LOWER DOLPO TREK-Arun Treks & Expedition

Arun Trek's trip web pages, and pdf info packs have lots of info about each specific adventure (search for your adventure here). You may also like to look at our photo galleries or videos for a taste of adventure, or download a wallpaper to inspire you at your computer. This page has answers to some more general Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about climbing.
As all of our mountain climbing adventures begin with a trek, you might also like to look at the Trekking FAQs.

If you have other questions, please ask our friendly team, by email, phone, and skype.
Q) Can I really climb a mountain? Do I need to have climbing experience? How can I climb Mount Everest? Can I climb the seven summits?
A) The level of experience and skills required depends on your particular goal (search for your adventure here). We suggest that people undertaking a first climb should have had at least overnight trekking experience. For those who wish to take on a technically difficult, remote or extreme altitude mountain we'd expect participants to have appropriate experience and skills. Some ideas for preparing for climbing goals are given at the bottom of this page.

Q) Why go on a guided expedition?
A) There are many reasons that might make a guided expedition attractive even for experienced climbers. These include someone else taking care of all those details (including thing as diverse as booking and confirming hotels, checking the number of evening snacks, ensuring reliable support, transport, permits, visas, team members, gear, etc etc etc etc). This saves your time and energy for the part that really matters - working on achieving your goal. The high levels of support and experience aim to give you the best possible opportunity to succeed, a high level of risk management, and the Arun leaders and staff are there for YOU!

Q) What type of people comes along?
A) Climbing expeditions usually attract people in their twenties to fifties. Participants tend to be seeking a good quality, safe, well supported, good value and enjoyable adventure rather than the lowest cost.

Q) How fit do I need to be? Will I have to carry a lot of weight? Should I be able to do 100 chin ups?
A) The fitter you are, the more fun you (and your companions) will have. You will find guidance on preparing for your expedition on each adventure's web page (search here), our info packs and trip dossiers. A minimum level of fitness would have you being able to walk all day on uneven, hilly ground, carrying your day pack, and be able to get up again the next day. Many climbs will require a higher level of fitness and strength so you can carry heavy gear to high camps and really exert yourself on summit day.

Q) What gear is provided?
A) Included are individual sleeping tents for the trekking phase of most climbing expeditions, with dining and kitchen tents. On the mountain participants share serious, proven mountain tents. Climbing teams are equipped with emergency communications and first aid equipment as well as more prosaic things like climbing and cooking gear. There is a detailed gear list for each adventure which outlines what we provide as well as what you should bring. (Search here for specific adventures and download the info pack.)

Q) What's the food like?
A) Food arrangements are specific to each adventure, but you get three meals a day while on the track. In cities included is breakfast and, depending on the trip and the nature of the activities may also cater for lunch and dinner for the group. In the Himalayas the kitchen staffs have been training for years and work magic over gas or kero stoves in their kitchen tent.
While trekking the cooks prepare a varied menu of wholesome, tasty and plentiful food using fresh ingredients where possible. A trekking breakfast in the Himalayas usually includes cooked foods e.g. eggs, tomatoes, cereal or porridge, toast & spreads and fruit and a selection of hot drinks.
Lunch is often soup and a packed lunch, or a cooked lunch. Dinners are generally soup, a main meal (one of many Asian or European style dishes) veges, and a dessert (fruit to custard to baked apple pie!) Drinking water: will be provided at camps (collected with care, filtered, treated with chemicals and/or boiled), and at lunch time where possible. It is wise to carry a small amount of purifying chemicals (e.g. Iodine or chlorine) with you, in case you happen to need water at an odd time. In the developing world care should be taken to avoid untreated water and potentially contaminated foods like uncooked salads and some fruit. Bottled water is available in cities, but of course you can treat tap water in your own bottle too.
On the hill we eat easy to prepare food, often prepared by the team with assistance from guides and staff: freeze-dried foods, crackers, soups, snacks etc. On big mountains it is often a challenge to eat, so we provide foods to tempt your appetite and give you sustenance.

Q) Who will be responsible for my safety?
A) The short answer - you! All participants are expected to behave in a responsible manner, taking due care of themselves and others. Your expedition leader is responsible for the group including participants and staff. He or she will advise, manage and assist everyone, sometimes with the support of an expedition first aider or doctor, and will be assisted by guides, sherpas, and you and your climbing colleagues, all of whom will have roles to play.

Q) What if I get sick or have an accident?
A) Despite the best precautions, people do sometimes fall ill, sprain something or develop symptoms of AMS. Our expedition leaders will manage your care keeping in mind what's best for you and the rest of the group. Precautions include first aid qualifications and kits, emergency communications, evacuation plans, your travel insurance cover and our pre-preparation and medical advisors.

Q) What about altitude sickness?
A) AMS Acute Mountain Sickness (or altitude sickness) is the body reacting to the stress of high altitude. It is a concern for trekkers in the Himalayas and elsewhere above about approximately; say (is that enough vagueness!) 3,000m. Exposure to high altitude can lead to a number of 'normal' physiological reactions as well as mild to extremely serious illness and even death. The treks are designed with relatively slow acclimatisation schedules, rest days and alternative options. And there are medications and a number of management strategies in place should they be required. Don't be unduly concerned, but please talk to us if you have questions.

Q) I don't have much time, can't we do it quicker?
A) The adventures are designed around what we feel is the optimum itinerary, which incorporates adequate time for the suitably fit participant to do the climb comfortably; flexibility for weather, illness, unforeseen delays; time to enjoy the experience, your climbing colleagues and staff; learn about your surroundings if you wish; and, for altitude adventures, a fairly slow acclimatisation regime to minimise the risk of altitude sickness and maximise your chance of reaching your goals. All while also trying to minimise your time away from home. We would generally not recommend shorter itineraries (such as those used by less scrupulous operators) unless you were genuinely prepared to turn back if you (or your travel companion) becomes affected by AMS. If you really don't have the time available, we can perhaps suggest an alternative itinerary or goal that will work for you.

Q) My friend would like to visit, but isn't really interested in climbing...
A) Your friend, spouse, family, colleagues may like to join you on the trekking phases of the expedition, and could stay in Base Camp or Advanced Base Camp, depending on the trip, when you are on the hill. If they want to accompany you to our base city (e.g. Kathmandu) we can easily arrange extra accommodation, and places on our day tours, but we may also be able to arrange a series of day trips, a short relaxing trip into the country-side, scenic flights above the Himalayas, wildlife safaris and so on. Ask us for ideas, or suggest your own.

Overview
Itinerary
Trip Detail
Trip Facts
Gears
FAQ

Lower Dolpo has a magical, legendary appeal. The landscapes here are even more uninhabited than on the Dolpa Circuit and the villages even more isolated and pure. In Inner Dolpo centuries old Buddhist traditions, interwoven with shamanistic influences, are still an important part of daily life. The villages, gompa's and people you meet during this trek will leave an unforgettable notion on you. Trekkers relatively hardly ever visit the remote and wild district of Dolpa and yet it offers a wonderful chance to experience a landscape and culture for different from that seen in other parts the country.

Arrival, transfer to hotel & trek briefing (1350m)
Tour in the morning, Final trek preparation (1350m)
Fly to Nepalgunj and transfer to Hotel (200m)
Fly to Juphal (2490m) and Trek to Dunai (One and a half hr walk) (2,030m)
Dunai to Anke (5 hrs trek) (2,670m)
Anke to Reji (2,960m)
Reiji to Phoksundo Lake (3,730m)
Explore around lake and acclimatization day (3730m)
Phoksundo laka to Yak Kharka (3,930m)
Cross Basia pass (5070m) & trek to to Kharka before Numla (4,120m)
Cross Numla (5190m) & trek to Dho Tarap (4100m)
Rest day and visit to Champa Monastery and others (4100m)
Do Tarap to Chheur (3,510m)
Cheur to Kanigoan (2350m)
Kanigoan to Dunai (2230m)
Dunai to Juphal (2,030m)
Fly to KTM via Nepalgung (1,350m)
Free day & Shopping (1300m)
Fly back to Home

"Itinerary subject to change"

The Lower Dolpo Trek/ Dolpo Trek Nepal stars from Jumla located in west Nepal, Jumla is the zonal headquarter of the Karnali zone. Compared with other areas, the development process in the region is slow and tourism is yet to pick up. This Lower Dolpo trekking zone is regarded as one of the world's highest rice growing area. The people in this Dolpa region are Thakuris, a Chhetri sect that has the highest social, political and religious standing. Later the trail follows towards the Shey Phoksundo Lake. Shey-Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal's most spectacular and second largest lake. This lake is considered sacred by the locals of Dolpo. The lake is 4.8km long, 1.8km wide and said to be 650m deep. It spreads to an area of 3627m. Ringed by snow-capped mountains and verdant trees, this turquoise lake can be considered the jewel of Dolpo. There is no aquatic life in the lake, which makes the water brilliantly clear. The Lower Dolpo treks ends at the Junal from where we will fly back to Nepaljung.

• Explore the charisma hidden land of Dolpo, with it's untouched Tibetan Buddhism and Bonpo culture
• Walk through desolate, stunning landscapes of the Trans Himalayan mountains
• Admire the incomparable beauty of the holy Phoksundo Lake, with its enchanting blue and emerald colors
• Walk the complete famous Demon Trail from the movie Himalaya from Eric Vallie
• Cross three high passes of 5000 meters and above with stunning views over the snowcapped Himalayas
• Visit the paranormal Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Inner Dolpo
• Sleep in genuine, Buddhist villages and camp in amazing spots amidst the snowcapped mountains
• Bump into with villagers, who are direct descendents of the Tibetans
• See Nepal's highest waterfall, the Phoksundo Waterfall, of 167 meters high as well as the deepest lake of Nepal.

Lower Dolpo trek is an appropriate goal for bushwalkers and hikers or day-walkers looking for an extra challenge. This is a chance to get amongst the Himalayas in relative comfort of simple lodges.

Fitness

The trekking days are very long, as your body needs time to acclimatise and after all, you are on holiday. You will need to be able to walk for 4-8 hours a day with a daypack.

We are generally early abed but you might want to hang around and chat with your fellow trekkers, staff or local people or play a game of cards. Rest days normally involve a part-day hike to a place of interest or viewpoint as well as some relaxation time.

Depending on your general level of fitness you may benefit from a training regime in the lead up to the trek.

Experience

This expedition introduces you to high altitude trekking. A spirit of adventure and a willingness to stretch your horizons are what you'll need. Some experience of hiking will be an advantage.

Our style

On this Lower Dolpo trek your trek leader will be a qualified Nepalese trek guide. They are there to ensure your trek is a wonderful, fun and safe experience.

Your accomplished and friendly trip guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. They will assist with daily arrangements as you eat in and stay in the tents. The package uses a steady acclimatisation program and allows time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.

The trip will be well planned, well led, and well resourced with good quality food, transport, equipment, first aid and communications.

In Kathmandu: We will be staying at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a huge peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.

It is safe and clean and well staffed, and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills. There are many restaurants in Kathmandu catering to western tastes as well as plenty of local Dahl Bhat (rice and lentils) shops at very reasonable prices.

On the Trek: Generally along the regular trekking areas we have our own clean and spacious camp sites. We always try to camp away from the crowded site to a cozy solitude premises. Each and every client will have their own tent unless there are couples or they wish to share the tent. Tents are all equipped with mattresses and a ground sheet for preventing cold.

Our professional cooks prepare three time meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). They are well trained & educated of hygienic variety and have broad knowledge to cook different dishes, like Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Italian and all are prepared to Western hygiene standards to keep you healthy. If someone prefers to have pure Nepalese food will be served during the treks. Nepalese food include Daal (pulse) bhat (rice) Gudruk ko tarakari (dried vegetables curry) is the special one. Please remember that Maxican & Italian dishes prepared in typical way.

Autumn season (Sept-Nov) being the best season for trekking, offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views, and also best season for peak climbing.

Summer months (June-September) of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Spring season (March-May) is the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

Winter season (December-February) is noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters. Most of the hotel owners will come to the lower altitude cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Although Travel in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May is considered to be the best months for trekking.

The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions.

Foreign currency, and traveler cheques, can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted at all major Hotels, Travel Agencies, Restaurants and Stores. Only the first two though, are currently accepted at banks for money advances. As from august 2000 ATM services are available in Kathmandu.

In the cities, and specially while trekking, change for Rs500 and Rs1000 bills is not easily available.

Banks are open between 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursdays and between 1 0:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and national holidays. Some Banks in Thamel, Kathmandu are open till late.

We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, Chopper evacuation and repatriation. Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking and mountaineering with ropes and guides) and in the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 5190m/17027ft above sea level).

You may already have your own policy but if not you will need to put something in place. Your nationality will determine what options are available to you to cover this trip. For example the British and New Zealand Mountaineering Clubs provide cover for locals; Australians can look into Insure for less with the appropriate extensions to the standard policy. Whatever policy you take out, you must ensure that is covers the activities you will undertake on this trip.

• Conservation/national park fees and all government taxes.
• Lower Dolpo Special permits fee.
• 4 Nights twin sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
• All the local transportation to & back from the KRP for staffs.
• All airport/hotel/airport drops by private car/van.
• An experience Guide (s),
• Sherpa escort(s),
• Trained Cook and kitchen boy (s),
• Necessary number of porters or yak with yak herders.
• All camping gears
• Best quality tent with sleeping mattress
• All necessary kitchen equipment and kitchen tent.
• Group dinning tent with chairs and table.
• Toilet tent and shower tent
• Best quality food & drinks (tea/coffee/chocolate, breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
• Gamow bag/Oxygen with mask and regulator for emergency purpose.
• First aid box and Water purification tablets.
• Half-day world heritage sites tour.
• Cultural dinner.

• Visa and International airfare and departure tax from Nepal.
• Travel insurance (suggest to have evacuation insurance as well)
• Personal equipment
• Major meals (lunch and dinner) in KTM.
• Cost of personal nature like telephone, alcohol, soft drinks, laundry etc.
• Tips to staff.

Most of our adventures in the Himalaya take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly and we allow for additional rest days. While most people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms, which require return to a lower altitude or emergency evacuation. Adjusting to a new diet can also take some time.

All clients are required to have travel insurance covering emergency rescue, usually by helicopter. We must stress that this kind of evacuation occurs in a life or death situation only. Rest and/or descent to a lower altitude are the best remedies for most illnesses experienced out on the trail. Circumstances differ, and the head guide with regard to treatment and itinerary will evaluate each situation. Considering the ill person condition, if helicopter evacuation required then just co ordinate with your guide, he can talk to us, we will arrange the fastest evacuation system immediately. We will work with you to accommodate your needs and requests to the best of our ability. There are small, limited health clinics in some areas, hours of operation dependent upon the season. Additional costs incurred in cases of illness are not the responsibility of mine or will be charged as extra cost.

Trip Code	-	ATE-LowerDolpoTrek
Altitude	-	5190m/17027ft
Grade	-
Activities	-	Trekking
Trip Duration	-	19
Trip Best Season	-	Autumn
Group Size	-	(12 Maximum) (Flexible for private groups)
Start/End at	-	Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
Destination	-	Nepal
Departure Date	-	N/A
Cost	-
Hotel Info	-	N/A

• Travel/town clothes (can leave extras in hotel in KTM)
• Sun hat suitable for snow conditions
• Sunglasses: Category 3 or4, glacier type, UV & polarized are best
• Snow goggles (as for skiing)
• Warm (fleece/wool) hat or beanie
• Fleece scarf or neck gaiter AND balaclava
• 1-2 pairs of thermal liner gloves
• Windstopper fleece gloves
• Heavy mitts with waterproof shell (note: mitts not gloves)
• T-shirt/long-sleeved shirt
• 2 Thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover mid weight
• Fleece jacket heavy weight
• INCL Mid-heavy weight down jacket
• Rain and wind-proof jacket, preferably Gore-Tex
• Rain and wind-proof pants (best with full side zips)
• Trekking shorts&/or long pants lightweight
• 1-2 Thermal long pants
• Fleece long pants, mid weight
• Several pair's socks and underwear
• Trekking boots – we suggest strong leather boots
• Warm boots for camp (e.g. sheep skin boots) *Optional but great!
Other Personal Gear
• Sun screen, zinc cream and lip balm
• Wash kit (small personal toiletries, nail clippers and pack towel)
• First aid kit and blister kit
• Personal medicines including your usual medicines
AND 1 course each of (usually available in Kathmandu):
• Respiratory antibiotic (e.g. Amoxycillin)
• Gastrointestinal antibiotic (e.g. Ciprofloxacin)
• Gastro treatment (e.g. Imodium)
• Mild pain killers (e.g. Aspirin/paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Throat lozenges
• Altitude medication (e.g. Diamox)

Day pack 70L - 85L
• Down suit
• One sport millet shoes
• Water containers: minimum 3L: e.g. Nalgene wide mouth bottles 1L + bottles or bladder another 2L capacity
• INCL Foam sleeping mat
• An extra sleeping mat (*recommended; e.g. Thermo-Rest or Ridge Rest
• 1 Summit down sleeping bag for high camps
• INCL Sleeping bag for base camp and trek use
• Water-proof bag for sleeping bag (e.g. dry bag or robust plastic bag(s))
• Head lamp (we suggest Black Diamond with LED), spare batteries
• Pee bottle — wide mouth Nalgenes are good *Optional
• Crampons Alpine style with rapid-fix bail type to suit your boots (e.g. Black Diamond Sabretooth)
• Gaiters (for snow) appropriate to your plastic & trekking boots
• Adjustable trekking pole(s)
• Ice axe: one only, 65-75cm in length
• Climbing harness with a belay loop, adjustable leg loops
• Belay/Abseiling gear: e.g. Black Diamond ATC
• Ascender e.g. Petzl expedition ascender
• 2 Non-locking carabineers
• 2 Locking carabineers (wide gate preferred)
Group Equipment Supplied
INCL Group medical kit (for altitude illness, trauma, reserve antibiotics); emergency oxygen and portable altitude chamber
INCL Satellite phone (pay for air time used: USD /minute)
INCL Sleeping tents, dining tent, all cooking and eating equipment & food on trek/climb
INCL 240VAC generatorat BC to recharge camera batteries
INCL Barrel or duffle bag for transporting personal gear by Yak and truck
INCL Climbing ropes, fixed safety ropes
INCL Snow anchors, ice anchors, rock anchors, v-thread cord
NOTE: You must have all of the above personal gear, clothing and equipment. It may be possible to buy some extra equipment (If forgotten) but don't rely on it.
R: This item is available to rent
INCL: This item included in package