Upper Dolpo to Humla Simikot Trek Overview
Dolpo and Humla both are regions that have seen very less foreign tourists for several decades and thus have not seen the touch of modernization. These virgin lands have their own beauty and terrific destinations to make you revisit them several times. But you need to understand that Upper Dolpo to Humla Simikot Trek even though being on the western side has to be accessed from Nepalgunj airport.
The Upper Dolpo to Humla Simikot Trek starts from Juphal/Dolpo the rainshadow area(desert), where you can have an ample opportunity to get lost in the surrounding/nature itself and it takes you towards the Dho Tarap where you can find the Gumbas as well as Mane-Chorten. Then it leads to Numala and Bagala Pass where you can see the different variations of landscape and greenery then after towards the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake respectively. Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of Nepal. The color of the Shey Phoksundo Lake changes which provides the icing on the cake. Then after we move on towards Shey Gompa and Saldang where people believe that Tibetan Buddhist came along flying on the back of a snow lion and built the Gompa. Here, the Oscar-nominated movie ‘Caravan‘ written by Eviz valley was filmed.
To reach Dolpo, you need to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Apart from the landscape being filled with rivers, gorges, and valleys, the best attraction in the Dolpo region is undoubtedly the Shey Phoksundo National Park and the ancient monastery of Shey Gompa which has observed over 800 years in its lifetime. Not only the national park, but there are also several traditions, lifestyle, and culture followed by the locals of the Dolpo region. After the demise/death of any person, they feed the dead body to the vultures. On a proverb saying ‘feeding other living beings/things after the death too’. The crystal mountain behind the monastery amplified both their beauty. You might even spot a snow leopard or two in this region and can also enjoy the hunt for yarsagumba which supposedly has high medicinal values. One can also have a watch on the historical/ancient beliefs and things such as a stupa, the gompa, and The Humla Region has been opened recently compared to the Dolpo region and has veiled itself from too many foreign tourists. After you have completed your Dolpo Trek you have to catch a flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the official hub of Humla district. Humla is a trekker’s paradise which keeps the experience authentic as well as Mugu takes you to the different trail and explore the different culture and lifestyle. Almost throughout the Trek, you need to camp and admire the Karnali river, the sacred meditation caves, the mani walls, medieval homes, and ancient monasteries. An exclusive treat for your eyes, still doubting spending the money?
Some glimpse of this wonderful trek;
- Nepal's deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Eyewatch on Nepal's Largest National Park
- Learning about the new culture and lifestyle of locals
- Visit the spot where the movie Himalayan Caravan was filmed
- Walk along the off beaten path
- Searching for Yarsagumba(a medicinal herb-half plant & half insect)
- Have an amalgam view of mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, Saipal Himal, etc.
- Indulge in natural vegetation and wildlife. Blue sheep, Snow Leopard is the major attraction
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