The Dolpa Experience Circuit: Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Treasure

Dolpa Experience Circuit

The Lower Dolpa circuit trek is one of the most popular treks as it visits Phoksundo Lake, Featured in Eric Valli's Oscar nominated movie "Caravan." Phoksundo, also known as the Blue Lake, cuts one of the deepest gorges in Nepal but contains no aquatic life. It is possible to visit Phoksundo Lake on a one week trek, but taking the 15 days trail is more satisfying. Beginning from Juphal the trail continues to Dunai and then heads north along the Dho-Tarap Khola(river) to Dho Tarap village (4040m)-an area inhabited by people practicing the pre-Buddhist religion called "Bon Po" The Trail crosses the two high passes of Numa La(5190m) and Baga La (5070 m) before reaching the hamlet of Ringmo on the southern end of the lake. The hikers' fist glimpse of Lake Phoksundo, set in a cleft between rocks that rise 2000  into the clear mountain skies, reveals a scene of unearthly beauty-a white glimmer of silver birch edges the lake's radiant turquoise-blue waters. Kanjirba (6883m) one of the highest mountains in the region, can be seen from the tops of the surrounding peaks. The trail back to Dunai is along the Phoksundo River as it flows south carrying the waters of Lake Phoksundo on their long passage via the Ganges into the Bay of Bengal. The river cuts a narrow gorge by early May rimmed with primulas, violets and gentians and shaded by tall spruce, a magnificent waterfall tumbles 1670 m down a series of rock shelves. Blue sheep, musk deer, goral, snow leopard,Himalayan tahr and bear inhabit the Shey Phoksundo National Park set aside to protect an ecosystem typical of the high arid Tibetan plateau.

People

While Lower Dolpa is home ot Thakuris, Chhetris, Brahmins, Upper Dolpa is home of the Bhotiyas and Sherpas. While much of northern Dolpa is the Domain of Buddhism, both Hindus and Buddhists revere areas in southern Dolpa, such as the temple of Bala Tripura Sundari in Tripurakot VDC where a large number of devotees from the surrounding region offer worship. Dolpa are inhabited by people practicing the pre-Buddhist religion called "Bon Po" that disappeared from Tibet in the 9^th century. The inhabitants of Lower Dolpa subsist on buckwheat, wheat and potatoes, a prosperous existence compared to the people of Upper Dolpa who depend on barley as sole crop. The stalwart yak is a vital source of food, transport and dung fuel. They also trade salt for grain with those from far away Hurikot and Jumla to Compensate their dwindling winter supply of food. The remoteness of the area has helped conserve ancient cultural traditions of Buddhists and can be experienced firsthand. The local people still dress in religious and traditional costumes during times of feasts and festivals. The medicinal plant, Yarchagumbu (Coerdiopsis sinensis) a type of wild mushroom is found in abundance in this region. Extracts from Yarchagumbu are believed to significantly improve health and fitness.

Attractions:

Shey Phoksundo National Park

The Shey Phoksundo National Park is in one of the most remote districts of mid-western Nepal and is the largest national park. With diverse terrain and altitude variation, the Park, established in 1984 with an area of 3555 sq.km., spreads over Dolpa and Mugu districts and supports a broad range of wildlife and vegetation.

It is one of the few areas protecting trans-Himalayan ecology. Phoksundo Lake is one of the deepest and the second largest lake in Nepal. The entrance to the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at Suligad. The Park office is at Sumduwa. The anceient settlements of Jagdullah, the Shey Phoksundo National Park, ancient monasteries over 700 years old and other high altitude lakes, hot water springs, wide glacial valleys, high passes and crystal blue fresh water lakes are the main attractions of Dolpa.

Dho-Tarap Village

Dho-Tarap village (believed to be one of the highest human settlements of the world" is situated in 3 days walking distance from Sahartara. The altitude of the village ranges from 4000 m to 4200 m from the sea level. Unique Bhotia culture, famous Buddhist and Bon-po monasteries are the prime cultural experience of the region. In addition to that, spectacular view of rugged terrain, green valley and pasture give wonderful natural experience to the visitors. Ribumba and Jhampa are famous Buddhist monasteries. On the other hand, Siphok Gomba is famous Bon monastery. The villages are pre-occupied by Bhotia people and are practicing Buddhism and Bon-o religion. Beautiful and breath taking topographic feature along the trail and valley make people come again and again. Dho village is important place for the cross border business between Dolpa and Tibet. It is the trade center for the Upper Dolpa.

Dolpa is controlled area. Trekking permit fee to visit Phoksundo Lake region is equivalent to US$ 10 per week for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week after that. However, trip to Upper Dolpa to visit Shey Gompa has higher permit fee. The national Park entrance fee is Rs. 100 for SAARC nationals and Rs. 1000 for Other nationals.

How to Get there:

Dolpa is in Karnali Province. Regular and Chartered flights to Juphal airort from Nepalgunj or from Pokhara are available. From Juphal, District headquarters Dunai is 3-4 hrs walk. One can take a scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or travel by public bus from Kathmandu or from Pokhara.

Suggested Itinerary for Dolpa Experience Circuit (15-18 days )

Suggest Itinerary for Phoksundo Nature Experience (8-9 days)