Trip Facts
Duration
25 Days
Trip Grade
Difficult
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5,151 meters
Group Size
6
Starts
Juphal
Ends
Juphal
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Autumn
Highlights
- Explore the remote and mystical Upper Dolpo region, known for its untouched natural beauty and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Visit the iconic Shey Crystal Monastery, a sacred spiritual site adorned with ancient crystal and traditional murals.
- Experience diverse landscapes, from high alpine deserts and pristine lakes to dense forests and snow-capped peaks.
- Trek through traditional villages inhabited by the ancient Bonpo community, preserving unique customs and architecture.
- Witness rare wildlife including Himalayan blue sheep, musk deer, and possibly elusive snow leopards.
- Enjoy authentic homestay experiences and connect with welcoming local communities.
- Traverse the challenging yet rewarding terrain with expert guides ensuring safety and cultural immersion.
Overview
The Upper Dolpo Shey Crystal Monastery Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote, mystical, and culturally immersive trekking experiences. Nestled deep within the Trans-Himalayan region, Upper Dolpo remains largely untouched by modern tourism, offering trekkers a rare glimpse into an ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved for centuries. This trek combines rugged high-altitude landscapes, serene alpine lakes, and vibrant traditional villages, making it a journey that is as much spiritual as it is adventurous.
Travelers traverse through towering mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters, cross pristine glacial lakes like Phoksundo, and explore the legendary Shey Crystal Monastery—an ancient spiritual site renowned for its crystal relics and sacred murals. Along the way, you’ll engage with the resilient Bonpo people, whose unique traditions and lifestyles have endured harsh environments for generations.
This 25-day itinerary is thoughtfully designed to allow ample time for acclimatization, cultural immersion, and exploration of hidden corners few have seen. Guided by experienced local experts, the trek prioritizes safety, cultural respect, and environmental conservation. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers who seek to venture off the beaten path and discover Nepal’s raw, untouched Himalayan wilderness while connecting deeply with its spiritual heritage.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the day to recover from your journey, explore the nearby streets of Thamel, and meet your trekking team for a full briefing in the evening. We’ll also do a gear check and finalize permit paperwork.
Accommodation: Tourist Standard Hotel
Dinner: Included
Max. Altitude
Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Hotel
Overnight at a Hotel
Dinner
Meals not included
After breakfast, take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, located in Nepal’s western lowlands near the Indian border. This bustling trade city contrasts starkly with the mountain environment you’ll soon enter. You'll have some time to explore the local market or relax before the next morning’s early mountain flight.
Accommodation: Tourist Hotel
Dinner: Included
Catch a short yet thrilling flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the starting point of your trek. After meeting the local porter team, begin a gentle descent through terraced fields and alongside the Bheri River to reach Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpo. This small town gives you a first taste of Himalayan culture.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
Leaving Dunai, you’ll follow the Suli Gad River upstream through lush forests of pine, fir, and birch. Entering the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the trail winds through quiet gorges and scattered Magar villages before arriving at Chhepka, a peaceful riverside settlement.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
Continue along the riverbank, passing narrow ridges and waterfalls, eventually ascending through a dramatic canyon to Jharana Hotel. From here, you can enjoy one of the best views of the 330-meter-high Phoksundo waterfall—the highest in Nepal.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
Today’s trail takes you through steep cliffs with breathtaking views before reaching Ringmo village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine forests, is one of Nepal’s most scenic natural wonders. Ringmo is a traditional Bon village where you'll rest for two nights.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
This rest day helps your body adjust to the altitude and gives you time to explore the area. Visit Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery perched above the lake. Learn about the unique Bon religion and enjoy a lakeside walk or hike to a nearby viewpoint for a panoramic shot of the lake.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
After crossing a wooden bridge, the trail enters a secluded gorge that leads to the inner Dolpo region. The path narrows as you walk through alpine forests and into rugged terrain. Tonight, you’ll camp at Sallaghari, surrounded by silver fir and pine trees.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Today is a gradual but steady ascent through shrub-covered hills and high-altitude pastures. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you climb higher. Arrive at Nangdala High Camp, located just below the pass. The air is thin, and the mountains loom large on the horizon.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
An early morning start takes you across Nangdala Pass—one of the most stunning sections of the trek. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Tibetan plateaus and Dolpo’s stark valleys. Descend to Shey Gompa, the legendary Crystal Monastery nestled below Crystal Mountain.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Explore this spiritually rich area, where the annual Shey Festival brings pilgrims from across the region. Visit the red-walled monastery, meditate among prayer flags, and hike around Crystal Mountain, which local Buddhists circumambulate as part of sacred tradition.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
The trail continues through a windswept valley and climbs over a ridge before descending into Namgung, a picturesque hamlet with a centuries-old monastery built into the cliffs. The cultural presence here is vibrant and authentic.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
A pleasant hike along terraced fields and chortens brings you to Saldang—Dolpo’s largest village. Located on a high plateau, it’s a key trading post with strong Tibetan influence and an excellent place to interact with locals.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camping
Dinner: Included
The path continues northward through dry, open terrain and several small settlements. Yangtsher is a remote, rarely visited village known for traditional goat herding and weaving practices.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
A steady ascent leads to Khoma Gaon, famous for its handwoven textiles. The trail is quiet and solitary, ideal for reflection and immersion in nature.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Trek through dramatic desert-like scenery dotted with juniper and occasional herds of yaks. Shimen lies in a sheltered valley with several small shrines and stupas.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Today’s route follows a wide riverbed to Tinje, one of Upper Dolpo’s oldest and most culturally significant villages. Tinje was once a stop on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Continue through open valleys and ridges, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks all around. Rakyo is a quiet, windswept settlement used mostly by nomadic herders.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
One of the toughest days as you cross Chharka La Pass. The reward is immense—epic Himalayan vistas and the descent into Chharka Bhot, a traditional stone village perched above a roaring river.
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camping
Dinner: Included
Leaving Chharka, the trail climbs steadily across a barren, rocky landscape with minimal vegetation. Reach Norbulung, a high camp area with sweeping views and grazing yaks.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Today’s trek crosses two passes—Niwala La and Jungben La—offering grand views of Mustang and Dhaulagiri. Descend into the grassy meadows of Ghalden Ghuldun for camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
A long descent through alpine meadows and changing terrain brings you to Sangta, a culturally rich village that marks your re-entry into more populated areas.
Accommodation: Camping
Dinner: Included
Join the Kali Gandaki valley trail, entering the windswept village of Kagbeni in Lower Mustang. The change in landscape and architecture is striking as you descend into more fertile lands.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Dinner: Included
A short walk through apple orchards and Tibetan-style villages leads to Jomsom, the end point of your trek. Celebrate the journey with your team.
Accommodation: Tourist Lodge
Dinner: Included
Take a morning flight to Pokhara and connect to a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a farewell dinner and optional shopping or sightseeing.
Accommodation: Tourist Standard Hotel
Dinner: Included
Cost Details
Included
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal and return.
- Accommodation in tea houses, lodges, and homestays during the trek.
- All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Experienced local guides and porters with proper equipment and fair wages.
- Trekking permits, TIMS card, and national park entry fees.
- Transportation for airport transfers in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
- First aid medical kit and emergency evacuation plan.
- Pre-trek briefing and cultural orientation.
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal.
- Visa fees for Nepal entry.
- Personal trekking equipment and gear.
- Travel insurance (mandatory, including high-altitude evacuation coverage).
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses.
- Optional activities or side trips.
- Any additional nights’ accommodation or transport outside the itinerary.
Useful Information
Best Season:
The ideal time to embark on the Upper Dolpo Shey Crystal Monastery Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and favorable temperatures for high-altitude trekking.
Physical Fitness:
This trek is considered moderately strenuous and is best suited for individuals with good physical condition and some prior high-altitude trekking experience. The terrain is remote, and daily walking hours can range from 5 to 8 hours, often on rugged trails.
Altitude Consideration:
With several high mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters—including Nangdala and Chharka La—proper acclimatization is essential. The itinerary is designed to allow gradual altitude gain and includes multiple rest days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Permits:
Upper Dolpo is a restricted region, and trekkers require a special Restricted Area Permit in addition to the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit. All necessary permits are arranged and included in the package cost.
Accommodation:
During the trek, accommodation will be in basic yet comfortable teahouses, homestays, and tents, depending on the location. Facilities are minimal in remote areas, but they offer a warm atmosphere and authentic local hospitality.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Upper Dolpo is home to ancient Tibetan Buddhist and Bonpo communities. Travelers are expected to respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid disturbing religious ceremonies or sacred sites such as monasteries, mani walls, and chortens.
Packing Tips:
Essential gear includes layered clothing for varying temperatures, a down jacket, sturdy trekking boots, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a good quality sleeping bag (rated for -15°C or lower). Trekking poles and a refillable water bottle are also recommended.
Connectivity:
Mobile phone and internet access are extremely limited throughout the trek. While some villages may offer satellite phone access, it is advisable to carry a personal satellite communication device for emergencies.
Safety & Support:
Your safety is our priority. All guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness, and carry a basic medical kit. In case of emergencies, arrangements for helicopter evacuation can be made, provided the client’s insurance covers it.
Official Upper Dolpo & Shey the Crystal Monastry Trekking Map
FAQs
This trek is best suited for trekkers with moderate experience due to altitude and remote terrain, but fit beginners willing to acclimatize carefully can also attempt it.
Accommodation consists mainly of basic tea houses and local homestays with shared facilities.
The best seasons are autumn and spring with mild temperatures, but expect cold nights and possible snow at higher elevations.
Essential items include warm clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, sun protection, and personal medication.
Yes, Upper Dolpo is a restricted area requiring special permits included in your package.