In this video we'll outline the main trekking options in the beautiful and less frequently visited Dolpo region of western Nepal. The region is about 300kn north-west of Kathmandu, Nepal, and almost the entire region is within the very large Shey Phoksundo National Park. Most treks require a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then on to one of the few landing strips serving the region. Most treks start and finish at the Jupal airstrip in southern, or lower Dolpo. But the airstrip at Jomson to the east can be another entry or departure point.
There are two regions within Dolpo and the National Park and treks tend to focus on one or the other, or an extended trek can cover both:
• Southern, or Lower Dolpo, comprises huge valleys, scattered small villages, beautiful lakes and challenging mountain passes over 5,000m high.
• Northern, or Upper Dolpo, is more arid and remote and the location of ancient gompa or monasteries, icy peaks and more high passes.
Both regions offer a fantastic and physically challenging trekking experience.
The region is culturally Tibetan and people here practice the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Bon. The valley and mountain scenery throughout the region is spectacular and also a haven for wildlife.
Most treks require 3 or 4 weeks to complete and there are many opportunities to customise a trek route as the region has multiple entry and exit points and established trekking paths.
But there are three main trekking routes in Dolpo:
• The Lower Dolpo circuit starting and ending at Jupal airstrip.
• The Upper Dolpo region via a circuit from Jupal that also includes part of the lower Dolpo circuit
• And The Upper Dolpo region from the starting point of Jupal and ending at Jomson to the north east.
We'll start with a look at the Lower Dolpo circuit. From the entry point at Jupal airstrip, treks usually head due north along the deep valley to the village of Ringmo and the stunningly beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo Lake is a mystical and scenic gem and very significant to local followers of the Bon religion. Treks then continue over high 5,100m passes at Bagar La and Numla to the next major valley and return to Jupal via Tarakot. Allow about 3 weeks for this trek.
The next trek option is to the Upper Dolpo region closer to the border with Tibet and the home of ancient monasteries at Shey Gompa and Saldang. This trek also starts at Jupal and passing northward along the upper reaches of Phoksundo Lake to reach the tiny monastery perched on a hillside at Shey Gompa. Allow 4 weeks for this life-changing trek.
Another option is to start the trek at Jupal and then end at the Jomson airstrip and fly back to Pokhara. This trek follows much the same route we just mentioned for Upper Dolpo but diverts south-eastward to the major valley to Upper Mustang and the airport town of Jomson. This final eastward leg also includes some remote and high mountain passes. Allow 4 weeks for this fantastic trek.
