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 are practicing Buddhist either 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, 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), also located inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Dolpa is one of the vast and rugged landscape inhabited by hardy, enterprising folk who lives 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 combing with high hills makes this area one of the most inhospitable in Nepal, and yet the barren and majestic hills lend it a rear beauty that is absolutely mesmerizing. Due to the harsh living condition, 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 they remain 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 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 the famous heritage site in Nepal is the primary destinations for exploring Dolpo region.
Physical Condition & practical Requirements:
Walking in the Himalayas or high land requires a normal level of physical fitness or 6 - 7 hours of walk per day. Unlike in ascending peaks, trekkers do not have to go through any technical difficulties. 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 day. The schedules are given for information only but are subject to change the journey slightly from a year to another, especially depending of 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 ethnic group called Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo), Bhotia or nomads, known as DROKPA with Tibetan origins, which are practicing Buddhist either or the Bon religion (Shamanism religion that pre-dates Buddhism). The Dolpo-pa (people of Dolpo) are distinctive in their cultural and social tradition. 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, 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 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 rain shadow with desert-like barren tundra, barely getting 250 mm of annual rainfall. Monsoon rainfalls from June till September and the weather usually remain clear as it receive much less rain being generally high, dry, windy and cold even in summer. Due to cold climatic conditions, water scarcity and poor irrigation facilities, 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 with 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 the poor weather and visibility. From mid-June to end of September monsoon season occurs in Low land or sub tropical regions. So, the flights are organized corresponding to the weather forecast.
Another option is with paying a supplementary charge and fly in the available helicopter and the group
