Shey Festival Trek 2024

Overview

Shey-crystal Mountain (Shelri Dugdra) and Shey Gompa is one of the most sacred Himalayan pilgrimages of Nepal. It has a legendary connection to Buddhism, is located in north of the Phoksundo Lake in Upper Dolpo with an elevation of 4160m from sea level, is the spiritual heart of Dolpo. Being the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo the trek into Upper Dolpo is a revered and sacred holy place. His immense holiness Tuptop Singe Yeshe had enlightened from Shey-Gonpa. The Crytal Mountain (Shelri Dugdra) is the major panoramic pilgrimage of Shey gompa. The crystal mountain (Shelri Dugdra) is also known as the younger brother of Mt. Kailash.

Shey Festival is commenced every 12 years Tibetan lunar calendar. In the year of Dragon (Druglho), Shey Festival takes place in Shey Gompa Upper Dolpo. Shey Festival happens in the twelve-year cycle in the Buddhist calendar each year is represented by a different animal and each year with the importance of twelve different pilgrimages, which include Mt. Kailash in Tibet, Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, Shey Gompa in Dolpo, and many other places in the world. The last time Shey Festival happened was in 2012 and the next festival will take place in Shey Gompa in 2024.

Inner Dolpo trek starts after flying to Dolpo's only airstrip at Juphal, adventure begins with a trek north following Phoksundo river and to the lush green fields of Ringmo and the stunning blue Phoksumdo Lake. After a day rest & explore in this beautiful spot we continue across the Kang La(5360m) to Inner Dolpo(Upper Dolpo) and Shey Gompa. Then after we crosse the Shey La(5095m) to the Dolpo's largest village or major Dolpo settlement of Saldang. From Saldang we switch to east and crossing Jeng La to reach Dho Tarap. The last part of our trek, we descend down and tread along the Tarap Khola and impressive Tarap Khola gorge to Lasicap, and then following Thuli Bheri River  along Tarakot, Byasgad, Dunai and finally back to Juphal.