| Article Index |
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| Upper Dolpo Trek |
| Trip Facts |
| Itinerary Outline |
| Participant Guidelines |
Occupying a large area in the north-west of Nepal, Dolpo (also called Dolpa) is an arid, desert like high mountain region lying in the Himalayan rain shadow. In fact the region falls between the Great Himalayan Mountain range running along the southern edges of this region and the lesser Himalayan range bordering Tibet. Lying as it is beyond the Himalayas, it is one of the remotest districts in Nepal. But it has been a region of curiosity for anthropologists and geographers. Eric Valley made the harsh lives of people, who live here by adjusting with the extremely hostile environment, the subject of his film “Caravan.” The images of this film, released in 1997, have since lingered on everyone’s mind.
But alpine desert like land alone does not dominate this region. Nepal’s biggest national park, the Shey Phokshundo, is located in this region. The park derives its name from a monastery named Shey, and a huge glacial lake named Phoksundo. Together the park is meant to protect both natural ecology and culture of the area. The park is the home to such rare wildlife like Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard.
The occupations of people living here are animal husbandry and trade with Tibet. They speak Tibetan language and go over high passes to Tibet with their yaks in summer for grazing. The land formation of this region is like that of Tibet and people’s interaction with Tibet is also considerably more than that of the other areas of Nepal. This trek is intended to take you to this mysterious place, explore their unique lifestyle and strange land formations. Opened to trekking only in 1998, this region has always remained a virgin destination with only a few people visiting it every year.
In the Upper Dolpo trek, we will pass through several villages, valleys, and forest areas with coniferous vegetation above a number of passes. Finally we pass through Numala Pass (5400m) before reaching Phoksundo Lake. We will spend a day or two in Ringmo village near the lake and then visit the legendary Shey monastery as well.
You may have toured to many destinations in the world, but you are still missing a lot if you have not been to Tibet, the ‘Roof of the World.’ Here is your chance of a lifetime - a well-planned overland tour to world’s highest plateau, which is famous for its extraordinary landscapes, ancient monasteries and the unique culture of the Tibetan people. On your way back, you will fly across the majestic Himalayas, sighting Mt. Everest from a close distance.
