Trekking in Dolpo Region
The name Dolpo has a romantic sound to it. This is the Hidden Land, a remote and windswept region located in the mid-west region of Nepal. It is situated beyond Dhaulagiri on the side of the Himalayan Divide that experiences minimal monsoon activity. Dolpo, also known as Dolpa, is often hailed as the highest inhabited land on earth. However, it stands apart from the more densely populated valleys of the Nepal Himalaya that are typically frequented by Western trekkers and mountaineers. Some of its charm can be found in that aspect.
The Dolpo region is geographically isolated from the rest of the country, with its mountain crests and deep, narrow gorges acting as natural barriers. As a result, the culture in Dolpo is more closely aligned with Tibetan traditions rather than the Nepalese identity. Some women in this community practice polyandry, which means they may be married to two brothers. One of the brothers takes care of the household and the land, while the other works as a trader. The trader travels across the northern range, bringing back yaks or goats carrying salt and wool from Tibet. In return, he brings back grain or flour from the southern rim of the country.
The Dolpo region is known for its harsh and unforgiving terrain. However, it also possessed undeniable beauty. Villages are made up of robust, stone-built houses that are closely clustered together. The windows of these houses are small, resembling narrow slits, and their rooms have flat-topped roofs. At the end of the harvest, the villagers stack the produce from their fields in these rooms. Fascinating gompas (monasteries) dedicated to the Bonpo sect of Buddhism can be found in almost every valley. This was a significant factor that led to the first exploration of the region by westerners in 1956, initiated by the Buddhist Scholar David Snellgrove.
The Dolpo trek is truly magnificent, offering a wide range of stunning scenery and cultural experiences. It has the potential to become one of Nepal's classic treks. However, due to its remote location, only the most determined trekkers are likely to take on this challenge.