Western Region

AN OVERVIEW:

The western region still described as unexplored to the westerners as it is relatively inaccessible, some of culturally and as cynically exotic area in restricted with high permit fee and far distance from Kathmandu. The region extends north to Tibet and south to India and ½ of the area of the western Nepal from kathmandu in the west to the Dhaulagiri Himal in the east, the tract of hill country drained by the Karnali and its tributaries is the wildest, most remote and least trekked part of Nepal and covers some of the most beautiful trekking destination with tranquil beautiful lakes, unique culture, yak caravans, deep forests/natural beauty and the legendary Shay Gompa and crystal Mountains. Obscure and wondrous beauties like API, Nampa, Saipal, Kagmara, and Kanjiroba. Some of these treks, including Shey Gompa, to the north of the Phoksundo Lake and Humla, are restricted areas. Main inhabitants in the region are Chhetri and few Tibetans in the border side. Most homes are built in Tibetan style and their flat roofs covered with packed earth are suited to the semi-arid conditions of the region behind Dhaulagiri Himal. Regular flights to Jumla, Dolpo, Mugu airstrips in the west reduce this remoteness somewhat but add considerably to the cost of trekking. So treks here tend to be expensive since you and the gears must travel by plan or long advance and trekking are fully organized. The history and anthropology of western Nepal are complex and fascinating. Some of the main trekking destination and other trek essential facts are given here.

PERMIT AND FEE:

As most of the rea of this region restricted, a trekking requires a high permit fee especially in Simikot and lower/upper Doplo. However, no trekking permit is require to trek to Jumla Rara lake trek but National park (Rara and Shey-Foksundo) fee is require in the western region.

ACCESS:

The most practical way to get there is by air as there is no road access except Jumla. There are few air strips in this region with a regular flight from Nepalgunj to Dunai, Juphal, simikot and Mugu. The other option is a drive to Rukum/Jajarkot and Jumla and walk in to the are as long as you are going to trek.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE:

The main ethnic group in this region is the Thakuri chettri. In the north part close to the order to Tibet there are Sherpa and Tibetan too. Both Hindu and Buddhism are in practice but the majority is Hindu. There are some other coasts as well and dress up common to middle hill-inhabited peoples of Nepal, the culture is the game though.

FLORA AND FAUNA:

The region is rich in flora like ground orchids, edelweiss, corydalis, campanulas, impatiens, rose etc. Birds are seen here are snow pigeons, griffons, crow, eagle, impeyan pheasant and animals seen here are blue sheep, snow leopard, jackal, deer etc.

TRAIL AND FACILITIES:

It is much difficult to trek in the western region using teahouse for food and accommodation. So a trek to this region requires tented camp trek with food and necessary staffs.

SEASON:

The best time to trek to this reason is August to September as the Dolpa area is rain shadow. This time, wildflowers are in bloom. However, spring and autumn season is also a good time to trek. The winter is cold and snow so it is not recommended time.