Upper Dolpo Trek – 27 Days

Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude region located at western Nepal. A rain-shadow area, Upper Dolpo receives least rainfall; therefore, most of the terrain resembles a desert like landscape and can be trekked throughout the year. It lays close to Tibet in the North, therefore, the inhabitants, local culture, dialect and architecture resembles its northern counterpart.

The Dolpo people have practiced trading salt through caravans for ages. Eric Valli, a renowned French filmmaker made a movie based on the life of the people of Dolpo, named “Caravan.” It was nominated for Oscars in 1997.

The Upper Dolpo trek initiates at the north-west region behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. Most of the trail is located inside Phoksundo National Park. The trek begins from Juphal village and passes through numerous gigantic mountain ranges, Numa La pass (5,190 meters) and Phoksundo Lake. The trip concedes at Jumla. The abundance of Himalayan wildlife, including; Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and rare Snow Leopard, makes it a unique destination as well.

Upper Dolpo has been mentioned by David Snelgrove in his book titled “Himalayan Pilgrimage,” more recently by Peter Matthiessen in “The Snow Leopard” and in “Stones of Silence” by George Schaller.