Phoksundo Tea house trek with Dolpo Festival
Overview
The Phoksundo TeaHouse Trek with Dolpo Festival is also a unique and culturally immersive adventure that combines the natural beauty of the Phoksundo Lake region with the vibrant celebrations of the Dolpo Festival. This trek allows travelers to experience the enchanting landscapes of Upper Dolpo while also witnessing the rich cultural heritage and festivities of the local communities.
The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Juphal, followed by a trek through picturesque villages and breathtaking mountain scenery. The highlight of the trek is also the iconic Phoksundo Lake, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The tranquil shores of the lake also offer a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.
In addition to the natural wonders, travelers have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the festivities of the Dolpo Festival. This festival is celebrated by the local Dolpo people, who are of Tibetan descent, and it showcases their unique culture, traditions, and religious rituals. The festival is also a vibrant display of masked dances, colorful costumes, music, and spiritual ceremonies. It provides a deep insight into the spiritual beliefs and artistic expressions of the Dolpo community.
During the trek, trekkers stay in tea houses, which are basic but comfortable accommodations that also offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Interactions with the friendly locals and sharing meals together provide an authentic cultural experience.
Conclusion and Summary
The Phoksundo TeaHouse Trek with Dolpo Festival is a journey that blends the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of Upper Dolpo with the rich cultural tapestry of the Dolpo community. It allows travelers to witness the grandeur of Phoksundo Lake while immersing themselves in the vibrant celebrations of the Dolpo Festival. This trek offers a unique and unforgettable experience, combining adventure, spirituality, cultural exploration, and the warmth of Nepalese hospitality.
Itinerary
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Sep. 05 - Day 01:: Arrival at Kathmandu
As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
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Sep.06- Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj / flight
In the morning you can stroll in the streets of Thamel while we arrange all your trekking documents (TIMS & National Park Permit) . Then you collect all the necessary documents from our representative and drive to the domestic section of Kathmandu airport. From Kathmandu we fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel or lodge.
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Sep.07 - Day 03:: Nepalgunj to Juphal/ (2475m) and Juphal to Dunai (2145m)/ 3 hrs Trek
Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal- the trek starting point to Phoksundo Lake. As we begin the trek, the trail ascends southeast high above Thulo Bheri Valley followed by an hour long walk through maize fields to to reach the village of Kalagaunda. We trek by the southern bank of Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai(2145m).Dunai is quite a big mountainous town with schools, health post, government offices, police station and tourist class lodges. We will stay overnight in one of the lodges in Dunai. Probably at Pala Guest House.
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Sep.08 - Day 04:: Dunai to Chhepka (2670m)/ 6-7 hrs trek
Today we begin the trek descending down through the streets of Dunai Town to cross the bridge over Bheri River. Then we chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat. Then we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post. Beyond the checkpost, we gradually climb up along the rock strewn trail that lies above the serpentine Suli Ghad Khola. As the trail stretches higher through the series of hemp tree we arrive to Kageni. Further trekking through beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savoring the views of fluttering prayer flags, floral and faunal biodiversity, cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation we arrive to the village of Shyanta 2520m. Almost ninety minutes of uphill trek from Shyanta along the narrow trail brings us to Chhepka 2670m. Overnight in a lodge at Chhepka.
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Sep.09 - Day 05:: Chhepka to Jharana Hotel/ 5-6 hrs Trek
We rise early in the morning and after breakfast make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 330-metre –high waterfall, the highest in Nepal and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We stop for the night at Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.
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Sep.10 - Day 06:: Jharana Hotel to Ringmo (3460m)/ 5-6 hrs Trek
Today as we make our way to Ringmo, we make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo khola. We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo khola(river) flows out of the lake. The final push through the Phoksundo River gully, we emerge to the yak filled meadows of Ringmo, a popular Bon Village in the region. Ringmo has few lodges/homestays, where we are going to settle down for the night.
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Sep.11 - Day 07:: Festival
Opening Ceremony
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Sep.12- Day 08:: Festival
Sep.12- Day 08: Festival
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Sep.13 - Day 09: Festival
Sep.13 – Day 09: Festival
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Sep.14 - Day 10: Festival
Sep.14 – Day 10: Festival
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Sep.15 - Day 11: Festival
Sep.15 – Day 11: Festival
Closing Ceremony
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Sep.16 - Day 12: Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2520m)/ 6-7 hrs trek
After an enjoyable and insightful teahouse trek to Phoksundo Lake we trek along the retracing trail to Chhepka. We stay overnight at the hotel.
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Sep.17 - Day 13:: Chhepka to Juphal
After the breakfast, we continue the trek along the retracing trail that brings us to Juphal. After 6-7 hrs of pleasant walk through culturally and naturally diverse trail we arrive to Juphal. Overnight in a lodge at Juphal.
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Sep.18 - Day 14:: uphal to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu
Early morning, we walk to the airport in Juphal from where we fly to the airport in Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj we board a plane that directly connects us to Kathmandu. On arriving Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the time is free time.
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Sep.19 - Day 15:: Depart Kathmandu
Today, we will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule back home. We will see you off pleasantly. Have a safe flight back home.
Include / Exclude
Cost Includes:
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- Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
- Licensed and trained trekking guides,
- potters for carrying goods and supplies,
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
- 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
- All accommodation on Tent during the trek on sharing Basis.
- All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
- Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs. - Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
- Trekking staffs wages etc.
- Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
- Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
- All Government and local Taxes
- International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
- Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
- Domestic Flights
- Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
- Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
Cost Excludes:
- International Airfares,
- Travel/Trekking Insurance,
- Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
- Visa fees.
- Airport Departure Taxes.
- Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
- Tips for The staffs.
- Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
- Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
- Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
- Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Price per person
Usefull Information
Equipment List
FAQs
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Best Seasons March to May, September to November
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Group Size 2-20
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Duration 15 DAYS BOOKING OPEN
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Maximum Altitude 3460M
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Trek Difficulty Challenging
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