Trip Himalaya Treks and Expedition

Dolpo Shey Gompa Trekking

Dolpo lies in the north-west region of Nepal (situated behind the Dhaulagiri massif) and is one of the most remote and least exposed areas of Nepal. These unexplored, high altitude valleys were not opened until 1989. Isolated by the difficult topography, the people in this region have preserved their lifestyle, remaining almost untouched by the trappings of modern society. This trek is an opportunity to meet people who follow a lifestyle that goes back centuries. Dolpo was popularized by Eric Valli’s film “Caravan” which was nominated for an Oscar.

The people of Dolpo are of Tibetan origin and maintain their Tibetan culture with monasteries that follow closely the Buddhism of Tibet. The proximity with Tibet has ensured that little has changed since their forefathers crossed the border into Nepal. The trek is enlivened by the sight of yak caravans that even today travel long distances through difficult terrain to barter goods. The people of Dolpo have a primitive lifestyle with their own dialect and culture. During this wonderful trek you can visit several unique monasteries (gompas) like Shey Gompa (The Crystal Monastery) which is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetans. A special permit is issued for treks in this region and trekkers should be physically fit as there are long and strenuous stretches en route.

Upper Dolpo:
Compared to the number of visitors to Lower Dolpo, few trekkers enter the upper section of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. A special permit must be obtained to enter this region. What attracts visitors to Upper Dolpo is the wilderness and the pristine landscape. Being a part of the Tibetan plateau, it is dry, cold and sparsely vegetated. The park, and particularly the northern part, is home to some rare and endangered wildlife such as the musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep. This region is also well known for rare Himalayan herbs.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 : pick up from the Int'l Airport, transfer to Hotel and welcome diner.
Day 02 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03 : Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and overnight in hotel.
Day 04 : Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, Trek to Dunai (2100m) camp
Day 05 : Dunai to Tarakot (2520m) camp.
Day 06 : Tarakot to kanigaon (2540m).
Day 07 : Kanigaon to chheur (3610m).
Day 08 : Chheur to Sishul khola (3770m).
Day 09 : Sishul Khola to Do Trap (4150m).
Day 10 : Do Tarap to Shering gomba (4000m).
Day 11 : Shering Gomba to Namdo (3800m).
Day 12 : Namdo to Saldang (4270m).
Day 13 : Saldang to Namgaoun Gomba (4,380m).
Day 14 : Namgaon Gomba to Shey Gomba (4,280m).
Day 15 : Shey Gomba to Over Ganja-La Mandala Camp (4,570m).
Day 16 : Ganjala to Phoksundo Lake (3,600m).
Day 17 : Phoksundo Lake to Chekpa (2710m).
Day 18 : Chekpa to Juphal.
Day 19 : Flight Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu, overnight in Hotel.
Day 20 : Free/shopping day in Kathmandu
Day 21 : Transfer to International Airport and fly home.