Trip Overview
The region, designated as Shey Phoksumdo National Park, is the most remote district in Nepal situated in the Trans Himalayan region of mid-western Nepal. Dolpa is also known as "Ba Yul" or the hidden valley. The region with fascinating villages and is still a land of mystery, scenery and peace. Trekking in the lower region takes you to Ringmo and beyond - Phoksumdo Lake at 3600 m also known as the Blue Lake contains no aquatic life. The trek crosses two high passes of Baga La (5070 m) and Numa La (5190 m) into Dho Tarap village (4040 m) a region inhabited by people practicing polyandry and pre-Buddhist religion called "Bon Po"
The trek in Upper Dolpa crosses Sheula pass from Phoksumdo Lake to the legendary Crystal Mountains to Shey Gompa (4200 m) a Buddhist monastery and further to Samling Gompa a Bon Po monastery. This region has a long aura of mysticism about it. Site of Eric Valli's Oscar nominated movie "Caravan" - where people trade salt for grain with the people from far away land of Hurikot and Jumla to compensate their dwindling winter supply of food.
Some of the attractions of Lower and Upper Dolpo are:
- The Dolpo region is the home of the Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake of Nepal and Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in the country.
- The famous Peak like Mt.Putha, Mt. Kanjirowaand Dolpo peak resides in the Dolpo region.
- Dolpo is the home of the Buddhist’s holy place Crystal mountain and Shey Gompa.
- Explore the Tinje valley and its culture and local people.
- Dho Tarap valley is the settlement area in the highest elevation.
- This region is the home of the biggest lake of Nepal "Rara Lake"
- Explore the Sinjha valley; where it is believed that the Nepali language was flourished from here.
- Upper Dolpo is similar to theUpper Mustangwhere old Tibetan culture seems to be highly influenced.
- Kyakuchin a beautiful lake at an elevation of 5,200 meters and is estimated to be 1,500-metre-long and 600-metre-wide.