Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompo Trek
Explore the world's best trekking destination with native guides
24 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Hotel/Tea House/Camping
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 30 + Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
moderate_strenuous
Overview
Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Trekking leads to wild Far North West Himalayas around remote areas. The trail follows the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade near the border of South West Tibet.
Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa trek is an adventure of a lifetime experience around the scenic country of both Lower and Upper Dolpo.
Then reach the beautiful turquoise lake of Phoksundo and towards the remote isolated highland at Shey Gompa, the Crystal Monastery. Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa is a classic journey amidst unique landscapes of snow peaks and green forests.
The walk then heads towards the arid and windswept high country of moonscapes surroundings and yet beautiful. In the harmony of both ancient cultures and religions of Buddhism and the old Bon sect of pre-Buddhist. Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa trekking starts with a scenic flight to Nepal Far South West to land at Nepalgunj city. The connecting to another short flight to reach Jhupal at Dolpo, then the walk begins towards higher destinations.
The first part of the adventure leads to beautiful Phoksundo Lake at Ringmo village. A nice and perfect location for extra days to explore the scenic areas and to observe the local impressive cultures at Ringmo village. From Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village, the adventure continues to cross the high Kang-La Pass towards mystical areas at Shey Gompa. Located close to the shadow of Crystal Mountain, hence its name Crystal Monastery. An old religious and pilgrimage site for the local villages of Dolpo, where a holy event takes place.
After a wonderful experience exploring Shey Gompa, around Upper Dolpo wild country, then on a return journey to Jhupal. The walk leads through the windblown village of Saldang and then over scenic passes, exploring villages of Tibetan heritage.
The route heads up to Jeng-La Pass to reach the large villages of Tokyu Gaon and Dho Tarap. The walk follows the Tarap Chu River Valley to reach the historical village of Tarakot. Slowly, the adventurous walks come to a near end after walking to Dunai, a large town and headquarters of Dolpo. Then ends the walk on reaching Dunai, taking a short drive back to Jhupal for the last overnight around Dolpo. The next morning, a sweeping scenic flight brings you to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. After an enjoyable adventure on Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking.
The Best Seasons
The best seasons for Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Treks, are late spring and autumn. Spring starts from March to May, most days are sunny but can get cloudy in the late afternoon. Chances of light snowfall with cold mornings and nighttime at above 2,500 m. The next best season is autumn/fall, which begins in September and ends in November. One of the high seasons for views and pleasant walks, sunny days most of the time in autumn. But gets dark soon, due to short sunlight hours, cold morning, and late afternoon till nighttime. Expect snowfall above 3,000 m and on Kang-La Pass and Shey Gompa sometimes.
The route and trails en route Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Treks
The route is straightforward with a signpost at each junction of the mid-ways, so there will be no confusion. The trails are nicely laid and good for walking all the way to Upper Dolpo and Phoksundo Lake to Shey Gompa. Includes steep uphill for short hour, and with gradual winding path through lovely forest. Crossing over exciting high passes over Kang-La and Jeng-La with steep downhill. Few gradual section to enjoy with touch of high altitude from Ringmo village onwards to Dho Tarap village and valley. Sometimes the walk leads to cross over landslides areas, depending upon seasons. After Tarakot the walk is downhill to Dunai then at Jhupal with some uphill.
What to expect on Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Trekking
Scenic flights to Nepalgunj city, around lower warm areas then flying to cooler hills of Dolpo. Walking on the main trail, following the normal route for few days till Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake. The route diverts south crossing over Kang-La and Jeng-La Passes. Rewards grand vista of snow-capped peaks to reach Dho Tarap Valley. The native of Upper and Inner Dolpo are the Dolpa’s, main tribes of high Dolpo and Far West Nepal with strong Buddhist heritage cultures.
Similar to their Tibetan predecessors across the borders towards north. The native and highlanders with strong bonds to the Tibetans across the border of South West Tibet. After Jhupal the country changes to dramatic landscapes with forest of blue pine, firs and spruce. The adventure takes you around Nepal’s largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park in the land of snow-leopard and blue sheep.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu, optional tour and preparation for overland journey.
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj city airport 360m – 50 mins flight.
Day 04: Fly to Jhupal 2,475m, trek en-route Chhepka near Dunai – 04 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Chhepka 2,838m – 04 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Samduwa village 2,960m – 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Ringmo Gaon 3, 733m at Phoksundo Lake – 05 hrs
Day 08: Rest day at Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo-Khola 3,640m – 05 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Phokshindo Bhanjyang – 07 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa 4,500m via Kang-La 5,360m – 06 hrs
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa 4,500m the crystal monastery.
Day 13: Trek to Namduna Gaon 4,800m via Saldang La 5,200m.
Day 14: Trek to Saldang 3,620m – 05 hours
Day 15: Trek to Yangzi Gompa 4,960m – 05 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Sibu 4,560m – 07 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Jeng-la Phedi 4,900m – 06 hrs
Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng-La 5,090m – 06 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Dho-Tarap 3, 944m – 04 hrs
Day 20: Trek to Gyagar 3,759m – 07 hrs
Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chyugar 3,440m – 06 hrs
Day 22: Trek to Tarakot 2,540m – 06 hrs
Day 23: Trek to Dunai 2,140m – 05 hour and drive to Jhupal – 02 hrs
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu 1300m via Nepalgunj 150m and transfer to hotel.
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320m and transfer to hotel.
Arriving in Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, our guide and staff receives you for a short transfer to your hotels. Then check into your nice rooms at given time meet with other trekking members for trek briefing.
Regarding Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa trekking with dos and don’ts as well information on Responsible Tourism. Evening a group welcome dinner in a nice Nepali Restaurants, a great introduction to Nepali foods and cultures.
Day 02
In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations.
In Kathmandu free day to enjoy individual activities and preparation for the trek to Upper Dolpo. Interested people with options for tour around Kathmandu and Nepal famous sites and landmarks.
Day 03
Fly to Nepalgunj (55 mins flight) 150m and transfer to hotel.
Morning free with options for half day sightseeing tour at places of interest around Kathmandu. Afternoon as time for flight to Nepalgunj, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic flight of less than an hour.
During air-borne panorama of Himalayan peaks from Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna to Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Then the flight lands at airport and transfer to a nice hotels close to the airport or around the city area.
Day 04
Fly to Jhupal 2,475m, trek en-route Chhepka near Dunai - 04 hrs
Another connecting short flight to Jhupal, Dolpo, morning after breakfast transfer to Nepalgunj airport. A scenic flight to Jhupal of 40 minutes to land at Jhupal in Dolpo, received by the trekking staff. After getting organized the start the trek of short hours following the main trail. The route leads en route Chhepka to a small farm area for first overnight in tented camp. Few hours ahead from Dunai Town the headquarters of Dolpo district and towards Phoksundo Lake.
Day 05
Trek to Chhepka 2,838m - 04 hrs.
Enjoying first overnight in camping, morning walk starts after a good breakfast served by our camping cook and kitchen staff. The trail follows to a ridge above Phoksundo River valley. As the views gets better overlooking peaks of Kagmara Himal, and downhill through farm villages, with walnut trees.
The trail heads near Dhera a small cattle herder place, and then climb to Raha-Gaon, inhabited by Hindu Thakuri tribes. The walk continues within a nice forest then reaching Chhepka for overnight camp.
Day 06
Trek to Samduwa village 2,960m -06 hrs
The morning walk from near Chhepka village with short climb and down to a river bank. As uphill continues after leaving the forest to reach a high ridge, and following the downhill path back into forest. From here walk follows the river upstream to Ryajik village. Then reaching our overnight camp at Samduwa close to the entrance of Phoksundo National Park.
Day 07
Trek to Ringmo Gaon 3, 733m at Phoksundo Lake- 05 hrs
Today’s adventure leads to our first highlight of the journey from Samduwa to Ringmo village. Close to beautiful Phoksundo Lake, the morning walk follows along the river bank. Then climb begins for an hour to reach Nepal Army Camp,
the army are the Shey-Phoksundo National Park wardens. From here after checking with trekking and park permits, walk leads near Pungmo and Phoksundo Rivers. After nice walk then reach Ringmo village for overnight stop, either staying in a lodge or camping. Close to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, enjoy the views of cascading waterfall, as it flows from high Phoksundo River.
Day 08
Rest day at Ringmo 3, 733m and Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.
Enjoy a rest and free day to explore the magnificent location, a good place and altitude for acclimatization. Before the climb to Baga-La and Numa-La Passes, enjoy a short hike around Phoksundo Lake, also called Ringmo Lake. Surrounded by beautiful blue pine tree lines and near to Ringmo village, and observe the local of interesting cultures of Bon and Buddhism religions.
Day 09
Trek to Phoksundo-Khola 3,640m- 05 hrs
Leaving the beautiful serene Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village towards sheer wilderness. Away from main human habitation and villages, the journey continues higher towards Upper Dolpo area to Shey Gompa. Morning walk follows to contour over a rocky ledge around the river bank. As the trail leads on an unsteady path reaching the western end of Phoksundo Lake. To enter a wide and nice grazing field near Phoksundo Khola/ stream for overnight camp.
Day 10
Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang - 07 hrs
Today one of the longest walks to reach the foot of Kang-La Pass the gateway to Shey Gompa. From the camp walk starts on a pleasant trail towards a glaciated valley heading north from Phoksundo Khola. To reach the confluence of another stream, from here the trail leads towards a long ridge around the grazing area.
After a steady climb to the ridge top, to enter another wide valley at the bottom of Kang-La Pass. The overnight camp is set on a nice grazing grounds, this camp is mentioned on a classic novel ‘Snow-Leopard’ as ‘Snowfields Camp' by Peter Mathieson.
Day 11
Trek to Shey Gompa 4,500m via Kang-La 5,360m -06 hrs
Rising early to capture the grand views from Kang-La Pass, en route to our destination to Shey Gompa. After a good breakfast, the morning starts with steep climb on a slated stone scree to reach Kang-La Pass. The highest point of the journey, enjoy the grand vista of snow-capped mountain range as far as
Mt. Dhaulagiri. From the top downhill, as the trail meanders along a river encountering, then slowly coming across a red chortens (Buddhist monument). The day completes reaching Shey Gompa, close to holy Crystal Mountain, overnight camp is set near monastery complex.
Day 12
Rest day at Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery.
Enjoy the rest day and explore the Shey Monastery, the word Shey for a crystal related to Crystal Mountain nearby. A unique mountain, embedded with quartz, crystal and semi-precious stones. The monastery interior with interesting shrines of famous saints and gurus of Tibet with idols of Buddha. Rest of the day options for short hike to the base of holy Crystal Mountain and for surrounding dramatic views.
Day 13
Trek to Namduna Gaon 4,800m via Saldang La 5,200m.
After an enjoyable time in Shey Gompa, the journey continues following the return journey towards Inner and Lower Dolpo. The walk leads on a path lined with juniper trees, then down amidst great red and grey canyon walls.
The trail winds up to reach on top Saldang-La Pass, and then downhill heading north east reaching a pasture field. Reaching our overnight camp at Namduna Gaon. The farm village with an old monastery of Karmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism village. The farm yard, growing barley, buckwheat’s, mustard, potatoes and radish are also cultivated.
Day 14
Trek to Saldang 3,620m -05 hours
From this windblown farm village, morning walk leads towards a rocky slope, along a windswept area. After hours of steady climb then reach an interesting village at Saldang. Located above on arid and barren plateau, it is one of the largest village around Upper Dolpo.
Saldang a flourishing village scattered around near the area, this is one of the main village not only for agriculture. But also for its prime location for trade route across the border to Tibet. At Saldang either in tented camp or enjoy the comfort of a local simple lodge.
Day 15
Trek to Yangzi Gompa 4,960m - 05 hrs
Enjoying pleasant overnight in Saldang village, morning walk heads further north to follow Nang Chu River. Walk along the riverside most of the way to Tiling and Luri Gaon. A small settlement of the cattle herder’s, as walk heads further to Yangzi village for overnight camp. A small windblown place, with old Bonpo Monastery, Bonpo, a pre-Buddhist religion started before Buddhism spread in Tibet. As Buddhism started from 6th Century in Tibet as well around the high Himalayas areas of Nepal.
Day 16
Trek to Sibu 4,560m - 07 hrs
The journey continues retracing the trail back to Saldang village, as it is the straightforward route. Saves time and the walking distance shorter than the northern western route to reach Sibu and beyond. The trail crisscrosses after Saldang village, the walk follows a river within terraced fields with rows of stupas, chortens. As well as monastery, then walk through Namdo another large flourishing village with more than sixty houses. After a short visit of Namdo monastery, the walk continues for another two hours. Heading downhill to Sibu for overnight stop around a Yak herders temporary shelter areas.
Day 17
Trek to Jeng-La Phedi 4,900m - 06 hrs
Morning starts following Nam Khong Khola (stream) for an hour, then coming across caravan of yaks laden with goods. Heading towards Tibet border for trade and bartering, as the walk follows the old Trans Himalayan Trade route.
The walk follows, then our route diverts towards east at the junctions of two smaller rivers. From here climb to the base of Jeng-La for overnight camp on a nice grassy spot.
Day 18
Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng la 5,090m - 06 hrs
After walking around complete wilderness, walk today leads to an interesting village at Tokyu Gaon. One of the largest village of the Inner Dolpo area, morning starts with a steep climb for few hours. Then reach on top of Jeng-La Pass, rewards spectacular views of snow mountains with Mt. Dhaulagiri and beautiful landscapes. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, a long descend towards
Tarap Valley, the longest of about 20 k.m. After ending the downhill walks, then reaching Tokyu Gaon for overnight stop. A lovely village with an old interesting monastery, afternoon with time to explore the village and the monastery or just relax and interact with the locals.
Day 19
Trek to Dho Tarap 4,040m - 05 hrs
From Tokyu Gaon, the morning walk follows downhill towards Tarap Chu amidst a wide valley. The walk follows past temporary settlements of cattle herders.
The villagers around, follows both Bon Po and Chaiba sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana) living together in a harmony.
After a nice walk reaching Dho Tarap for overnight camp, afternoon having time for tour around this interesting village, inhabited by Tibetans origin people and with mostly Magar hill tribe.
Day 20
Trek to Gyagar 3,759m - 07 hrs
Leaving Dho Tarap, morning starts towards a wide Tarap Valley, then following the Tarap Chu River. As it joins to Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, the route leads to an interesting gorge of Langa. A place with beautiful waterfalls, from here to Sisal and Kesila. A small areas of Yak herder’s temporary shelter to set our overnight camp. This camping area is called Gyagar, an isolated place within a river gorge.
Day 21
Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652m via Chyugar 3,440m - 06 hrs
From here an exciting walk to the end of Tarap valley, the wide valley turns to a narrow gorge. As walk leads to a small path with few vegetation of juniper and wild rose bushes. The trek continues to reach a place with a large overhanging cave, this place is called Tol-Tol. Chances of spotting some wildlife, like mountain goats and blur sheep. The walk continues reaching at the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola River. The overnight camp is set close to the river after a long and interesting walks of the day.
Day 22
Trek to Tarakot 2,540m - 06 hrs
The adventure slowly comes to near end, the morning walk follows through isolated farm and forested area. Then walk by the river banks with last climb to Tarakot. A large village with historical background of Malla Kingdom regime.
This village and a fortress, used to collect tax from the merchants who used this ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route. Tarakot is an interesting village to explore around. After setting the camp, visit the old Sandul Gompa located on the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River.
Day 23
Trek to Dunai 2,140m 4 hours, drive to Jhupal 2,475m - 02 hrs
Enjoy the last day trek, the morning walk follows to Dunai, the major town and headquarters of Dolpo. The walk to Dunai of few hours, on reaching the large town of Dunai for lunch stop. Then taking the comfort of a short few hour drive to Jhupal. For the last overnight in Dolpo and Far Western Nepal, at Jhupal accommodation in a nice simple lodge.
Day 24
Fly to Kathmandu 1300m via Nepalgunj 150m and transfer to hotel.
As time for the flight to Nepalgunj city airport, bidding farewell to trekking staff and mule driver, porters. Morning a short walk to Jhupal airport, as the small aircraft reach Jhupal airstrip parking. The get on board in a small aircraft for short scenic flight to Nepalgunj facing views of Western Himalaya range of peaks.
Inclusions
What's included
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared during the trek. The meals are basic, but will give you enough energy for your appetite. Fruit is also available after each meal.
Accommodation
During the trek, we stay in lodges or teahouses. These are simple in nature, but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.
FAQs
How difficult is Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Trek?
A moderate to adventurous with steep ups and downhills, one of the best and perfect walks around the Himalayas. Trekkers must be aware that Nepal and Himalayan landscapes are all ups and downhills. The only flat land is in the southern Terai belt of Nepal, walking slow and steady will overcome the difficulty.
The walk is straight forward without much difficulties, as long one takes it slow and steady. The only tough about this treks is the gain in altitude, but walking slow and having enough drinks. It is the best way as precaution against the problem of the altitude gain. Rest of the route is straightforward on daily walks to each overnights stops.
Is Upper Dolpo a popular trekking destination?
Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa, is not as popular than other trekking regions, due to its remote location. Only few groups of trekkers seldom visit in the good season. The other reason is the facilities of lodge accommodation and food are not available only in few large villages. Needs to carry camping gear and food for some days.
What do we expect on this trek?
A lovely country walk through beautiful forest lined with tall pines and fir trees. Daily views of snow peaks with local fascinating cultures of the Dolpo native, the highlanders of Western Himalayas. The major expectation besides scenic scenery is steep climb with long downhill walks. As well to experience both scenic views and local impressive cultures.
Are there facilities for electricity, internets and WI-FI?
All lodges on overnight stops, have electricity facilities either run by Hydro or solar power. Trekkers can charge their electronic items on paying extra for charging each gadgets. Some lodges offer free Wi-Fi and Internet services while few places might charge extra. But the connection in some places can be disturbing and takes time to run the service either in long distance call or using the internets. But away from villages, trekkers need to carry a portable solar panel, can be slung on the back-pack for personal use.
How are the lodge facilities and foods on this treks?
Simple and nice rooms, wherever available that one can expect around the mountainous and hilly region around Himalayas. The lodge facilities better in Jhupal and Ringmo villages. All available lodges provide common bathe and toilets with extra charge for using hot showers. However, the rooms are neat and cozy the dining have fireplace to warm the rooms while you enjoy the meals.
The foods depending upon the standard of the lodge, but most lodge restaurants provide limited food menu. Includes few refreshments to enjoy.
But in camping our cook provides all types of meals from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and famous Nepali Dal Bhat with mild vegetable curry.
As well as good breakfast in the camping with oats porridge, loaf bread, pancakes with egg varieties.
How fit one should be to enjoy Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trek?
Requires all trekkers to be suitably physically fit and in good health, to take the challenge walking steeps and downhills. When planning and booking this trip, one should need outdoor exercise from walking, jogging. Or any other good physical exercise for an hour on daily basis, and checking your health. Before booking this wonderful adventurous treks.
How large is the National Park of Dolpo?
Shey-Phoksundo National Park the largest Park in Nepal covers an area of 2,555 sq.kms. Situated in the mountain region of western Nepal, covering parts of Dolpo and Mugu Districts. It is the largest national park in the country.
The Park contains luxuriant forests, mainly comprised of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch. The Jugdula River valley consists mostly of Quercus species. The trans-Himalayan area has a near-desert type vegetation of mainly dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.
The park provides prime habitat for the snow leopard and the blue sheep.
Other common animals found in the park are Goral, Himalayan Thar, serow, leopard, wolf, and jackal. Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, languor and rhesus monkeys.
The park is equally rich in many species of birds, such as Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others.
What are the main religions and tribes of Dolpo areas?
The main tribes of Dolpo people follows Tibetan Buddhism. Trekkers can witness that every houses adorned with a Buddhist prayer flags. As well prayer monuments along the trail around the villages with impressive monasteries. The Dolpo people also practice ancient Bon sect of pre Buddhism, worship of nature and mountain spirits.
