Dolpo Region
Amongst many places that Nepal harbors for travel, Dolpo Region has remained massively under-rated. Incorporating the largest district of Nepal, Dolpa, the region is located in the far west of Nepal, the Karnali zone. Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) lying to its southwest, Sistine range to the east and Mt. Kanjirowa (6638m) to the west, Dolpo region Tibetan-influenced ethnicities reside in the area and, with the settlements situated above 3,500 meters of altitude, these settlements are considered as the highest colonization in the world.
Dolpo region is mostly known for its beautiful landscapes, monasteries, high Himalayan passes, glacial lake, endangered flora and fauna, waterfall, vibrant nature of the people and their civilization, the valleys, canyons, and clear mountains views. With trekking and other forms of traveling trending recently amongst avid travelers, the Dolpo region boasts of mesmerizing off-beaten trails. There is a variety of trekking trails in the Dolpo region distinguished mainly as in the Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo regions. The Upper Dolpo region is a mystical beauty with mesmerizing landscapes, blissful view of Kanjirowa Himal (6638m), ancient Tibetan culture, monasteries like Shey Gompa and Namgung Gompa, and Himalayan passes like Kongma La (5350m) and Jeng La (5220m). The lower Dolpo region trail passes through the tranquility of flora and fauna, deep forest, Tibetan plateaus, and several high passes including Numa La (5360m), and Baga La (5070m) leading towards the Phoksundo Lake; this region consists of ancient Tibetan Buddhism and Bon-Po and Buddhist monasteries.
One of the most alluring things about this region is Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in the country at an altitude of 3620 meters above sea level. The glacial lake is the source of fresh water for streams on the trails. The bluish-green color of the lake along with the Himalayan setting is simply blissful and indescribable in words. The Shey Phoksundo National Park is also thickly spread with floras and faunas to add grandeur to the travel.
Dolpo seems as if strategically placed in the rain-shadows of the Himalayas and is viable for travel all around the year. However, spring (March to May) is when nature truly comes to life with blooming flowers and curious wildlife to complement the travel. The temperature is moderate at the lower altitudes and can get pretty cold when the altitude increases. Thus, warm clothing as per the travel altitude must be packed. Also, the travel takes place around and above 3,500 meters so, travelers must be wary of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as well.
With eye-pleasing views of cascading waterfalls, numerous Gompas, quaint settlements, and a myriad of natural wonders; Dolpo is more than enough to fill the desires of a natural escapade to intrepid travelers. Learning about a new culture, meeting new people, and their way of living always gives a different dimension to life. Dolpo region, with its history, natural beauty, and charming inhabitants will not fail to impress the ones keen to explore the region.
