Dolpo region is one of most remote yet most beautiful region in mid-western part of Nepal. Dolpo region is the highest land in Nepal where people live, concealed behind high passes from the south and lying northwest of Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki gorge. This region is a southern part of Tibet, within the borders of Nepal: a massive barren region of brown ranges in the rain-shadow of the monsoon. The famous Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in this region, is the country’s largest conservation area and it opened it’s trekking in 1990s.
The region stands a profusion of wild life including Snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, jackals, and musk deer. Various species of birds such as Himalayan griffons, snow pigeons and numerous species of pheasant which include national bird of Nepal: Danphe, are found here.
The Dolpo native people, are very strong follower of Tibetan origin. Dolpo people are assumed to have migrated into this area in around 6th century. Dolpo region people’s language and customs are very distinctive to the region. Till now their religion contains ancient shamanistic practices of Bon mysticism which is fused with Buddhism. Most monasteries in Dolpo are either Bon or Kagyupa,famous for its scholars Marpa , Tilopa, and Milarepa , although there appears to be a inclination to transform to Nyingmapa: the oldest sect created by Guru Rinpoche. The Do Tarap region has abundant Bon monasteries.
The people living in this region have had little communication with the south and have continued their relations with Tibet through trade; switching barley for Tibetan soda ash , and rock salt. People often take their Yaks onto the Tibetan plateau for summer grazing; while this routine was much interrupted when China officially sealed the boundary after 1959.
Shey Gompa , is the spiritual heart of inner Dolpo. It is located beneath Riwo Drugdra, the Crystal peak – a grey walled bulk which is called o because of the uncommon veins of mineral stratification spiking its edges. It safeguards the northern entrance region to the Ngadra La from Shey.
Built in 11th century, gompa is said to have been erected by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who reached on the spinal of a flying snow lion. It is usually honored and every July number of Buddhist travelers visit the gompa and make a ‘kora’ –a pilgrim’s circuit round the ‘Crystal Peak’ which is Dolpo’s version of Mount Kailas. Ancient Tsakang (red house) Gompa sticks to the side of a red cliff on the far side of the kora track and is worth a visit, on the way to Shey.
The annual festival which is celebrated lasts for many days, whose sole purpose is not only religious matter. The celebration of this festival brings people together from isolated regions and villages. Therefore this time is very important for sharing news, drinking, dancing , singing and doing business,. During the rest of the year, the gompa remains locked, but may be visited.
The key building is modest and its assembly room seems small, its paintings recent, and the artist is anonymous. Musical tools and religious pieces are present, but do not seem to be in regular use. Widespread mani walls snake around to fit into the compound.
The astounding beauty, the isolation from the modern world and serenity in this region is prime region people are attracted to explore this area.
Dolpo region Highlights
Explore the striking west part of Nepal
Visit ancient and beautiful monasteries
Visit Shey-Phoksundo National Park
Encounter of wild animals
Insight of the culture of the people living in this region
Majestic view of peaks, mountains, and Landscapes.