Constituted under the Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (DBRM) of Dolpa District in the Karnali Provice of north-western Nepal, Dho Tarap valley is located at the heart of Dolpo. Approximately 1,500 people live in three village clusters in the valley: Dho (DBRM ward 1), Tokyu (DBRM ward 3) and Lang (DBRM ward 1).  Dho has 120 households and is located at at an altitude of about 3,900m whereas Tokyu, with an equal number of households, lies upstream at a slightly higher altitude (4,300m). Lang is a small settlement of about 30 households located off the main trail leading to Dho from the south, about three hours walking distance from Dho. Dho Tarap used to be an administrative center of Dolpo and is currently, the headquarters of the Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality and a trade center as well. It’s one of the highest human settlement in Nepal.

Dho valley covered in snow in April.

Dho village looking majestic in blooming spring.

Dho-Tarap can be reached within a travel distance of one day from nine different villages of Dolpo. To the east, a trail leads to Charka village and over to Mustang district; to the south, the trail leads to Sahartara and down to Kathmandu; to the west, one trail leads to Phoksumdo, the deepest lake of Nepal and over to Jumla district while the other trail leads to Shey Gompa, Bijer village and further west to Mugu district; and to the north, to Bentsang valley and across the Maryum la to Tibet. Breathtaking landscape, serene rivers and turquoise-colored lakes, spectacular villages, ancient monasteries, stupas and mani walls, distinct vernacular architecture, rich traditions of Bon, Buddhism and Amchi, are some of the things which make Dho-Tarap and Dolpo in whole, an important place to visit in Nepal. To say that the opportunity to stay for few months in this place will be a life time experience for anyone.