|
The restricted regions of Nepal covers areas that by their very nature are less accessible and require special preparation, planning and permits. Upper Mustang Trekking Region, Located North to Middle West Nepal, bordering Tibet
The region of the Tibetan influence north of Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. The ancient Kingdom of Mustang – the capital being Lo Manthan was attached to Tibet in the 14th century, although it retained its identity as an autonomous dynasty throughout the centuries it is a walled city where people still remain predominantly Tibetan. Still classified as restricted region (special permits are required) the trek to Lo Manthan (3730m) refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of Kali Gandaki. Annexed by Nepal in 17 century, but untouched by the outside world or even the Chinese Cultural revolution, 14th century monasteries still remain active to preserve this magnificent Trans-Himalayan kingdom, with their unrivalled Buddhist shrines with cliff hanging monasteries, thankas, mandalas and deities and cave dwelling people. In this wild lunar landscape of fascinating color and beauty, rugged carved mountains reach up to deep blue skies, while icy peaks glimmer majestically to the south. Vast and barren ridges extend to the northern horizon making you feel humbled by the timeless landscape. Upper and Lower Dolpo Trekking Region Located North to Middle West of Nepal bordering Tibet
The region, designated as Shey Phoksumdo National Park, is the most remote district in Nepal situated in the Trans Himalayan region of mid-western Nepal. Dolpa is also known as "Ba Yul" or the hidden valley. The region with fascinating villages is still a land of mystery, scenery and peace. Trekking in the lower Dolpo region takes you to Ringmo and beyond - Phoksumdo Lake at 3600 m also known as the Blue Lake contains no aquatic life. The trek crosses two high passes of Baga La (5070m) and Numa La (5190m) into Dho Tarap village (4040m) a region inhabited by people practicing polyandry and pre-Buddhist religion called "Bon Po". The trek in Upper Dolpa Region crosses Sheula pass from Phoksumdo Lake to the legendary Crystal Mountains to Shey Gompa (4200m) a Buddhist monastery and further to Samling Gompa a Bon Po monastery. This region has a long aura of mysticism about it. Site of Eric Valli's Oscar nominated movie "Caravan" - where people trade salt for grain with the people from far away land of Hurikot and Jumla to compensate for their dwindling winter supply of food. Kangchenjunga Trekking Region Located in the North East Corner of Nepal
Kangchenjunga is on Nepal's eastern border with the Indian State of Sikkim.The Kangchenjunga area was first opened to organised trekking in 1988. Prior to that, the only westerners to have explored the area were those on mountaineering expeditions. "Kang-chen-zod-nga", meaning "Five Great Treasures of the Snow", actually, has seven major summits. To the locals Kangchenjunga (8585m.), the third highest mountain in the world is the home of the gods who bestow prosperity and benevolence on them and their lands but, to the climbers of this mountain the phrase "Five Great Treasures of the Snow" takes on a slightly more ominous tone. The avalanches that Kangchenjunga throws down are said to be the largest anywhere! Since the locals worship the mountain, there is a tradition among mountaineers not to stand on the actual summit. All "successful" assaults have stopped just short of the summit honoring an old promise made by the leader of the first successful attempt in 1955 to the maharaja of Sikkim. Manaslu Trekking Region located North Middle of Nepal bordering Tibet
Officially opened to trekking in 1990 and just as suddenly forbidden again, it was finally "reopened" in 1992 along with Mustang. A Government quota, however, limits the number of visitors to the area hence its restricted access. Strenuous trekking in Manaslu region is constantly rewarded with brilliant mountain vistas of the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal ranges and insights into the cultures of a cross-section of ethnic Nepalese tribes and peoples, perhaps not available on any other trek. Starting, in the lush green lower hills inhabited by Indo-Aryan Hindus, you will pass through middle hills which is inhabited by the Tibetan-Burmese, Magar, Rai,Limbu and Tamang people who follow both Hinduism and Buddhism and sometimes Shamanism, to emerge into the high, arid desert region that is actually a part of the Tibetan Plateau where people of Tibetan Stock dwell and where the predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism. Humla / Mt Kailash Trekking Region located North West corner of Nepal
The remote mountain region of Humla is set deep in the snowy North- Western corner of Nepal, sharing a border with Tibet. Life for Humli people is extremely challenging due to the remoteness of the region, ongoing difficulties due to the recent civil war, and a harsh terrain and winter climate. There are no roads into the region, with the capital, Simikot, only accessible by plane or a 21 day walk from the nearest road. Mt Kailash "Gang Rinpoche", which means "Jewel of snow”, is striking in the way it rises high above the surrounding range and always remains snow - capped. Traditional Buddhist cosmology has often connected Kailash with Mount Meru, the great mythological mountain that forms the axis of this world system. Because of its religious associations, many Hindu and Buddhist, hermits and pilgrims have been drawn to the area of the mountain for the past two thousand years or so to see it, offer prayers, absolve sins, circumambulate it and to practice austerities and meditation. South of Mount Kailash, across the base of the majestic Mount Gurla Mandhata, are the two lakes Mansarovar and Rakkshas Tal (lake). They are the highest bodies of fresh water in the world, with Manasarovar (330 sq. km), at 4558m, about 15m higher than Rakshas Tal. Manasarovar considered by Buddhist and Hindus to be more worthy of veneration. Buddhist believe that Queen Maya, the Buddha's mother was carried here by the gods and washed prior to giving birth to the Buddha.
|
