• Duration:24 Nights 25 Days
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 5360m
  • Group Size: 2-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking

Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trekking takes you beyond Phoksundo Lake to the mystical land of the 800-year-old Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain. The landscapes include the green, southern fringes of Dolpa, the turquoise Phoksundo lake, and the parched hills of Upper Dolpo. This is quite a strenuous hike with some long, steep ascents and descents and considerable time spent above 4000 meters with very cold nights. But the unforgettable landscapes, the views from the passes and the contacts with a very special untouched culture make it all worth it. The resilient villagers you meet in this harsh land seem wholesome and almost supernatural.

Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trekking begins at Jhupal village; a short flight from Nepalgunj that will take you centuries back in time. The trail from Jhupal follows the Phoksundo river valley and leads through natural forests, grassy fields and remote villages until we reach Phoksundo Lake and enter the boundary of Upper Dolpo region, enclosed in a large national park. We spend a day there to rest and feast our eyes on the crystal blue waters of Phoksundo Lake, from which flows one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. Re-energized, we leave Phoksundo Lake to make the steep two-day ascent to the Himalayan pass of Kang-La, 5360m.

From Kang-La Pass, we make a steep descent into the Nam Khong Khola river valley to the Shey Gomba Monastery the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. The people of Dolpo followed Bon Po, a fierce mountain and nature spirit before a Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to them. As a result, the worship at Shey Gomba combines elements of both Bon Po and Buddhism.

Shey Gomba sits at the base of the magical place called Crystal Mountain. Each year people from all over Dolpo reach this secluded place to celebrate the festival at Shey and complete the circuit of Crystal Mountain. Shey means Crystal, and Shey Gomba got its name for the rugged cliffs of Crystal Mountain which are embedded with quartz and a rich variety of marine fossils. As we trek deeper into the Upper Dolpo, we follow ancient paths created by the Tibetan salt traders who traverse this arid zone of the Trans-Himalayan Tibetan plateau. The terrain is wild, barren, and windswept as we continue eastward into the beautiful valley of Tarap Chu. Soon we come to Dho Tarap, 4040m, an unusual village built in a haphazard way and surrounded by a jagged stone wall. We take a day to explore and visit Bon Gomba, a 40 minute walk from the village.

Leaving Dho Tarap, the trail is lined with juniper bush and wild rose, typical of areas near the tree line. We might see herds of blue sheep and musk deer. As we descend, the valley opens and vegetation increases until verdant grass is seen beside the river. We will camp on a lush meadow known as Kamakharka, 3800m, where the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola meet. Continuing along the gorge of the Tarap River will be another memorable part of the Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trek. The deep gorge becomes so narrow that in some places we can jump from one side to another. If the bridges are damaged or washed away, we may have to cross the raging torrent on foot. After passing through an impressive forest, we descend into another gorge and follow the river downstream to Tarakot, 2537m, an old fortress town where fertile terraced fields greet us.

Finally, we walk alongside a tremendous gorge of the Bheri River to Jhuphal.

Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trek remains one of the least-visited pristine destination in the Himalaya of Nepal.

NOTE: Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking can be customized according to your requirements and depending upon the length of  your stay. An additional cost of USD 150 Dollars per person per day will be added if you want to exted your trekking days and similarly, USD 150 Dollars per person per day will be deducted if you wish to shorten your trekking days. 

Mrs. Tenzin will be leading her clients to Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trekking  this summer again on July 17, August 10, and Septmber 8 , 2023. For more details about Tenzin click here. 

Shey Gompa and inner Dolpo Trek with safety and comfort

You can rest assured that your safety and comfort are our priorities. As a safety precaution, we always carry emergency equipment:

• Supplementary Oxygen Cylinder with mask regulator or Gamow Bag (A life saving device in case of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

• Comprehensive medical/first aid kit

• Thuraya satellite phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls can be placed for $3 USD per minute.

The Best Time of Year for Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking :

The best seasons for trekking in Dolpo Region (Inner Dolpo and Shey Gompa) are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late October). A trek in May and June is ideal. However, you should plan for some contingency days as the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal may be affected by monsoon weather.

If you have any queries regarding your travel, please don't hesitate to contact our office staff. We are happy to help you in any way we can.

Highlights of Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking

  • physically challenging trek with surreal natural and cultual beauty
  • follows the ancient salt trader trails
  • farflung regions of Himalaya
  • Shey Gomba: home of the lost Bon Po religion
  • Less explored areas of the Nepal Himalaya

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft.)

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj, which lies in the southwest part of the Terai, right on the border to India. After checking into our hotel we might visit the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple to honour Goddess Kali. Nepalganj is known for its local bazaars, which have goods with cheap price rates. Here, not only do we see people from all over Nepal, but also people from Tibet and India; they all come here for trade.

  • Breakfast, & Dinner
  • Hotel

Another morning flight from Nepalgunj takes us to Juphal which takes about 40 minutes. After landing at Juphal, we meet the rest of the trek members and make final preparation for the trek. 

The trail from Juphal to Sulighat is quite comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running here and there. We then descend alongside Thuli Bheri River and make our way to Sulighat. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping/ Tea Huse

From today, the real adventure of Dolpo region begins. The trail goes through disseminated villages and abandoned crude stone houses. Many of these villages are temporary settlement esp. for winter months when the groups of Upper Dolpo bring their animals down from the high pastures. We have our lunch nearby a wooden suspension bridge and after lunch, we pass Aanke Khola and ascend alongside Suli River and finally reach our todays' destination, Chhepka where we will be camping overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we cross and ascend the narrow valley through forests of bamboo and conifer along the trail that leads you at the side of Phoksundo Khola (Lower Dolpa Circuit Trekking Trail). From there, we trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. Gradually, the gorge opens up and the trail becomes easier until we cross a bridge to Rechi, where we stop for lunch.  After lunch, the trail (valley) gets narrower again following several ups and downs till the joining of Phoksundo River and Pungmo River. Above the junction, we will see Samduwa where we stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake by traversing through Cedar forests to reach Palam (a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village). Ringmo village is situated by the side of the Crystal clear Phoksundo Lake. Before reaching the lake, we will be welcomed by a large waterfall. From here, we follow a pleasant trail along the Phoksundo Khola to a green clearing spot for lunch. Afterwards, we trek up to Ringmo Gaon and along the trail, we eye witness enormous rock walls guarding the upper valley and as we reach Ringmo village, the magical Phoksundo Lake can be seen where we will camp overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

A trail leads from the lakeside through juniper trees to the white Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing gompa, a ramshackle Bon-po gompa overlooking the lake that is said to have been built 60 generations ago. There are five other private gompas in various houses of small monastic community near the lake. The insides of the temples contain dusty Buddhist paintings and statues, but the trappings also reflect the animistic elements of the Bon-po religion, so some of the chapels are reminiscent of an ancient witch's cavern. A donation to the ragtag collection of dirty monks will gain us entrance to the gompas; our Sherpas will be equally fascinated by the strange iconography and practice of the Bon-po religion.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From our campsite near Ringmo on the southern end of Phoksumdo Lake, the trail contours on a rocky ledge as it skirts the western lip of the lake. In places it's precariously suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevices in the rocks. As we cross a stream, look up at the glacier descending from the upper slopes of Kanjeralwa (6612m). We then climb to a crest at 4060m for a spectacular view of the lake with the snowy peaks of Sonam Kang in the background. The trail makes a step and dusty descent through birches and blue pines to the westernmost edge of the lake at 3630m where the Phoksumdo Khola enters. The route now heads west, up along a wide valley. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We begin the day along the level path that now heads north through a glacial valley. We then cross to the east bank of Phoksumdo Khola. We follow the main valley for another hour to Kang Gompa. We climb steeply from Kang Gompa and stay on the grassy ridge. It's a long climb up the ridge past a few groves of birch trees. There are spectacular mountain views with Shey Shikar (6139m) and Kang Chunne (6443m) dominating the skyline to the west. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We continue on the route that follows the upper reaches of the Phoksumdo Khola, then we turn north towards the peak of Riwo Drugdra (Crystal Mountain). There is a choice of trails here; we follow the more scenic pilgrim route across the Sehu La to the west of Crystal Mountain, making a kora (circumambulation) of this sacred peak. The Dolma trail turns north soon after camp while the pilgrim trail starts up a steep scree slope on the opposite side of a stream that flows from the north.

After a long pull to a small pass at 5160m, the trail descends a scree slope to a grassy meadow besides a stream valley and begins a series of long ascents and descends across ridges in and out of side valleys as it traverses around Crystal Mountain. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Cross the river on a log bridge and climb past a big Chorten and a huge field of mani stones to the Shey gompa compound at 4390m. The gompa itself is not large, and there are no artifacts or paintings of note inside. Although the building is said to be 800years old, the wall paintings are relatively recent, probably done in 1970s. The statues on the altar are of Guru Rinpoche, Sakyamuni and Milarepa. The gompa also houses an ancient Tibetan scroll that describes the myth of Crystal Mountain and Shey gompa. According to the inscription, there is a holy lake in a crater among the mountains that surrounds Shey. When a pilgrim makes nine circumambulations of this lake the water turns milky. A sip of this milk and the pilgrim can see Mt Kailash in the distance. The ones, who don’t need a day of rest, can try to find this lake.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We trek east from Shey gompa and across the 5010m Shey La. Here we turn north and descend before climbing again to Namgung Gaon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We descend to Saldang on the banks of the river. We descend to Torak Sumdo (3670m), the confluence of the Namgung and Polang kholas, and cross to the northern bank. The trail follows Namga Khola traversing summer herding places and gradually, we come out  prompt for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Tibetan Buddhism in Dolpo blooms here.  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From Saldang, we walk along a river and pass through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery, then pass through the Namdo village, which is also prosperous, with about sixty houses having nearly 400 inhabitants. It stretches for more than 5 km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo monastery is located near the river bed. Our journey continues further down the river for another two hours to camp near a small settlement of Sibu.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We walk along the Nam Khong Khola for a while and pass by caravans with yaks that are moving towards the Tibetan border. After turning east and walking for a while, we arrive at a confluence of two small streams. Next, the steep trail ascends to a grazing area below the Jeng La pass. Our camp will be set up in this beautiful meadow.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

It is a steep climb to the summit of the pass at 5110 metres which is reached after approximately 2 hours. From the top, we have a spectacular view southwards to Dhaulagiri. Beyond the pass, we descend into the extensive Tarap Valley, eventually reaching a stream and following this to Tokyu Village

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

In contrast to the majority of our trekking so far, the trail down the Tarap Valley is well used and is well maintained providing relatively easy trekking through a broad fertile valley. There is much cultural interest during today’s short descent beside the Tarap Chu and opportunities to visit several gompas before reaching Dho Tarap, a cluster of stone houses below the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa with its unusual chorten within the arch of a larger chorten. The women of Dho Tarap wear very striking headpieces of beaten silver (known as a 'tikpu') and also usually have large amounts of turquoise, amber and zee stone hanging from their necks and ears. The men of Dolpo often wear red woolen braid in their hair in the manner of the Khampas of Eastern Tibet. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We begin with hiking along the flat trail beside Tarap Khola to Mirububane Khola. The trail continues to follow Tarap Khola with the splendid views of arid landscapes. As the trek goes further, the trail emerges and after passing villages like Gyamghar and Toltol, we finally reach Nawarpani where we will stop overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

From today, we start seeing the green forests surrounding us after two weeks in Trans Himalaya region of Dolpo. For a while, we slide high above Tarap Khola to Lamchaur and traversing Laini Odar, we descend down the hill to Chhedhul Gompa. From Gompa, a short walk along the trail to Tarap Khola eventualy leads us to Laisicap where we will stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

We are almost at the end of our trek. Following the trail, we move alongside Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai.  Just before reaching Tarakot, we cross the bridge over the small stream. An easy and short walk through the picturesque trail brings us to Dunai, which is the district headquarters of Dolpo. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Continuing alongside the Bheri River on a lovely trail with some excellent stands of large conifers, there is a sting in the tail as we make a final climb through terraced farmland to reach the airstrip at Juphal. Being our last day of this amazing trip, we will want to celebrate with our crew on the completion of one of Nepal’s finest treks.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

The early morning flight takes us out of the cool, fresh mountains of Dolpo and into the hot and humid Terrai region at Nepalgunj. This time, however, it is a short stop and we soon connect with our flight to Kathmandu, where we check into our hotel. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

This is a contingency day in case of problems with the weather-dependent flight out of Jhupal. If we have flown on schedule this will be a day to relax and enjoy the delights of Kathmandu. In the morning there is an optional complimentary guided sightseeing tour of the city's main attractions. Alternatively, you may prefer to do your own thing, especially if you have visited Kathmandu before. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation in Nepalgunj, One night on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Fully Organzied Camping Services during the Trek.
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Phoksundo National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • All ground transfers.
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer)
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date17 Jul, 2023End Date10 Aug, 2023AvailableUS$ 3750

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.


The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.

We have set dates for departure to the Amazing Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking is available and can be done throughout the year. So, if the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 12 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 12 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo is possible on any date of the year. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Useful Info

Why Trek to Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

When trekking into extremely remote regions, it is important to have trek with an experienced company. Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions in Dolpo for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.

The Best Time of Year for the Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking:

The best seasons for trekking in Upper Dolpo are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). A summer trek is also possible however, the flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal may be affected by monsoon weather.

Temperatures on the Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking:

The temperatures at night will drop to around 5C, and during the day will climb to around 25C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15C to 20C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.

Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking is a Tea House and Camping Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

Tented camping in Upper Dolpo is sure to be a great outdoors holiday. Our cook will assure you will enjoy delicious and hygienic food during the trek to keep you healthy and strong. Most of the food is flown in from Kathmandu. Three generous meals a day, tea/coffee, hot Tang and high energy snacks are included in the package.

  1. Foothills Treks logistics are well organized and of excellent quality. Besides your two person sleeping tents*, we provide dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs and even toilet AND shower tents! (*Some companies claim 3-person tents, but the tents are all fixed size 2 person tents. If you wish to have your own tent, you can pay for a single supplement, an additional USD500$) In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Shakti or Hotel Norbu Linka before and after heading into the remote regions.

Sherpa Support Staff:

  1. Foothills Treks has a capable support staff with ample experience in organizing camping trips. The relationship we have developed among us over the years makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Your personal packs will be carried by the porters, saving you time and energy to fully enjoy the surrounding environment.

Each staff member at Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions is insured for their appropriate roles. (Some companies are cutting corners here.)

Drinking Water on the Sher Gompa and Inner Dolpo Trekking:

You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.

Fitness/Health:

The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Safety:

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

  • We either take Gamow OR oxygen in case of
  • Satellite phone (personal calls charged USD $3/minute)
  • First Aid Kit

Environmental Responsibility:

Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

Acclimatization:

It is really difficult to head straight up to high altitude for the first time even if you follow the recommended 400m-a-day-rule. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. Please read Altitude Advice.

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Annapurna foothills Treks has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We will pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Before leaving on the expedition, make sure your policy specifically covers alpinism otherwise you may have a difficult time settling the large claim.