Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa trekking carries you into an otherworldly arrive where hundreds of years old Buddhist and Bonpo customs, joined with shamanistic impacts, are still an essential part of day by day life. The villages, Gompas and individuals you meet throughout this trek will leave a remarkable impact on you.
You must be self-ready as you need to stay above 4000 meters for quite a while in extremely frosty nights. But, the unforgettable scenes, the perspectives from the passes and the contacts with an exceptionally extraordinary untouched society make everything worth. The landscapes here are even more desolate and the villages even more isolated and pure.
Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking is amazing hike as we need to cross three high passes, Nagdalo La, the Shey La and Jeng La. Our trek begins from head out to Nepaljung and fly to Juphal (upper Dolpo). From Juphal we stroll through Tarakot and turn north to Tarap valley. Inside 5 days we arrive at Do Tarap. We rest at Do Tarap for a day and cross high pass at an elevation of 5000-meter like Jangla and several other. These passes are generally covered with snow and also known as the hardest part of this trek. From the pass you can see rolling mountain that amplifies to Tibet.
Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa trekking further brings us to Shey Gompa our main destination often referred to as heart of Upper Dolpo. It’s an enchanted place, arranged at the base of Crystal Mountain. A day later rest at Shey Gompa we cross the high pass at Kangla. Descend towards Phoksindhu Riverand and accompany the waterfall trail to Phoksindhu Lake and finally walk to our beginning point Juphal and fly out to Kathmandu.
Dolpo Region could be partitioned into four valleys, each of which is represented by a village development committee namely Dho (Tarap Valley), Saldang (Nankhong Valley), Tinje (Panzang Valley), and Chharka (Tsharka Valley). Upper Dolpo is a restricted zone, for which a charge of US$ 500 for the first 10 days, and US$ 50 for every extra day. In addition, there is a greatest number of foreigners that can enter Inner Dolpo each year. This makes Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking an extremely extraordinary and exclusive experience.
In another hand Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking also gives a best opportunity to visit Jungle Safari in Bardia National Park which is a closest National park to see an activities of Tiger. The Bardia National Park can visit after finishing our trek where end at Nepalgunj and and two hours drive after the trek end. This National Park is specially for watch Tiger and their activities.
Trip Highlights of Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking.
Explore the mystique hidden land of Inner Dolpo, with its untouched Tibetan Buddhism and Bonpo culture Walk through desolate, stunning landscapes of the Trans Himalayan Mountains. Admire the incomparable beauty of the holy Phoksundo Lake, with its enchanting blue and emerald colors
Cross three high passes of 5000 meters and above with spectacular views over the snow-capped Himalaya.Visit the magical Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Inner Dolpo.
Sleep in authentic, Buddhist villages and camp in amazing spots amidst the snow capped mountains.Have encounters with villagers, who are direct descendants of the Tibetans. See Nepal’s highest waterfall, the Phoksundo Waterfall, of 167 meters high.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
Day 03: Flight from kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj.
Day 05: Juphal to Chhepka:
Day 06:Chhepka to Palam - (3820m)
Day 07:Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake:
Day 08: Exploring Day.
Day 09: Trek to Salla Ghari:
Day 10: Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa:
Day 11: Lar Tsa to Shey Gompa.
Day12: Rest Day - Shey Gompa.
Day13:Shey Gompa to Namgun.
Day14: Namgun to Saldan.
Day15: Saldan to Sibu.
Day16: Sibu to Tokyo Gaon.
Day17: Tokyo Gaon to Dho Tarap.
Day18: Dho Tarap to Serkam.
Day19: Serkam to Tarakot.
Day20: Tarakot to Dunai.
Day21: Trek to Juphal.
Day22: Flight from Juphal to Nepalgang early mooring ( 35 Min) - same day flight back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
Day 03: Flight to Nepalgunj.
(150m)Generally we go via Nepalgunj to get to Dolpo so, firstly we will fly to Nepalgunj and spent food time in Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is situated in south western part of Nepal a steaming hot city.
Day 04: Flight to Juphal:
2475mWe will reach Juphal just in 35 minute flight from Nepalgunj with beautiful views of snowcapped mountain. Juphal is a small mountain village,
Day 05: Juphal to Chhepka:
(2838m) - 6 hrs WalkFrom Juphal, we have to descend through wheat and vegetables field to reach Thuli Bheri River. A big suspension bridge will lead us to the entrance of Shey Phoksando National Park (SPNP), Nepal’s largest National Park with the area of 3,555km/sq. It is comprising the Trans Himalayan ecasy stem and the Tibetan type of floras and faunas. We will follow Suli Khola viewing a part of the Dhaulagiri Range.we will trek through the trail surrounded by pine tree line spruce, At the end of the day we will reach Cheep Ka, a small village surrounded by millet and wheat field. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 06:Chhepka to Palam - (3820m)
6-7 hrs WalkTo reach to Palma, we have to pass through beautiful forest, following a river. We have to ascend sometimes and descend sometimes. On the way we can see the local people with their mules as dzopas (cross bread of Yak and Cow). vernight at tented camp.
Day 07:Chhepka to Phoksundo Lake:
(3620m) 4 hrs WalkIt takes about 4 hrs to reach Phoksundo Lake. We have to climb steep about 2hrs. before reaching the top, we can have the new of Nepal’s highest waterfall, a spectacular waterfall of 107m high knows Phoksundo waterfall as known as sunlight waterfall. Then we will descend from the top to get Ringmo village a small charming village. people practice it.
Day 08: Exploring Day.
it is most that we should have rest at least for one day to admire the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and visited nearby villagers inhabited by Bon and Buddhist religion. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 09: Trek to Salla Ghari:
(3640m) - 5-6 hrs WalkThis day, we will enter restricted area of Upper Dolpo.This trail is used by peoples of Dolpo and other trade with Tibetans. We will have to descend first and ascend through a wide valley which will let us to have spectacular view of Kanjirowa Himal (66612m) then we will reach an alpine area with junipers called Thaneba or Lake side camp, a beautiful place of camping. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa.
(4120m) 6 hrs WalkThis day we will have Salla Ghari, trekking through between high rock walls on both sides and crossing a couple of streams. We will enter a arrow gorge where will set our camp. We can continue trek but there is possibility of altitude sickness problem. Overnight at tented camp,
Day 11: Lar Tsa to Shey Gompa.
(4320m) - 7-8 hrs WalkWe will start trek by a long and strenuous climb of about 2 and half hrs over a dusty path to Kang La (5350m), also called as Ngadra La. We have to descend through pass covered with snow which is very steeply and after about 3 hrs we will reach Shey Gompa, a very small village with a couple of houses and the Gompa. It is a 11th century gompa.
Day12: Rest Day - Shey Gompa.
we can explore around Tsakang Gompa. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang had been a meditation centre of many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. Drutup Yeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo valley.
Day13:Shey Gompa to Namgun.
(4430m) - 6 hrs WalkTo get to Namgung, we have to cross the pass Sheyla which is also called Geln La is about 5000m. While we are through the Glen pass, we can see beautiful view of northern part of Tibetan plateau, which is highest plateau in the world. After through pass we have to descend to the pastures of Namgung.
Day14: Namgun to Saldan.
-(4046m) - 3 hrs WalkOur Trek to Saldang starts with climbing a tree slope. We have to ascend to 4700m before going down steep slopes to picturesque village of Saldang, situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala and the biggest villages of lower Dolpo area. The village is prosperous, not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Overnight at tented Camp inclusive of full board meals.
Day15: Saldan to Sibu.
(4000m) - 6 hrs WalkWe will leave Saldang village and on way to Sibu we have to pass through terraced fields, Stupas, Chortens mani and a Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village contains sixty houses having nearby four hundred in habitants.
Day16: Trek to foot of the Jengla - (4480m) - 4-5 hrs WalkWe will follow the line of the river valley and the trail is easy going initially. But after two hours, we must make another stream before turning into side valley where the rise becomes very sharp. Overnight at tented camp with full board of meals.
Day16: Sibu to Tokyo Gaon.
(4240m) - 6-7 hrs Walk To reach to Tokyo Gaon we have to cross the Jeng La which is about 4850m. It will take about 2 hrs climb to reach the top of Jeng La. Form the top of the peak we can have good views of Dhaulagiri, beautiful goldy views in the morning then we will descend towards Tarap valley. By the after we will see green valley which leads us by a beautiful trail down. Towards Tarap Chu.
Day17: Tokyo Gaon to Dho Tarap.
(4200m) - 2 hrs WalkTo reach to Dho Tarap we will walk east along the downward lower of Tarap Chu. The trail is easy as it is well travelled. There are many mani walls, we can see but some of the Chhortens are in a bad situation. The “Frencch School” is just outside the village of Dho Tarap. Dho is surrounded by an irregular stone wall and consist of thirty four houses. Both Bonpo and Buddhist is inhabitant here. We will visit Buddhist Gompa where a Lama lives. He is very happy to show his monastery and might even let you see his private Gompa and the Thankas which he has made himself. Overnight at tented camp with full board of meals.
Day18: Dho Tarap to Serkam.
(3623ft.) - 7 hrs. Route follows the course of the Tarap Khola, generally downhill. You go through narrow gorges with the river rushing through. One may see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep and goats and perhaps meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter. The afternoon brings more undulations in the path when it leaves the immediate course of the river.
Day19: Serkam to Tarakot.
(2280m) 5 hrs WalkYou leave Khanigoan by the new suspension bridge and then walk alongside the river. Some of the going is quite demanding and one bridge, Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning 'fort'. Before the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong. The famous Sandul gompa,
Day20: Tarakot to Dunai.
(2109m) - 5 hrs WalkThe trail is mostly down and fairly firm underfoot. Walking beside the Bheri River you use the ingenious path built twenty feet above the river. All too soon you have reached the village of Dunai and the camp site you used before.
Day21: Trek to Juphal
(2404m) - 3 hrs WalkYou now retrace your steps to Juphal.
Day22: Flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgang to Kathmandu.
Early morning flight to Nepalganj. This is a wonderful 35- minute flight over the Himalayan foothills, with fine views of the main peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north. You then connect with the flight back to Kathmandu.
Trip Cost US$ 3975 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Two night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu on B/B, Before and After the trek. Hotel Access Nepal Pvt.ltd.
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- permit and all needed document
- Round Flight ( Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu)
- Guide and necessary staffs.
- A cook and kitchen supporter.
- All surface transportation to the starting point and from the ending point of the trek
- All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fruits etc.)
- Necessary Camping equipment such as tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, mattresses, down sleeping bag, down jacket, cooking utensils, fuel etc
- Camping charges.
- Necessary insurance for trekking staff
- First Aid kit, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- Emergency Rescue assistance.
- Satellite Phone.
Cost Excludes:
- Nature of personal expense
- All meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
- International airfare
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Satellite Phone calling charge.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.
Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.
If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.
1. Is trekking difficult?
The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.
If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.
Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.
If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.
Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.
Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.
2. Is trekking expensive?
This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.
You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.
Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!
3. What preparations should I make before trekking?
It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.
Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.
Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.
If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.
4. What are the things I need to pack?
There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.
To know about the things you require, refer to the following link-
5. Do I need special permission to trek?
You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.
Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-
http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees
6. Is drinking water easily available?
Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.
An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.
Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.
7. What kind of food is available during trekking?
Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.
Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.
8. What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking
1. Tea house trekking:
You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.
Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.
The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.
2. Camp treks
In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.
9. What are the risks associated with trekking?
Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.
You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.
10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-
- Attain height gradually and slowly
- As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
- Drink plenty of water
- Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
- Eat high caloric food
- Avoid smoking or drinking
11. How to diagnose AMS?
In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.
12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?
There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.
A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.
A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.
In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.
Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.
13. Can I trek solo?
To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.
A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.
Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?
Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.
In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.
15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?
Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.
In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.
Conclusion
The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]
