Trekking to the Dolpo region only been permitted since mid -1989. The region lies west of the Kali Gandaki valley. The main objective of the park is to preserve the unique Trans-Himalayan ecosystem, its typical Tibetan type of flora and fauna.
Treks in the west of Nepal are quite different from treks in other parts of the country. The region is less developed and has fewer facilities available for the visitors. This makes trekking here much more of an exploration type and intending trekkers must be prepared for some delays and other hardships. It is also considerably more expensive to trek in the remote part of the west. Ethnic group of people seen in the northern parts of the area, particularly in Dolpa, are of Tibetan origin. Other groups found here are Magar, Gurung, and the People of Hindu caste origin. Commonly seen animals are leopard, Himalayan Thar and Blue sheep.
Popular trekking areas in this region are Dolpa, Simikot and Lake Rara. The best time to visit is the traditional trekking seasons of spring and autumn. The northern parts are also suitable for summer treks. The region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers, so all groups must be self-sufficient, in all respect.
RARA NATIONAL PARK
Rara Lake (Mahendra Tal), situated at an elevation of 2990m. Is the main feature of the park? The lake is oval shaped with an east-west axis, and has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km. Surrounded by magnificent conifer forests, it is Nepal's biggest lake (10.8 sq. km) with a depth of 167 m. its radiant blue waters is home to the snow trout, the only fish recorded in the lake.
During winter, bird lovers can enjoy many migratory birds. In summer, Himalayan flowers surround the lake creating a colorful landscape. The elevation of the park ranges from 2800 m to 4039 m. Chuchemara peak (4039 m) is the highest point in the park. Located on the southern side of the lake, it provides an excellent backdrop to Lake Rara. The snowcapped summits of Ruma Kand (3731m) and Malika Kand (3444m) located on the northern side of the lake; provide beautiful views of the lake to the south, and the beautiful Mugu Karnali river valley to the north. Murma Peak also provides and excellent view of the park area. The lake drains to Mugu-Karnali River via Nijar Khola.
PERMIT AND FEES
Most of the treks described here will require permit or entry fee.
HUMLA AND JUMLA
The trek form Simikot, the administrative center of Humla district, to the Tibetan border is usually used to reach western Tibet, Where Mount Kailash is the major attraction. Tourist related facilities are relatively undeveloped in this area although several organizations are working to promote community based tourism opportunities between Simikot and the Border. The only way to reach Simikot is to fly from Nepalgunj or to trek from Rara Lake-the largest lake in Nepal. The area surrounding the Lake is Rara national Park Schedule flights to Simikot are generally unreliable due to weather conditions but large group have the option chartering flight.
The Most common way to get to Rara is to take a flight form Nepalgunj to Jumla, from where it is two to three day trek to the Park. An alternative way is to combine a trek to Lower Dolpa and a visit to Rara National Park. By trekking west from -------Dolps.
LOWER DOLPA AND UPPER DOLPA
Located in the central west of the country, the focal point of the area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This remote and rugged protected are is both scenically and culturally attractive. The lower Dolpa trek circuit can be completed in eight days from Jphal back to Jphal. The circuit can be completed either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on preference but in both cases the focal points of the trek are Phoksundo Lake and the Tarap Valley.
In comparison to Lower Dolpa, less number f trekkers enter the heavily restricted upper Dolpa section of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The main attraction of the area is the wild and pristie landcape. Geographically, it is similar to Tibetan Plateau and is generally dry, cold and sparsely vegetated.
The trekking season for both Upper and Lower Dolpa is generally from June to September.
Dolpa it is possible to reach Jumla and the park within a week. It is devisable to consult government registered trekking agencies before trekking to this region. The best way to trek here is group through a good trekking agency that can meet the requirements and the contingencies that come up.
WESTERN NEPAL TREK
Many people described Western Nepal is an unexplored destination. Western Nepal was once the centre of a large empire that extended in to Tibet and India and it now has a large population of both Hindus and Buddhists. It is remote and unknown from the western viewpoint because of its relative inaccessibility and it's Distance from Kathmandu.
In the far reaches of Northwestern Nepal lies the extreme landscape of Upper Dolpo. The route begins by meandering through pine and cedar forest with views of the massive Dhaualgiri range in the background. The entrance to Dolpo lies beyond the Jangla Bhanjyang Pass, (4500m). At the head of the valley lay snow-capped peaks and the desolate Tibetan plateau beyond. Protected from rain, this region is dry where the Dolpo inhabitants have carved out a niche of survival in the harsh surroundings by trading with nearby Tibet. A vision of beauty, the Phokshindo (Ringmo) and the legendary monastery of the pre-Buddhist Bonpo sect is our momentous destination. As the most remote and least developed district in Nepal, this trek is reserved for those with a true sense of adventure.
Regular flights to Jumla, Simikot (Humla), Dunai (Dolpo), Gamgadi (Mugu) and other airstrips in the west reduce this remoteness. People have seen "before airplane instead of vehicle". They are uneducated but smiley and good heart.
The cultural diversity and geographical beauty is the wealth of Western Nepal. We advice you to join with us because our intimate contact extend in this area.
| UPPER DOLPO - The Hidden Valley |
|
