Secret trails from Dhaulagiri to Rukum-Rolpa
After a short stop in Kathmandu, we reach Pokhara, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri for a new, unusual itinerary. We go up towards Dolpo via Dhorpatan. This trek presents the same variety of landscapes and ethnic groups as the legendary Annapurna Grand Tour, but it has the advantage of discovering another face of Nepal, deeper, more authentic, with, of course, beautiful views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri.The Dhorpatan region, at the foot of Dhaulagiri, has remained completely inaccessible to tourism for around fifteen years. Today, we can find this ancient trade route between Pokhara and Dolpo.
A unique route from the rice fields of Pokhara to the gates of Dolpo.
- Unique trek between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Dhorpatan, Lukum, Thawang: the most beautiful Magar villages
- Flowering rhododendron forests
- Superb views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs
- Dhorpatan, Lukum, Thawang: the most beautiful Magar villages
- Flowering rhododendron forests
- Superb views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs
Itinerary
Welcome and transfer to the hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel on a BB basis
- Meal: self
Free day in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Same hotel
- Accommodation: Same hotel
Early morning flight to Pokhara, followed by a full day's drive to Darbang via Beni (about 7 hours). Today, we settle into the heart of the Magar district.
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Accommodation: Homestay
We begin our trek through Magar country to reach Phedi, nestled along the banks of the Myagdi River. From there, we tackle a steep 500m climb (about 40 minutes) to reach Dharapani, where we’ll stop for lunch. Our path then winds through several large terraced villages; this is the heart of rural Nepal, with beautiful cultivated fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.
- Ascent: +650m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +650m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
This is a long and challenging day of trekking. We start by heading down a steep trail from Sibang to Lumsug, followed by a demanding climb at a 65° incline. After crossing two suspension bridges to reach the opposite bank, we continue our walk until we arrive at the village of Moreni.
- Ascent: +650m
- Descent: -200m
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +650m
- Descent: -200m
- Walking Time: 6–7 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
This is our first demanding day as we climb toward the Jaljala Pass, winding through the forest of rhododendrons (a spectacular sight when they bloom in the spring). We reach the pass in the afternoon, a beautiful area of open grazing pastures. We'll enjoy a picnic at the top, surrounded by panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri peaks (8,167m) and the rugged landscapes of Dolpo.
- Ascent: +1140m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +1140m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
We follow the riverbank, walking along the edge of the forest before making our way down to Gurjaghat for the night.
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
A beautiful descent leads us into the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve as we make our way toward the Tibetan settlement. The route takes us through a scenic landscape of rolling valleys and open pastures.
- Ascent: +75m
- Descent: -70m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
Note: There is an alternative trail option to Dhorpatan (approx. 5 hours).
- Ascent: +75m
- Descent: -70m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
Note: There is an alternative trail option to Dhorpatan (approx. 5 hours).
We follow the gentle flow of the Uttar Ganga River, gradually descending toward the hamlet of Niseldhor. Along the way, we pass through several traditional Magar villages, soaking in the local atmosphere.
- Ascent: +130m
- Descent: -280m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +130m
- Descent: -280m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
We continue along the river until we reach Demarbang, then take a short but steep climb up to Khoriya Danda. From there, we descend into Damchen, where we’ll spend the night with a local family.
- Ascent: +280m
- Descent: -500m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +280m
- Descent: -500m
- Walking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
Today, we follow the river once more to reach the large Magar village of Uppalo Sera. Our journey takes us through several Magar settlements and over a pass at 3,000m, before we descend to the prominent village of Lukum. Home to about 300 houses, Lukum is well-known throughout the region for its traditional shamans.
- Ascent: +500m
- Descent: -215m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +500m
- Descent: -215m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Homestay
A rest day in Taka to recharge and meet with local shamans. Taka is a major village and serves as the administrative hub for the surrounding area. While it remains a historic cultural centre for the Magar people, the village is currently undergoing rapid urbanisation.
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Accommodation: Homestay
We start the day with a steep 500m climb at a 45° angle. Afterwards, we enjoy an easy descent along the trails to reach the village of Lukum, which is home to approximately 2,000 residents.
- Ascent: +500m
- Descent: -0m
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
- Ascent: +500m
- Descent: -0m
- Walking Time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
We begin the day with a gentle climb, following a small stream. Our path then turns into a steep ascent through a rhododendron forest until we reach the summit of Porpo Danda (2,810m). From there, we descend to the village of Thawang, famously known as the birthplace of the Maoist revolution. It is a beautiful village, recognised as the cleanest and best-maintained in the entire region.
- Ascent: +810m
- Descent: -860m
- Walking Time: 5 hours 30 mins
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: +810m
- Descent: -860m
- Walking Time: 5 hours 30 mins
- Accommodation: Homestay
We make a steady climb up to the village of Tara, where the surrounding plateau is dotted with numerous shepherd huts. We’ll spend the night in a small village nestled just below the Jaljala Pass.
- Ascent: +1,200m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
- Ascent: +1,200m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
A steep climb leads us up a beautiful trail where we may have the chance to spot local wildlife. After crossing the Jaljala Pass, we descend to a small hamlet, followed by one final short descent that brings us into the village of Jelwang.
- Descent: -1,370 m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
- Descent: -1,370 m
- Walking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Local homestay
We take a local bus to Sulichaur (2 hours) and then switch to a private 4x4 for the drive to Nepalgunj (6 hours).
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
Flight to Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to the hotel and free time to relax or explore.
- Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
- Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Include
- Transfers by private and shared vehicle as per the itinerary- Full board trek with local families
- Trekking permit (special permit from Darbang)
- 3 nights at the Holy Himalaya Hotel (bed and breakfast)
- 1 night at a hotel (half board) in Nepaljung
- Trekking team: 1 porter for the entire trek
- English-speaking trekking guide for the entire trip and flights
- Domestic airport tax
Not Include
- Meals in Kathmandu- Nepal visa
- Mandatory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, hot showers, battery charging during the trek, etc.
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and consciously: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, so you leave no trace…
