Upper Dolpa Shey Gompa Trek

Duration
28 Days
Highest Location
Saldang La
Difficulty Level
High
Min Pax
02 Pax

Duration:
28 Days
Difficulty Level:
High
Max-Altitude:
17056 ft / 5200m
Min Pax:
02 Pax

Trip Introduction

Upper Dolpa Shey Gompa Trek is situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups.

Upper Dolpa Shey Gompa Trek start as we fly to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal from where we begin our trek in the Dolpo region. On our 28-day trek we pass through interesting villages, trekking routes and meet fascinating people.

We also cross a few high Himalayan passes and enjoy the vast and tranquil beauty of Phoksundo Lake. From Shey Gompa, we follow the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade route and return back to Jhuphal as our trek ends. The trek indeed takes us into the wild west of Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

- Day 01
- Arrival day in Kathmandu (1300m)
- Day 02
- Trek Preparation in Kathmandu
- Day 03
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 150m/490feet
- Day 04
- Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348feet), 45 mins ight, 2-3 hours trek
- Day 05
- Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2670m) 5-6 hours
- Day 06
- Trek from Chhepka to Sumduwa/Amchi 3000m , 5-6 hours
- Day 07
- Trek from Sumduwa to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 feet), 4-5 hours
- Day 08
- Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake
- Day 09
- Trek to Phoksundo Khola, 4-5 hours
- Day 10
- Trek form Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, 6-7 hours
- Day 11
- Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760feet) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581feet), 5-6 hours
- Day 12
- Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa
- Day 13
- Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna 4800m
- Day 14
- Trek from Namduna Gaun to Yangze Gompa (3,620m/ 11,874feet), 7-8 hours
- Day 15
- Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957feet), 6-7 hours
- Day 16
- Trek from Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072feet), 5-6 hours
- Day 17
- Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809feet) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695feet), 5-6 hours
- Day 18
- Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251feet), 4-5 hours
- Day 19
- Rest Day at Dho Tarap
- Day 20
- Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464feet), 6-7 hours
- Day 21
- Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,332feet): 4-5 hours
- Day 22
- Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321feet), 4-5 hours
- Day 23
- Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019feet), 5-6 hours
- Day 24
- Trek from Dunai to Jhuphal, 2-3 hours
- Day 25
- Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj (35 minutes) and then to Kathmandu (1.5 hour)
- Day 26
- Free Day in Kathmandu
- Day 27
- Final Departure

- Day 01
- Arrival day in Kathmandu (1300m)
  
  On this day you will be landed at the Capital City of Nepal-Kathmandu (1300m/4265 ft). It is the only International Airport in Nepal. You will be received by Sherpa Himalaya Representative.
  
  Then with a brief introduction, you will be welcomed by flower Garland. You will be taken to your Hotel where you can rest and freshen up to keep away Jet Lag. You will get a nearby location map from the hotel reception and you can explore around.
  
  Overnight at KTM Hotel
- Day 02
- Trek Preparation in Kathmandu
  
  Today you will also be introduced to your respective Guide for Upper Dolpa Shey Gumba Trek. If you have anything to buy for your trek then you can purchase from the stores around. In the evening you will have to pack only the necessary and important items that you need during the Trek and the rest you can either store at Hotel or with Sherpa Himalaya.
  
  We recommend you use the company Duffel bag as there will be less chance of misplacing in an airport and easier to find in case of missing.
  
  Overnight at KTM Hotel
- Day 03
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 150m/490feet
  
  Today as you finish your breakfast you will be picked by your guide in the hotel and head towards TIA airport and make a scenic flight to Nepalgunj.
  
  Overnight at Nepalgunj
- Day 04
- Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348feet), 45 mins ight, 2-3 hours trek
  
  Today again you will head to Nepalgunj airport after you finish your breakfast. You will have an amazing flight to Juphal.
  
  You will be witness beautiful monasteries, river and landscape from your flight. after around 35 minutes of flight, you will be at Juphal. After a short trek, you will reach a small and beautiful town Dunai.
  
  You will find a huge ricer flowing between the Dunai village, monasteries, pagoda-style stupa, and a good facility of hotels.
  
  Overnight at Dunai
- Day 05
- Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2670m) 5-6 hours
  
  As you finish your breakfast, you will start your trek towards Chhepka. Today you will have to show your necessary documents at the check post of Phoksundo National Park located at Sunlight.
  
  Our trail goes along the river formed from Phoksundo lake and through the light tropical forest. You will come across small villages like Jutung and Shangrta.
  
  Today your trek will be 5-6 hours long
  
  Overnight at Chhepka
- Day 06
- Trek from Chhepka to Sumduwa/Amchi 3000m , 5-6 hours
  
  Your trek will be similar to the day before. You will be trekking along the river. Today you will come across some rivers. Your destination today is Amchi or Sumduwa depending upon your trek.
  
  Amphi is a name for nurses in the Tibetan language. At Amchi you will find traditional doctors expert in healing diseases with herbal medicines found there in Dolpo.
  
  Overnight at Amchi
- Day 07
- Trek from Sumduwa to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 feet), 4-5 hours
  
  Your today’s trek starts with an uphill climb. You will find yourself climbing through the cedar forest. Today you will also witness Nepal’s highest waterfall which is 200m. Trekking through the Ringmo village you will arrive at Phoksundo lake.
  
  Overnight at Phokdundo
- Day 08
- Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake
  
  Today you can explore the beautiful Phoksunda lake along with Bon Monastery.
  
  Phoksundo lake is famous due to its turquoise color with spectacular scenes. Ringmo village offers you small traditional villages with some monasteries. We will explore them and come back to camp overnight.
  
  Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.
- Day 09
- Trek to Phoksundo Khola, 4-5 hours
  
  Today your trek goes beyond through the western bank of the lake. The narrow trails are supported by woods. Today you will have a normal trek for 4-5 hours.
  
  Overnight at Phoksundo Khola
- Day 10
- Trek form Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, 6-7 hours
  
  As you finish your breakfast, your trek start towards Phoksundi Bhanjyang. You will come across small houses with fewer settlements of people around. You will cross the river and head towards the northeast.
  
  With a 3-4 hours climb, you will witness a ridge called Kang-La which takes yours towards Shey Gumba.
  
  Today after a continuous trek from 6-7 hours you will reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
  
  Overnight at Phoksundo Bhanjyang
- Day 11
- Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760feet) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581feet), 5-6 hours
  
  Today you will be heading towards the ridge which you have seen a day before (Kang-la). You will start your trek with a climb targeting the ridge.
  
  From the pass, you will have a view of 6000m+ mountains like Mt. Kanjeralwa 6612m, Mt.Kanjirowa 6610m, and Mt. Kanchauni Lekh 6444m.
  
  With descend from the pass, you will have a steep downhill trail. You will come across rivers, small villages, and Himalayan yaks. with continue walk for 2-3 hours after the descend you will arrive at Shey Gompa.
  
  Overnight at Shey Gompa
- Day 12
- Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa
  
  “Shey” gives meaning to crystal and “Gompa” means a monastery. All the monks of Shey Gompa live in another small monastery called Tsakang gumba.
  
  Shey Gompa is said to be built during the 11th century. This monastery is highly devoted and worshipped by all the Buddhist community there. The monastery here has historic stories from the time of the Buddhist gods.
  
  Today you can spend exploring the villages and monasteries.
  
  Overnight at Shey Gompa.
- Day 13
- Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna 4800m
  
  As you finish your breakfast, you will start trekking towards Namduna. you will find thin juniper, stony canyon, eroded sandy trail taking you toward Saldang-la Pass (5200m).
  
  You will encounter Himalayan Yaks, Blue sheep, sheep, and nomadic huts made of Yak furs. Namduna is also a small village with monasteries in the village.
  
  Today your trek will be 6-7 hours long
  
  Overnight at Namduna
- Day 14
- Trek from Namduna Gaun to Yangze Gompa (3,620m/ 11,874feet), 7-8 hours
  
  Today you will have a long day walk. Your trek starts with a normal uphill with a dusty barren mountain. after around 3 hours you will reach a huge village known as Sadang under a plateau. You will further ahead following the river with normal ascend and descend.
  
  After a 7-8 hours walk, you will arrive at Yangze Gompa. Here you will also find a very old monastery named Bon-Po Monastery.
  
  Overnight at Yanze Gompa.
- Day 15
- Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957feet), 6-7 hours
  
  You have two trails that lead you to Sibu. One which is much longer through Nishalgaon and Shimengaon ad so on. We will take another trail in which we will have to return to Saldang back and take another route passing through terraced fields, stupas, monasteries, and small villages.
  
  With normal trail combined with ups and down through sandy trails for 6-7 hours, you reach Sibu.
  
  Overnight at Sibu
- Day 16
- Trek from Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072feet), 5-6 hours
  
  Today you will be introduced to a ridge. You will continue to head along with Nam Khong River. Today you will head towards the east after arriving at the confluence of two tributaries.
  
  Then you climb steep uphill towards Jjengla (4900m) for overnight. you will need a 5-6 hours long walk.
  
  Overngiht at Jengla Phedi
- Day 17
- Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809feet) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695feet), 5-6 hours
  
  After finishing your breakfast, you will climb the Jeng-la 5090m. A perfect place that gives you a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains. You will also have the northern face of Mt. Dhaulagiri which shines like gold in the morning with sunlight.
  
  After the pass, the trail descends towards Tarap valley. Tarap valley is a fascinating place with greenery and a vast plain in high elevation. Today your overnight will be at Tokyu village.
  
  Overnight at Tokyu village.
- Day 18
- Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251feet), 4-5 hours
  
  Today your trek will be different from the rest of the trek so far. You will be introduced to lush verdant grass along the river, and marsh which is not much common in the Ladakh Himalaya areas.
  
  Here in this valley people with different religious beliefs live peacefully together with 4-5 hours of trek you will reach Dho Tarap.
  
  Overnight at Dho-Tarap
- Day 19
- Rest Day at Dho Tarap
  
  Today you have a free day. You can explore the village and learn about their lifestyle, language, traditions, and cultures. You can also visit a nearby monastery which takes around a 35-minute walk.
  
  Overnight at Dho- Tarap
- Day 20
- Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464feet), 6-7 hours
  
  Today we will furthermore descend down towards Tarap Khola. you will be introduced to more vegetation like juniper, wild rose, and shrubs.
  
  With continuous walk above treeline and following descending trails along with the river, you are again introduced with normal uphill where you can camp and make your overnight.
  
  Overnight at Tarap Khola.
- Day 21
- Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,332feet): 4-5 hours
  
  As you finish your breakfast, your descend starts. Now you will feel surrounded by more vegetation along with trees. With normal descend and crossing some small river you will arrive at Khani Gaon in around 4-5 hours of Trek.
  
  Overnight at Khanigaon
- Day 22
- Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321feet), 4-5 hours
  
  As earlier day descending into the forest and following the Bheri river your trail continuous. Tarakot was an old fort during the Gorkha dynasty. People also call Tarakot Dzong which means “fort”.
  
  Today your Trek will be 4-5 hours long.
  
  Overnight at Tarakot
- Day 23
- Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019feet), 5-6 hours
  
  Today you will follow the Bheri River. You will have a trek within the pine forest. The trails are very close to the river. Today is also taken as the last day of this amazing Upper Dolpa Shey Gompa Trek. Dunai is also a popular place to celebrate the last day of the Upper Dolpa Region Trek.
  
  You will need a 5-6 hours walk to reach Dunai.
  
  Overnight at Dunai
- Day 24
- Trek from Dunai to Jhuphal, 2-3 hours
  
  Today will be a short Trek. If you could reach Dunai earlier than the same day you can return down to Jhuphla.
  
  Overnight at Jhuphal
- Day 25
- Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj (35 minutes) and then to Kathmandu (1.5 hour)
  
  This day you will have two flights. Juphal to Nepalgunj, and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
  
  You will have a morning flight to Nepalgunj and there you will have lunch and prepare for the afternoon flight to Kathmandu.
  
  You will be picked by the Sherpa Himalaya representative at the airport and drop you at the hotel.
  
  Overnight at Kathmandu hotel
- Day 26
- Free Day in Kathmandu
  
  As mentioned above this day is specially programmed to recover if the flights get delayed due to uncertain changes in weather.
  
  With timely arrival, you can Explore the Thamel market and shop for your family. You can also make a short city tour to explore some World Heritage Site.
  
  You will be invited for the Last farewell dinner with Sherpa Himalaya Executive.
  
  Overnight at KTM
- Day 27
- Final Departure
  
  Today morning you Sherpa Himalaya representative will be there at your hotel for the last meet. You will be dropped at the airport considering airport time.
  
  Sherpa Himalaya will thank you for an amazing time together and handover Buddhist Scarf (Kha-tak) which symbolizes peace, prosperity, Long life, and Harmony to everyone, and a certificate for your completion of Upper Dolpa Shey Gompa Trek with Sherpa Himalaya.
  
  With a hope to see all the beautiful people again, a warm Namaste, and a hand wave.
  
  Thank You for your co-operation with Sherpa Himalaya

Cost Include:

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private Vehicle
Hotel In Kathmandu (B & B) 3 star Leval
Domestic Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Hotel In Nepalgunj
Domestic Flight Nepalgunj to Juphal
Entry Permit for National Park
Trekking guide and assistant Sherpas
Porter (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Camping arrangement during the trek
Tent Accommodation During Trek
Necessary camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, cooking utensils, etc.
Cooking fuel
Camping charges
Trekkers’ Information Management system (TIMS) card
Flight tickets for Kathmandu – Nepalgunj,
Flight tickets for Juphal -Nepalgunj & Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Special trekking permit for Lower/Upper Dolpo
Annapurna Conservation Fee
All land transportation where ever necessary
Insurance and equipment’s for the guide and porter

Cost Exclude:

Nepal Visa fee (please bring two passport photographs and cash on USD Denomination) International airfare to and from Nepal
Personal, Travel and rescue insurance
International airfare to and from Nepal
Excess baggage charges for Air travel
Extra night stay in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the trip(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu if you return early from the trip
Extended activities and destinations
All cold drinks during the trek (mineral water, cola, beer and Bar-bills)
Hot Shower During the Trek
Battery Charge ( All electronic devices) WI-FI (internet)
Tips for Guide and Staff
Emergency evacuation by Helicopter (in case needed)

Trekking
- Hiking Poles
- Trekking Wind Proof Jacket
- Water Bottle
- Trekking T Shirt
- Sun Cream
- Sun Glasses
- Socks
- Rain Coat
- Trekking Shoes
- Rain Coat
- Trekking Pants
- Inner Thermal
- Head Lamp
- Hat
- Thin Gloves
- Thick Gloves
- Flip Sweater
- Down Jacket
- Trekking Bag
- Portable Charger
- Sun Glasses