Upper Dolpo Trekking – An Enthralling Experience

Upper Dolpo is the home of herbal territory, untouched trans-Himalayan cultures, Buddhist monuments and distinctive human civilization at a higher altitude is worth a trip. Hiking around the Dolpo province is a memorable voyage in every traveler’s life to witness diverse rain shadow landscapes with incredible mountain vistas, wild flowers and a lot more. With sweeping & windswept high altitude desert panoramas, Dolpo assures to enthrall each hiker who possesses the courage and strength to get into this land of classic Tibetan culture.

 

What’s the best trekking season?

The Upper Dolpo trekking season prolongs from mid- September- May. From early September the monsoonal rains drop. By the end of September through to December the climate is generally stable with temperate to warm days, chilly nights. March, April, May, June, October, and November are the most favorable time to accomplish this trek.

Trip Highlights

• City tour at historical monuments in Kathmandu

• Explore the divine mountain kingdom at the foot of mighty Himalayas

• The biggest, beautiful, glistening lake- Shey Phoksundo Lake

• Witnessing the amazing ethnic culture

• Fully supported camping trek.

• Trekking through the biggest National Park of Nepal.

• Crossing over Kangla Pass

The trail starts becoming very hectic but once you cross the river twice on well made bridges, you then make a steep ascent on a very narrow path, hugging the cliff face. Having descended to the river again the trail takes another steep ascent requiring frequent stops to watch the panorama of the landscapes and also for rest. You may camp on the side of Suligad River.

 

Shey means crystal - this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang Gompa which is west of Shey. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang has been a meditation centre to many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects.

The trail is generally well compacted making the going underfoot easy, much easier than loose shale, but it is steep. It is only a 2 hour climb to reach the top of the Jeng La. From the top of the pass there are good views of the Dhaulagiri massif, glittering in the morning light. A rough track descends towards the Tarap valley. By the afternoon you find a green valley which leads you by a pleasant track down towards the Tarap Chu. Tarap is a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending 20kms along the river Tarap Chu. It has ten villages with cultivated fields, many Gompas and Chortens of both sects. You halt for the night at Tokyu monastery. This monastery also belongs to the Chaiba sect.

 

If you have sufficient time Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as well as Mustang Nepal trek can be done for more adventure.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking – A Massive Adventure In Itself

The Annapurna circuit trekking can be a massive adventure with the advantages of exploring the incredible splendor of the nature. This trail is exceedingly renowned in Annapurna & all over the world. Therefore, travelers come to this region from each corner of the globe to enjoy all this circuit has to offer. The circuit passes through 4 popular regions which are Mustang, Manang, Lamjung and Myagdi. It also provides stunning sights of lovely villages & subtropical gorges that flood the circuit.

 

It’s also recognized for its incredible waterfalls, splendid forests and majestic cliffs. The Manang province is quite admired since it’s where the Hindus pay pilgrimage to the Tibetan-Buddhist Muktinanth. Besides the incredible nature, you will also have the opportunity to explore the rich culture of this region. The Annapurna circuit is usually made of awe-inspiring vegetations, wildlife, landscapes, rivers and peaks making it a perfect stop for adventure and nature lovers.

Best Annapurna circuit trekking time:

The Annapurna circuit trekking can be best enjoyed in spring between the months of March-May. This is also the most favorable time to relish some peak climbing in the area. The wild flora encompassing rhododendron blossom during this time offering views that you will love to watch again and again. The temperature stays gentle even at the higher altitude. September to December is also an idea period to trek the circuit.

 

How to get ready for your trek?

• Decide whether you want to go sole or in a group and if you require guides. Keep in mind that, guides make sure you don’t miss the untouched features of the circuit.

• Get your hiking kit ready relying upon how long you want to trek. Take into account the days & all the resources you require. Trek supplies will generally include jackets, sleeping bags and foods.

• Buy walking socks composed of materials with sweat wicking attributes to keep your feet as dry as feasible.

• Buy personal trekking equipment and gear such as walking sticks and the proper outfit to balance the temperature. Not all trekking equipment is provided in a tour package, so find out what you may require to bring yourself.

• Pick the proper footwear as you have to walk for long making it really essential to have comfortable yet protective shoes. You will also like to have lightweight boots to make walking in the slopes easier. Scooped ankle cuffs will be great in keeping irritation at bay.

 

I recommend both Annapurna base camp trek and Everest base camp trek alongside Annapurna circuit trek for pure adventure.