The Government of Nepal did not open some trekking routes till early 90’s. Due to certain reasons, the government believed that mass penetration in such areas could violate its unique identity and culture. In order to preserve the distinct features of such areas, the government took such a step. In 1991, with the dawn of democracy, these sites were opened for foreign trekkers. Such areas are known as Restricted or Controlled Area Trekking.
Restricted or Controlled Area Trekking does not mean that it is prohibited for trekking. It simply means that it requires a special permit to trek there.
Among various Restricted Regions, Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang are popular ones. Trekking in this area gives a different type of feeling—a feeling of being in ‘Forbidden Land’. The site gives a glimpse of the ancient world where the meaning of modernism still exists only in the dictionary. The caves, chortens, gompas, prayer flags, and local lifestyle portray 1000 year old civilization.
Another important feature of this area is that it is the only site in the world where true Bon Po religion followers exist and practice the rituals of pure Tibetan Buddhism. The Cultural Revolution of China in 1959 destroyed everything, including Bon Po-related gompas and monasteries in Tibet. But the revolution could not destroy the Bon Po civilization existing in that part of Nepal that shares a border with Nepal. For this reason, it is believed that Upper Dolpo is the only place in the world where the last followers of Bon Po practitioners exist.
