkot. The village Rimi and Kaigaon are seen as we descend through Rimi. Kaigaon village is on the left side of the river, following which we make our way to Hurikot (2650m). A monastery is being constructed just above the campsite. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Hurikot to Garpung Khola 2920m,
Move along the river to the village which is of Tibetan characteristic. The path ascends slowly to Garpung Khola until we reach Jagdula Khola. A sheer hike for half an hour takes us to an outstanding viewpoint of Kagmara. Walk along the left bank of the cross and cross the bridge to reach Garpung Khola. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Garpung Khola to KagmaraPhedi 2900m,
A short morning stroll and an afternoon rest is the goal today. Pass the bridge and follow the stream for two hours to get on the route ahead. Ascending on a cliff alongside the river, we cross several brides to reach Kagmara Phedi. An amazing view of Kanjirowa Himal Range can be seen from Phedi. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Kagmara Phedi to Lasa 4060m,
Today is a big day as we cross the Kagmara La (5115m). Walk on the right bank of the river until the path becomes somewhat hard below a sheer ascent. Getting on the top of Kagmara La (5155m), the pass can be seen adorned with hundreds of prayer flags. From the top of the pass, a stunning vista of surrounding mountains can be seen. The campsite of Lasa is a mere hour away from Kamara La and is situated underneath the pass on a flat grassy land cleared by the river. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Lasa to Pungmo 3600m,
The gradual descend from Lasa to Pungmo follows the trail of a stream throughout the way and crosses many smaller streams as well. With a view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) can be seen as we follow the sparsely forested trail. The Himalayan blue sheep and wild fox can be spotted en route along with numerous birds. A sharp downfall from Khyaru takes us to the village of Pungmo. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Rest Day,
Today is the rest day, but you can hike to stay active. There are two Gompas where both 'Bon' and 'traditional' Buddhism are practiced. Chortenscan is seen along the way. To reach the Gompas, we walk on the wooden bridge underneath the village. We later trek on the opposite bank of the stream and follow the trail up through the pine forest. The path becomes quite visible as it cuts across a cliff to reach the Gompa. After spending some time around the Gompa, we head back down to Pungmo for the overnight stay.
Trek from Pungmo to Ringmo Gaon 3733m,
Today's destination is the village of Ringmo, situated by the side of the attractive Phoksundo Lake. Keeping to the left side of the river, incline for one hour to a military camp at the connection of the Pungmo and Phoksundo Rivers. The walk up to Ringmo is very satisfying as enormous rock walls guard the upper valley, and as we arrive in Ringmo village, the beautiful Phoksundo Lake can be seen. Really fascinating is the enormous waterfall, falling down from the Phoksundo River. From the spot adorned with prayer flags, a pleasant walk takes you to the village of Ringmo. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Exploring the Shey Phoksundo Lake,
Today will be a hard-earned rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. We ascend from Ringmo and head to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by rocky hills and with a reflection of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m). During the day, we can take on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. As we walk around, we also get an opportunity to get aware with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear simple clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon tint and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious charms and cords of coral, amber, and turquoise. Overnight in Ringmo.
Trek from Ringmo Gaon to Yak Kharka 3982m,
The trek today sets out to discover the hidden valley of Tarap, known to be one of the last strongholds of Tibetan culture in Nepal. It is an easy day linking a couple of hour's walks in the morning to a yak grazing meadow situated by the Maduwa Khola. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Danigar 4631m,
Today is an exciting day as we will be crossing the snow-covered post of Baga La (5200m). It is also one of the most captivating parts of the trek as we pass the watershed of the main Himalayan dry Tibetan plateaus. Moving along the river, the trail ascends sharply to the pass. The dry hills look orange and brown extending out towards the north. The pass is often windy and but hosts a great view of Phoksundo Lake and Kanjirowa Himal Range along with the view of Norbung Kang (6085m). Afterward, we make a steep descend from the pass to reach Danigar. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Danigar to DhoTarap 3944m,
As we head towards Dho Tarap, we start with a gradual ascend to cross Numa La (5350m); the walk into this attractive and wild Tibetan landscape is one of the best parts of this hike. Dhaulagiri I (8167m) along with the Tibetan hills and the KanjirowaHimal Range are seen as remarkable from the top of Numa La (5350m). The path then goes downhill into the Tarap Valley, and crossing many ancient monasteries on the way, we reached Tarap. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Dho Tarap to Ghyamgar 3756m,
We make a morning visit to the Bon Gompas called Dhoro Gompa and Shipchaur Gompa. Afterward, we leave Dho Tarap and follow Tarap Khola downstream to reach Ghyamgar via Langa Camp. Crossing many small streams and scattered settlements, we arrive in Ghyamgar. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Ghyamgar to Chhyugar 3441m,
The path through the gorge continues, moving through the riverbank on the way up the cliff side. After a long morning's walk, a large clearing arena by the river is reached. Walking alongside Tarap Khola relishing the beautiful landscape of the barren Dolpo, we arrive in Chhyugar. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Chhyugar to Tarakot 2537m,
From Chhyuar, we walk for a short while to a well-made bridge to walk on the left bank of Barbung Khola, into which the Trap Kholafollows. Upon reaching Laisicap, where the Tarap Khola and Barbung Khola meet, we follow the Bheri River on a downhill trail to reach Tarakot. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Trek from Tarakot to Dunai 2140m,
Tarakot to Dunai is an easy downhill walk through several settlements situated on the bank of Thuli Bheri River. We follow a sparsely forested trail with many rocky hills until we reach Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpo. In Dunai, we pay a visit to the Central Gompa. Stay overnight in the lodge.
Trek from Dunai to Juphal 2475m,
From Dunai, we walk along the Bheri River, enjoying the beautiful scenery. We first descend to Suligad, a junction of Phoksundo River and Bheri River, from where we make a steep ascend towards the town of Juphal. En route, we come across several small villages, vibrant with locals going about their lives. Overnight in Juphal.
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and fly back to Kathmandu,
We take the first flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. And take another flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. Celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Final Departure to International Airport.
After an amazing trip, it is now time to say our goodbyes. We will drop you at the airport before the scheduled time of your flight.
Includes/Excludes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by Private Tourist car / Van.
- 2 nights double deluxe accommodation with breakfast at 3* hotel in Kathmandu.
- 1 night double deluxe accommodation with breakfast at 3* hotel in Nepalgunj.
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)&3X(Tea or Coffee)
- All transportation by private car.
- 1 experienced, helpful and friendly English speaking guide, 1 cook, porters/donkeys, their food & accommodation, bus ticket, salary, equipments and insurance.
- Humla-Simikot Restricted Area Permit and all necessary permits.
- Rara National Park Permit and all necessary permits.
- Dolpo Restricted Area Permit.
- Domestic flight ticket from Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Jumla-Juphal/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu and domestic airport tax
- All Camping Equipments (Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tent, Guest Tent, Toilet Tent, Mattresses) and Kitchen equipments (Utensils).
- Tented accommodation during the camping trek.
- First Aid Medical Kit box.
- All government tax.
- Fresh Fruits after Dinner & 1pcs Snicker or Chocolate each person every day.
- Trekking Map
- Trekking Kit bag and Sleeping Bag (Should be return after trek)
- Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
- Items and expenses of personal nature.
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Personal Trekking Equipment.
- Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
- Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.