Dolpo Region

Dolpo is a culturally and naturally hidden treasure of the earth

Dolpo trek is divided into two sections Upper and Lower Dolpo. The upper region is inhabited by an ethnic group called Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo), Bhotia, or nomads, known as DROKPA with Tibetan origins, which practice Buddhism or the Bon religion (Shamanism religion that pre-dates Buddhism). The Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo) are distinctive in their cultural and social tradition, while the lower Dolpo is home to Thakuris and Chhetris Brahmins.  The circuit is the shorter one in Lower Dolpo and the program will take you to the capital town  Dho, of Lower Dolpo. It consists of two passes over 5000m, Numla, and Bagala. The Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is the deepest Lake of Nepal (650m), is also located inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Dolpa is one of the vast and rugged landscapes inhabited by hardy, enterprising folk who live in some of the highest villages in the world. Tibetan border side, and yet one of the most sparsely populated, topographically too it is interesting. Dolpo is one of the few districts in Nepal that is behind the Himalayan Mountains, due to which it gets very little rain. Hence, most of the hills are bare with little vegetation. Harsh weather combined with high hills makes this area one of the most inhospitable in Nepal, and yet the barren and majestic hills lend it a rare beauty that is absolutely mesmerizing. Due to the harsh living conditions, few people live or travel in these areas. The people of Dolpa are part of a very isolated culture found in specific pockets of northern Nepal. This is a land where life still revolves around horses, mules, and yaks, people still wear traditional attire and jewelry, waters are still divided on the basis of a dice game, and the remains of the dead are given to wild vultures. Even today, much of Dolpa has a restricted area for tourists, which contributed to the preservation of the unique culture of Dolpo.

The major attraction of the Dolpo region is close-up views of the snowy peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m.) and Churen Himal which lies in Jumla of Karnali. Phoksundo Lake and Shy Phoksundo National Park are famous heritage sites in Nepal and are the primary destinations for exploring the Dolpo region.

Physical Condition & practical Requirements:

Walking in the Himalayas or highlands requires a normal level of physical fitness or 6 - 7 hours of walking per day. Unlike in ascending peaks, trekkers do not have to go through any technical difficulties. The walking duration is planned in such a way that the trekkers have enough time to explore the region and its people without any physical exertion.

Our itineraries are categorized according to the level of difficulty and the duration of the day. The schedules are given for information only but are subject to change the journey slightly from one year to another, especially depending on the finding of fresh water on spots for the camp trek and any circumstances.  

Peoples and ethnic groups of Dolpo

Dolpo trek is divided into two sections Upper and Lower Dolpo. The upper region is inhabited by an ethnic group called Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo), Bhotia, or nomads, known as DROKPA with Tibetan origins, which practice Buddhism or the Bon religion (Shamanism religion that pre-dates Buddhism). The Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo) are distinctive in their cultural and social traditions. They are mostly shepherds living under rough geographical areas makes life possible in Dolpo by synergizing trade (exchange salt for lowland with grains),  meat, wool products, and medicinal and aromatic plants, Local Amchis (traditional healing herb) use more than 72 species of medicinal plants to treat 43 human ailments, and agriculture (barley, wheat, potatoes…).
 Lower Dolpa is generally inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetri, and Magars (indigenous clan) whose culture and tradition are mostly influenced by Hindus, not only culture and tradition but also their accent has been influenced by Hindu. They are also used to talk with the wonderful gesture of their hands.

Climate and Temperatures of Lower and Upper Dolpo

Upper and Lower Dolpo is a rain shadow area of the great Himalayan ranges, therefore the climate is insular with sparse rain and severe winters. However, the minimum temperature can get as low as -10º Celsius. This region lies in a rain shadow with desert-like barren tundra, barely getting 250 mm of annual rainfall. Monsoon rainfalls from June till September and the weather usually remains clear as it receives much less rain being generally high, dry, windy, and cold even in summer. Due to cold climatic conditions, water scarcity, and poor irrigation facilities, the majority of the villages in this area harvest crops only once a year. So, the suggested period for the trekking is April to October.

Access to the Dolpo trek

Most people usually opt for a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2400m). The gateway to Dolpo trekking. During the monsoon season, the flight can be canceled/suspended due to poor weather and visibility. From mid-June to the end of September monsoon season occurs in Lowland or sub-tropical regions. So, the flights are organized according to the weather forecast.  

Another option is to pay a supplementary charge and fly in the available helicopter and the group.