Nature favors yak with all skills to become the highland transporters

A three-week long trek to Upper Dolpo begins with the short flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Exiting out of Juphal Airport offers a different experience. Remoteness prevails and the sign of modernity is almost none. The trek begins and the first three days of the trek winds through the far-flung hamlets like Gothichaur and Chotra 3010m. Trekking further the trail slides up to the first pass of the trek- Bharbhare Lagna Pass 4297m where the trail branches towards the descending route through pleasant woods of beech and oak to another highland hamlet Huricot. Huricot is Bon village with a Bon Monastery. The trail has not yet thrown a challenge.

A monastery at Dunai, the point where trek starts

The second phase of the trek starts to test the endurance of the trekkers. As the trial enters Shey Phoksundo National Park, the challenge begins. Trekking long hours to conquer demanding 5000m+ Kagmara Pass will eventually reward heavily with the scenic view of mysterious Phoksundo Lake. Frequent sightings of Blue Sheep adds wildlife flavor to the Upper Dolpo Trek. Sliding down to the bank of Phoksundo Lake to settle down there for two nights is the prime highlight of the Upper Dolpo Trek. Rest day at Phoksundo Lake has two significant reasons. First to explore around and know the features of this mystical lake and more important reason is to allow trekkers for proper acclimatization before the trial heads towards the high passes- Baga La 5110m and Numa La 5300m.

Remains of Ranak King’s Palace in Dolpo

The final part of the trek comes to the exceeding beautiful village of Dho Tarap. An ancient trade center between Tibet and Himalayan Region of Nepal is also a gateway to the forbidden kingdom Mustang. Monasteries in the village are worthwhile exploring whereas; superb gorges formed over Tarap River are equally fascinating. The trial then slides down to the tributary of Tarap Khola and Thuli Bheri at Laiscap before it hits to the trek ending point Dunai.

Thinley, the lead actor of Eric Valli’s venture Himalayan Caravan

The time-forgotten region of Nepal Dolpo is a restricted area and hence extra amount shall be paid to acquire the permit to enter the region. But the place itself guarantees the value for the amount paid. The diversified landscapes, the culture that resembles the ancient Tibet and wide range of floras and faunas are the additional rewards of the Upper Dolpo Trek.

The place just did not win the hearts of many curious trekkers every year. Dolpo deserves a lot more visitors every year.

Kanjirewa, the highest peak in Dolpo