The Upper Dolpo Trek is a beautiful off-the-beaten-paths trekking adventure that takes you to the very heart of the Dolpo region of secluded Nepal. A highly saturated culturally Tibetan region- Upper Dolpo lies in western Nepal bordered in the north by the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The sparse agro-pastoral region of Upper Dolpo is perfect for an isolated trekking experience because of its beautiful trekking terrain and its alienated location. Generally adherent to the Bön religion, Upper Dolpo trek is a trekking journey that presents exotic cultural diversity that makes for a wonderfully splendid trekking experience.
The remoteness of the region of Upper Dolpo has resulted in the culture being preserved in its finest form. Start off the Upper Dolpo Trek with a tour of the famous World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Once the trekking commences, you would be exploring the mystical hidden caves of Inner Dolpo while observing the culture and customs of the people in close proximity. The untouched and artistically fine culture of the people is quite fascinating to look at. Because of the religious purity and its relatively undisturbed culture, the traditional practices of the people of Upper Dolpo have been the same for centuries. Trekking in the far-reaches of Upper Dolpo is like being transported back in time.
While undergoing the Upper Dolpo Trek, you will also explore and behold the beauty of the Phoksundo Lake and of the beautiful Phoksundo Waterfall. Visit the famous Shey Gompa where the religious ambiance of the place is heightened. Crossing three major High Passes, the trekking trails of the Upper Dolpo Trek goes through wide open pastoral lands and isolated acreages of sparse woods and secluded villages. The views of the spectacular high mountains also make an appearance while trekking and their views are magnificent. The features of Upper Dolpo make the Trek one of the most exquisite journeys in Nepal. Because of its difficult topography, not many people visit Upper Dolpo, thus making it an ideal off-the-beaten-path trekking experience; but despite its isolation, it is one of the best places to cherish the natural beauty comprising of snow-capped mountains in the north and river basins of Bheri, Suligad and Rupagad with their small and large cascades going through rocky gorges and between huge boulders. The coruscating forests and woodlands of the Dolpo region are a home to varieties of wild birds and animals that make up around 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals. During your travel, you can also come across beautiful Himalayan animals like the Musk Deer, the Himalayan Blue Sheep and the rare and elusive Snow Leopard.
Upper Dolpo was also the location setting of the Oscar-winning movie “Himalaya”. The Upper Dolpo Trek presents an opportunity to explore mystical places of the region. The relatively mysterious and unexplored lands of the region have also been responsible for Upper Dolpo to be termed as “the forbidden land”. The kingdom of Dolpo was closed to foreigners in the beginning, but you can enter this region after obtaining a restricted and expensive permit.
The Upper Dolpo Trek begins from Juphal and passes through various beautiful landscapes to sights of gigantic mountain ranges. You will be crossing the Numa La pass at 5,190m from where the spectacular view of the Phoksundo Lake at the Ringmo village that lies inside the Phoksundo National Park can be seen. Upper Dolpo Trek is not just beautiful for its natural splendor and biodiversity but also for its unique cultural and social aspects. The people living in this region are of Tibetan origin who still have the perseverance of their primitive lifestyle and tradition. The Shay Gompa, also regarded as a spiritual center of Upper Dolpo, is a beautiful monastery that lies on the base of the Crystal Mountain. It is visited by many pilgrims each year where the ritual of Kora is performed.
Join us in this exotic adventure where you will be exploring the beautifully secluded land of Upper Dolpo and will be going through villages that offer a rich and opulent cultural diversity!
