Poonhill
he endless, daring, somewhat difficult, and off-the-beaten-path Upper Dolpo Trek is located between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri peaks. Explorers were not permitted to trek until 1989, enhancing the beauty of remote parts of Nepal. This Upper Dolpo Trekking offers real adventurers the chance to see the serene, unspoiled culture and rituals of Nepal’s shrouded valley, free from the influence of modernization.
We get to enjoy breathtaking views of pristine lakes, snow-capped hills, remote villages, multiple old Buddhist monasteries, Shey Gompa, and much more. This area served as the filming location for the Oscar-nominated documentary “Caravan.”
In the middle of Nepal, trekking starts with a flight to Nepalgunj and continues until Juphal. The real trek begins in Juphal (on foot). We pass Lower Dolpo and Shey-Phoksundo Lake along the route. As we march on, we pass several monasteries, cross a few high passes, learn about the Tibetan customs and cultures of the surrounding villages, and admire the creativity of Upper Dolpo, which is a restricted area.
Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the blue sheep and leopard among an amazing array of deserted flora and fauna, is another highlight of our excursion. An exciting journey in western Nepal’s isolated region is the Upper Dolpo trip. Strolling along the historic salt trade route, we pass the scenic Shey Phoksundo Lake, several high passes, and towering mountains.
The arid region between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri massif holds a wealth of ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. Surrounding ethnic communities preserve their ancient ways of life in artistic monasteries like Shey-Gumpa, immersed in prayer flags and unaffected by modernity.