Dolpa District

Dolpa District ( ne, डोल्पा जिल्ला), is a district, located in Karnali Province of Nepal, It is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal and one of ten district of Karnali. The district, with Dunai as its district headquarters, covers an area of and has a population (2011) of 36,700. Dolpa is the largest district (by area) of Nepal.

Geography and climate

Dolpa is the largest district of Nepal covering 5.36% of the total landmass of the country, located at 28°43’N to 29°43’N latitude, and 82°23’E to 83°41’E longitude. Elevation ranges from . The district borders Tibet on the north and northeast, Jumla and Mugu districts on the west, Myagdi, Jajarkot, Western and Eastern Rukum on the south, and Mustang on the east.

A large portion of the district is protected by Shey Phoksundo National Park. The name is derived from the 12th century Shey Monastery and the deepest lake in Nepal, the Phoksundo Lake, both of which lie in the district. The park protects endangered animals like the snow leopard, musk deer and the Tibetan wolf. Shey Phoksundo is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal. It is the biggest area occupying district of Nepal.

The district distances an altitudinal range of over from a little over at Tribeni in Kalika VDC to meters at the peak of Churen Himal. Kanjiroba (), Mukot () and Putha Hiunchuli () are other renowned peaks.

Physiographical the smaller ranges of the Great Himalayas comprise the southern border of the district. Between these and the border mountain ranges of Gautam Himal and Kanti Himal to the north, Dolpa district is a labyrinth of often wide glacial valleys and ridges. Kanjiroba Himal and Kagmara Lekh running northwest to southeast separate the valleys of the Jagdula in the west from the rest of the district.

Demographics

At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, Dolpa District had a population of 36,700. The Chhetri are the largest community making up 54.94% of the population. The second largest group are the Magar with 9.50%. The Tibetan/Dolpo are 9.06%, 7.07% are Kami, 7.09% Gurung, 2.41% Thakuri, 3.75% Sarki, 1.72% Hill Brahmin, 1.59% Damai and 1.20% Tamang.

At the time of the 2011 census, 70.36% of the population spoke Nepali, 6.63% Gurung, 5.90% Sherpa, 5.18% Magar, 4.40% Tibetan/Dolpali, 3.80% Bote and 2.69% Kham as their first language.2011 Nepal Census, Social Characteristics Tables
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Most of the people are Hindu/Masto Shamanism (92%) Buddhist (4%). 5.05% belong to the ancient Bonpo religion. Dolpa's major occupations are agriculture (79.5%) and service (2%).

Tourism

Dolpa region is a distant region of Nepal and the central point of this area is Shey Phoksundo National Park. The east and south of Dolpa are surrounded by the Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal ranges and to the west is the Jumla district. Trekking to Lower Dolpa offers you the remarkable and breathtaking experience of a lifetime. The notable features seen here are snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, rich wildlife, lovely Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes. The people of this area are simple and warm-hearted with an enthralling culture and traditions. The cultural traditions of this area are basically linked with the Tibetan culture.

Trekking into Dolpa presents an exposure to the high and remote Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan highlands. The main highlight of Dolpa trekking includes “Shey Phoksundo National Park” which is one of the major national parks of Nepal. “Shey Phoksundo Lake” is another famous feature of this region. The lake is totally free of aquatic life, which the crystal waters clearly demonstrate. Surrounded by rocks, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the area has been described as one of the world's “Natural Hidden Wonders”.

Transport

This district, despite being the largest in area in the nation, has only 1 vehicle as of November 2012, and no road links to other districts. Government is trying to link roadway to Dolpa, Dunai. The road is linked to Rukum, Jajarkot districts. The road is long, of which road construction is completed and is planning to complete up to Asaar.

Administration

The district consists of 8 Municipalities, out of which two are urban municipalities and six are rural municipalities. These are as follows:
* Thuli Bheri Municipality
* Tripurasundari Municipality
* Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality
* She Phoksundo Rural Municipality
* Jagadulla Rural Municipality
* Mudkechula Rural Municipality
* Kaike Rural Municipality
* Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality

Former village development committees

Prior to the restructuring of the district, Dolpa District consisted of the following municipalities and village development committees:

* Bhijer
* Chharka
* Dho
* Jufal
* Kaigaun
* Kalika
* Lhan
* Lawan
* Likhu
* Majhphal
* Mukot
* Narku
* Pahada
* Phoksundo
* Raha
* Rimi
* Sahartara
* Saldang
* Sarmie
* Shun
* Tinje
* Tripurakot

See also

* Dolpo
* List of highest towns by country
*Photo of Dolpa at http://www.bibekshresth.com.np/2020/08/dazzling-dolpa.html

References

External links

Dolpa trekking maps

{{Authority control

Districts of Nepal established in 1962
Districts of Karnali Province