Mystic Dolpo trek via Jumla GHT Route

Nepal has lots of places which are mystic and hidden, and Dolpo is one of them. Dolpo is derived from the Tibetan word “Ba Yul,” meaning a mystic land with beautiful scenery. Dolpo lays North of Dhaulagiri and South of the Tibetan border.

The unique culture, Bonpo religion, and lifestyle, in addition to the magnificent landscape and Mountain View, are the major attractions in Dolpo. This land is also famous for many types of medicinal plants, among which Yarchagumba (Coerdiopsis Sinensis) is very famous.  This herb from the wild mushroom family is believed to increase the efficiency and strength of the human body.

Mystic Dolpo Trek is comparatively newer than other trekking regions because it was forbidden for foreigners till the year 1991. Even now, it is a controlled area where you need special permits and high entry fees to enter this mystic land, Dolpo. The trekking area stretches along the Thulo Bheri River.

This 24-day trek takes you inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The pristine nature and well-preserved nature of this area make it suitable for different flora and fauna, including the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. During the trek, you can see the magnificent view of the Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa, and other Himalayan peaks.

Dolpo is a mystic land, as it is a less-explored part of Nepal. This region is famous for the high-value Yarchagumba (a herb). Additionally, other medicinal herbs are also found in this region. Dolpo Island for the snow leopard and the Himalayan Caravan.

There is still a “silk route”, also known as the “salt route”, as traditionally people used to bring down the Himalayan salt and trade it with other goods. There is also a practice of polyandry in this region. Jumla has a similar landscape, culture, and tradition to that of Dolpo.

The people in both of this region follows Tibetian culture. In this combined trekking program, you will get to see a completely different and unique lifestyle of people in remote areas of Nepal. This will be a completely new experience for you.

Why the Mystic Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route? 

• An unexplored trekking destination in the far west

• Unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments, and a unique human civilization at high altitude

• Rainshadow landscapes with eye-catching mountain views and wild flora and fauna

• Shey-Phoksundo National Park

• Well-preserved ecosystem of plants and wildlife

• Phoksumdo Gompa, dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion

• The shooting place of Caravan, the famous film nominated for the Oscar Award, was directed by Eric Valli

• The homeland of the Spotted Leopard, the Blue Sheep, and the wolves

• The best one who wants to face the full challenge of the Himalayan wilderness.

 Best Season Mystic Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route

Unlike most other treks in Nepal, the Mystic Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route can be done in three seasons. Dolpo sits in the rain shadow. As such, treks here are possible even in the monsoon.

Each season brings a different travel experience in this region. One offers festive vibes with crystal clear views. The other has pristine nature trails. And the last offers the best option when most trails become unsafe.

Autumn: The Pristine Window to the Himalayas

Autumn is undoubtedly the best season to trek in Nepal. Treks in Doplo during the fall offer a grand view of the Himalayas. It is the most reliable time for trekking in Nepal.

With the sky remaining clear, trekkers gain an unobstructed view of the mountain peaks. What's more, autumn is the season for Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain and Tihar. Lastly, the fall is also the harvest season. Farmers all around the country harvest their crops, adding a festive vibe to the villages.

Spring: The Yarchagumba & Wildlife Season

With the snow melting, the region comes alive once more. Many collectors come seeking the famous Yarchagumba to the area.

Trekkers are also greeted with many wildlife during this season. The most commonly spotted animal is the blue sheep. However, lucky travelers can at times spot the elusive Snow Leopard. They are most likely seen across the Shey Phoksundo National Park.

Summer and Monsoon in the Rainshadow Region

Trekking in Dolpo during the monsoon/summer is doable. Given its unique location in a rainshadow area, Dolpo doesn’t see much rain. As such, the trails remain a trans-Himalayan desert. dry and trekable.

Due to this reason, the Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route is a unique trip. The summer escape turns into a mystic landscape. It is a perfect trekking journey when most other treks remain closed due to the risk of landslides and muddy trails.

Season to avoid the Trekking Dolpo via the Jumla GHT route

Winter is the only season trekkers should strictly avoid trekking in Dolpo via the Jumla GHT route. The heavy snowfall during this season cuts off the passes between Jumla and Dolpo. This makes the trip pretty much impossible to complete.

The other reason why we don’t recommend trekking here during winter is the temperatures. The temperatures drop to extreme levels, dropping way below freezing even during the day.

Most people from the high-altitude migrate to lower regions, escaping the cold. This yet again creates another hurdle, as most teahouses remain closed during the unforgiving winter.

Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route: Difficulty

The Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route is graded at an extreme difficulty level. This strenuous journey demands a full-scale 24-day expedition. You travel through remote outposts with no modern infrastructure.

Trekkers cross multiple high-altitude passes that are physically challenging. What’s more, the daily walking hours range from 6 to 8 hours. These trails are suitable for seasoned trekkers who can tackle the Himalayan wilderness.

What further adds to the difficulty is the remoteness of this trip. In most cases, the accommodations remain a tented camp in higher elevations. Trekkers must expect complete isolation from modernisation.

Permits for the Dolpo trek via the Jumla GHT route

The Dolpo region is a highly regulated area. It is also known as a restricted area because of the shared border with Tibet. Here are the permits you require:

• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit

• Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

• TIMS card

Note:
These permits are included in the package.

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