Trekking in the Dolpo Region

Trekking into Dolpo region (Karnali Province or Mid- Western Nepal) is one of the most remote areas in the pristine Himalayas. Trekking or Expeditions into Dolpo is also a tough and challenging but rewarding adventure tour. Dolpo is geologically part of the sedimentary Tibetan-Tethys zone. Dolpo area remained to be isolated for many years; it was opened just in 1989 for outsiders. Therefore, the Tibetan primitive lifestyles, unique culture, language, and traditions are still well preserved. It is surrounded by Himalayan chains including the Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters). So the Dolpo area is a semi-arid climate caused by cloud barriers by mountains.

Dolpo regions are historically divided into four valleys: Tsharka (good growing valley), DhoTarap (auspicious excellent) valley, Tinje /Panzang (abode of monks) valley, and Saldang/Nangkhong (innermost place) valley. The southern valleys drain watershed into the Bheri River and the northern valleys between the watershed and Tibet drain westward by the Langu River, a tributary of the Karnali River via Mugu Karnali.

Trekking in the Dolpo region is grandeur rugged and remote. Dolpo region borders Tibet, thus the culture, traditions, and landscape are reminiscent and similar. As well as being remote, Western Nepal is also underdeveloped and quite poor. Permits are expensive and cannot trek in Dolpo independently and the tourism infrastructure in Dolpo is not what it is in much of Nepal. Trekkers must bring camping gear and supporting staff including necessary foods for the entire trekking. Arid landscape, high passes, deep valleys, primitive Tibetan way of life, turquoise Phoksundo Lake, oldest monasteries, plants, and highlander wildlife are worthies during tours in Dolpo.