Trip Highlights
- Visit Phoksundo Lake, one of the highest-located freshwater lakes in Nepal.
- Cross the stunning mountain passes of the Numa La and the Baga La
- Visit Dho Tarap, one of the highest-located human settlements in the world
Overview
The beautiful Norbu Kang Peak Climbing journey takes you to one of the obscure trekking regions of Nepal- Dolpo. A rarely-frequented climbing peak, Norbu Kang presents a peak climbing journey that is different from the rest of the adventures in Nepal. The Peak Climbing adventure begins at Juphal, where you will be traversing through Upper Dolpo’s wonderfully unique regions. Then, trekking across many ancient villages of the region, you will make your way to fascinating destinations like Dho. The adventure also presents you the opportunity to witnesses the authentic culture of Upper Dolpo, which is one of the most special cultures in the country.
You can enjoy many fascinating natural beauties while trekking across Dho, amongst which the dramatic change in the landscape is one of the most noticeable. The terrain is spellbinding, and the trip also takes you across the 5000 meters+ mountain passes like the Numa La and the Baga La. Eventually, you will then enter the region of Norbu Kang Peak.
Similarly, the peak climbing trip will then take you from the trading center of Dolpo and Dho Tarap to the top of the Numa La Pass. You can witness majestic views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the Churen Himal from the top of the pass. Additionally, you can also enjoy the view of the fantastic snowcapped peak of the Norbu Kang all along the journey. The entire trip is filled with wonderful prayer flags that decorate small Chortens and Gumbas, and the terrain is also littered with Mani stones and small rock shrines.
Moreover, throughout the trip, you will be provided with all the best services. You don’t have to worry about anything at all. Everything the trip requires will be taken care of for you; all you have to do is enjoy the journey! The Norbu Kang Peak Climbing also includes ample acclimatization time.
Itinerary
You may arrive in Kathmandu valley at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Nepalgunj. The flight takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Nepalgunj is located on the Terai plains, near the southern border of Nepal. Upon landing at Nepalgunj, you will be taken to the hotel for an overnights stay.
Today, you will have a flight to Juphal. Once there, you will begin your trekking journey. From Juphal, you will be making your way to Dunai. Following the trail, you will ascend the southeast ridge, making your way towards the high Thulo Bheri Valley. Next, the path meanders through the windy farm fields to the village of Kalagaunda. From there, you will follow the southern banks of the Bheri River, passing Roop Ghar. Finally, you will reach the village of Dunai at 7,035 feet. Overnights stay at Dunai.
Descending through the streets of Dunai, you will cross the bridge over the Bheri River. From there, you will follow the northern banks of the river to the Sulighat village. The trail then heads north to Shey Phoksundo National Park check-post. The path is rock-strewn, and you will climb above the serpentine Sulighat River and make your way through a series of hemp trees to Kageni. Finally, you will make your way to Shyanta village. Another hour-and-a-half walk uphill coruscating through the narrow trail brings you to Lingdo. Overnights stay at Lingdo.
Today's trek takes you along the ridgelines of the valley towards Laina Odair. The terrain begins to thin out as the vegetation becomes sparse as you move along the journey. However, the boulder-strewn landscape is made quite beautiful with the contrasting views of the mountains. You can also come across herds of cattle and goats as they cross the higher pastures back to their homes. Overnights stay at Laina Odair, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Making your way through the barren landscape, you will make your way to the banks of the Tarap Khola. You can encounter alpine wildlife along the way as yaks and blue sheep dot the terrain. Finally, crossing the suspension bridge, you will follow the path high over to the Chaya Khola and finally arrive at the village of Nawarpani. Overnights stay at Nawarpani.
Following the Tarap Khola once again, you will begin today’s trek as you make your way over an undulating course. The trekking trail takes you to Charkala (4920m), and from there- you will gradually descend the valley again. Entering the narrow valley, you will follow a deep ravine. Some numerous Chortens and stupas mark the passage through to Dho Tarap. You can enjoy the Tibetan-style village's whitewashed Gompa as they stand atop the barren rocks. Overnights stay at Dho Tarap.
This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can spend the day relaxing and exploring the village. The traditional Tibetan lifestyle of the friendly village inhabitants can be quite charming. The villages still follow the ancient trading pathways to the north, herding their Yak caravans to trade goods. The village also presents breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Phoksundo Lake. Overnights stay at Dho Tarap.
You will head higher towards the base camp today, making your way through the arid northern section of the valley to the Numa La Base Camp. You can take in the panoramic view of the stunning landscape overshadowed by the Dhaulagiri peak as you may your way to base camp. Finally, the trail brings you to the rocky basin and eventually to today's destination. Overnights stay at base camp.
Following a steep trail, you will head on towards the challenging climb of the Numa La mountain pass. The climb up the pass is strenuous, but the magnificent panorama of the mountain peaks and the valley from the top is worth the ordeal. From there, it is all downhill, with the trekking trail passing through terraced fields and Yak pastures to the village of Danigar. Overnights stay at Danighar.
This day, you will follow the trail towards the base camp. It is a slow and strenuous trip, but you can enjoy the changing landscape as you make your way to the base camp. The landscape starts changing from barren rocks to snowy expanses as you eventually start gaining altitude. Overnights stay at the Norbu Kang Base Camp.
This is another day reserved for acclimatization. You can rest today and also explore the landscape. The views of the mountain peaks and the high snowy giants that rise from the ground are quite fascinating to witness. Overnights stay at the base camp.
This day is also reserved for acclimatization. The high-altitude of the base camp requires ample acclimatization time for your body to be able to adjust to the high elevated conditions. Then, you can explore the campsite and prepare for tomorrow's big day. Overnights stay at the base camp.
This is a big day as you will be making your way to the summit. Starting early in the morning, you will follow your climbing guide as you make your way to the summit of the peak. Using your peak climbing equipment like the ice axe and karabiners, you will carefully follow your guide as he marks the way with ropes. The climb is strenuous, but the view from the top is one of the most fascinating and uplifting things in the world. After taking in the view and basking in the glory of summiting a peak, you will make your way back down to the base camp. Overnights stay at the base camp.
This day is a reserve day if the weather is not cooperative for the climb on the previous day.
Following the same path once again, you will make your way back to the village, enjoying the changing terrain once again. The climb back down the valley is quite easier than the climb up. Overnights stay at Danighar.
This is another day of high-altitude trekking. You will be climbing steadily along the traditional yak trail as you make your way to the 5000-meter mark towards the Baga La pass. The equally impressive panoramic views of the nearby mountain ranges from the top of the pass are an unforgettable sight. From there, it is a steady descent through a deep gorge to Yak Kharka. Overnights stay at Yak Kharka.
Today's trek is quite gorgeous and includes trekking through the alpine forests towards Phoksundo Lake. It is a gorgeous trip that is flanked by amazing views of the mountain peaks. You can also enjoy the sparse pasturelands that are dotted with cattle as you make your way to today's destination. Overnights stay at Phoksundo Lake.
Today's day is reserved for a relaxing day by the lakeside. The Phoksundo Lake is one of the highest-located freshwater lakes globally, with its water source being small streams that originate from the Himalayas. The fascinating feature is its changing colors; the lake is known for its deep aquamarine blue, but it changes color according to the amount of light that falls upon it, going from deep shades of green to gleaming silver, its original blue color. Surprisingly, the lake water also doesn't freeze during the winters, despite it being a high-altitude lake. Overnights stay at Phoksundo Lake.
Heading south through the dense pine forests, you will leave the lake behind today and make your way to the village of Chepka. It is a beautiful trip, and the views of the mountain peaks illuminate the path. Overnights stay at Chepka.
Today, you will leave the valley of Dolpo and make your way back to the village of Juphal, following a similar pathway as before. The terrain changes from woodlands to rocky boulder-strewn river beds as you make your way to the village. Overnights stay at Juphal.
You will bid the mountains and the Dolpo villages goodbye as you catch a flight back from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From there, you will take another flight back to the city. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you will be escorted back to your hotel. Overnights stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
You will be transferred to the airport today, from where you will depart.
Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All arrival and departure from the airport to hotel and back on private cars, coach or buses as per the group size.
- Accommodation in tourist standard or 2-3 star class hotels on bed and breakfast basis as well in twin sharing basis rooms. (For single supplement at extra cost)
- Tour and sightseeing around Kathmandu as per the itinerary chosen with city guides includes all entrance fees at places of interest.
- Domestic air flights as per the itinerary chosen, some with overland drive to reach at the start of treks and on the end, where chartered bus-cars or coach included as per group size.
- Full board on trekking with breakfast-lunch-afternoon refreshment with dinner includes twin sharing rooms in lodge on route treks and long tours.
- Applicable Trekking Information Management Systems permits (TIMS) with Conservation or National Park permits.
- All tour and treks accompanied by guides-staff and porters (either human or pack animals like yaks or mules), all wages, meals, accommodation, transportation facilities with Insurance against medical and accidents.
- In some high altitude treks we provide sleeping bags and down jackets also with comprehensive medical kits carried by our guides and staff.
- Sleeping bags, and down jackets might include depending upon trip cost.
- First Aid and Comprehensive Medical Kit carried by our guides on all treks and climb.
- Special Permits on Restricted Areas Treks.
- If camping on remote areas where all meals included breakfast-lunch-afternoon refreshment with dinner includes twin sharing tents on route treks and climb.
- On climbing peaks, includes peak permits, special summit bonus for guides, with climbing equipment allowance with special insurance for guide only.
Cost Excludes
- International air-fare, Personal medical / travel insurance and Nepal visa fees.
- Expenses of individual nature drinks, laundry, telephone bills, gratitude and meals in city areas Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary chosen.
- On treks, laundry, recharge of electronic items and hot-showers.
- Personal Trekking-Climbing gear and equipment’s including down jackets-sleeping bags . if not provided by the company as per the trip cost.
- Single Supplement on hotel rooms as well on trek in lodge where clients should inform ahead on booking with extra charge on booking single private rooms where available.
- Emergency evacuation by any means of transportations including immediate Helicopter services if required on accidents, sickness and personal problems.
- Early return from the tour or treks will not be entertainment with refund, where client should borne all the expenses incurred including accompany guide-porters services.
- Gratitude / Tipping at the end of treks and climbs.
FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions):
Norbu Khang Peak is located around beautiful areas of Dolpo, around Nepal’s Far
North Western East with Gautam Himal sub-range. Norbu Khang Peak rises at
6,085 m / 19,964 feet high.
The trek to Dolpo leads to Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo village and then trek to
cross Numa-La to Dho Tarap. Where Norbu Khang peak is situated, the climb takes
about a day of 6-7 hours from the base camp to the summit top, most trekkers
spend an extra day at base camp for acclimatization and trek preparation.
Total of 24 days itinerary with climb and trek around lower Dolpo from Jhupal to
Jhupal, where trek and climb start and end.
Norbu Khang Peak is of a moderate adventure climb. A straightforward
uphill climb on a snowy and icy ridge to the top of Norbu Khang Peak summit.
The climbing grade is PD + means Per Difficulty with plus, a moderate climb with
some technical sections to tackle. Climbing on a rocky moraine, ice, and snow, where
climbers need helmets, ice axe, and crampons. As well use of fixed ropes for a safe
descent. The grading is taken from the French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification
Systems which are widely used all over the world.
Yes, it is for beginners in mountaineering, as well as for veteran climbers who will
be good practice exercise before planning major mountaineering climbs.
Beginners can enjoy the climb without much technical difficulty, but it must be
in good health, and physically fit.
The climb of Norbu Khang peak and walk around Lower Dolpo is in spring from
March till May, when days are fine and clear. However late afternoon can get
overcast with the wind-chill factor adding extra cold. Can expect snow sometimes
during the trek and climb.
While on trek overnights stop in the local lodge where available, but most trekking
days and on the climb will be in a tented camp most of the trekking and climbing duration
till Jhupal is reached. Brown Bear carries all camping equipment, and food is served
from our kitchen tent by our expert camping cook and trekking staff.
