upper dolpa & shey gompa

  • 25 days

  • Jhupal/Jhupal

  • Moderate To Strenous

  • Spring and Autumn

  • Highlights:

     

    • Shey-Phoksundo National Park, a house to rare bio- diversities like snow leopard, blue ship, musk deer, etc., and vegetation including 200 species of bird, and 29 species of butterfly.
    • Off-beaten trek to the pristine and untouched region of inner, lower, and Upper Dolpo. 
    • Acculturation with Indigenous people and experience their remote nomadic lifestyle.
    • Visit spiritually powerful places like Shey Gompa, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and
      Shey monastery.
    • Majestic view of mountains including Crystal Mountain, Kagmara peak, and
      Mt. Dhaulagiri.
    • Ancient pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion and the secluded village of Ringmo.
    • Explore UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath.

     

    Trip Facts:

     

    Destination: Nepal Far North West Himalayas.

    Starting Point: Jhupal after flying in from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal.

    Ending Point: Jhupal for flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

    Max. Altitude: Kang-La Pass (5, 350m / 17, 552 feet)

    Difficulty: Moderate to Adventurous.

    Best Season: Spring (April, May) & autumn (Sept, Oct)

    Accommodation: Lodge and in tented camp.
    Trekking duration: 20 Nights & 21 Days from Jhupal to Jhupal. 

    Trip Duration: 24 Nights & 25 Days from arrival to final departures.

     

     

    Introduction:

     

    The remote and untouched land in the Karnali district, the Upper Dolpo trek and Shey Gompa trek, is categorized as one of the most adventurous and off-beat treks in Nepal.

    The amalgamation of unique culture, religion, biodiversity, landscape, and climate makes it one of the best destinations to explore.

     

    The journey starts with a flight to Jhupal and a gradual walk towards Phoksundo Lake.  You will pass through subalpine vegetation and pastoral fields on your route to the lovely villages of Chhepka and Samduwa.

     

    Discover the places of nature's wonders, including the enormous Kagmara peak and the serene, turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake. You might interact with the people and learn about their old Bon Po a pre-Buddhism cult/religion. The Bon Po religion incorporates reverence for the natural world.

     

    Camping on the coast of Phoksundo Khola and traversing through Phoksundo Bhanjyang, visit Shey Gompa (800-year-old monastery). Passing through several villages of Namduna gaon, Saldang, Cha gaon, and Phedi you'll cross over the Jeng-La pass.

     

    From here the trek further descends to Dho Tarap, Tarap Valley, finally leading to Tarakot, a playground for wildlife and rare vegetation. The final day's trek takes you back Jhupal via Dunai. Take a short drive to Jhupal for a flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj city. Your journey ends in Kathmandu with pleasant sightseeing, after a wonderful and amazing adventure around Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Trekking.

Itinerary

  • DAY 1
    Welcome to Kathmandu (1, 300 m) and transfer to hotel

    On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will receive and transfer you to your respective hotel. After checking into your nice rooms, and getting refreshed from jet lag, join in with other fellow trekkers for a briefing about the upcoming trip. You’ll be directed about dos and don'ts during your stay in Nepal and regarding the trek. Overnight in a hotel.
    In the evening have a delicious dinner in a nice authentic Nepali restaurant with a folk cultural program as an introduction to Nepalese cultures and customs.


  • DAY 2
    Kathmandu city tour and afternoon flight to Nepalgunj

    Today stroll in Kathmandu, a city of temples. You can opt to visit Durbar square, an open-air museum of the different temple and palace complexes, or Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, and Bouddhanath. Get ready for afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, a short transfer to Kathmandu domestic air terminal, and fly to Nepalgunj airport. 

    An exciting flight of 50 minutes, overlooking panorama of Himalayan peaks from Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu, Dhaulagiri Himal range. On landing at Nepalgunj airport, located in Far South West Nepal, you’ll be transferred into a nice hotel. A city close to the Indian border, Nepalgunj offers a variety of street foods with Indian influences. In your free time, stroll around the streets and observe the local custom similar to Indian cultures.


  • DAY 3
    Fly to Jhupal (2320m) then walk onroute to Dunai (2850m) - 04 hrs

    After an early breakfast, take another short flight to Jhupal in Dolpo. From there, join our trekking staff and trek on route to Dunai for an overnight stop. The first day's walk is pleasant and takes you through interesting farm communities and farmlands with views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. After a few hours, you arrive in the campsite in a small village not far from Dunai, the main headquarter town of Dolpo.


  • DAY 4
    Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs

    Leaving the first campsite early in the morning, cross the Thulo Bheri River and climb to the top of a ridge above the Phoksundo River valley. You’ll be welcomed by the site of beautiful Kagmara peak.

     

    After a short, easy stroll, our route descends via farm villages with walnut trees near the small cattle herders' settlement of Dhera. From here, it is a short ascent to Rahagaon village, home to the Hindu Thakuri tribe.

     

    The walk proceeds, descending into a forest to reach Chhepka, a small farming community village, where we will set camp for an overnight night.


  • DAY 5
    Trek to Samduwa village 2,960m -06 hrs

    From Chhepka, the trail advances with a short climb and descends into the forest to reach the river bank. After a few ups and downs, you’ll walk upstream from where it requires crossing a small bridge to reach Ryajik village. The trek continues to Samduwa village for an overnight stop close to the entrance of Phoksundo National Park.


  • DAY 6
    Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,630) m - 06 hours

    Today, proceed your trek along the right bank of Pungmo Khola which leads to Pungmo valley. Further, walk downhill through pine and birch trees to reach upper stream of Phoksundo Khola.

     

    After a little break, proceed to Ringmo Village, a fascinating Tibetan settlement with Mani (prayer) walls, mud-plastered Chorten, an emblem of the Bon sect, and Buddhism.
    From here, it is only a short distance to Phoksundo Lake, where you can set up camp for the night next to the picturesque lake's turquoise coastline.


  • DAY 7
    Rest day at Phoksundo Lake

    Wake up to a chilly morning while taking in Phoksundo Lake's magnificence. Your bodily nature will be transcended by a turquoise, crystal-clear lake. Because of the lake's inherent spiritual value, visitors frequently flock here to engage in Bon-Po culture.

     

    The perfect setting for a day of relaxation, you can stroll around the intriguing Ringmo village, which is next to Phoksundo Lake. Take in the beautiful views of the dramatic landscapes, highlighted by the Kagmara peaks.

     

    Meet the friendly residents of this independent territory and learn their version of the Phoksundo lake tale. Visit historic Gompa and sample their butter tea to revive traditional Tibetan Buddhism. 


  • DAY 8
    Trek to Phoksundo-Khola (3,750m)-05 hrs

    From here, a morning hike takes you to the Upper Dolpo region's restricted zones (require special permit). Our route contours around a rocky ledge across a river bank on an uneven path. Walking further you’ll reach the west side of the lake through a summer pasture that opens into the expansive Phoksundo Khola. Overnight camp by the coast. 


  • DAY 9
    Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,717m) - 04 hrs

    Beginning with an excellent path heading north above Phoksundo Khola, the morning journey continues steeply before reaching a ridge top with stunning views of a broad, green valley that leads to Shey Gompa, today’s stop. Our overnight camp will be set in total solitude and nature, close to the base of the high Kang-la pass on a lovely green summer field.


  • DAY 10
    Cross Kang-La (5,350m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,160m) -06 hrs

    Today's adventure will take us to Kang-la Pass, the highest point of the trek, which we will pass after continuing over a rocky trail.

     

    The pass provides breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes with snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Dhaulagiri in the east. Following a leisurely scenic moment, a long descent is required to reach the river's bottom. From there, one must pass through camps of cattle herders to reach the Buddhist prayer monuments Chorten and Mani.

     

    From here, a pleasant stroll takes us to Shey Gompa, which is our main highlight of the adventure. Situated close beneath Crystal Mountain, regarded as a holy mountain. This Gompa teaches the visitor about its century-long history and is not only rich religiously but also artistically.


  • DAY 11
    Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery

    Resting on this day is crucial since it facilitates adapting to high altitude. Leave the camp and wander around in an isolated serene environment. Visit old Shey Gompa also called Crystal Monastery. The well-known classic novel "Snow Leopard," written by American author Peter Mathieson in the 1980s, provides more details about the areas around Shey Gompa. The Crystal monastery or Shey Gompa, which was established in 1655, is famed for its enormous copper structure and gold-plated Buddha sculpture. 


  • DAY 12
    Trek to Namduna Gaon (4,800m) via Saldang-La (5,200m)

    We begin the day by walking along a pleasant trail between juniper trees that descends into a stony, dark valley. The trail then begins to wind its way between plain rocks and beaten-up soil, eventually leading to the upper Saldang-La Pass. 

     

    Even though the subsequent descent to the northern half is difficult and continuous, you will eventually reach the magnificent view of sheep and yaks grazing in the open countryside.  The trail continues downhill into a grazing area with a pleasant walk to Namduna Gaon for an overnight camp. 


  • DAY 13
    Trek to Saldang (3,770m) - 05 hours

    After stopping at Namgung Gaon, continue on windswept and dusty pathways that climb steeply uphill to Saldang, another impressively large village in the Upper Dolpo region that is located on the higher side of a plateau, where we will spend the night.


  • DAY 14
    Trek to Chagaon (4,910m) - 05 hrs

    The morning walk from here follows the Nang Chu River, the entire way with only a few brief ups and downs. After passing through Sugu-Gaon and Dechen Lapran, a community of cattle herders, you’ll reach our overnight camp at Cha-Goan village.
    The village houses old Rapa Gompa of pre-Buddhist religion and ancient Bon-Po culture.


  • DAY 15
    Trek to Dachu Khola camp at (4,700m) - 06 hrs

    You'll be walking through farm fields as you follow the river downstream. As you reach towards a yak herder's territory farther south, it means that you have arrived Dachu Khola camp.


  • DAY 16
    Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi (4,900m) - 06 hrs

    After a pleasant rest in a summer pasture region, the morning walk briefly follows a river. In a way you might encounter a caravan carrying yaks and mules en route to Tibet. Trade with Tibet has existed for hundreds of years and continues to this day.

     

    Our path passes by the former Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route and the Nepalese and Tibetan Caravan Trails. The path climbs steeply to a high pass from which one can see the enormous Mt. Dhaulagiri range. From here, it is a long descent to the base of the pass, where you can set up camp for the night.


  • DAY 17
    Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4209m) via Jeng la (5090m) - 06 hrs

    Tokyu Gaon, one of the most endearing and intriguing villages in the Dolpo region, is where you'll spend the night. 

     

    After a morning of easy walking, you’ll pass through Jeng-La Phedi. It offers you a majestic view of mountains. After enjoying the brief moment, descent to Tokyu Gaon.
    It is the habitat of more than ten villages with well-kept farm fields and buildings, as well as some old monasteries.


  • DAY 18
    Trek to DhoTarap (3944m) - 05 hrs

    Following Tokyu Gaon, the morning is spent walking downhill toward Tarap Chu, a broad, green valley that is home to Sheppard's temporary settlements for grazing sheep and yaks. The walk continues to our overnight camp at DhoTarap. It is home to variety of tribes of Tibetan and Magar ancestry.


  • DAY 19
    Trek to Ghyamgar (3759m) - 07 hrs

    From here, it is a long descent to Tarap Valley, one of the largest and longest valleys in the Dolpo region. It extends for around 20 km and mostly follows the Tarap Chu River until joining the Thuli Bheri River close to Tarakot hamlet.

     

    The walk passes Langa vistas of lovely flowing waterfalls. The trail then proceeds directly south along the trail to Sisaul, a small village of Kesila. After a few hours of walk, you’ll reach overnight camp at Ghyamgar,


  • DAY 20
    Trek to Tarap Khola (3652m) via Chhyugar (3440m) - 06 hrs

    Today's hikes take us to Tarap Khola / stream, a stunning valley. Our path winds through a tight gorge with juniper and wild rose bushes leading to Toltol. It is a place with few tea shops and overhanging cave. 

     

    Here, we may see secretive Snow Leopards as well as Naur or Blue Sheep, among other wild species. After a difficult day of walking for six hours, overnight camp is set near the junction of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola streams.


  • DAY 21
    Trek to Tarakot (3540m) - 06 hrs

    A morning stroll passes through smaller farming communities before entering a small forested region and following the bank of a river all the way to Tarakot, a sizable and fascinating village with a rich history.

     

    Our overnight camp is set up in Tarakot, a community noted for its historic Sandul Gompa, which is situated at the confluence of the Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu Rivers. It is known as a Dzong in Tibetan and Kot in Nepali. 


  • DAY 23
    Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Juphal - 02 hrs

    Our final day's trek leads you back to Dunai. Then take a short drive to Jhupal for a flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj city.

     

    Following numerous dispersed settlements and farmers' huts in the morning, traverse over a wider track. The track follows occasional brief ascents and descents toward the Thuli Bheri River valley till reaching Dunai. In Dunai, the headquarter district of Dolpo, you can have lunch if time permits. In the afternoon a vehicle will take us to Jhupal, where we will complete our adventurous trek. Spend the final overnight in the Nepalese Far West Himalaya at Dolpo before boarding the next morning's flight to Nepalgunj.


  • DAY 23
    Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

    After having a wonderful time exploring Upper Dolpo, take a short walk to the Jhupal airfield, where you can board a tiny plane for a beautiful short journey to Nepalgunj city.

     

    Once you get back to Kathmandu airport after your connecting flight from Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to your respective accommodations.


  • DAY 24
    Leisure day at Kathmandu

    A free day for autonomous use; if you want to go on a tour or take a picturesque mountain flight, please inform our staff as well for an exciting sightseeing tour. Rest of the day, indulge in the activities of your choice or shopping. Spree around the streets of busy and interesting Thamel.


  • DAY 25
    Final Departure

    After the last breakfast in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to the airport for final departure depending upon your flight schedule. Conclude your journey after an amazing adventure on Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa Trekking.