Once upon under the Ngari realm of Tibet, ‘Dolpo’ is the last North-Western district of Nepal. For a long time, Dolpo was under the rule of several Kingdoms such as Kingdom of Lo Manthang, and Jumla. But by 1789, the Gurkha armies had extended their territorial control over Kaligandaki valley Kingdom of Mustang and Dolpo region.
Dolpo region trekking is not popular as the Everest and Annapurna region, but it has its own characteristics with arid and barren landscapes, Bon and Buddhism remnants, highest altitude human settlements, sculpted gorges and canyons, sacred mountains and lakes, diversified culture, and nature.
Dolpo region trekking is a remarkable journey of Nepal, which caters you a different worldly experience. A long-isolated region and culturally Tibetan region is also known as the ‘Tibet outside the Tibet’. The rugged, stark and beautiful region is land marked by 5000m plus high passes getting one village to another.
The deepest Phoksundo lake, the largest National park Shey Phoksundo National park, the highest altitude settlement Dho Tarap and Chharka village, century old Bon and Buddhist Monasteries, long Mani walls are the prime treasurers of Dolpo sight in during Dolpo Region Trekking.
Observing the stunning mountain vistas, snow capped peak, breath taking river valleys, widening landscapes, many different species of flora and fauna such as wild flower, birds, blue sheep, marmots etc. In sighting people daily life activities, gathering and grazing of cattle, long distance trading of caravans, harvesting of grains, friendly people and welcoming words ‘NAMASTE’ are in touches in the hearts of everyone.
Trekkers can ponder many different and exciting trekking trails across the region; some trails are relatively easy and moderate while other may need extra effort but all are rewarding. Dolpo region trekking could offer a short trek for a week, Phoksundo Nature Trek to turquoise Phoksundo Lake. Adding few weeks one may head to Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo to Dho Tarap is Dolpo Exploring Trek or Inner Dolpo or Upper Dolpo Trek. The full lower Dolpo circuit trek takes two weeks and Dolpo to Jomsom trek takes four weeks long across Jungben La pass to Kaligadaki valley. While for the exploring lower valley one may cross the Kagmara La pass heading to Jumla and Rara Lake. Further, the high altitude and strenuous journey lead to the north of Shey Gompa to Bhijer along the Phot village crossing notorious Nyimalgalzen La to Mugu is Upper Dolpo Rara(Mugu) Trek. Switching to the west of Bheri River from Tarakot across the Jang la and Puphal Bhanjyang along the Dorpatan Hunting reserve the trail leads Beni and Pokhara is Beni Dolpo Trek.
With so many fascinating highlights and features, Dolpo Region Trekking is gaining its popularity among the Himalayan admirers especially those who avoid the crowd and loves peace and calm adventure.
