‘an adventure around far wild-western region of Upper Dolpo’
Highlights:
“Adventure to remote corners of Far Western Nepal around high Dolpo
On least ventured areas in complete wilderness of mountainous landscapes
Explore into pristine surroundings around undisturbed serene scenic country
Trek to beautiful emerald Phoksundo Lake enclosed within green forested hills
Far from mainstream trail and away from human settlements and villages”
Overview
Danphe Sail Peak Trek and Climb take you on top at 6,103 m and 20,023 feet high. Located around remote hidden corners of Upper Dolpo with Far West Neaway from human settlements and villages. An adventure within complete wilderness enclosed within high dry terrains and mountains with snow-clad peaks.
Truly a great adventure of once in a lifetime experience, the trek is quite different. It is more of an exploration than a normal country walk, as the area of Upper Dolpo is raw and explored. Only very few adventurers and explorers have seldom ventured around the remote pockets around the wild areas of Western Himalaya. Similarly, Danphe Sail Peak is also an unknown mountain to many adventurers and trekkers, hidden from the rest of the world.
An exciting adventure that leads to a pristine country in the harmony of a tranquil surrounding environment, away from human civilization.
Danphe Sail Peak Climbing grade is PD means ‘Per Difficule’ as classified from French / Swiss Alpine Climbing System. A peak with the straight-forward route to the summit facing some technical effort, and then with a gradual climb to the top.
Adventure to Danphe Sail Peak Climb begins with a sweeping scenic flight to Far South West at Nepalgunj city airport. Where another connecting flight takes you to our starting point of the adventure at Jhupal at Dolpo. On reaching Jhupal small airstrip, then journey follows to Dunai headquarter and the main town of Dolpo region. From Dunai walk follows towards our destinations, as route leads with ups and down past lovely farm villages. As well walk leads to our first highlight at beautiful Phoksundo Lake near nice Ringmo village.
At Phoksundo Lake enjoying a rest day, exploring around the beautiful lake, and visiting Ringmo village adorned with local culture. From Phoksundo Lake adventure continues heading higher to cross Kang-La Pass, then reaching another highlight at Shey Gompa. Located in a wild scenic country close to Crystal Mountain, and the Gompa known as Crystal Monastery also.
An interesting and mystical place within windswept dry terrain and yet beautiful, with time here to visit the old monastery.
The Gompa is the main major religious spot for Dolpo villagers, where every four years a spiritual event takes place.
After an interesting and pleasant time at Shey Gompa, the adventure leads towards our main highlight at Danphe Sail Peak. As route follows around arid and barren landscapes with walls of red and brown canyon to Tora small village.
An isolated settlement of yak and cattle herders with an old Gompa called Samling, the walk follows to Kuwa. The last human settlement around the remote area of Dolpo and well hidden from the rest of the country.
A few days walk to our final destination around dry terrain, within an extension of the vast plateau of South West Tibet. On reaching our main goal and highlights at stunning looking Danphe Sail Peak base camp. Herewith is time for rest and preparation for the climb, checking gear with some practice exercise before the final ascent.
We have spared two days for the climb, with extra high camp to make the climb accessible and shorter. On a clear fine morning before dawn, start the climb following a lead guide over the rocky moraine of ice and snow.
A straightforward climb, where all members should be well equipped with proper gear for a safe ascent to the summit. The climb leads to strenuous uphill on rock and ice ledge with few technical sections to tackle, then reaching on top.
From the summit of Danphe Sail Peak enjoy the view of Kanjibroba Himal with the Dhaulagiri range in the far-east horizon. After a great struggle with strenuous effort on reaching the summit, then descend safely back to base camp.
Return journey on an alternative route heading down and up to reach the main trail towards the main villages of Saldang. An interesting settlement amidst red mud canyon and then towards Jeng-La pass, then reaching at lovely Tokyu village.
One of the largest villages within Lower and Inner Dolpa with 20 smaller villages’ makes Tokyu Gaon. The biggest and nice village around Dho Tarap valley with interesting monasteries to explore around, steeped with colorful cultures.
From here onward on pleasant path Dho Tarap large valley following a river that enters into a narrow gorge. As the adventure continues towards Tarakot a village of historical and religious importance, at one time stood as a fort.
Hence the name tagged as Kot means a fortress guarding against intruders around the 12th to 18th Century during the Malla regime. After a wonderful time at Tarakot village finally walk takes you back to Dunai town and then to Jhupal. Where our adventurous trek and climb to Danphe Sail Peak complete, taking a flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj city airport and transfer to hotel (50 mins flight)
Day 04: Fly to Jhupal 2, 475 m and drive to Dunai 2,140 m -02 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Trek to Chepkpa 2,678 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Samdua village 2,960 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3, 600 m /11,808 feet- 06 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for short walk and hike.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4,717 m – 04 hrs.
Day 11: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Day 13: Trek to Tora / Samling Gompa 4, 120 m -06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Bhijer 3, 850 m – 03 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,025 m via Yambur-La 4, 800 m -06 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Kuwa village 4, 230 m – 05 hrs.
Day 17: Trek on route Danphe Sail base camp -05 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Danphe Sail base camp 4,840 m-06 hrs.
Day 19: At base camp for climb preparation.
Day 20: Establish High / Advance Camp 5, 230 m -04 hrs.
Day 21: Climb Danphe Sail Summit 6,103 m/ 20,023 feet -08 hrs.
Day 22-23: Trek to Kuwa village.
Day 24-25: Trek on route to Bhijer village 3,850 m.
Day 26: Trek to Neng-La base camp 4,345 m -05 hrs.
Day 27: Trek to Saldang 4, 350 m via Neng-La pass 4,860 m-07 hrs.
Day 28: Trek to Cha-Gaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.
Day 29: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.
Day 30: Trek Jeng-La base / Phedi 4,900 m – 05 hrs.
Day 31: Trek to Tokyu 4, 160 m via Jeng La 5,110 m – 06 hrs.
Day 32: Trek to Dho-Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
Day 33: Trek to Pivo Cave 3, 647 m-05 hrs.
Day 34: Trek to Khani Gaon 2, 620 m 6-7 hours
Day 35: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chyugar 3,440 m – 05 hours.
Day 36: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Day 37: Trek to Dunai and drive to Jhupal – 07 hrs. With walk and jeep ride.
Day 38: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.
Day 39: Free day in Kathmandu at leisure for individual activities or tour.
Day 40: International departure for homeward bound.
Please Note:
As this adventurous trek is different to other normal trekking, where trekking hours, altitude and places for overnight camp might differ on actual walk.
This trek is more of an exploration around least visited region of Dolpo region within undisturbed and pristine location.
Best seasons for Danphe Sail Peak and Dolpo Trek:
The best time for this long and wonderful adventure is in the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May, and autumn/fall begins from September to November months.
Springtime from March to May will be much lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons the national flower of Nepal.
March to May fine clear day most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes on high altitude areas as well on passes. Autumn / Falls another best time for this trek with a fine clear day for views and walks. But days are shorter with sun-light hours, morning, late afternoon, and nighttime temperatures drop to freezing cold around the higher region with the bright starry night sky. Chances of snow on trails as well on passes. Upper Dolpo and climb Danphe Sail Peak can be visited during monsoon time of June to August also, as Dolpo area falls within rain shadow area. Where southern monsoon dark rain clouds blocked by high Himalayan mountain range that is why the area is mostly dry and arid like a moon-scape.
Religion and Culture:
Far North West Nepal around Jumla and Dolpo districts populated by Bhotia and Hindu Thakuri, Roka Chettries the mid-hill tribes. The higher region around Dolpo, inhabited by the Bhot people of Tibetan origin, follows strong Buddhism religion as well Bon a pre-Buddhism sect with an age-old culture similar to their predecessors Tibetan. On this trek and climb you will notice traditionally built houses, where every home is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and religious monuments with old monasteries of great cultural and religious interest.