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Fixed Departures

Start Date End Date Price
August 22, 2024 September 20, 2024 USD 4,220.00 Book Now Customize

Shey Ribo Drukta (Shey Crystal Moutain ) is located at an altitude of 4770m from sea level. It is two camps away from the famous Phoksundo 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 1st of September in 2024. 1st September is the opening ceremony and different renowned Lama and Rinpoches will deliver many pujas and blessing speeches along with Chief Guest Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dhal (Parchanda). There will be dance, singing, and, drama performances from the other schools of Upper Dolpo. On the 1st there will be a performance of villagers, games, archery and many more.

Similarly, the 2nd day the new moon is the main and most auspicious day.  On this day early morning people circumambulate (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.

Tsankang Gompa, located in the Dolpa district of Nepal, is a remarkable Buddhist monastery that holds great cultural and spiritual significance. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4500 meters (14,763 feet) in the remote and picturesque Dolpa region, Tsankang Gompa stands as a testament to the rich heritage and religious devotion of the local community.

Gompa is one of the prominent monasteries in Dolpa. The monastery is perched on a rock hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the mighty Dhaulagiri range and Crystal Mountain. Its strategic location provides a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and contemplation.

The architecture of Tsankang Gompa reflects the traditional Tibetan Buddhist style. The monastery consists of a prayer hall, and meditation, adorned with colorful murals, intricate wood carvings, and sacred Buddhist scriptures. The intricate artwork depicts Buddhist deities, enlightened beings, and important religious events, serving as a visual representation of Buddhist teachings.

Tsankang Gompa is not only a religious center but also a hub for cultural activities. It serves as a gathering place for the local community to celebrate festivals, conduct rituals, and engage in communal prayers. During special occasions, such as the Shey Festival. The monastery comes alive with vibrant ceremonies, masked dances, and religious processions, attracting devotees from far and wide.

 

Visiting Tsankang Gompa is a journey of exploration and spiritual immersion.

In recent years, Tsankang Gompa has gained attention from trekkers and adventure enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Trekking routes leading to the monastery offer breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, serene lakes, and encounters with rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard.

 

 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. We have different options you can choose based on your time frame and budget-wise.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01 - Aug 22:Arrival Day - Kathmandu 1400m
  • Day 02 - Aug 23:Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)/ flight
  • Day 03 - Aug 24:Nepalgunj to Juphal/ flight and Juphal to Dunai/ (2150m)
  • Day 04 - Aug 25:Dunai to Chhepka (2687m) 5/6 hrs
  • Day 05 - Aug 26:Chhepka to Chunuwar (3110m)/ 6 hrs
  • Day 06 - Aug 27:Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3640m)/ 5-6 hrs
  • Day 07 - Aug 28:Phoksundo - Rest day (3640m)
  • Day 08 - Aug 29:Phoksundo-Sallaghari hike 3594m (5-6 hours)
  • Day 09 - Aug 30:Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4500 m)/ 5-6 hours
  • Day 10 - Aug 31:Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa/4343m) 5-6 hours crossing Nangdala pass (5240m)
  • Day 11 - Sep 01:1st day of festival ( Opening ceremony ) 4343m
  • Day 12 - Sep 02:2nd day of festival -New Moon (Crystal Mountain Kora)4343m
  • Day 13 - Sep 03:3rd day of festival 4343m
  • Day 14 - Sep 04:4th Day the closing ceremony
  • Day 15 - Sep 05:Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa in 6-7 hours, crossing Shey La Pass (4360m)
  • Day 16 - Sep 06:Namgung to Saldang (3770m) 6hrs
  • Day 17 - Sep 07:Saldang to Yangjer Gumba day hike (4559m) 5hrs
  • Day 18 - Sep 08:Saldang to the village of Khoma (4210m) 5hrs
  • Day 19 - Sep 09:Khoma village to Shimen (3885m) 5hrs
  • Day 20 - Sep 10:Shimen to Tinje (4110m) 5hrs
  • Day 21 - Sep 11:Tinje to Yak Kharka (4500m) 5/6hrs
  • Day 22 - Sep 12:Yak Kharka to Chharka (4302m) 5/6 hrs
  • Day 23 - Sep 13:Chharka to Norbulung/Nulungsumda (4987m) 6/7hrs
  • Day 24 - Sep 14:Nulungsumda/Norbulung to Ghalden Ghuldum (4247m) crossing the Jungbenla (5550m) and Niwarla (5120m) passes (7 hrs)
  • Day 25 - Sep 15:Ghalden Ghuldum to Santa (3777m) 5/6 hrs
  • Day 26 - Sep 16:Santa to Phalyak (3175 m) 5hrs
  • Day 27 - Sep 17:Phalyak to Jomsom (2720) m 4hrs
  • Day 28 - Sep 18:Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
  • Day 29 - Sep 19:Buffer day
  • Day 30 - Sep 20:Departure
  • Day 01 - Aug 22: Arrival Day - Kathmandu 1400m

    Snow-capped mountain peaks greet you as you fly into Kathmandu. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel. You will be briefed on your daily activities at the hotel.

  • Day 02 - Aug 23: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)/ flight

    From Kathmandu, we take the bus or fly on a domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. In terms of transportation, it serves as a central hub for the western, mid-western, and far-western regions of Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. The hotel will be 10 to 15 minutes from the airport.

  • Day 03 - Aug 24: Nepalgunj to Juphal/ flight and Juphal to Dunai/ (2150m)

    Today we fly 35 minutes to Juphal. Our trekking starts in Juphal. The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of the trek has a few jeeps running to and fro. The trek begins with a forty-five-minute descent to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hiking above the Thuli Bheri River. Continuing along the riverside, we pass Roop Ghad with its water mill and finally reach Dunai (2150m), the district's headquarters. You will notice some government and private schools, colleges, police check posts, and government offices. You can visit the Bon Stupa School, the Central Buddhist monastery. The first English medium school across the river. From the stupa, you will see the view of the whole town and another village, Upper Dunai too.

  • Day 04 - Aug 25: Dunai to Chhepka (2687m) 5/6 hrs

    The real adventure of the Dolpo Jomsom Trek begins today. We shall show the trekking permit for Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now,as we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside the Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek leads further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging from isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive at Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over the Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka. Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive at Chhepka. We put our camp at an ideal location in Chhepka and stay.

  • Day 05 - Aug 26: Chhepka to Chunuwar (3110m)/ 6 hrs

    Today the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of the famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for lunch. Beyond Rechi we again hike along the riverside trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive at Chunuwar. We will settle our camps here for the night.

  • Day 06 - Aug 27: Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3640m)/ 5-6 hrs

    We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake to climb through forests of big cedars onto Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village. The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meters and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meters to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meters high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of Mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.

  • Day 07 - Aug 28: Phoksundo - Rest day (3640m)

    We are going to look at Ringmo Village and the gorgeous Phoksundo Lake today. We first stroll about Ringmo Village before traveling to Tshowa, a Bon monastery beside a lake. The Gompa, which is perched on a ridge above Phoksundo Lake, was constructed some 900 years ago. It's amazing to explore this culturally significant Bon Monastery. Then, we descend down cliffs with a steep slope to reach Phoksundo Lake. The lake is renowned for its stunning blue color and breathtaking landscape. A picturesque view of Ringmo settlement, a typical Tibetan settlement, may be had from Phoksundo Lake. We spend our day touring some of the park's monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious monuments. Along with enjoying our nature trip, we also visit the great natural areas.

  • Day 08 - Aug 29: Phoksundo-Sallaghari hike 3594m (5-6 hours)

    Today's journey is likely to be one of the nicest days of the Dolpo to Jomsom journey. It climbs along a short route carved into a cliff that stands vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This perilously intriguing track takes us to the other side of Phoksundo Lake. This section of the journey is similar to a fantasy stroll depicted by a writer in their fiction works. We slide down for 90 minutes past the lovely trees to reach the Phoksundo Khola camp on the opposite side of the lake. The final section of today's hike climbs up to the lovely Sallaghari campground. Spend the night in the magnificent pine woodland campgrounds.

  • Day 09 - Aug 30: Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4500 m)/ 5-6 hours

    The hike today is rather short; we walk for about three hours to reach Nangdala High Camp (4500m). As the hike begins, we ascend the Tuk Kyaksa River's tight gorge. Several times, the trail shifts to the opposite side of the river. We soon reach a point where the river's rapids are quieter. At that moment, we cross the river bridge. We come across the huge valley thirty minutes after crossing the bridge, followed by two hours of walking through the canyon to the probable campground. A short hike takes us to the gigantic granite slab that is Nangdala High Camp, our campground for the night.

  • Day 10 - Aug 31: Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa/4343m) 5-6 hours crossing Nangdala pass (5240m)

    Today we go to the famed Shey Gompa and the surrounding 'Crystal Mountain,' Dolpo's most sacred peak, which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before harvest. We are now entering the genuine Dolpo, and to get there, we must cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass. The three-hour climb to the summit of Kang La/Nangdala Pass follows a graveled route upwards. However, all of our efforts to reach the pass's summit are rewarded with breathtaking vistas. The Kang La Pass offers breathtaking views of Crystal Mountain, Tibetan mountains, and captivating Dolpo sceneries. In addition, steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both somewhat higher than 6000 meters, maybe had before descending sharply to the valley level and along the river. The entrance to Shey is marked with a crimson chorten. A major celebration is held every Dragon Year, which happens every 12 years according to the Tibetan calendar. People travel from all over the world to attend this festival. We set up camp for the night.
    Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.

  • Day 11 - Sep 01: 1st day of festival ( Opening ceremony ) 4343m

    Today there will be the opening ceremony of the 67th Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival 2024 in the presence of Chief Guest Rt. honorable prime minister Pushpa kmal Dhal (Prachanda), along with Special guests and other guests.

    The opening ceremony will further go on with ritual and cultural events.

  • Day 12 - Sep 02: 2nd day of festival -New Moon (Crystal Mountain Kora)4343m

    This day is considered very curial day as people will wake up early in the morning to circumambulate (Kora) of the Crystal Mountain. This will take almost a whole day the approximate timing of the full Kora is 7/8 hrs.

    In the evening, there will be Phowa (Transference of Consciousness) by His Holiness Kyaje Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche

  • Day 13 - Sep 03: 3rd day of festival 4343m

    Today the 3 day of the Shey Festiva, there will be ritual events, teachings and sermons by His Eminent Kyapje Menri Ponlop Rinpoche and H.E. Kyabje Gyangkhang Khentul Rinpoche lead the .

    Afternoon, cultural and religious events, Amchi and Doctors will conduct medical camps, Horse Race, Archery and others make the event more colorful.

  • Day 14 - Sep 04: 4th Day the closing ceremony

    Today the closing ceremony of the Shey Festival. Today is also consider as one of the major day as the three Rinpoches will bestow a Longevity Empowerment to the entire attendees and devotees.

    There will be Cultural shows, Mask dances, performances from the schools and the traditional dances in the afternoon. The local will perform the cultural dance rest of the day and likewise the ceremony will be close.

  • Day 15 - Sep 05: Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa in 6-7 hours, crossing Shey La Pass (4360m)

    We shall investigate Shey Gompa today. It is believed to be an 800-year-old monastery with inside murals and an antiquated scroll outlining Crystal Mountain's folklore.
    Shelri Sumdho Gompa is the name of the monastery in the area. The Shey event, a summer event that the Dolpo people celebrate with great fervor, is held in Shey Gompa. In his book "The Snow Leopard," Peter Matthiessen wrote extensively on his time spent in Shey. This gompa was depicted as Thinley's son in the film "Caravan" by Eric Valli.
    The journey starts with a visit to Shey Gompa, and then for the first couple of hours, it follows a track that runs alongside Sephu Khola. This section of the journey passes through classic Dolpo terrain, which is desolate and beautiful.
    We then start to ascend toward the peak of Shey La Pass, a nearly two-hour trek. We are rewarded with stunning views of Mustang to the east, Tibet to the north, Kanjiroba, Kagmara, and Riu Dhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the west as we reach the peak of Shey La Pass to the west of Shey.
    After nearly two hours of hiking from Sela La (5095m), we arrive at Namgung after a final push downhill. At Namgung, a nearby nomadic herding community, we spend the night.

  • Day 16 - Sep 06: Namgung to Saldang (3770m) 6hrs

    We examine the monastery of Namgung, which is perched on the adjacent cliff, before departing for Saldang. We follow Namga Khola as the walk from Namgong Gompa gets going, past additional summer herding areas, and come out of the spur for the short journey down to Saldang. Saldang is a lovely community surrounded by hills and featuring a lot of open space. Here in Saldang, the Amchi tradition and Dolpo Buddhism are thriving. We'll have the opportunity to see some neighborhood homes, sip some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer), and eat some local cuisine in Saldang.

  • Day 17 - Sep 07: Saldang to Yangjer Gumba day hike (4559m) 5hrs

    After an early breakfast, we will go on a day trip to Yanjer, the richest monastery in this area. After exploring the monastery, we will return to Saldang for the night. We will have a packed lunch.

  • Day 18 - Sep 08: Saldang to the village of Khoma (4210m) 5hrs

    Today, after a six-hour hike, we arrived in Komash village. The Saldang Lek leads the way initially along the Rapyha Khola to the desolate mountainside. The trail leaves the elevated ridge (Khom La) at over 4500 meters and descends steeply to Komash Village, a settlement that resembles a Tibetan village. At Komash, spend the night in tents.

  • Day 19 - Sep 09: Khoma village to Shimen (3885m) 5hrs

    We might see some threatened species on our trip from Komash village, such as the snow leopard or the blue sheep. We travel by a number of tiny communities. The surroundings are covered in highland deserts with sparse shrub-like flora. Shimen La (4260m) is a tiny pass on the path. We reach Shimen after a leisurely hike of approximately five hours. Spend the night in Shimen's tented campers.

  • Day 20 - Sep 10: Shimen to Tinje (4110m) 5hrs

    Currently, the trail follows Panjyang Khola's side. On the route to Tinje, there are some settlements and gompas. Tinje is a stunning valley. Where a British aircraft once landed and took off, there is a natural airstrip.

  • Day 21 - Sep 11: Tinje to Yak Kharka (4500m) 5/6hrs

    We hike to Yak Kharka, an open grazing area for yaks and sheep, from the settlement of Tinje. Yak Kharka's grassy meadow is a great place to set camp.

  • Day 22 - Sep 12: Yak Kharka to Chharka (4302m) 5/6 hrs

    We travel toward Chharka from Yak Kharka. We arrive in Chharka after traversing the Mola pass (5030 m). In Chharka, we can visit a lovely village and the Bon Monastery.

  • Day 23 - Sep 13: Chharka to Norbulung/Nulungsumda (4987m) 6/7hrs

    Today's path traverses a dry highland. On the route, there are various hills to climb. We hike up to Norbulung and set up camp for the night there.

  • Day 24 - Sep 14: Nulungsumda/Norbulung to Ghalden Ghuldum (4247m) crossing the Jungbenla (5550m) and Niwarla (5120m) passes (7 hrs)

    From Nulungsumda, an ascent trail leads to the Niwas La pass. After passing through the pass, we continue on the trail in the direction of another pass, Jungbenla, after which the trail descends to Ghaldang Ghuldung, where we spend the night.

  • Day 25 - Sep 15: Ghalden Ghuldum to Santa (3777m) 5/6 hrs

    Today's trek has numerous ascents and descents before arriving at the settlement of Santa

  • Day 26 - Sep 16: Santa to Phalyak (3175 m) 5hrs

    We ascend the hill behind Santa and spend the majority of the day on a difficult traverse, passing over nine ridges to reach the summit. We then make our way down to the sizable settlement of Phalek by passing beneath tall cliffs in the Kali Gandaki valley.

  • Day 27 - Sep 17: Phalyak to Jomsom (2720) m 4hrs

    We go to a ridge at 3360 meters before descending to Jomsom, which is at 2670 meters, over a difficult track of loose rocks. Jomsom is another well-known tourist destination.

  • Day 28 - Sep 18: Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.

    Today, we take flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu. You will be picked up by our representative and transported to the hotel from Kathmandu airport.

  • Day 29 - Sep 19: Buffer day

  • Day 30 - Sep 20: Departure

    After your trip to Nepal is over, you will fly home, and we will bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you back in Nepal soon.

Price Includes

services provided during the trek. Trekking guide, Cook, Kitchen Boys, mule rider, Staff Insurance
  • Transportation:
Porters or Mules
  • Trekking equipment:
member tents, mattresses,  Kitchen tent, Toilet tents, Bedding Bags,  and other necessary equipment.
  • Food: Three times meals ( Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)type of different items
  • Drink: Tea, Coffee, hot chocolate, and Tang juice with light snacks biscuits cookies, etc.
  • Domestic flights: KTM- KEP- DOP, JOM- PKR-KTM 
  • Trekking permits: Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo, ACAP and, National Park

Price Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee and International flight
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgnuj
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • It doesn’t include a pillow and sleeping bag
  • Personal gears
  • Payment for extra weights at the airport (more than 15 kg)
  • Additional nights at Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters,
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
  • What’s not included in the includes

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