This trek crosses three relatively high passes, good paths are followed throughout and there is no trekking on glaciers. At the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayan rain shadow lies Dolpo - the legendary hidden land closed fo  r years to trekkers. The lack of other tourists, the warm welcome given by the hardy Dolpo-Pa and the fascinating insight into the Tibetan way of life makes this an extremely varied and special trek. A unique trek in Nepal, it is ideally suited to both beginners and those who have "been everywhere". You haven't until you've been to Dolpo.
Difficulties of Lower Dolpo Trek Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. But It does not require any technical experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it
Trekkers relatively rarely visit the remote and wild district of Dolpo and yet it offers a wonderful chance to experience a landscape and culture far different from that seen in other parts of the country.
Located in the central west of the country the focal point of the area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park. The remote and rugged protected area is both scenically and culturally attractive. It is the habitat of various rare and endangered plant and wildlife species many of which can be seen nowhere else in the country. Animal species of particular interest in the national park are populations of snow leopard, gray wolf and blue sheep.
The least complicated trek to undertake, and one of the most popular treks in the west of Nepal, is the trek to lower Dolpo.
The attractions around Phoksundo Lake will justify another extension to the programme. At the southern end, near Ringmo is a truly impressive waterfall, over 300m high, that constitutes the main outlet from the around 5 kilometers long and one kilometer wide. Glaciers entering directly into the lake feed its clear waters. The Buddhist gompa at Ringmo, set in a forest glade, is also worthy of a visit. |
