NEPAL’S MYSTICAL HIGHLANDS
Dolpo, a region that covers 5.36% of the total landmass of the country, is the largest district in Nepal. Surrounded by majestic peaks like the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri, this region is bound to give travelers a memorable adventure while traveling through its mystical highlands.
Also known as the land behind the Himalayas, the snow-clad peaks cast a shadow on the region making it a rain-shadow area, perfect for visiting throughout the year. This rugged beauty lets you hear the whisper of the legends, truly a land where time stands still and is protected by its remoteness.
While traveling through the Upper Dolpo region, travelers will be able to connect with the mystical energy of this region while passing through its snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and deserts. Similarly, in the case of the Lower Dolpo region, travelers will be able to enjoy the view of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake while also passing through green forests and remote villages.
TAPESTRY OF ANCIENT CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Dolpo has been able to preserve its culture and traditions by the tides of time. Culture-wise, Dolpo is divided into three parts: Upper Dolpo, Tichirong (Middle Dolpo), and Lower Belt. The inhabitants are known as Dolpo-Pa. They are the true custodians of their rich and unique traditions, and although diversified by region, they remain a true testament to perseverance.
Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bon religion are mostly practiced here with immense spiritual faith. Shamanism remains a revered profession while the archaic ritual of Sky Burial is practiced. The Dolpo-Pas are polyamorous practicing polyandry for centuries, usually brothers of the same family marry a girl, mostly owing to its limited population yet having a vast geography.
This land is the home to Shey Gompa and the Shey (Crystal) Mountain, the spiritual haven that hosts Shey festival taking place once every twelve years. Apart from that, visiting centuries-old monasteries like Yangjer, Dedhen Samtenling, and more is another highlight of Dolpo.
Dolpo Treks packages
The Dolpo region of Nepal is pretty much like Tibet in terms of geography and culture. Situated in Dolpa District, is the biggest district of Nepal, and bordered by Tibet in the north.
One-third of the region lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park. This national park was established in 1984 and covers an area of 3555 sq km comprising the districts of Dolpa and Mugu of the Mid-Western Region in Nepal. The difference in elevation ranges from 2130m to 6885 m.
The light, agro-pastoral (relying on agriculture and animal husbandry) population is coined as Dolpa in standard Tibetan and Dhol-wa in the local dialect - is connected to the rest of Nepal via Juphal airport - which can be reached in three days by horse.
For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dolpo Treks, follow our blog post.
The people of Dolpo are called Dolpalis and they are the adherents of Bön, a religion that is similar to Tibetan Buddhism but a bit older than Buddhism itself. The Bonpo religion is regarded as the fifth school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The region has successfully preserved the essence of its tradition and culture. Although the region was opened for foreigners only after 1992 - in a short span of time, it has become a very popular region for trekking in Nepal, in spite of having to follow some strict formalities for admission into Dolpo.
Dolpa lies in the sedimentary Tibetan-Tethys zone in the Tibetan Plateau. The views of Dhaulagiri (8172 m at 26811 ft) are really magnificent from here. Plus views of other smaller peaks can also be relished with full intensity.
The annual rainfall in Dolpo is only 500 millimeters as Dolpo lies in the rain shadow area. The lack of precipitation here makes it a cold desert. Thus, a consequence of very little cultivation. People here rely on animal husbandry and have trade with Tibet as their primary occupation.
