Dho Tarap- the highest altitude human settlement of the world

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Sparsely populated yet the largest district of Nepal Dolpa, houses the nation’s deepest Lake Phoksundo. Dolpa is a treasure trove. Amazing landscapes and the hamlets practicing most unique Tibetan culture dating back to ancient times are the prime highlights of Dolpo. Barren landscapes and tough living conditions that still spins around horses, mules and yak, Dolpo is the home to many time forgotten villages nestling at the foothills of Himalayan giants. Here in this issue let us talk about Dho Tarap, the highest altitude human settlement which encounters during Upper Dolpo Trek.
One of the highest altitude hamlets in the world Do Tarap 4080m is a spectacular village that encounters to the trekkers willing to trek the high altitude regions of Dolpa. Flanking villages Dho and Tarap are collectively known as Dho Tarap.

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The trek to Dho Tarap begins from Juphal Airport. As most of treks in Nepal, trek to Dho Tarap begins along the uphill steep trail to Suligad, the village at the doorway of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Traversing through the National Park the trekkers cross pass the villages of Wild West like Khalaripi, Kageni and Sangta. Trekking further the trail to Dho Tarap winds through the small settlements including Dhane, Kiptarung and Rechi before it arrive to Ringmo. Ringmo – a hamlet dominated by Tibetan Buddhist banks the Phoksundo Lake. Majestic views of Numala Bagala Passes the challenges to overcome to get to Dho Tarap are within the view from Phoksondo Lake.
Now the trek officially enters Upper Dolpa. The trek to Dho Tarap mesmerizes with breathtaking views of Phoksondo Lake to sacred Shey Gompa crossing the highest pass in the region. Shey Gompa at the foothill of Crystal Mountain is considered Kailash Mansarovar of Nepal and during Shey Festival thousands of Tibetan Buddhist throng to the site to circumambulate the Gompa. Cross passing the challenging passes like Jeng La 5110m though barren hills, woods of colorful wildflowers and blue sprouting rocky surfaces the trek after several strenuous days arrives to Dho Tarap.

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Dho Tarap is the world’s highest human settlement at 4,080 meters. The natives of Dho Tarap till the date follow traditional Buddhist culture. Dho Tarap is a junction where the trail leading to Jomsom, Mustang and Tibet emerge. Lots of activities can be observed at Dho Tarap. Carriers like horses, mules and yaks are abundant in the region. The houses of Dho Tarap are designed as per traditional architecture and hence have larger living space underground with small portion peeking above the ground surface. The natives of Dho Tarap are simple and kind as they are true God fearing persons unknown of changes in the other parts of the world. Truly visiting Dho Tarap is like traveling to primeval era.
Exploring Dho Tarap, travelers have several options to exit out of the village. Trek further to Mustang or simply exit out to Dunai and then Juphal Airport.

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