Trip Overview
The Upper Dolpo walk is arguably the most beautiful walk in Nepal, taking you through one of the most remote areas between the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and the Tibetan plateau. Prepare to discover the undiscovered paradise nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Himalayas—a desolate region with breathtaking vistas. Dolpo is a stunning location northwest of the Karnali region, which is the most remote and rugged area of Nepal. It is the ideal location to appreciate the natural beauty of the Bheri, Suligad, and Rupagad river basins with their small and huge cascades, as well as the snow-capped mountains to the north, despite its remoteness. Approximately 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals can be found living in the isolated, untouched forests and vegetation of the Dolpo region. Beautiful Himalayan animals, such as Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep, and the uncommon Snow Leopard, may be seen while traveling.
You can view the movie “Himalaya” as a guide if you’re unsure of what this place might be like. Filming for the 1999 Oscar-nominated Himalaya took place in Nepal’s Dolpo region. Trekking in the Upper Dolpo region provides a chance to discover some of the world’s least known and uncharted territories, which is why it’s called the “forbidden kingdom.” Foreigners are not allowed to enter the kingdom, but you can visit this area with a costly and restricted permit. Regarding the splendor of this area, authors David Snelgrove, Peter Matthiessen, and George Schaller have all written about the Upper Dolpo region in their books, “The Snow Leopard,” “Himalayan Pilgrimage,” and “Stones of Silence.”
Starting in Juphal, the Upper Dolpo Trek travels through a variety of stunning landscapes to discover the enormous mountain ranges. To see the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo Village, which is located inside the Phoksundo National Park, you must traverse Numa La Pass at 5,190 meters. The Upper Dolpo Trek is remarkable not only for its biodiversity and natural beauty, but also for the distinct cultural and social aspects it shares. The inhabitants of this area are of Tibetan descent, and they continue to follow their archaic way of life. The Pre Buddhist Bon Po religion is still practiced by the locals. Situated at the foot of Crystal Mountain, Shay Gompas is a stunning monastery and is also considered the spiritual hub of Upper Dolpo. Every year, a large number of pilgrims come here to practice Kora.