Embark on an epic Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, venturing into a remote land untouched by time. Let the rugged terrain and mystical monasteries fuel your adventurous spirit.
Embark on an epic Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, venturing into a remote land untouched by time. Let the rugged terrain and mystical monasteries fuel your adventurous spirit.
Discover the ancient Shey Gompa, a spiritual haven in the middle of the Himalayas. As you stand in its sacred presence, feel the energy that transcends everyday limits.
Traverse high passes and rugged landscapes, embracing the physical and mental challenges of the route. Upper Dolpo’s wilderness reminds you that you have the strength to conquer any mountain, external or internal.
Escape the routine and travel to a place less explored, meeting the people less known. Upper Dolpo can be a blessing in disguise for the restoration of energy, zeal, and passion. The famous documentary filmmaker Eric Valli created a film titled Himalaya (Caravan) featuring locals and well-known actors in the backdrop of the Dolpo region. The film brought this secluded off-the-beaten-path destination into the limelight. Travel to the village of many Thinleys, exploring the magnificence of the tranquil Himalayan landscape of Nepal with the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek.
Entry to this remarkable land is restricted, but trekkers can enter with a special permit. The region’s glory is recorded in David Snellgrove’s book Himalayan Pilgrimage, Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard, and George Schaller’s Stones of Silence. The journey begins at Juphal after a flight sequence from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal. Upon crossing the daunting Numa La Pass (5,190 m), the awe-inspiring Phoksundo Lake appears, lying majestically near the village of Ringmo. The lake is within Shey Phoksundo National Park. The region is famous not only for the beautiful creations of nature but also for its socio-cultural richness. People of Tibetan origin still practice a traditional lifestyle, and many follow the pre-Buddhist Bon Po religion. Shey Gompa is considered the spiritual nerve center of the Upper Dolpo region. These monasteries lie at the foothills of Crystal Mountain, and Kora rituals are also performed here, making it a compelling pilgrimage destination. The journey then returns along the same trail toward Juphal and ultimately to Kathmandu.
The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the pre-Buddhist Bon Po followers of Tibetan origin, blessed by the spirituality of the monasteries and the surrounding landscape. Mountain Hawk Trek is delighted to offer this package with a well-practiced itinerary and a highly experienced trekking crew.
25 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
35-minute flight to Juphal (2,400 m), then trek to Dunai (2,150 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Renje (3,104 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m), approximately 6.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Cross Kang La Pass (5,151 m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,126 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa. Overnight at tented camp.
Cross Saldang La Pass (4,785 m) and trek to Namduna Gaon (4,400 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Saldang (3,903 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Sibu (3,942 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to the foot of Jeng La (4,369 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Cross Jeng La Pass (4,845 m) and trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090 m), approximately 4.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Serkam (3,630 m), approximately 6.5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Khani Gaon (2,550 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Tarakot (2,281 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Dunai (2,052 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Juphal (2,404 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, total flight time approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Nepalgunj, breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and camping accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Round-trip flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Upper Dolpo special trekking permit and all other necessary permits.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)
Day pack
Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
wool socks
Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )
Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)
windproof pants
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Medical & first aid kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
- Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
