The Hidden Valleys of Dolpa

Explore the Divine Mountain Kingdom at the foot of the Mighty Himalayas
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.

Attractions:

Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest National park of Nepal, established in 1984, with an area of 355 sq. km. It is a shelter for blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, leopards, wolves and the exclusive snow leopard. It is an example of the trans Himalayan ecosystem. A nature walk around the Shey Phoksundo Nature reserve is recommended. The ancient settlements of Jagdullah, the Shey Phoksumdo 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.

Main Trekking Circuits

• Dolpa Experience Circuit
  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 deer.
• Dolpa Heritage Circuit
  This circuit offers true taste of Dolpo life. It includes monastic tours in this predominant Buddhist area, with atleast 1 Gompa (monastery) in every settlement. There are over 130 Gompas in this region. Visit Saldang, Dho, Chhark and Bhijer where some of the oldest Monasteries in the Himalayan region can be found, some are over 700 years old. The northern Dolpa is Buddhist domain while the southern area is Hindu influenced. However, we will find both these religion coexisting in many parts. Bala Tripura Sundari in Tripurakot is observed as a temple where both Hindu and Buddhist workshop and project cultural mergence. The circuit starts off at Juphal and goes through Dunai, Dho, Saldang, Phoksundo and Dunai to end in Juphal again. Covering both Upper and Lower Dolpa, this circuit can take upto 20 days or longer. It passes through the high Himalayan valley of Dho Tarap.

Shorter/ lighter treks:

• Sundaha Nature trek
  One of the most popular short treks, this circuit follows Juphal-Dunai- Sunn daha-Sahartara-Dunai-Juphal. The main attractions of this high altitude trek are the Dhaulagiri, Mukut, Kanjiroba and Outha peaks; hills showcasing colourful rhododendrons and collection of medicinal Yarcha Gumba plants and the lake itself, which is situated above the snow line. The trek can be as long as one week.
• Phoksundo Nature experience
  This one week long trek starts at Juphal, follows Dunai, Phoksundo and back to Juphal. A wide range of flora and fauna can be observed.
• Sahartara De Tour
  Sahartara, near Dunai is a popular campsite for tourists. The indigenous population of the region claims that they are of Magar descent, following Tarali culture and speak Kaike language that is spoken only in this region of Nepal.
• Natural Hot Springs
  You will find Natural Hot Springs in Sahartara and Runghad where you can cleanse yourself spiritually. The waters are believed to have a healing quality and that a bath in these waters eases away your aches and pains.
• Camping
  Camping sites can be found in Juphal, Sanduwa, Tarabagar Lahini, Rimi, Nawapani, Chhepka, Ringmo, Sangta and Dho
• River Rafting and Kayaking
  If you are looking to make your stay at Dolpa a little different, the Bheri River offers river rafting and kayaking to visitors.
• Yarchagumba One of the main attractions of the Dolpa area is the wild mushroom found in this area called Yarchagumba. Extracts from these mushrooms are believed to significantly improve human health and fitness.

Getting Around

Monastic Tours
Experience the Yungdung Gomba in Kaigoan, Pumma and Thanshun gomba in Phoskumdo, which are the oldest Bon-po Monasteries in Nepal. There are over 130 Gombas in this region. Visit Saldang, Dho, Chhark, and Bhijer where some of the oldest Monasteries in the Himalayan region can be found, some are over 700 years old. Northern Dolpa is the Buddhist domain while the southern area is Hindu influenced. However we will find both these religion co-existing in many parts. Bala Tripura Sundari in Tripurakot is observed as a temple where both Hindu and Buddhist worship and project the cultural mergence. Shey Phoksumdo Nature Reserve The largest national park of Nepal, Shey Phoksumdo National Park is a shelter for blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, leopards, wolves and the exclusive snow leopard. It is an example of the trans Himalayan ecosystem. A nature walk around the Shey Phoksumdo Nature Reserve is recommended. Porters and well-qualified trekking guides can also be hired locally. They can be contacted at the DDC office.

The Dolpa area is promoted and supported by Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP), a programme of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, supported jointly by UNDP, SNV (Netherlands) and DFID (UK). The programme is working to develop sustainable tourism in six districts of Nepal- Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Rasuwa, Dolpa, Chitwan and Rupandehi. In the development of tourism in Dolpa, TRPAP works through the Dolpa District Development Committee.

Statistics:

strong>Area: 7889 sq. km
District Headquarters: Dunai
Population: 29545
Ethnicity: Hindu 60%, Buddhist 40% [latter reportedly includes 5.5% ancient Bonpo Religion]
Altitude: 1525m from the sea level up to 7754m variation
Climate: Himalayan; above the snow line, Alpine; found in Bhot region and high mountain in the south; Cold temperate; 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
Access: Chartered flights through Juphal airport, which has regular and chartered flights from Nepalgunj or from Pokhara.
Entrance fee: To Shey Phoksumdo National Park: NRs.1000/- (must be bought prior to departure from KTM)

Safety Code of Conduct

• Always trek with a guide or porter.
• Do not light campfires; cook with kerosene.
• Respect privacy; ask before photographing people or religious sites.
• Documentary filming requires a special permit from His Majesty's Government
• Do not trample or remove animals or plants. Prevent erosion from staying on the main trail.
• Rubbish must be carried out, buried or disposed of in designated areas.
• Entering the National Park without a permit is illegal.
• Be sensitive to the local cultural heritage; inappropriate dress and/or behaviour may offend and permanently influence the traditions and attitudes of the local people.
• Contribute to local economy; use local products and services.
• Avoid and discourage bargaining as much as possible