Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 150m/490ft: 1 hour flight
An hour’s flight from Kathmandu will take us to Nepalgunj, an interesting town on in Western Nepal bordering the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Explore the mixture of Hindu and Muslim cultures that influence the town and visit Bageswory temple or the Muslim Bazaar. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal 2320m/7610ft and trek to Dunai 2850m/9348ft: 45 minutes flight and 3 hours
walk
After a morning flight to Jhupal, we’ll begin our journey with a walk through a narrow valley to Dunai, a well-stocked town that serves as a base for many treks in the region. Explore the town and shop for any gear you may have forgotten this evening.
Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Tarakot 2543m/8341ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Following the southern bank of the Bheri river, we traverse a landscape marked by deep gorges and seemingly untouched villages. We arrive in Tarakot, a town that served as a fortress under the Tichurong kingdom, in time to explore during the evening.
Day 6: Trek from Tarakot to Laini 3160m/10365ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Our trail travels high above the river. Crossing an impressive suspension bridge, we descend to a check post near the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarup Chu. We make a short detour up a chorten lined trail to visit Sandul Gompa before reaching our overnight stop in Laini.
Day 7: Trek from Laini to Nawarpani 3545m/11627ft: 5 hours walk
A steep climb takes us along switchbacks above the Tarap River. Continue ascending along a gorge which becomes so narrow and steep as to provide for some fantastically interesting hiking. Several vigorous climbs and descents will take us to the banks of the Chyugur Khola, from where we reach Nawarpani.
Day 8: Trek from Nawarpani to Dho Tarap 4090m/13415ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
Passing a mysterious cave in the morning, we traverse a fascinating section of trail carved into the rock face of a narrow gorge. The haunting scenery of barren canyon walls surround us as we travel above rugged stands of juniper, crossing several ancient bridges and weathered chortens and mani walls. Ascend along the canyon to Dho Tarap, a village inhabited by Tibetans and Magars, surrounded by interesting stone walls near the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Dhoto Chu.
Day 9: Rest day at Dho Tarap
Spend the day exploring the fascinating village, a collection of tightly packed stone houses surrounded by fields of buckwheat. Visit the nearby Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, where it is said the remains of a demon slain by a guru Rinpoche are kept. Several other Gompas containing artwork from both Bonpo and Nyingma traditions can be seen, and spectacular views of the valley abound.
Day 10: Trek from Dho Tarap to Numa La base camp 4440m/14563ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
The journey continues further to upper Tarap valley, beginning with a scenic stroll through a wide valley thick with lush grasses on either side of the river. Take a detour to the Mekyam Gompa, a century old structure containing a statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Another interesting Gompa containing a collection of historical weapons awaits us in Gakar. In Tokyu village we can visit the local monastery. We follow the valley south to Numa La, near the edge of a stream beneath the steep climb to Numa La.
Day 11: Trek across Numa La 5190m/17023ft to Pelung Tang 4465m/14645ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Today will be a long an arduous ascent along grassy slopes and glacial moraine to cross the Numa La. Spectacular scenery unfolds as we make the crossing, including views of Dhaulagiri I, Shey Shikar, and Kanjeralwa. We make a dramatic descent to Pelung Tang, a yak herder’s town from where an excellent view of Norbu Kang’s majestic peak can be had.
Day 12: Trek across Baga La 5070m/16630ft to Dajok Tang 4080m/13382ft: 6 hours walk
Ascending a series of challenging switchbacks, we come to a ridgeline to encounter again the spectacular Norbu Kang. Dropping into a glacial bowl, we ascend again to cross Baga La, enjoying amazing views of the Kanjirowa Himal. Descending from the pass we enter an utterly magical valley flanked by a glacial moraine and a skyline of snowy peaks – waterfalls cascade from the valley walls surrounding us. Traversing rocky terrain and several streams we reach the village of Dajok Tang.
Day 13: Trek from Dajok Tang to Ringmo 3600m/11808ft: 3 – 4 hours walk
The trail continues high above the river through stands of juniper and pine, dropping into an enormous valley. As we approach Ringmo, the landscape takes on a pastoral appearance with thick vegetation and fields of barley. We encounter a huge waterfall on the valley’s opposite end, and beyond the valley wall the snowy peaks of the Kagmara Lekh range stand proud.
Day 14: Rest day at Ringmo and explore Phoksundo Lake
10 minute’s walk from Ringmo will take us to the pristine shores of Phoksundo Lake. The stunning scenery surrounding this magical place will leave you mesmerized. Spend the day enjoying the serenity of the lakeshore and visit the gompa at its eastern end.
Day 15: Trek from Ringmo to Shyanta 2520m/8265ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Heading south from Phoksundo, we pass through Chepka beneath a dramatic rock overhang. Our trail continues through a series of villages to Shyanta.
Day 16: Trek from Shyanta to Jhupal: 2320m/7610ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Hiking through a forest of birch we climb to a ridgeline and turn to savor our last mountain views before descending to Jhupal. A rugged descent will take us to Jhupal. Enjoy the luxury of a hot shower and a good meal after our amazing journey.
Day 17: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu: 2 hours flight
We take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj, from where we board the next available plane to Kathmandu. You will be transported to your hotel in Kathmandu. Spend the evening enjoying the nightlife in Thamel.
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
