Trip Overview
From the turquoise depths of Phoksundo Lake to the vast blue of Rara, the Dolpo to Rara via Kagmara La Trek is a journey across hidden valleys, high passes, and the wild, untamed heart of western Nepal.
Are you seeking a trek that goes beyond the beaten path, one that offers not just breathtaking views but a true sense of adventure and immersion into the raw, untamed heart of Nepal? The Dolpo Rara via Kagmara La Trek (Nepal’s Ultimate Blue Journey) is the western crown jewel of the Lower Great Himalaya Trail. This remarkable journey connects two of Nepal’s most stunning national parks, Shey Phoksundo and Rara, into one unforgettable adventure. Along the way, you will encounter the turquoise depths of Phoksundo Lake, the vast serenity of Rara Lake, and the exhilarating challenge of crossing the high Kagmara La Pass (5,115m), a moment of triumph surrounded by a panorama of snow-draped peaks.
But this trek is more than lakes and a pass; it is a passage through valleys that feel forgotten by time. From the culturally rich Pugmo Valleys to the rugged Kagmara Valleys, the pastoral beauty of Gothichaur, and the forested Jumla Valleys, every step reveals new wonders. Traversing the wild landscapes of Shey Phoksundo and Rara National Parks, you’ll encounter rare Himalayan wildlife and timeless mountain life. Remote, soulful, and deeply rewarding, this trek is a perfect choice for adventurers who want to experience the hidden western frontier of Nepal in its purest form.
Detailed Itinerary
Our representative will be at the airport who will take to the hotel. You can have a rest or can wonder around the city Kathmandu. The hotel will be three star with good services.
Since the Dolpo flight will only be in early morning you will have to stay a night at Nepalgunj in a hotel. Nepalgunj is the trading hob of mid western and far western region of Nepal. The hotel is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport. Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and takes to the airport at Kathmandu. Similarly there will be our representative at Nepalgunj airport, he will drops you in the hotel.
Our representative will pick you up from the hotel for the airport in early morning to take the flight for Juphal. When you get into Dolpo airport Juphal the trek starts.
Today we will trek towards the district head quarter Dunai. Right from the airport you will have a downhill trek through a village called Dangiwada. The village feeds most of the vegetable stuffs for neighbouring villages, Dunai and Juphal bazaar.
Getting down for nearly 45 minutes the route runs by the side of river Bheri from the place called Kalagauda. The route runs through some clusters of human settlements.
You will walk through the market place of Dunai. At Dunai, you can walk up to the Bon Stupa where there is only school of Bon and can have the view of whole town. There are other two visit able places one is Buddhist Central Monastery and the very first English medium school.
The trek starts from Dunai for Chhepka. The walk begins by crossing the river and you will get into the Shey Phoksundo National Park right from Sulighat. There are offices of National park and an Army barrack.
The trail goes through the Sulighat river side, this route is also good for bird watching. The trail is easy and pleasant that goes through some cluster of settlements. There is one spot where a lodge in a cave, the place is called Sangta. After a walk of nearly 1 or 1 and half hour we will rich Chhepka for the night stop.
Today we trek towards Chunuwar. The trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice.
As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch.
Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Chunuwar.
There is a Amchi hospital traditional doctors who heal infections and diseases using the herbal medicine found in Dolpo. Amchi Hospital is the treatment center of the locals of Dolpo, where expert Amchis treat the patients. We will settle down for the night nearby.
From Chunuwar the trail leads us towards Phoksundo Lake. The trail goes uphill on ridge nearing the top of the ridge you will have a nice view of Phoksundo water fall. From the top of the ridge the trail slightly descends and takes to the enchanting blue coloured lake Phoksundo.
Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and some Bon gumpas. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience.
The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake.
There are several 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.
Today we will follow the same route and come back to Sumduwa and go to Pungmo. This village is totally Bon village you can have some interactions with the people here.
From Pungmo the trail goes towards Lasha with slight ups and down through woods. Finally, we reach the spot for the night Kagmara High Camp.
Today the trail will be ascending up to the pass Kagmara La(5115m) then downhill to kagmara phedi for the night camp.
From Kagmara phedi we proceed towards Toijm.
From Toisum the slighting tril we come to Hurikot and then to Kaingaon. There is a Bon monastery in Hurikot and Kaingaon is a beautiful village where you can have view of dense forest of pine beside the village. Then we go ahead towards Chaurikot, the trail goes uphill through the village called Thapa gaon.
The trail from Chaurikot ascends towards the pass MaureLagna pass 3894m and then the trail goes descending to Chotra for the night stop. The trail goes mostly through the forest with mixed species of plants. One can have nice scenic views around from the trail.
The way from Chotra to Gothichaur goes through several villages. One can experience the different culture mostly of the Khas people around. There are small woods along the road. 3 hours trek to Manigaon 2820m stops for lunch and 3 hours trek to Gothichaur for the night stay.
The trek begins from Gothichaur to Jumla. There are several villages and the motor able road is under construction.
Now you will start your trekking from Jumla taking the trail through some villages. The trail goes somehow straight and it will be easy walking experiencing the social life style of the region. Nearly after the walk of 3 hours the trail slightly ascends.
After the walk of nearly 4 hours passing a small passes Danphe Nangla (3691 mtrs) you will reach the village Khaligaon. This is the village where the only technical school of the western region “Karnali Technical School” is producing technical man power in regular basis. The village is interesting to observe the activities carried out there. There are some hotels and tea houses to refresh.
The trail ascends through jungle of pine and rhododendron trees and some villages are seen from the trail.
The trail reaches to Rara lake. The trail goes through beautiful field . This trail provides fantastic sightseeing of the place
Rara is the biggest lake of Nepal that gives relief with its magnificent look. The lake is surrounded by forest and different kinds of flowers can be seen by the side. People can cycle around the lake. Boating facilities are also available. There is a hotel by the side but camping is also available.
This will be a day hike up to the top of Murma with packed lunch. The trail from the lake goes through pine forest. Murma top is the place from where you can have the view of whole lake and the villages and some mountains. We will be back for the night stop to Rara.
From the lake the trail goes through jungle by the side of the lake through Army barrack and National Park office. After a walk of nearly one and half hour the trail ascends and then it goes downwards for nearly one or one and half hour to reach you to the airport.
There will be our representative at the airport in Nepalgunj who helps you to get the flight to Kathmandu and similarly our representative will pick you up from the airport and drops in the hotel in Kathmandu.
