UPPER DOLPA 5240 m

Description

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UPPER DOLPA

Upper Dolpa Trek is one of the hidden treasures of Nepal, located in the western part of the country. Dolpo is still a stronghold of the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. This is a high-mountain region of fortified villages, “dzongs” and many high passes. We pass through many ancient monasteries and highland villages, and past wonderful natural scenery, on our way to Phoksundo Lake and the fabled Shey Gompa.

Along the way you’ll explore alpine meadows and exotic villages in Upper Dolpo, where Bhoriya culture is still very much alive, and you’ll also experience Thakkali culture in Mustang. What makes this trek especially fascinating is the chance to witness the cultural differences between people of neighbouring regions who are believed to have lived much as they do now for centuries. Dolpo, the high-mountain settlement, is home to nomads who migrated to the region in ancient times.

The people of Mustang, also called Lopas, migrated from Tibet at roughly the same time. And yet the contrast between the two regions’ inhabitants, both historically and today, is so striking in terms of how their cultures developed that it’s a fascinating discovery in itself.

Upper Dolpo Trek is also known as “Beyul”, the traditional name for Upper Dolpa. The area has been inhabited for over a thousand years by Tibetan nomads called Drokpas. Due to its remote location it has remained isolated, only opening to trekking and tourism in 1989. The Buddhist saint Guru Rimpoche, who spread Tibetan Buddhism throughout the Himalayas, is said to have discovered this hidden land over 1,700 years ago. On your way to Upper Dolpo you’ll pass through some of the highest permanent settlements in the world – people here live at elevations above 4,000 m. This trip takes you up to 5,240 m in Upper Dolpa.

Nepal Highlights:

Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha. More than six of the world’s ten highest mountains lie within the country, with elevations ranging from 100 m to 8,848 m above sea level – including the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. The population speaks a great many different languages. The country’s cultural diversity and untouched natural beauty are well known among international travellers. From trekking and general travel to professional activities such as expeditions, everything can be booked with us.

Nepal’s flag is the only non-quadrilateral (double-triangular) national flag in the world. It features symbols of the sun and the moon, said to reflect the character of the Nepalese people. Nepalis are generally very welcoming towards foreigners and show tremendous hospitality – in the hill regions, people will even slaughter their own livestock (such as chickens or goats) to honour their guests. The moon on the flag reflects the modest character of the Nepalese, while the sun represents their bravery. Even today, many Nepalese soldiers serve in various British Army battalions around the world, known as the Gorkhas.

A handcrafted metal knife known worldwide originates from Nepal: the “khukuri”, a curved blade carried by Nepalese soldiers and used during the World Wars. According to war veterans’ accounts, Nepalese soldiers were highly effective in combat thanks to their bravery and their skill with the khukuri. These knives can also be bought as souvenirs.

Nepal is home to 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains: Mount Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m).

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