Yarsagonpa Expedition

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. The first time you see Nepal from the aircraft, you understand you have come to the right place to trek in the land of Himalayas and many herbal plants hidden here.

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.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj/ flight

From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. We suggest you to fly if you want to skip the journey along serpentine highway.
Or,
else you can simply travel to Nepalgunj in a private vehicle, which is an excellent opportunity to witness the rural culture of different regions of Nepal. On arriving to Nepalgunj, we transfer to our hotel. 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.

Day 03: Nepalgunj to Juphal and Juphal to Dunai/ trek

After the breakfast, today we drive to the airport and board the plane to Juphal. The flight to Juphal take a 35 minutes. On our arrival at Juphal, our Yarsogompo Trekking to the isolated wilderness of Dolpo begins. Initially, the trail descends and winds through local villages.

We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai (2150m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. We stay overnight in Dunai at Pala Guest House.

Day 04: Dunai to Tarakot

As the trek begins today, we follow the upstream trail that banks Bheri River. First part of today’s trek is very pleasant as we trek along the leveled path occupied by beautiful landscapes in the neighborhood.

Almost a couple of hours of trek bring us to the settlement of Byasghar 2430m. Exiting out of Byasghar, we continue trekking along the riverside trail that heads towards northeast direction.

During this part of the trek, the trail most of the times flanks the river closely and at other time it climbs over the hill or around the ridge. The trek continues along open trails before it arrives to Baijibara. This small settlement holds a Bon Monastery.

After a short uphill trek further, dry stone walls and cultivating fields indicate the arrival of famous mid-hill settlement of western Nepal, Tarakot. A small settlement that nestles high above Thuli Bheri River was once a famous trading point as it was the capital of ancient independent kingdom Tichorung. Most of the natives of the village belong to Magar tribe and the most of them practice Tibetan Buddhism as their religion

Day 05: Tarakot tp Laina

As the trek begins today, we hike along the trail that lies on the southern bank of Bheri River. An hour long trek brings us to the open valley created by Bahrbung Khola.

Then the Phoksundo Nature Experience Trek heads east along the bank of Bharbung Khola. This part of trek brings us closer to Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal.

The trail beyond Bharbang Khola chases the easy steps that eventually bring us to Laisicap 2775m. Now we cross the main river and begin to trek along the west bank of Tarap Khola.

We head north until we arrive to Kanigaon 2950m. Khanigaon is the winter residence of the Dho-Tarap people. We can see the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley from Kanigaon. The final push on the steep uphill trail finally brings us to Laini Odar, which is a wonderful camping site with a beautiful waterfall nearby.

Day 06: Laina to Toltol

Phoksundo Nature Experience trek today begins along the spectacular trail. As we head further from Laini Odar, we traverse through the trail through the deep gorges with scary cliffs above them.

After couple of hours of trek to the north from Laini Odar, the trail begins to become relatively open. A little bit of effort put to make the trail easier can be seen. We now trek on the easy trail paved with wooden planks and flat stones that leads us to Chhyugar 3440m.

Chhyugar lies at the bank of small stream which we cross and begin to trek along its western bank to Pibke or Nawarpani 3475m. The final part of today’s trek, which is couple of hours long brings us to Toltol 3530m. Toltol is a winter refuge for the people of Upper Dolpo. We will settle down our camps here for the overnight stay.

Day 07: Tolotol to Dho Tarap

One of the most interesting days of Inner Dolpo trek is about to begin. The trek most of the times runs along the bank of Tarap Khola switching sides frequently.

On the first part of the trek we hike along the northwest bank of Tarap Khola to Ghyamghar, a small settlement with a monastery. At Ghyamghar, we cross the river and begin to trek along the eastern bank to Sisaul. At Sisaul once again we cross the river to its western bank and begin to trek along the lonely valley.

As we arrive to Langa, we once again cross the river and follow its eastern bank that climbs to a small arid hill. The last part of today’s Inner Dolpo Trek slides down from this small hill to Dho Tarap 3950m. Dho Tarap is a fascinating settlement that manifests the real attributes of Dolpo.

This famous settlement of Dolpo nestles high above a wide valley and was a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the ancient days. We will settle down our camps at Dho Tarap for the overnight stay.

Day 08: Dho Tarap rest

Trekking for almost a week exhausts everyone. So we are having a day rest at Dho Tarap. However, the day rest doesn’t refer to staying in tents and relaxing.

We would hike around so that we acclimatize well before heading towards the elevated passes like Numa La and Baga La. There are plenty of places to see around Dho Tarap. In fact Dho Tarap is a highland settlement dotted with monasteries.

So ask your guide or make suggestions to explore around Dho Tarap. Here we have few major sites that are worthwhile exploring around Dho Tarap. Ribo Bumpa Monastery One of most sacred monasteries of Dolpo Ribo Bumpa Monastery was built almost 1000 years ago by Jigme Nyima Gyaltzen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to get rid of evil spirits wondering in the region.

The monastery resembles the architecture of Samye Monastery in Tibet. As per its name, the Bumpa which refers to vase (one of sacred Buddhist symbols) can been seen here.

As the legends related to Guru Rinpoche says that if any damage is made to this vase the Phoksundo Lake bursts to sweep away the lower Dolpo. Kakar Labrang Monastery White valley temple dating back to 12th century, Kakar Gompa is the popular monastery of Dolpo that belongs to old sect of Nyingma- pa sect of Buddhism.

Funded by the king of Mustang the monastery was began to build by Urgyen Tenzin. The monastery holds eight major facets of Guru Rinpoche indulged in various moods.

Drakmar Dewa Monastery High above on a hill southwest of Dho, Drakmar Monastery nestles beautifully on the red cliffs. Nine hundred years old monastery has the images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Dorje Phurba and the visions of Guru Rinpoche inside it. Along with the stupa, a book found here has translated 100 words of Buddha.

The vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. So make your decision wisely while choosing the monastery you prefer to explore from the pool of many.

Day 09: Camping on pasture and collection of Yarsagumba Interaction with people, photography and Videography

For the next five days we are going to capture the precious moments of harvesting yarsagompo. This unique species is half plant and half animal and it is considered the most important cash crop offered by the nature for the livelihood of Dolpa-pa.

In fact this is the Living Gold gifted by nature. When the warm or larva (according to some experimenters it is supposed to be the larva of Tiger Moth) hibernates in the snow after then a kind of mushroom is grown from it, when the snow melts the creature with mushroom is seen along the pastures remaining as half animal and half plant.

When it is dragged out from the earth it is alive but just for a short time. When it is gently brushed, it shines yellowish like gold therefore it is called the Living gold. People from most of the regions of Dolpo throng to the sites of yarsagompo harvesting so that they can collect the significant number these highly demanded species and make more money.

Elders, children and young- no one is exception. There are contractors who build relation with the harvesters so that they can collect more of these high valued species.

There is no any tension in pre investment for the cultivation, nature have provided it in ready made form with high trade value.

When the snow on the pastures starts to melt the hope of the harvesters start to bloom. Everybody wishes to have this living gold instead of green healthy grass for the cattle the source of living since their existence around these pastures.

We take you to all the major yarsagompo harvesting sites so that, you can make the beautiful photo story or video out of it. This particular culture in Dolpo is so authentic that it is a great experience to watch.

Day 10: Continue the activity of Day 9

Let the harvesting of yarsagompo be in full swing.

Day 11: Continue to observe the harvesting of yarsagompo

Our guides and the native experts will offer you the proper guidance so that you can make the most out of Yarsagompo trek in Dolpo.

Day 12: Camping on pasture and collection of Yarsagumba Interaction with people, photography and Videography

The fourth day of Yarsagompo trek in Dolpo is not less interesting. We continue to interact with the natives of Dolpo. During the interaction we get to know the authentic culture of Dolpo people, which is truly a great interesting story to tell the people back home.

Day 13: Camping on pasture and collection of Yarsagumba Interaction with people, photography and Videography

Five days is never too long to watch such interesting annual harvesting event in Dolpo, which is truly the most beautiful place in Nepal. Great landscapes, beautiful people and the opportunity to travel with them to different sites in the neighborhood in the hunt of fortune-probably the biggest adventure one can dream of.

Day 14: Final Day of Yarsagomba Activity and trek to Numa La Base Camp

Today we come to an end of most intriguing journey in the Himalayas. Yarsagompo trek comes to an end. We farewell the Happy Dolpo and continue to trek to explore the other highlights of Dolpo.

As the trek begins it traverses along a gentle uphill trail from Dho Tarap. Almost an hour long uphill climb brings us to Crystal Mountain School and Health Post. Schools and health posts are very rarely seen in Dolpo.

En-route to Numa La Base Camp we trek along the easy trail that reaches to Tokyu 4209m. Authentically traditional looking village Tokyu is a widespread village with graceful kani gait and old-fashioned houses.

Tokyu is also a delightful place for a photographer on a bright sunlight. The trail beyond Tokyu right away crosses the River to Kanger. To the northwest direction of the main trail, we see the dramatic views of Shering Gompa which is the house for the monks in the region.

The comfortable trail ends here as we begin to slide up along the wild and barren rugged trail to the Base Camp of Numa La 4350m. Overnight in a camp at Numa La Base Camp.

Day 15: Numala Base Camp to Danighar

Today the trek isn’t going to be easy. As the trek begins towards the Numa La Pass it begins to test trekker’s endurance. The trek chases the trail that climbs up to endless ridge top.

The path is not easy as well- gaining higher elevation on the rugged trail is electrifying and maddening experiences of equal measures. However, the demanding trek also rewards with the majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal.

Also the view of fantastic snowcapped peak Norbung Kang dominates the trail. After 4 hours of effortful trek we arrive to the top of Numa La Pass 5310m. The top of Numa La Pass has quite a spacious saddle with prayer flags fluttering with winds.

As we slide down the Numa La Pass, the trail is relatively easier. The path follows Gyambo Khola and then encounters the spurs before it finally slips into the beautiful meadow of Danighar 4512m. Overnight in a camp at Danighar.

Day 16: Dhanighar to Temche Crossing Bagala pass

As the trek begins today, it right away caters a vertical uphill climb along the shabby yak trail. Initially the trail to Baga La Pass gains elevation rapidly. The elevation of 600m is gained so rapidly that, this part of trek really demands extra efforts.

As we arrive to the top of the pass, we witness the scared chortens. Norbung Lang Peak looms right in front of our eyes along with other peaks on the ridgeline from the top of the pass is othe latter half highlight of Yarsagompo Trek.

As we descend down the pass, we slide into deep ravine and cross the frozen stream to open space. The final push down is a beautiful meadow Temche 4000m.

Day 17: Temche to Phoksundo

Today we begin the trek, dropping down from Temche to Yak Kharka. At Yak Kharka, the trail branches into two. Descending trail drops down to Maduwa whereas; the ascending one traverses high towards Ringmo.

The trail to Ringmo penetrates the lush vegetation of pines, junipers and cypress. This part of trek offers the stunning views of towering cliffs throughout the trek. Passing the highest waterfall in Nepal on the right, the trail finally stretches to Ringmo, a famous Bon settlement in the region.

The final thirty minute downhill trek from Ringmo finally brings us to the mesmerizingly beautiful lake, Phoksundo. Overnight in the camps beside Phoksundo Lake.

Day 18: Phoksundo rest

Today we explore the area around the Ringmo magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).

The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago.Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.

The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area.

There are many monasteries (Gompas )and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Day 19: Phoksundo to Chhepka

As we begin the trek today, the trail on the riverside initially is leveled but pretty soon, we climb along the steep uphill trail. After an hour long uphill climb we arrive atop a hill from where the river we chased earlier begins to diminish in size.

However, the last view of Phoksundo Lake atop a hill is truly fascinating. Then we slide down for a while and resume the trek along leveled trail to Chunuwar. Beyond Chunuwar, the trail slides down gently along lush forests of pines and birches to Rechi.

Then the series of gentle ups and downs along the trail beside the river throughout brings us to Chepka. This part of trek is almost three hours long. Before reaching Chepka, we begin to see the sign of tropical forest as bamboo forest and walnut trees come into our sight. Overnight in a camp at Chepka.

Day 20: Chhepka to Juphal

An hour long trek from Chepka brings us to Shyanta and one more hour trek trek takes us to Kageni. Dramatically, beyond Shyanta we leave the forest trail and chase the trail with arid landscapes in the neighborhood.

The walk is pleasant savoring wonderful rocky landscapes to the checkpost of Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Beyond the checkpost, we cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and chase the trail on the west to Juphal. As we cross the bridge Juphal is now just 3 hours pleasant walk.

The trail to Juphal initially is wide before it arrives to the village of Kalagaonda. Beyond Kalagaonda, we the trek begins along the narrow path.

Now it winds through beautiful fields of barley and wheat surrounded by strong trees that include walnut, peach and apricot. The final uphill steep climb stretches to Juphal, a large village with beautiful marketplace. Overnight at Juphal

Day 21: Juphal to Nepalgunj/ flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu/ flight

From Juphal we fly to Nepalgunj and then finally to Kathmandu.

Day 22: Free day in Kathmandu

Today after the fascinating Yarsagompo Trek in the distant regions of west Nepal- Dolpo, you will have a free day in Kathmandu, which is never more to see the contrast side to the place you have just visited. Visit a place in Kathmandu, wonder in the streets of Thamel or simply chill in the hotel- choice is yours.

Day 23: Depart from Kathmandu

Depart from Kathmandu