Dolpo is situated in the Trans Himalayan region of mid-West Nepal. The greatest part of the district is situated on very high altitude, some of the highest areas of the world that are still inhabited by humans. It still is a hidden land of peace and mystery. Our trekking leads from Lower Dolpo all the way to the highlands of Upper Dolpo. Along the way a fascinating range of cultures can be discovered with religous traditions ranging from Hinduism and Shamanism in the lower areas and Buddhism as well as the ancient Bon tradition in the higher areas. In the lower Dolpo areas ranging from Juphal to Sangta, the practice of Hindu culture is dominating but once the trail climbs upwards towards Upper Dolpo, the main religions are Buddhism and Bon.
Lower Dolpo is inhabited with the people of different casts and ethnic groups ranging from Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung and Magars and Dolpo-pa. The latter are sometimes also referred to as Bhote, but as this term has been used disrespectfully for Tibetan speaking people along the Tibetan borders of Nepal, the Tibetan speaking people of Dolpo prefer to just be called Dolpo-pa (translates as: The Dolpo people). The ancient customs and practices of Dolpo have been maintained and are still similar to the epic movie “Caravan” (Europe: Himalaya) of Eric Valli, describing a yak caravan through Dolpo.
The flora and fauna of the region is rich and very varied. Animals like Jhoral, Ghoral, Snow leopards, blue sheep can be seen in this area. Mostly the people of the region are farmers and traders,they depend on a mix of agriculture, animal husbandry and trade. Yaks provide milk, that is used for butter and cheese, they are important pack animals and their wool, fur and skin is used for cloths, tents etc. Animal husbandry, trade, local handicraft and agriculture are the major source of income in this region.