Dunai: A heavenly corridor to Dolpo

Dunai: A heavenly corridor to Dolpo

First, the geographical context

Nestled on the banks of the Thuli Bheri River, Dunai is a small town in western Nepal’s Dolpa region. The settlement is situated at 2,140 meters (7,020 feet) above sea level.
Dunai is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba ranges, which create a breathtaking natural environment with verdant valleys, terraced crops, and unspoiled alpine scenery.

Variations in Culture

People from several different ethnic groups, such as the Dolpo-pa, Tibetan, Magar, and Gurung cultures, call Dunai home. With its own customs, celebrations, and religious rituals, every community adds to the cultural fabric of the area.
In traditional villages like Tarakot, Ringmo, and Dho Tarap, visitors can engage with the inhabitants, tour old monasteries and chortens (Buddhist shrines), and observe customs and festivities.

Routes for Trekking

Numerous walking trails that enter the Dolpo region, which is well-known for its untainted natural beauty, isolated communities, and rough terrain, begin at Dunai.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a demanding but worthwhile hike that offers sweeping vistas of the Himalayas as it goes through deep valleys, high mountain passes, and historic Tibetan Buddhist towns.
Trekkers can explore the lower valleys of Dolpo, including the stunning Phoksundo Lake and the Shey Phoksundo National Park, with the less demanding Lower Dolpo Trek.
The daring trip to Phoksundo Lake, which takes hikers through pine forests, over suspension bridges, and ends with camping next to the deepest lake in Nepal, is another option available to trekkers.

Facilities and Lodging

Despite its isolated location, Dunai provides hikers and tourists with simple lodging choices such guesthouses, teahouses, and camping areas.
Local restaurants serving authentic Nepali food can be found, along with stores offering trekking equipment and necessary supplies.
Additionally, the town has basic communication and medical services, although tourists should expect fewer amenities than in larger cities.

Natural Attractions

In addition to serving as a trailhead, Dunai has some interesting natural features. There are options for fishing and leisurely walks along the banks of the Thuli Bheri River.
Terraced fields peppered throughout the surrounding hillsides are home to locals growing crops including barley, wheat, and buckwheat, offering an insight into the area’s traditional farming methods.
Essentially, Dunai functions as more than simply a base of operations for trekkers; it is a crossroads in culture, a doorway to adventure, and a destination unto itself, providing visitors to this far-flung region of Nepal with a unique combination of scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and Himalayan hospitality.

Permits & Regulations
Upper Dolpo permits are costly and tightly regulated. A permit for Lower Dolpo, which you pass through en route to Upper Dolpo, is also required. Furthermore, each year only 250 foreigners are allowed entry into Upper Dolpo.

Lower Dolpo: $10 USD per week
Upper Dolpo: $50 USD per day, minimum of 10 days
Additionally, access to the Shey-Phoksundo National Park costs Rs. 1000. Your tour operator will arrange all permissions as it is required to hike with a guide on an organized tour in Upper Dolpo; these fees are typically included in the overall cost of your trip.