Juphal - Pokhsindo Lake trek; Tibetan Culture in Dolpo!
Price
$2,250.00
Destination
Dolpo Area
Duration
11 Nights/ 12 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Activity
Trekking
Group Size
2 to 16 people
Max Altitude
3700m/12465ft
Best Season
Mar to May & Sep to Nov
Accommodation
Local Tea House/Lodges
Meals
Package (as per the deal)
Start/End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Overview
In Dolpo, our trail passes through the radiant mountains, vastly extended grazing-lands(Kharkas) & the old villages where Tibetan traditions & vibrant culture are still part of everyday life.
If you know about the deepest lake in Nepal, you may already know about Phoksundo Lake, the beautiful freshwater lake in Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Dolpo. A trek through this region is not only about the spectacular natural scenery. It also offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the colorful Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions that have been preserved in Dolpo for generations.
Because of its remote location and difficult living conditions, very few people live in or travel through many parts of Dolpo. As a result, the people of Dolpo have developed and preserved a unique culture that can still be found in these remote pockets of northern Nepal. Here, life is still closely connected with horses, mules, and yaks. People continue to wear traditional clothing and jewelry and many old customs and ways of life remain part of everyday life.
Some traditional practices may seem very different from what we are familiar with. In some places, for example, water is traditionally divided among households through a local dice game. Traditional funeral practices are also different, with the remains of the dead being left for vultures according to local beliefs and customs.
Even today, much of Dolpo remains a restricted (contorlled by number of visitors) area for foreign travelers. This limited access has also helped protect many of its ancient traditions, culture and natural environment.
The highlight of the journey is Phoksundo Lake and the village of Ringmo, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, mountains and the beautiful landscape of Dolpo. Phoksundo is Nepal's deepest lake and one of the world's highest-altitude deep lakes, making it one of the most remarkable natural attractions of the region.
Together, the landscape, ancient culture, remote villages and the remarkable Phoksundo Lake make Dolpo a truly special Himalayan destination.
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu. Hotel,
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport pick up/transfer as program,
- Hotel in Kathmandu and in Nepalgunj with full board meals,
- Kathmandu city tour (half day tour with guide and transport),
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj [and back to Kathmandu] by flight and application transportation,
- Nepalgunj to Juphal and return by flight,
- Full board trek with mountain basic lodge accommodation (lodge+meals),
- All trek permits and National park entry permits,
- 1 guide, assistant/s depending on the group size, porters including meals, daily allowance, work insurance etc.
- Welcome/farewell dinners are provided at the traditional Nepali restaurants with cultural shows,
- Services of fresh fruits, boiled drinking water, tea, coffee cookies,
- Services of duffel bags (for trek purpose only), warm water daily in the morning for face washing water etc.
What's Not Included
- Cold drinks, bar bills, personal shopping,
- More city tours if any,
- Repeated more nights hotel stay in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj or even on the trek, (or other than the program above),
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, medical/emergency evacuate if any etc.
- Nepal visa fee, international airfare,
- Any trip extension, Upper Dolpo entry etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Juphal–Ringmo trek takes you into one of Nepal’s least-visited and most unspoiled corners, where the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination. The highlight is undoubtedly Phoksundo Lake, with its remarkable blue-green water surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forests. Nearby, the powerful Suligad Waterfall plunges from the lake, feeding the Phoksundo River, whose valley guides the trail through rugged and beautifully changing landscapes. The walk also begins around Juphal village, a lively local settlement where you can see everyday Dolpo life before heading deeper into the mountains. What makes this trek special is the feeling of remoteness. There are far fewer tourists than on Nepal’s popular trails, allowing you to experience Dolpo’s raw landscapes, villages and Tibetan-influenced culture at a much more personal pace.