Dolpa - At A Glance !

The district lies completely on the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal and borders Mustang on the east, Myagdi, Rukum and Jajarkot in the south and Jumla and Mugu districts on the west, and the Tibet region of China on the north.

The district spans an altitudinal range of over 5,000 meters from a little over 1,500 meters at Tribeni in Kalika VDC to 7,381 meters at the summit of Churen Himal. Kanjiroba (6221m), Mukot (6638m) and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m) are other noted peaks. Physiographically the lesser ranges of the Great Himalayas constitute the southern border of the district. Between these and the border mountain ranges of Gautam Himal and Kanti Himal to the north Dolpa district is a maze of often wide glacial valleys and ridges. Kanjiroba Himal and Kagmara Lekh running north-west to south-east separate the valleys of the Jagdula in the west with the rest of the district.

Area: 7889 sq. km.
District Headquarters: Dunai
Population: 29545
Ethnicity: Hindu 60%, Buddhist 40% (including 5.5% ancient Bonpo Religion)
Altitude: 1525m from sea level upto 7754m variation
Climate: Himalayan; above the snow line, Alpine; found in Bhot region and high mountain in the south; Cold temperature between 7000 and 13000 feet and sub temperate climate below 7000 feet.
Religion: Buddhists, Hindu, Bon and Shamanistic
Language: Nepali, Dolpo (Analogous to Tibetan with native dialects), Kaike (indigenous to the Tichurong valley of Dolpa)
Economic Occupations: 79.5% agriculture, 2% service

Hidden Valleys of Dolpa


Dolpa runs parallel to the image of the Shangri-la of Nepal in many aspects. One has to see the landscape in all of its rugged natural beauty and experience the remoteness to understand this is so. The nature and culture of this place is rich almost beyond measure. Dolpa is one of the last sanctuaries of medicinal plants in western Nepal. 407 species of medicinal plants grow in Dolpa and are used by Aamchis (traditional healer). The eco-system is diverse with deep valleys to the south and alpine prairies to the north. Thorny Caraghana ionicera bushes can be found in this area.

The ancient cultural traditions of Buddhists can be experienced first hand here. Remoteness of this place has helped conserve the traditions still found eminently present. Some of the oldest monasteries in Nepal are found in this region. You will still see people dressed in their religious costumes and treading along yaks. The view of this un-spoilt heaven hidden from the world is magnificent to the weary eyes of modern man.

Culture and Religion

The Bonpo tribal people (former Buddhist followers) of the area are unique in their cultural and social traditions. The Tarali people of Dolpa speak Kaike language, which is believed to exist only in Dolpa.

Perhaps, impressed by these unique features of Dolpa, the famous filmmaker Eric Velley chose the district for visualizing his Oscar nominee Caravan. He selected Thinle of local Saldang as the main character. Caravan is famous internationally, especially in France and the film is still shown in cinema halls of major cities of France.

"Caravan has helped promote the beauty and lavishness of Dolpa among the French, and I came to trek this area after seeing the film," says one of the members of a French trekking team at Kagani village.

Cultural Attractions

130 gombas of which 25 are major gombas including the famed Shey Gomba. Saldang, Dho, Chharka, and Bhijer VDCs have some of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in the Himalayan region. Most of the Nyingmapa monasteries of Saldang and Phoksumdo are over 700 years old .

Also, some of the oldest Bon-po monasteries in Nepal (Yungdung Gomba in Kaigaon, Pumma and Thashun Gomba in Phoksumdo) are in the region. Bon-po faith represents the adaptation of Buddhism in the old indigenous religion of western Tibet (Gurung 1980). Shen-rab is the supreme teacher in Bon-po.
Another aspect of Dolpa culture is the unique trade and transhumance based livelihood strategies of Upper Dolpa exemplified in the film "Caravan". While much of northern Dolpa is the domain of Buddhism, areas in southern Dolpa such as the temple of Bala Tripura Sundari in Tripurakot VDC are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and large number of devotees come from the surrounding region.

This circuit is the most popular trek of the lower Dolpa mainly because of the Shey Phoksundo lake. The lake featured in the famous Documentary 'Caravan' is of great interest to visitors. The lake cuts the deepest gorge and owing to extreme geographical factors, no living beings, not even fish can survive in the lake. The route of Juphal-Dunai-Dho-Phoksundo-Dunai-Juphal is a 15 days long trek, passing through high Himalayan valley of Dho Tarap. If lucky, one can sight Snow Leopard and Musk

1. All domestic flights, buses and cars as per itinerary
2. Pretrip services & advice.
3. All permits such as National park, Trekking Permit, ACAP, Climbing permits as described in the itinerary.
4. All hygienically prepared meals such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while you are on the trek.
5. High quality tents, mattresses and kitchen equipment for treks that require camping.
6. Medical Kit Bag for every trek.
7. First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking guide.
8. Domestic airport tax.
9. Porters as required.
10. We provide our staff with insurance, a wellpaid salary, high altitude equipment, food and accommodation.
11. Rescue arrangements if necessary. We do not cover the expenses!
12. High altitudes chamber bags (PAC) for high altitudes treks, expeditions
13. Group farewell dinner
    

1. International airfare to/from home city;
2. Food and Accommodation while you are not on the trek/tour/safari.
3. Nepal entry visa costs.
4. Visa extension fees.
5. International Airport departure tax.
6. Excess baggage charge.
7. Travel, trek and expedition medical and evacuation insurance.
8. Emergency evacuation charges, if required.
9. Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, laundry, alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, souvenirs, etc.).
10. Tips for the staff because it is the sign of the guests happiness at the end of the trip. The customary word used is "Bakshis".
11. Any loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, road blockage due to landslide, etc.