Snow Leopard Trek in Dolpo

20 days
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Small Group Tour
Snow leopard trek takes you to the remote area of Dolpo which is located in the western region of Nepal. In 1978 a travel writer, Peter Matthiessen published the book ‘The Snow Leopard’ after traveling to one of the remotest and least accessible districts of Dolpa in 1973. This snow leopard trek in Nepal is based on the writer's experience of getting to see t...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • The scientific name of Snow Leopard is Panthera uncial
    • Nepal is home to 300-500 snow leopards
    • In Nepal, snow leopards are distributed along its northern frontier

What's this trip about?

    Snow leopard trek takes you to the remote area of Dolpo which is located in the western region of Nepal. In 1978 a travel writer, Peter Matthiessen published the book ‘The Snow Leopard’ after traveling to one of the remotest and least accessible districts of Dolpa in 1973. This snow leopard trek in Nepal is based on the writer's experience of getting to see the snow leopard in Nepal. Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), a giant cat native to the mountainous part of South Asia is a very rare species of a leopard that is on the verge of extinction and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These leopards are mostly found in the Himalayan region of central Asia and protected in 8 conservation areas: Annapurna Conservation area, Shey Phuksundo National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Sagarmatha National Park,and Langtang National Park. Dolpo, which is located in western Nepal, provides an opportunity to travel to the ancient village of Dho Tarap, locals of this area still follow traditions and cultures that are being practiced for 100s of years now. The path that we trek through to reach Dho Tarap inhabits endangered animals like Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep. Snow leopard trek in Nepal takes you to the place of far behind reach of modern facilities and development, Dolpo. 'Dolpa' is geographically the largest and remotest district in Nepal that lies in mid-western Nepal. It consists of an unexploited and diversity of flora and fauna. Before, entering the upper region of this district was restricted for foreigners but it has changed now. You can get a special permit to explore nature. The snow leopard is a beautiful endangered animal found in the Himalayan region. It is considered as the most dangerous and aggressive animal but instead it is very shy in nature. Furthermore, the snow leopard trek in Nepal is designed to fulfill the desire to observe snow leopard in its natural habitat. Through this trek, you will get to know more about the importance of this endangered animal for the ecosystem and the need for its conservation.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 6 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJuphal
End CityJuphal

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Photography
  • High Adventure
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Guided Group
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Small Group
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 6

Trip includes

    • accommodation on a twin sharing basis with breakfast (hotel=3 nights; camping=16 nights)
    • all airport transfers on a private e-vehicle
    • domestic flight: Nepalganj-Juphal
    • Deluxe coach: Kathmandu-Nepalganj; Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
    • permits and TIMS
    • 1 porter for 2 people (15kg per porter)
    • medical kit
    • breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek with one hot drink included
    • tea and coffee during camping
    • sim card
    • welcome dinner on the first day
    • full insurance for the team, their salary, accommodation, meals and equipment
    • camping equipment
    • chef and assistant

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL

You will be surprised to see our little airport but what matters is affection and benevolence and that’s what you will get from our hospitality. We will be eagerly waiting for your arrival and soon we will be escorting you to our office for the briefing of the trekkin...

DAY 2 : DRIVE TO NEPALGUNJ

Nepalgunj is a town in the western Terai, which lies close to the Indian border. It is a major trade hub for the western regions of Nepal. On this day you will hop on a deluxe bus to Nepalgunj which is approximately 12 hrs long drive. Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Activities: Deluxe bus to Nepalgunj

DAY 3 : FLIGHT TO JUPHAL, TREK TO RUPGHAT(2070M), 3HRS

We begin the day with a flight to the starting location of our trek, Juphal. After flying for about 35 minutes trekking by road starts. 3 hours-long trek through beautiful local villages ends at Rupaghat.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 4 : TREK TO CHHEPKA (2678M), 6-7HRS

Today after breakfast we will move towards the Chhepka village where we can found only few houses and lodges in the surrounding. On the way, enjoying the bird watching we will go to visit the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 5 : TREK TO POLAM (3130),6-7HRS

Like in Every day today we move towards the Polam by crossing the big cedars forest and Boarding School “Tapariza”. Ringmo village people used to stay in Polam as a winter settlement.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 6 : TREK TO PHOKSUNDO(3641), 3-4HRS

Continuing the trek today we move towards the Phoksundo by viewing the highest waterfall in Nepal (200m). Also during the trek today we go through the Ringmo village where we can see the flat-roofed stone houses with lots of Mani walls. At night, we will do camping in the national park camping ground.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 7 : ACCLIMATIZATION

For 2 days, we take rest in Phoksundo to visit around the national park and look forwards the natural beauty of this place. Also, in this days if we are lucky then we can see the endangered species Snow Leopard here.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 8 : ACCLIMATIZATION

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 9 : TREK TO YAK KHARKE (3860M), 4-5HRS

Enjoying the beautiful views and passing the Maduwa Khola today we come down towards the Yak Kharke. It will take almost 4-5hrs to reach here.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 10 : ACCLIMATIZATION

Today, we take rest in Yak Kharke to visit surroundings and look forwards the natural beauty. If we are lucky then we can see the Snow Leopard here also.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 11 : TREK TO DANIGAR (4512M), 6-7HRS

Today we embark on crossing another pass called Baga La Pass. It is strenuous uphill climb to Baga La pass, enjoying the beautiful meadow of Temche(4000m) we reach Danigar.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 12 : TREK TO NUMALA BASE CAMP (4140M), 7-8 HRS

Today, after we finish breakfast we head toward the Numala Base Camp. During today's trek we can enjoy the scenic beauty of mountains and natural areas. 7-8 hours walk from Danigar we reach the Shering Gompa which is the house of the monks. From there for overnight stay, we go towards the Numala Base Camp, which is nearby the Shering Gompa.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 13 : TREK TO DHO TARAP (3944M), 2-3 HRS

We trek for the entire day today to arrive at Dho Tarap which used to be the trading point of Tibet and Mustang back in the days. At DhoTarap you will be mesmerized by rural beauty that is unadulterated.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 14 : TREK TO SIMARA (3755), 6-7 HRS

The day comprises of trek that will be approximately 6 to 7 hours long. After breakfast walking through many places filled with scenic beauty like Mirubane Khola Dovan, we reach our destination which is Simara.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 15 : TREK TO LAINI (3370M), 6-7 HRS

Today trek traverses through places like Nawarpani Dovan and Chhyugar and heads towards Laini. Laini flaunts a beautiful waterfall near the camping area.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 16 : TREK TO TARAKOT (2540M), 4-5HRS

Walking through suspension bridge , clear rivers and natural scenarios we walk forward from Laini and arrive Tarakot. While on Tarakot you will visit stunning Gompa.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 17 : TREK TO DUNAI (2140M), 6-7HRS

We start our day early and trek toward Dunai. Dunai lies at an altitude of 2090 m and has few lodges for us to stay overnight. If you want we can camp as well.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 18 : TREK TO JUPHAL (2475M), 4 HRS

Today we trek only for 4 hours. Accompanied by the divine view of Bheri Khola (river), ascenting for a bit gets us to Jhupal. Then you will rest at Jhupal.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Camping

DAY 19 : JUPHAL TO KATHMANDU

To be at Kathmandu we will trek to Nepaljung first, then drive from Nepaljung. At Kathmandu, you will check-in at a hotel and pack your belongings and get ready for your flight the next day.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Activities: Flight to Nepalgunj, Private transportation to Kathmandu

DAY 20 : DEPARTURE

It will be your last day in the city and therefore shop and try out the traditional cuisines as much you desire and make the most of the day. According to your schedule we will drop you off at the airport for the flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Activities: Airport drop

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,230
Price per day$162
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Swotah Travel and Adventure.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • international flights and visa fee
    • travel insurance
    • lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Nepalganj
    • extra accommodation because of early arrival, late departure or postpones of domestic flights
    • personal expenses such as drinking water, hot shower, battery charging, bar bills, laundry etc. during the trek
    • tips for the team members

Accommodation

WHAT IS THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION LIKE? For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, and whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, on their request.

Transportation & Flights

WILL SOMEBODY COME TO PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL? Yes, our representative will be there to greet you at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep. WHAT MODE OF TRANSPORTATION DO YOU USE? We use private car, van and deluxe minibus with A/C depending on the size of the group for the transportation. We then transfer from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on private transportation too. We then fly to Juphal on domestic flight. We also pick up and drop from the starting point to ending point depending on your comfort desires of transportation.,

Transportation & flights

WILL SOMEBODY COME TO PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL? Yes, our representative will be there to greet you at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep. WHAT MODE OF TRANSPORTATION DO YOU USE? We use private car, van and deluxe minibus with A/C depending on the size of the group for the transportation. We then transfer from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on private transportation too. We then fly to Juphal on domestic flight. We also pick up and drop from the starting point to ending point depending on your comfort desires of transportation.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Health & Safety
WILL I BE TAKEN CARE OF DURING EMERGENCY? Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are covered by insurance policy for the altitude of 5500 meters. In the case of an emergency like altitude sickness, dehydration or any medical conditions ask your tour leader/guide to contact us as soon as possible so that we can manage/arrange helicopter for the rescue. Then you will be transferred to hospital for the treatment.
Meals Included

Breakfast: 19 Lunch: 17 Dinner: 18

Age Requirements
16 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
swotah-swotah-SLTID51

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