The vast Himalayas and the giant hills of Nepal embrace numerous hidden regions. Of these hidden jewels, Dolpo is such land so secluded that not many know about it. It was only opened to travellers in 1989. Situated in one of the most difficult geographical locations, the fascinating sceneries of the hidden valleys will take your breath away.

Located in the north-western part of Nepal, the region is striking with natural and cultural beauty. It lies between the Tibetan plateau and the glorious Dhaulagiri Mountain. It is one of the few places where you can find a heavy influence of the Tibetan community. The region can be divided into two parts: Upper and Lower Dolpo. Varying with the levels of vegetation, nonetheless, the entire region is a place that cherishes the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Dolpo remains widely unexplored. The secluded region is one of the hardest to travel to. Only the lower parts of the region consist of vegetation, whereas the higher lands are dry. Amidst the beautiful landscapes, you come across Phoksundo National Park, a haven to a fantastic array of wildlife. The stark feature of the Dolpo region is Shey Phoksundo Lake. This alpine lake is Nepal’s deepest lake and is situated at an altitude of 3,611 meters. Decorating the backdrop are mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and many more of the Annapurna range. Another unique attraction of the Dolpo region is its cultural richness. Locals here follow Tibetan Buddhism and practice the ancient Bön religion.

Trekking in the Dolpo region takes you to one of Nepal’s best off-beaten paths. Moreover, if you prefer travelling in isolation, Dolpo provides a secluded experience. Here, you can escape the buzz of high traffic. Unlike most other well-developed treks, trails in Dolpo are still natural and unbuilt. Thus, this can be a challenging trek for beginners and is rather recommended for intermediate level trekkers. Some of the most popular treks here are Upper Dolpo Trek, Dolpo circuit Trek, and Shey Phoksundo Trek.

Located in the rain shadowed terrain, the region of Dolpo is dry almost all year. Thus, travelling to Dolpo is suitable during summer and Autumn. Temperatures during these seasons are pleasant, just like the weather. On the other hand, winter and spring are freezing. The local inhabitants migrate to warmer places during winter.