Dolpa Region

Dolpa Region

Mystical cultures and rare wildlife, Dolpo situated in Nepal's far west was only recently opened to trekkers. This is where you find the stunning Phoksundo Lake, celebrated as the jewel of Dolpo. The people here trace their origins to Tibet, and their culture is a window of the tradition as practiced on the roof of the world centuries ago. The delusive snow leopard is a famous denizen of Dolpo and the rare cat has acquired the status of a mere legend. Thus it's not only the scenery that attracts trekkers to Dolpo; it's the chance to see a corner of Nepal that very few visitors will ever experience.
Dolpa is one of the most remote and sparsely populated Districts in Nepal. The landscape is characterized by high steep valleys and relatively dry climate. No roads exist; access is by small plane or many days walking. Services for health care and education are very limited. Most people are without electricity, drinking water, full nutrition or basic medicines. Most families are subsistence farmers and traders, with people from northern valleys migrating to lower areas for the winter, bartering salt for grain. Life there involves complex webs of social, economic and resource use patterns.

Until recently, the region has been isolated. The creation of Shey-Phoksumdo National Park in 1984, increased government presence from various agencies and the beginning of trekking tourism have all effectively brought the traditional and modern worlds together. Indigenous peoples struggle to participate in development and make a living while at the same time maintaining their ancient cultural heritage and environment. Community-managed projects, such as Tapriza School and Dunai DESERT (Dolpa Educational, Social, Environmental Reservation Team) organization have increased access to knowledge, resources and local control over development.

The word Dolpo refers to a specific area of Tibetan heritage located in the northern portion of Dolpa District, one of Nepal's seventy-five politically defined districts. Actually, Dolpa District, as a whole, is home to many diverse ethnic groups, including Hindu, Shaman, Buddhist and Bonpo. Because of the difficulty and expense of permits to Dolpo, next to the Tibetan border, Friends of Dolpa has focused on working in Lower Dolpa with the Bonpo in Phoksumdo Valley and mixed ethnic groups in Dunai.