MUSTANG & DOLPO:
The Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
After more than three years of closure, Tibet has finally reopened its borders. While waiting to restart our treks in Tibet, this is a good opportunity to take stock of our departures in the superb Tibetan valleys of Nepal, with our numerous treks in Dolpo and Mustang. Two Himalayan regions accessible during the trekking seasons in spring and autumn, but also in summer since the monsoon does not pass there or very little. Our itineraries can be of very different levels, from the discovery of Mustang by vehicle, to the great crossing of Dolpo in thirty days. The progress of the roads tells us that it is high time to take a look. A special permit is always required, but this helps limit attendance in these areas.
DOLPO TREK, from” TARAP to PHOKSUNDO LAKE’’
After reaching the Juphal airport, we go up impressive gorges to reach the Dho Tarap valley, from where we start our trek from Tarap to Phoksundo Lake. We cross some villages and monasteries and also the “Crystal mountain school”. We then begin a wilder crossing which passes through the Baga La and the Numa La, two passes at more than 5,000 meters which allow us to reach the famous turquoise blue lake of Phoksundo. We have some free time to visit the Bön monastery and the village of Ringmo. A Tibetan atmosphere from the end of the world and a great trek.
TREK, KINGDOM of MUSTANG & SECRET CAVES
The history of Mustang is intertwined with that of Tibet, of which it was one of the kingdoms for centuries, before being attached to Nepal. The first part of the hike to the kingdom of Mustang and secret caves is rather gentle and crosses many villages. We spend two whole days in Lo Manthang, including one entirely devoted to the magnificent hike to the Konchok Ling cave discovered in 2007. The return is via the Tashi Kabum and Lori Gompa caves then the high passes.
TREK, GREAT CROSSING OF UPPER DOLPO
The Grand Traverse du Haut Dolpo trek introduces us to a timeless country that is not (yet) connected by road. The Juphal Altiport is the gateway. We discover the main places of Dolpo, the turquoise blue lake of Phoksumdo, Shey Gompa, Saldang and Dho Tarap, but also less traveled places such as the confluence and its yak caravans or Charka on the way to Mustang. Numerous high passes in remote valleys lead us to Jomosom.