Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek

Your Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek/Upper Dolpo starts as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Our airport staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in after your journey. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the nearby area if time permits.

Later in the evening, we will gather for a detailed trek briefing. This meeting will cover an introduction of the trekking team, itinerary review, equipment check and last preparations before heading to western Nepal.

Today is a sightseeing day mixed with final preparations of the journey. You will explore various cultural and historical sites of Kathmandu Valley, but learn about the rich Nepalese culture, and then explore Nepal in the remote Himalayas. The tour also offers a leisurely beginning to the harder days which lie ahead.

Once back at the hotel, you will have time to pack your trekking equipment or to buy any other necessities. We will get the permit formalities done and see that everything is prepared to fly tomorrow to Nepalgunj.

An early morning flight takes you from the hills of Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. On the way the scenery is transformed as the mountain ridges are replaced by the plain plains of the Terai, which allow you to get an idea of the variety of Nepal.

After arriving in Nepalgunj, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. This overnight stop allows time to rest before the early mountain flight to Juphal, the gateway to the remote Dolpo region.

The adventure itself starts with the scenic mountain flight to Juphal, which provides beautiful aerial panorama of western Nepal. Starting at the airstrip, the trail goes down through the agricultural lands and villages in a traditional form and then along the Thuli Bheri River to Dunai, the capital of Dolpo.

Dunai will allow time to visit the village and enjoy the serene environment before the camping adventure goes into the mountains further. Our team will set up camp and you can have a relaxing evening.

Leaving Dunai behind, the trail follows the Phoksundo River through pine forests, narrow gorges, and small settlements. A combination of suspension bridges, flowing streams, and serene woodland parts make the modern day walk enjoyable and scenic as the path slowly enters Shey Phoksundo National Park.

By late afternoon, we will arrive at Chhepka, a quiet village surrounded by forested hills. Once in camp, you are able to rest and take in the serene environment before moving further into the remote Dolpo area tomorrow.

The current trail is through the Phoksundo Khola of pine, cedar and juniper forest. The path is through wooden bridges, waterfalls, and narrow valleys in which a good part of the walk is accompanied by the sound of the river. As the elevation gradually increases, the landscape becomes more rugged and the surrounding peaks begin to appear.

By afternoon, we will reach Palam, a quiet campsite surrounded by forest and mountain slopes. The peaceful setting provides a comfortable place to rest before continuing toward Shey Phoksundo Lake.

On leaving Palam, the road ascends gradually and then the view is of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Shey Phoksundo Lake. The rugged landscape is contrasted with the dramatic cliffs and the clear blue water surrounding the lake. The landscape is even better as the road nears Ringmo Village.

After arriving near the lake, there will be time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take a walk along the shoreline. We have a great camp location with a view of the lake and some mountains.

Today is reserved for rest and exploration around Shey Phoksundo Lake. A relaxed hike takes you to nearby viewpoints, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the lake’s changing colors and the impressive cliffs that surround it. Ringmo Village can also offer the chance to get acquainted with the local way of life and traditions.

The gradual rise guides your body to the rising altitude before getting into the higher valleys of Upper Dolpo. We will go back to camp and spend the night on the lake.

The route leaves the lakeshore and follows a less traveled trail through forests of pine and juniper before entering a more remote valley. There are narrow trails, rocky areas and river crossings that provide variety to the current walk, as the landscape is slowly transformed with every rise in altitude.

Towards the end of the afternoon, we will reach Salla Ghari, a quiet campsite in the midst of alpine forests. The silence of the environment makes it a perfect location to rest before climbing to the taller mountain passes.

Today’s walk follows the upper valley toward Lar Tsa, with the trail gradually climbing through open alpine meadows and rocky landscapes. As the road moves into the territory of higher mountain ranges, the trees gradually fade, and the road has wider vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

When we arrive at the Lar Tsa, our camping team will make the campsite ready and you will have time to relax and have a lovely time in the calm mountain environment. It is advisable to have an early night and then proceed towards the historic Shey Gompa tomorrow.

The trail gradually climbs through the high alpine region and crosses Kang La Pass, the highest point of the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek at about 5,360 meters above sea level. The pass offers panoramic scenery of Crystal Mountain, snowed-in mountains and the valleys to the sides of the mountain and then down to Shey Gompa.

In the afternoon, we will reach the historic monastery, one of the key spiritual centers of Upper Dolpo. Once camped, you will be able to enjoy the quiet environment and view the traditional architecture of the monastery.

Today is reserved for acclimatization and for exploring the area around Shey Gompa. Even short walks to the nearby viewpoints provide some of the finest scenic views of the Crystal Mountain and the rest of the alpine scenery as your body acclimatizes to the high altitude.

The monastery is also a good place to get to know about the local Buddhist traditions and the history of the area. This relaxed time allows you to soak up the serene environment before heading into the isolated valleys of Upper Dolpo.

Leaving Shey Gompa, the trail crosses Shey La Pass and then descends into a broad valley surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. Prayer flags, ancient mani walls and scattered grazing areas are indicative of the traditional lifestyle that has been sustained here for generations.

We will reach Namgung Village, a small village of traditional stone house and a monastery, towards the end of the afternoon. Once camp is set up there will be time to walk around the village and experience the peaceful surroundings.

Today’s walk follows a relatively gentle trail across open valleys and cultivated fields while passing several traditional villages. The scenery is quite distinct to the alpine hinterland with broader valleys and dispersed settlements giving an image of the daily life of the Upper Dolpo.

Once in Saldang, a large village in the area, you will be able to go on a brief walk through the small lanes of the village and see what the locals are like before going back to camp in the evening.

The trail gradually descends from Saldang, following the Nagon Khola through remote valleys and open hillsides. Small chortens, prayer walls, and isolated houses appear along the route, while the surrounding mountain scenery remains quiet and untouched.

By afternoon, we will arrive at Sibu, a peaceful campsite beside the river. The remainder of the day is free to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s crossing of Jeng La Pass.

Today’s trail gradually leaves the river valley and climbs toward the base of Jeng La Pass. The path crosses open fields, alpine meadows and mountain slopes of rocks and the landscape around it grows more rugged. The remote location of Upper Dolpo is emphasized by the lack of settlements on the route.

In the afternoon we shall reach Jeng La Base Camp and pitch camp. The rest of the day will be at liberty to rest and make preparations against crossing the high mountain pass to-morrow.

Early departure will enable us to arrive at Jeng La Pass when the weather is generally clear. At the pass, enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, other Himalayan peaks, and the distant Dolpo valleys before beginning the descent to Tokyu.

The trail gradually descends through rocky slopes and alpine meadows before reaching Tokyu Gaon, a traditional village known for its ancient monasteries and stone built houses. We will spend the night here after another memorable day in the mountains.

Leaving Tokyu behind, the trail follows a gentle route across the wide Tarap Valley. It is a relaxing walk with small streams, grazing fields and traditional villages, unlike the past years of crossing high mountains. The peaceful surroundings provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy the unique landscape of Upper Dolpo.

In the afternoon we will reach Dho Tarap where we’ll have time to explore the village and see its traditional lifestyle before settling into camp for the night.

Today’s trek starts with a gradual descent along the Tarap Khola, passing wide valleys before entering narrower gorges surrounded by steep cliffs. The path crosses the river through shifting sceneries, as the alpine meadows gradually give way to forests and lower plants.

By late afternoon we will reach Serkam Village and set up camp beside the river. The peaceful surroundings offer a peaceful setting for a good night’s sleep before setting off for Tarakot.

The trail follows the river downstream, passing through forests, suspension bridges and small villages, before reaching Tarakot. This historic village was once an important trading center and still retains its traditional character, with old stone houses and cultivated terraces.

Upon arrival, you can take a short walk through the village and enjoy views of the surrounding hills. Here we will spend the night, and then the last stages of the trek.

The current trail runs along the river Thuli Bheri through forests, farmland, and the traditional villages, as the trail slowly descends to the lower elevations. Suspension bridges and riverside paths provide a pleasant walk while offering a final opportunity to enjoy the peaceful landscapes of the Dolpo region.

By afternoon, we will arrive in Dunai, where the trekking route first began. The rest of the day can be spent in rest, sightseeing the village or celebrating the successful completion of the main trekking portion with the support team.

The last day of trekking is a known route along the Thuli Bheri River and then ascending slowly towards Juphal. Passing small villages and terraced farmland, the route offers a relaxed conclusion to the expedition while providing beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

After reaching Juphal, there will be time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s morning flight. The evening is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences and friendships made during the 24 Days Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek.

Early morning flight takes you back to Nepalgunj after which it is connected to Kathmandu. Throughout the trip, you will have the last aerial glimpse of the distant mountains, deep valleys, and rough terrain that are so characteristic of the Dolpo region.

On arrival at Kathmandu, move to your hotel and spend the rest of the day freely. You may relax, visit local markets, or simply unwind after completing your Shey Gompa Trek.

Your Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek comes to an end today. Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.

We wish to thank you to travel with Nepal Wanderlust Treks. We hope you leave Nepal with lasting memories of remote Himalayan valleys, ancient monasteries, and the unique culture of Upper Dolpo. We look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure in the Himalayas.