Dolpo Region Treks

The Dolpo region is known for its remote location, Dolpo is a high-altitude culturally Tibetan region in the upper part of the Dolpa District of western Nepal, bordered in the north by China. 1–3  Part of the region lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park. The sparse, agro-pastoral population, known as Dolpo or Dolpopa in standard Tibetan and Dhol-wa in the local dialect, They live in isolated villages in the western highlands of Nepal, and their lifestyle is close to primitive. The main sources of income for the people of Dolpo are agriculture, animal husbandry, and local trade. It is connected to the rest of Nepal via Jufal airport, which can be reached in three days by horse. 

As of 2023, the population of the Dolpa District in Nepal is 43,000. The Dolpa District is the largest district in Nepal by area, covering 7,889 square kilometers. 

The Dolpo are generally adherents of Bon, a religion whose origins predate Buddhism but whose modern form is officially accepted as a fifth school of Tibetan Buddhism. The remote region has preserved its Tibetan culture in relatively pure form, making it attractive to Westerners. Dolpa was the location for the 1999 Oscar-nominated film Himalaya and more recently for the German documentary Dolpo Tulku.

In spite of the near inaccessibility of the region and tourism restrictions for the more remote parts, Dolpa is a popular destination for trekking tourism.

One of the most popular treks in the Dolpo region is the Upper Dolpo Trek, made famous by Peter Matthiessen's book "The Snow Leopard." This trek takes trekkers through the remote and untouched landscapes of Upper Dolpo, which was only opened to foreigners in the late 1980s. The trek begins in Juphal and follows the ancient trading route to Tibet, passing through rugged canyons, deep valleys, and high mountain passes. Along the way, trekkers will encounter traditional villages, yak caravans, and ancient monasteries such as Shey Gompa, located at the base of Crystal Mountain and considered one of the holiest sites in the region.

Another popular trek in the Dolpo region is the Lower Dolpo Trek, which takes trekkers through the lower part of the region, starting in Dunai and passing through picturesque villages such as Tarakot, Dho Tarap, and Ringmo. The trek offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges and Phoksundo Lake, a beautiful turquoise lake considered one of the deepest in Nepal. Trekkers will also have the opportunity to visit the Phoksundo National Park, a protected area home to various rare flora and fauna.

Dolpo region treks are not for the faint of heart. The trails are rugged and challenging, with steep ascents and descents, high mountain passes, and unpredictable weather conditions. However, the rewards are immeasurable for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The region offers a sense of tranquility and isolation that is hard to find in other trekking routes in Nepal, as well as a chance to connect with nature and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Dolpo people.

Trekking in the Dolpo region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave trekkers with memories that will last a lifetime. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and sense of adventure, the Dolpo region is a true hidden gem of Nepal that should be noticed by those seeking a truly authentic and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience.