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GHT-Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo Trek | 25 Days

From $4000

Ratings 

At a Glance:
Tour Code: SGUDT025
Style: Treks of Great Himalaya Trail
Grading:
Maximum Altitude: 5500m
Transport: Private
Duration: 25 Days
Start in: Kathmandu |Airport
End in: Kathmandu |Airport
Price: US$ 4000 per person
Best Season: April-Oct
Trip Description

The Upper Dolpo Trek to Shey Gompa offers an opportunity to visit mystical land where centuries old Buddhist and Bonpo traditions, with shamanistic influences, are still an important part of daily life. The visitors will have unforgettable impression during visit to the villages and gompas and interact with the local people. The landscapes are more desolate in comparision with the Dolpa Circuit. The settlements here are even more isolated and pure.
Upper Dolpo is a restricted area which needs special permit to visit. Maximum 250 foreigners can enter into Inner Dolpo each year which makes the trek very special and exclusive one.
The trekking brings you to Shey Gompa, considered as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It is very miraculous place which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year. They make a kora (circuit) of the Crystal Mountain, Dolpo’s version of Mt Kailash.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is quite arduous hike. One has to cross three high passes—Kang La/ Ngadra La (5375 m), the Shey La (5000 m) and Jeng La (5110 m). These passes have long ascends and descends. Moreever, you stay above 4000 meters for a long time. The unforgettable landscapes, magnificient views from the passes and the unique culture of the local people make your trip memorable.

Outline Itinerary
  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
  • Day 4: Flight from Nepalgunj-Juphal (2475 m), walk to Chhepka (2838 m) 6 hrs
  • Day 5: Chhepka (2838 m) to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) 6 hours
  • Day 6: Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) 3 hours
  • Day 7: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m), free day
  • Day 8: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) to Chunemba (3639 m) 5 hours
  • Day 9: Chunemba (3639 m) to Snowfields Camp (4400 m) 7 hours
  • Day 10: Snowfields Camp (4400 m) to Shey Gompa (4310 m) via Kang La (5375 m) 6 hours
  • Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa (4310 m) to explore around
  • Day 12: Shey Gompa (4350 m) to Namgung (4430 m) via Shey La (5000 m) 6 hours
  • Day 13: Namgung (4400 m) to Saldang (4060 m) 6-7 hours
  • Day 14: Saldang (4060 m) to Sibu (4200 m) 5 hours
  • Day 15: Sibu (4200 m) to Lagmo Che (4570 m) 4 hours
  • Day 16: Lagmo Che (4570 m) to Tokyu (4209 m) via Jeng La (5110 m) 7 hours
  • Day 17: Tokyu (4209 m) to Dho Tarap ( 4080 m) 2 hour
  • Day 18: Dho Tarap (4080 m) to Sisaul (3750 m) 4 hour
  • Day 19: Sisaul (3750 m) to Laina Odar (3370 m) 7-8 hours
  • Day 20: Laina Odar (3370 m) to Lingdo (2391 m) 5 hours
  • Day 21: Lingdo (2391 m) to Dunai (2140 m) 5 hours
  • Day 22: Dunai (2140 m) to Juphal (2475 m) 3½ hours
  • Day 23: Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
  • Day 24: Day at leisure/ reserve day in case of flight cancel/Hotel
  • Day 25: Drive to Airport for Return flight
Highlights of the tour:
  • Shey Gompa and upper Dolpa trek on the Great Himalayan Trail
  • Trek to remote Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain
  • Trek across three high passes over 5000m
  • Trek to Saldang Village home to Tibetan salt traders
What's Included:
  • Flight ticket round trip
  • Camping accommodation
  • Conservation permit
  • 3 meals during trek
  • Insured-equipped guide
  • Insured- equipped porter
What's Not Included:
  • Lunch and dinner in the city
  • Drinks and bar bill
  • Tipping
  • Personal insurance
  • Any other things not mentioned
Dates & Price:

The Following dates and prices are LAND ONLY itinerary joining in Kathmandu. Please make your own flight arrangements. If you need some help to arrange an international flight, we can suggest you some agents who are specialized on ticketing.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee whether you are booking for this year or the next, we have undertaken to guarantee that all of our Land Only prices will not change once you have booked your holiday.

DATE WITH FESTIVAL & EVENTS - recommended If you are planning your holiday and want to have once in a life time experience then chose the date that combined with events or festivals. It will enhance an experience of life time in your holiday.


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  • Your Journey, Your Way -this itinerary can be tailored to your desire

    You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. Like your personal architect creating your one-of- a-kind home, our Travel Specialists will execute the trip of a lifetime. It's all up to you - logistics, pace, budget, dates, performances, visits, explorations, meals and lodging are hammered out down to the finest customized detail. Please fill in our tailor-made request form.

  • Private Journey - customize the departure dates suitable for you

    If you do not want to join a group then you can also make this a private trip with your friends and family one at your own schedule. Considering this, Trekking Team Group organizes private journeys as well. Please choose your own departure date.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. A traditional warm welcome by our airport representative. Short briefing about the package in the hotel. Typical welcome dinner in the evening.

  • Accomodation: Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Your first day begins with breakfast at your Hotel. You will be taken for sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley to explore the vibrant city after breakfast at your hotel. Drive to famous Buddhist stupa Swayambunath, also known as Monkey temple, on the hill of Kathmandu Valley where you can see stunning view of mountains and Kathmandu valley. This temple attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the world. Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from far and wide. Next is Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva. This is probably the most famous temple for Hindu in Indian Sub-continent. There is crematorium beside the temple where dead bodies are burnt to ashes. After exploring Pashupatinath you will visit fascinating sights of Patan Durbar Square, one of the most glorious examples of traditional Nepalese architecture, full of centuries old temples and palaces.

  • Accomodation: B
  • Time:6-7Hrs

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After breakfast at hotel you will drive to domestic airport for the short flight to Nepalgunj. You will see the beautiful mountain and enjoy marvelous landscape on the way. Nepalgunj, a largest city in the western Terai, lies about 10 km from Nepal-India border. Overnight in a local hotel.

  • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Meals:B
  • Time:45Min

Day 4: Flight from Nepalgunj-Juphal (2475 m), walk to Chhepka (2838 m) 6 hrs

You will fly to Juphal early in the morning. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Jhupal from Nepalgunj. You will enjoy beautiful views of the spectacular landscape and stunning terraced rural villages. Juphal, the main airport in the Dolpo region, is high above the Thuli Bheri River. You will take some time to explore Juphal and surroundings. Then you will trek to Chhepka which takes about six hours.

  • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Meals:B
  • Distance:10 km
  • Time:6-7Hrs
  • Ascent:400m

Day 5: Chhepka (2838 m) to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) 6 hours

Today you will trek to Chunuwar from Chhepka. The trail passes through beautiful pine forest. The path is full of ups and downs. On the way you will encounter with local people. Some part of the trail gets very narrow and some with impressive steep rocks. About four hour walking, you will pass the village of Rechi. Two hours walk from Rechi takes you to Chunuwar. This is very interesting place to visit. You can meet an Amchi, a doctor who is educated with the techniques of traditional Tibetan style. They use mediational herbs and use the techniques like pulse analysis and urine analysis for diagnosis.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 100m
  • Distance:10km
  • Time:6-7Hrs
  • Ascent:300m

Day 6: Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3110 m) to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) 3 hours

Today you will hike to Ringmo and the Phoksundo Lake .The trail includes long and few steep climbs. On the way you can explore the spectacular waterfall of 167 meters high, named Phoksundo Lake or Suligad waterfall. From the pass you will view Phoksundo Lake. The path is going down till it gets close to the river that you follow until you reach to Ringmo. Ringmo is a village where people practice Bonpo religion. Bonpo is related to Buddhism but it is older than Buddhism. Ringmo lies at the shore of the holy Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo is an alpine fresh water lake. Phoksundo, the deepest lake in Nepal, lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park. It offers stunning beauty.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 200m
  • Distance:8km
  • Time:3-4Hrs
  • Ascent:700m

Day 7: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m), free day

Today is a free day. You will have an extra day in Ringmo. Make fit yourself for the further journey. This day is for acclimatisation. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for adaptation in changed environment. We recommend you to stay active even in a rest day as it is helpful for further journey.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 100m
  • Distance:6-7Hrs
  • Ascent:100m

Day 8: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3733 m) to Chunemba (3639 m) 5 hours

Today’s trail is very spectacular. You will enter into the restricted area of inner Dolpo. The trail climbs to a ridge from where you can explore the spectacular Lake Ringmo and snowcapped mountain of Norbung Kanga. After then you gradually descend to the lake's northern shore. The trail takes you through a wide valley, crossing some streams with splendid views of flanks and snowcapped Kanjirowa Himal.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 100m
  • Distance:8Km
  • Time:5-6Hrs

Day 9: Chunemba (3639 m) to Snowfields Camp (4400 m) 7 hours

You will walk to the northwest through scrub and briar. You enter into the real Dolpa, the mystical land, where you will cross the Ngongda la or Kang la pass. The valley is magical as you head north and pass a small campsite marked by the beautiful mani stone. You walk to the right and reach a small intersecting valley from where a rocky river follows. You will climb through rocky trail, cross the stream several times by rock-hopping, wading or through wooden bridges. After an hour walk you will finally reach Snowfields Camp (Mattheissen named it so).

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 100m
  • Distance:12km
  • Time:6-7Hrs
  • Ascent:800m

Day 10: Snowfields Camp (4400 m) to Shey Gompa (4310 m) via Kang La (5375 m) 6 hours

Today’s trek begins early in the morning. You will climb on the steep trail littered with slate towards the pass. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit of the Kang la. The high pass into inner Dolpo is also known locally as the Nagadra la. It is adorned with cairns and prayer flags. North side of the pass covers with snow most of the time, making the descent a bit difficult. You descend pretty steep for 45 minutes first. It goes further for about 3 hours till you reach Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is a small village with a couple of houses and the gompa (monastery). Shey Gompa is a magical place often called the spiritual heart of Dolpa.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 90m
  • Distance:12km
  • Time:6-7 hrs
  • Ascent:1000m

Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa (4310 m) to explore around

You have rest a day to explore Shey Gompa. One can visit Tsakang Gompa and amazing Kagyupa monastery of Tsa Kang. You will visit the village and the surroundings.This day is for acclimatisation. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for adaptation in changed environment. We recommend you to stay active even in a rest day as it is helpful for further journey.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 300m
  • Distance:9Km
  • Time:5-6Hrs
  • Ascent:300m

Day 12: Shey Gompa (4350 m) to Namgung (4430 m) via Shey La (5000 m) 6 hours

Your trek continues through Inner Dolpo. You head eastward to another narrow valley and climb to the summit of the Shey La. You will cross the pass named the Shey la, also known as Gelu la (5000 m). You will have good view of the arid Tibetan Plateau in the north and Mustang in the east. You descend north to the pasture at Namgung that consisting of a few stone houses and a gompa.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 800m
  • Distance:12km
  • Time:6-7Hrs
  • Ascent:700m

Day 13: Namgung (4400 m) to Saldang (4060 m) 6-7 hours

Today’s hike is short. The trail goes high above the Namgung Khola and then descends steeply to Saldang village. Saldang is close to Nepal-Tibet border. Yak caravans pass through the area. Saldang is a collection of five separate villages and is the biggest settlement in Inner Dolpo. The local people are semi-nomadic. In the warm months they climb to highlands with their herds of yaks and sheep. The better offs let the nomadic people, the Drokpa, do this work. You can see a camp of the Drokpa in the area.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 300m
  • Distance:10km
  • Time:6-7Hrs

Day 14: Saldang (4060 m) to Sibu (4200 m) 5 hours

You will trek toward south following the Nagaon Khola through terraced barley, the main staple crop of the local folks, fields. You will pass through a small village surrounded by terraced fields of barley. The path goes alongside many mani walls, chortens and some gompas

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Distance:10km
  • Time:5-6Hrs
  • Ascent:140m

Day 15: Sibu (4200 m) to Lagmo Che (4570 m) 4 hours

Today’s trek begins through the river passing the village called Raka. You enter into a large unhabitated  valley. After 2 hours walk, the trail turns away from the river and climbs steeply to a meadow of about 4570 m, the grazing field for yaks. This is Lagmo Che, the base camp for climbing to the Jeng La.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Distance:8km
  • Time:5-6Hrs
  • Ascent:300m

Day 16: Lagmo Che (4570 m) to Tokyu (4209 m) via Jeng La (5110 m) 7 hours

You will climb about two hours to reach Jeng pass. You can have the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri and many other snowcapped mountains from the pass. Now you descend to the extensive Tarap Valley and finally reach Tokyu Village after crossing a stream.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 400m
  • Distance:12Km
  • Time:7-8Hrs
  • Ascent:500m

Day 17: Tokyu (4209 m) to Dho Tarap ( 4080 m) 2 hour

You will trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap. The trail takes you down to the valley named Tarap. You will have an opportunity to visit several gompas and other culturally rich places before you reach at Dho Tarap. It is a cluster of stone houses below the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa with its unusual chorten. The women of Dho Tarap wear very striking headpieces of beaten silver (known as a 'tikpu') and have large amounts of turquoise, amber and zee stone hanging from their necks and ears. The men often wear red woolen braid in their hair in the manner of the Khampas of eastern Tibet. As in the Kali Kandaki Valley on the other side of Dhaulagiri the area is very windy. You'll walk to Yak Kharka beyond the village which is less windy.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 1450m
  • Distance:5hrs
  • Time:2-3Hrs

Day 18: Dho Tarap (4080 m) to Sisaul (3750 m) 4 hour

Today’s trek is short. You will have all the time to explore Dho in the morning. Leaving Dho Tarap, you come along many mani walls and small chortens. The trail descends following the Tarap Khola. You can see the gradual change of the landscapes. Some bushes appear, getting a bit greener. Just before arriving at Sisaul, you have to climb to a small pass. Then after the valley gets narrow. Following a short descent to Sisaul you will reach at a good campsite next to a tent-hotel.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 300m
  • Distance:9Km
  • Time:4-5Hrs

Day 19: Sisaul (3750 m) to Laina Odar (3370 m) 7-8 hours

You will trek to Laina Odar. You will walk mostly in the river valley. One can explore the beautiful landscape where you could see the blue sheep or snow leopard. It takes three and half hour to reach Nawarpani from Sisaul. The path downward is beautifully carved out of the rock. After Nawarpani, the landscape gets greener and the path is going through pine forests sometimes. Overnight in Laina Odar.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 300m
  • Distance:12km
  • Time:7-8Hrs

Day 20: Laina Odar (3370 m) to Lingdo (2391 m) 5 hours

Today’s trek takes you to Lingdo from Laina Odar. The trail is through forest surrounded by the steep cliffs full of the pine, spruce, fir, juniper and cypress. It will take 3 hours to reach Laisicap. At laisicap you cross Thuli Bheri river over a suspension bridge. Then the trail goes down for about 45 minute. After this you will walk gradually downward. You can see the impressive landscape on the way. Go on walking until you reach Lingdo, a small village of Magar community following Buddhism.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 1000m
  • Distance:8Km
  • Time:5-6Hrs

Day 21: Lingdo (2391 m) to Dunai (2140 m) 5 hours

Today’s trek is easy one. You will start trek through rough landscape. It will take two hours to reach Byasgar village. Then hike along the Thuli Bheri river to the pleasant town of Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. Both Hindu and Buddhist live in this big village. There is the Buddhist monastery, the Dolpa Kendriya Gompa, to visit.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 200m
  • Distance:10km
  • Time:5-6Hrs

Day 22: Dunai (2140 m) to Juphal (2475 m) 3½ hours

It’s a short trek to Juphal. After 45 minutes walk you will reach the beautiful stupa, which is the entrance to the village Dunai. Important Buddhist painting of mandalas and Buddhist figures can be seen inside the stupa. It will take 3 and half hours to reach Juphal passing through the bridge in Shey Phoksundo National Park. You will pass Kalagaonda village over the small path through the field of barley, wheat, peach and apricot tree. Finally you will reach Jhuphal. You can spend time looking around. On the way you can visit a Hindu village called Dangiwada.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B L D
  • Descent: 300m
  • Distance:6Km
  • Time:3-4Hrs

Day 23: Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

In the morning you fly to Nepalgunj. Especially the first part of the flight through the mountain valleys is spectacular. Later in the day, you fly back to Kathmandu.

  • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Meals:B
  • Time:30Min

Day 24: Day at leisure/ reserve day in case of flight cancel/Hotel

It’s a leisure time in Kathmandu, where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. This is an extra day in case of bad weather. Free time to explore Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for flight back.

  • Accomodation: Lodge
  • Meals:B

Day 25: Drive to Airport for Return flight

Your final day in Kathmandu is a free day. You do as you like. Many people take the time for shopping others enjoy exploring the cultural sites of the city. Our local guide can advise you on the best shops in the area. Farewells! Our airport representative will travel with you to the airport.

  • Accomodation: B
Gallery:
Reviews:
image
By Marek
Czech Republic

Jul 25 2016

Trekking Team Group is fantastic. Other hiking groups had to turn back due to heavy snow on passes, Nima, through hisextensive local network was able to get us into Upper Dolpo using an alternate route. His love of Nepal and it's people is evident in everything he does. He had the best price when you look at what's included and length of trip. The food on the trek was outstanding. I was so impressed I am doing another  treks with Them  this year. Absolutely outstanding!

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Additional Information

This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the trip destinations in this site are remote areas, within under developed countries, where events are less predictable than is usually the case in. The unexpected is the norm in these areas and, despite painstaking planning and organization, our adventure trips can never be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places that we visit do not have the same quality of emergency health and safety services that you are used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is generally uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotels often do not approach the standards of the West.

 

IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS, YOU SHOULD NOT TRAVEL WITH US. This unpredictability also means that the itineraries that we put forward for each of our trips should be seen as statements of intent, rather than as contractual obligations. A variety of factors, including weather, transport difficulties and political instability, might dictate that we change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes that are necessary, after consultation with the group. Only rarely will such changes be significant, and we will always do everything within our powers to minimize the effects of the enforced changes. We cannot be held responsible for the results of changes or delays, irrespective of how they are caused.

What makes this trip different ?

Trekking Team Group is the major supporter of Ambe Foundation, an apolitical and not-for-profit organisation. We contribute our support for the development of some community schools in remote villages in Nuwakot district. We have been supporting Gramin Devi School and Khumbeshwori School, both community-based educational institutions, through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects.

Donation

Trekking Team Group donates one percentage of its total business profits to the foundation on yearly basis. The donated amount supports the ongoing maintenance of Gramin Devi School and Khumbeshwori School in Nuwakot.

Sponsorship

One of the major activities of Ambe Foundation is the children sponsorship programme. It is conducted in full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.

Partnership (Volunteering Program)

The Ambe Volunteer Programme, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilise teams of experts and interested individuals effectively for education, health and community development in Nuwakot district.

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