Upper Dolpo, a mysterious land behind the rocky Himalaya. Dhaulagiri measuring 8172 m height and is the 7th highest peak in the world. Upper Dolpo Circuit Trekking is presumed as a hidden trekking destination of Nepal as there are lots of things to be explored in the category of its natural beauty, people, lifestyle, culture, and its tranquility. The traditions and way of life have intact in the Dolpo region for decades. The culture, Buddhist monasteries, lifestyle of people, traditions has been untouched by modernism still. Thus, it appeals to be a famous attraction point.
Dolpo lies within the remote northwest of Nepal, between the Tibetan Plateau amidst the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The Upper Dolpo trek as the name suggests, the upper part of the Dolpo region, which is even more remote and infrequently visited. Only open to visitors from the 1980s, Upper Dolpo remains a restricted area and requires a special permit. Phoksundo Lake; Shey Gompa; Buddhist monasteries; Bon Po practitioners; views of Dhaulagiri; Crystal Mountain (a mountain whose cliffs are laced with quartz and marine fossils); unique Tibetan cultures; the magnificent and rare ounce – all of these majestic and beautiful location may sound familiar. And of course, they are, as stated in Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard” and Eric Valli’s film of Dolpo life, ‘Himalaya’.
While Dolpo is generally a dry, bare place. It's laced with fast flowing rivers, roaring waterfalls, deep river gorges, lush meadows, and valleys of tilled fields. Remote villages with interesting cultures, including the Bon Po religion, and in fact the mesmerizing icy waters of Phoksundo Lake are other attractions during this region. As a part of Dolpo falls within the Shey Phoksundo park, the wildlife, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, etc. is protected.
Furthermore:
This 27-day trek isn't for the timid trekkers as trails are difficult, high, steep, shaky, and sometimes barely there. Long walking days at high altitude are the standard with several high passes to cross. Except for those with the sheer willpower, stamina and fitness level this trek is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime trip.