Shey Festival 2024
Shey Ribo Drukta (Shey Crystal Moutain ) is located at an altitude of 4770m from sea level. It is two camps away from the famous Phoksudo Lake (https://exploredolpotrekking.com/trips/phoksundo-teahouse-trek-11-days/. It is one of the holiest places in the Dolpo region. Dolpo is a land of Buddhism and the Bon religion. Religion plays a vital role in the daily lives of Dolpopas. Every village has numerous pilgrimages. Dho- Tarap has Nya Sampa (New Pilgrimage). Similarly, Tinkyu ( Tinje village) has Kula Nya.
Every 12 years of the Tibetan calendar a ceremony is held at Shey. It has been practiced for centuries. It has been a ritual of the Dolpo people. Along with the time now, it is celebrated more as a festival than a ritual. The Tibetan calendar represents 12 years by 12 different animals. Mouse, Bull, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Bird, Dog and, Pig. Every year has its specific pilgrims. For example, Boudhanath Stupa is done in the year of Bird. Mt. Kailash in the year of Horse. And Crystal Mountain in the year of Dragon.
The last festival was held in September 2012 year of Dragon. This time it will be held in 2024 after 12 years. It is a very auspicious festival where all the Dolpopas gather at an auspicious place at an auspicious time. At this auspicious festival, almost all Dolpopas do their best to attend this auspicious festival. Every year this festival gets more attention due to its uniqueness and authenticity. Now tourist people around the world are waiting for the festivals.
The festival starts on the 16th of September in 2024. 16th is the opening ceremony and many pujas and blessing speeches will be delivered by different renowned Lama and Rinpoches. There will be dance, singing, and, drama performances from the different schools of Upper Dolpo. On the 17th there will be a performance of villagers, games, archery and many more.
Similarly, the 18th the full moon is the main day and most auspicious day. On this particular, the people make rounds (Kora) to Crystal Mountain with packed lunch. It will take a whole day to make a round to Crystal Mountain. Some people prefer to make a round barefoot. In Buddhism, there is a belief that doing Kora barefoot will wash your sins. Similarly, people take the crystal from the mountains or stone to their hometown as a blessing or gift from Crystal Mountain. People dance on top of the mountain and enjoy it to the fullest. On the way, you get to visit Tsakhang Gompa one the oldest Gompa in Dolpo. The Gompa is built on the rock wall. Still, Gomchen (Meditator ) stays there and practices Buddhism and prays for world peace.
Explore Dolpo Trek has come with four different itineraries for the Shey Festival 2024 considering clients’ different schedules and time frames. All four packages are of fixed departure and interested clients can customize and book private trips as well. We have different options you can choose based on your time frame and budget-wise.