Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trekking is an isolated and remote area in mid-western Nepal, behind Mt. Dhaulagiri massif towards the Tibetan plateau. Cut off by a series of very high passes, closed by snow most of the year, Dolpo preserves an ecosystem encompassing a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and snow leopards. Like in Mustang, Upper Dolpo has its unique culture and traditional lifestyle. People wear traditional Tibetan-style costumes and jewelry and practice the pre-Buddhist animistic religion called Bon Po. The people of the Dolpo region are still following and cultivate the land in the same manner their ancestors used to do for hundreds of years. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie ‘The Caravan’ or the ‘Himalaya’ had its shooting on Upper Dolpo and it was a huge success. The movie was directed by Eric Valli and later it was nominated for the Oscar Award in the Best Foreign Film category at the 72nd Academy Awards.
Trekking to Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa is often referred to as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. It is a magical place, situated at the foothill of Crystal Mountain. Hundreds of Buddhist pilgrims visit Shey Gompa each year. They make a kora (circuit) of the Crystal Mountain, Dolpo’s version of Mount Kailash.
Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is quite strenuous and is highly recommended for experienced trekkers. You have to cross high passes along the trail. These crossings involve long climbs and long descents. In addition, you walk above 4000 meters on the mountainous trail and spend very cold nights. However, the wonderful landscapes, the spectacular views from high passes, beautiful Lakes, isolated Buddhist monasteries, the contact with the local people, and very special culture make your visit much worthy.
We begin our Trek Journey to Upper Dolpo with an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and the next day fly up to Dolpo’s airstrip at Juphal. A three-day trek up through Shey Phoksundo National Park and arid landscapes lead us to Ringmo and the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. This is Nepal’s deepest lake at 650m. It is 4,8km long and 1,8km, wide. Inner Dolpo Shey Gompa traverses the cliff face along the side of the lake and then leads up the Phoksundo Valley gently at first then more steeply. The trail follows its narrow ravine to higher ridges and beautiful campsite to Shey Gompa, a Tibetan- influenced settlement and prosperous Saldang village, a two kilometers ribbon Bön village of five settlements that lie on the trade route to Tibet. The best time to Trek to Upper Dolpo is towards the end of the monsoon season July, August up to November.
