|
Dolpo :
The Dolpo, a remote region in
northwestern
Nepal bordering on
Tibet, is cut off
from the rest of the world several months a year by
the snow and ice. Referred to as a wonderland
shrouded in mystery, the Dolpo has been considered
the last enclave of pure Tibetan culture left on
earth. Nestled in the mountains, at the altitude of
4100 meters, is a small valley called Tarap. Its
inhabitants lead a precarious life in a harsh
climate trying to grow what they can from arid land.
In poorly lit windowless houses, the families gather
around small fires of yak dung and shrubs.
Most of them lead a nomadic life,
looking for pastures for their meager livestock.
Their diet consists of tsampa (roasted barley flour)
and buttered tea. The problem of food shortage,
coupled with the lack of transportation, has brought
great hardship to the Dolpopas (inhabitants of Dolpa).
Hunger and freezing winters compel the inhabitants
to move to warmer places in search of work on farms.
Because of the remoteness and difficult terrain, the
people rarely receive the government subsidies to
which they are entitled. They are deprived of
education, health care and other basic amenities.
|
TREKKING ITINERARIES
