Dolpa is the largest of 75 districts in Nepal, covering 5.36% (7,889 sq. km.) of Nepal’s total landmass. With, a population of 29,584 (Population Census, 2058 BS) the population density is one of the lowest in the country.

The Dolpa region is a natural collection of high passes, rare fauna, and sweeping vistas which is enriched by the traditional Tibetan cultural heritage. This region surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from south and north respectively is regarded as a blend of natural and cultural phenomena. Before 1989 this region was not open to foreigners and was aloof from the outer world. It was declared open for a limited number of trekkers only in 1989. But trekkers interested in making a trekking tour in this region must go through trekking agencies in order to get trekking permission. As this region lies on the north side of the Himalaya, it is also a rain shadow area and the climatic situation is the same as Mustang.

This region is considered to be one of the most remote places of the kingdom of Nepal. Abundance of Himalayan peaks, hidden lands, villages and rural communities, this trans-Himalayan region is quiet, peaceful and full of curiosity. It is said that the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhism padmasambava (Guru Rinpoche) created this place as a shelter for Buddhist refugees during a crisis originating in religious intolerance in ancient times. Because it is that part of words which could not be penetrated by outsiders very easily and even in the present time you can experience the natural solitude and enjoy it. Here the meaning of modernity and development has yet to be explored.

The national park of Shey Phoksumdo, spread over an area of 3555 sq. km., is the one of which this region is very proud. In this park, blue sheep, musk deer, ghoral, thar, and very dangerous snow leopards and many other alpine flora and fauna exist in abundance. Surrounded all around by the snowy peaks including Dhaulagiri (8167.mt) this region has a lake which is one of the deepest in the world. Spread in an area of 200sq.mt., Phoksumdo lake is surrounded by rocky cliffs and its turquoise fresh water can touch the very depth of human heart wandering in search of peace and tranquility. Such natural phenomena of this region are not a story full of exaggeration but a reality based on a meditative perception.

After watching the ancient monasteries of this region that you encounter on the way and the semi-nomadic life style of the populace based on agriculture and animal husbandry, you can develop perhaps another conviction and interpretation of life and its reality linked with the extremity of the nature and its surroundings. The many rural communities above 4,000m. are unique examples of human civilization in such a high altitude. The people here live on staple foods such as wheat, millet, barley, bucketwheat and potatoes. From linguistic point of view they are different from other ethnic groups of Nepal since they speak Tibetan, Magar and kaike languages.

For trekking, this region is divided into upper and lower Dolpa. Ringmo, on Phoksumdo Lake is the tourist destination of lower Dolpa, whereas the highlands above Ringmo and Phoksumdo Lake are regarded as upper Dolpa. Dolpa the famous Shey Gompa lies in upper Dolpa. The northern side of shey Phoksumdo is a restricted area and tourists are not permitted to trek there.

This circuit is the most popular trek of the lower Dolpa mainly because of the Phoksumdo Lake. The lake featured in the famous documentary "Caravan" is of great interest to visitors.