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The Shey Gompa festival is a grand and significant celebration that takes place once every 12 years in the remote region of Dolpa, Nepal. This festival holds immense cultural and religious importance for the local people and draws pilgrims and visitors from far and wide.
Dolpo is a secluded and picturesque valley nestled in the Himalayan mountains, known for its rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Shey Gompa, also known as Shey Monastery, is one of the most revered monasteries in the region and serves as the focal point for the festival. The festival is celebrated in honor of The ritual of Kora (circumambulating) the Holy Crystal Mountain was instituted by an ascetic from Tibet by the name of Drupthop Singhe Yeshi, who, according to mythology, rode a snow lion to triumph over the evil spirits and demons of Crystal Mountain ( Shey-Rivo Drukta). Drupthop Singye Yeshi is believed to have meditated in the caves surrounding Shey Gompa, bestowing blessings and enlightenment upon the land and its people.
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 festival starts on the 1st of September 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 of September is the new moon and is the main day and most auspicious day. On this day early morning people circumambulate (Kora) to Crystal Mountain with a 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. There will be Phowa (transference of consciousness) in the evening by His Holiness Kyaje Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche.
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.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 - Aug 19:Arrival in Kathmandu - 1350m
- Day 2 - Aug 20:Fly out from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj - 140m (50mins)
- Day 3 - Aug 21:Fly out from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai - (2150m) 3hrs
- Day 4- Aug 22:Dunai to Tarakot (2540m)/ 5-6 hrs Trek
- Day 5 - Aug 23:Tarakot to Laini Odar (3375m)/ 5-6hrs Trek
- Day 6 - Aug 24:Laini Odar to Nawarpani
- Day 7 - Aug 25:Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3950m)/ 5 - 6 hrs Trek
- Day 8 - Aug 26:Dho Tarap to Jyanta la B.C (4542m) 6/7hrs
- Day 09 - Aug 27:Jyanta la B.C to Yak Kharka (4160m) 5/6hrs
- Day 10 - Aug 28:Yak Kharka to Cha Gaon (3840m) 5/6hrs
- Day 11 - Aug 29:Cha Gaon to Saldang (3770m) 3/4hrs
- Day 12 - Aug 30:Saldang to Namgung Gomba (4360m) 3/4hrs
- Day 13 - Aug 31:Namgung to Shey Gomba via crossing Sela Pass (4343m) 7/8hrs
- Day 14 - Sep 01:1st day of Festival (Opening Ceremony)
- Day 15 - Sep 02:2nd day of Festival - New Moon (Crystal Mountain Kora)
- Day 16 - Sep 03:3rd day of Festival
- Day 17 - Sep 04:4th Day the closing ceremony
- Day 18 - Sep 05:Shey Gomba to Nandala H.C (Kangla) via Crossing Nandala Pass (4500m) 6/7hrs
- Day 19 - Sep 06:Nandala H.C to Sallaghari (3594) 5/6hrs
- Day 20 - Sep 07:Sallaghari to Phoksundo (3640m) 5/6hrs
- Day 21 - Sep 08:Phoksundo to Chhepka (2720m) 5/6hrs
- Day 22 - Sep 09:Chhepka to Juphal (2475m) 5/6hrs
- Day 23 - Sep 10:Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (13450m)
- Day 24 - Sep 11:Buffer Day
- Day 25 - Sep 12:Departure
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Day 01 - Aug 19: Arrival in Kathmandu - 1350m
Arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will be waiting you at arrival lobby hall with sign board of Explore Dolpo Treks & Expedition with your or group name on it. He will help you for your transfer to the hotel.
He / She will assist you while doing the check in at hotel and process with the further procedure. You could visit our office for the tour registration and have a briefing of the trek before hand.
Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel and prepare for the trek for the last time and do the check list of what you were suppose to take are there or not. -
Day 2 - Aug 20: Fly out from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj - 140m (50mins)
Have breakfast at the hotel and prepared yourself for the domestic flight. Morning you will have free time to immerse yourself with preparation and our colleague will prepared for the permit and all the necessary paperwork before noon.
After lunch, you will transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport at the domestic terminal for your first domestic flight to Nepalgunj. The duration of flight will be approximately 55 mins from Kathmandu.
On your arrival at Nepalgunj, our guide will lead you to the arrival hall and help you with collecting your baggage. Once you have collect the baggage, A car, jeep, or Haice depends on size of the group will be waiting to help with transfer to the hotel.
Guide will help with check in at hotel and get refresh. Have your dinner by yourself, if you want to invite the guide for the dinner let him know beforehand. Be mindful for the early wake up for the next domestic flight to Juphal (Dolpo Airport).
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Day 3 - Aug 21: Fly out from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai - (2150m) 3hrs
Wake up call from reception of the hotel and you will have quicktime for freshen up. Right after, you will have to walk to the lobby with all your belongings.
Your guide will lead you for the airport around 5AM with packed breakfast and help you with security check. After that, you can enjoy the breakfast at airport cafe.
Perhaps the guide will get the boarding pass for that you have to give your passport to him. So that you don't have to line up.
Once the boarding pass is collected and baggage are lifted, you will called for the final boarding for the flight and do the security check and enter the departure hall and wait for the flight.
The flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) is approximately 35 minutes
On your arrival at Juphal, your guide will do the entry of your permit and identification. You will meet the rest of crew member there. There you will need to packed all your belongings in one duffel bag and prepare the day bag packed with all the emergency supplies.
You will be hiking through the picturesque landscape of Juphal and the trail lead you through Dhangi Bada village. You will be hiking downhill and meet the road to the Dunai. You will be hiking on the right side of of Thuli Bheri river which is considered one of the fast flowing river of Nepal.
After hiking 3 to 4 hours, you will enter the amazing settlement which is know as center of trade for the Dolpo so called Dunai. You will reach to the camp via walking though the market of Duani.
All the Kitchen team will be ready to welcome you with freshen up drinks and hearty lunch at the camp. Have lunch and settle down in the tent with all your belongings.
Make sure to take a look at your belongings to ensure that all your stuff are there.
Afternoon, you can do some sightseeing within the market and visit the Stupa and Gompa on the other side of the Thuli Bheri river.
Overnight at Dunai. Be mindful of hiking for the following day
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Day 4- Aug 22: Dunai to Tarakot (2540m)/ 5-6 hrs Trek
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
Have hearty breakfast and be mindful of hike though the dry landscape of Thuli Bheri river. You will cross several bridges along the day and spot several mules and mules driver as they are considered the only mode of transport for most part of the Dolpo.
You will take a break for the Lunch at peaceful and suitable place by the kitchen team and guide for the lunch. (Byasgad) will be the place for your lunch. Enjoy the hearty lunch prepared by the cook and take a break for sometime for the digest.
The trail is gradual and you will have a easy day and considering that, this is the first day of hiking in the dry landscape.
After a while, resume the trek towards the Tarakot. You will have the wonderful campsite within the narrow valley for the night with the view of several villages within the Kaikai Rural Municipality.
Overnight there and immerse yourself of whole day hikes and mindful of next day.
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Day 5 - Aug 23: Tarakot to Laini Odar (3375m)/ 5-6hrs Trek
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
Have a hearty breakfast at the camp and prepared yourself mentally. You will start the hike gradually and the trail leads you gradual uphill some part of the day and downhill at somepart. On this day you will be hiking through the subalpine zone forest. The experience will be totally different.
You will experience the wonderful sight of Tarap river along the trail. It will keep you freshen up while you were hiking.
The guide and kitchen team will find the suitable place for the hearty lunch before the final destination.
You will resume the trek after the lunch and reach to the final destination after the few hours of walk after the lunch.
Overnight camp at Laini Odar next to the river bank. You will have lovely campsite.
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Day 6 - Aug 24: Laini Odar to Nawarpani
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
Have a hearty breakfast at the camp and prepared yourself mentally. You will start the hike gradually and the trail leads you gradual uphill some part of the day and downhill at somepart. On this day you will be hiking through the subalpine zone forest. The trail will force you to immerse yourself in the beauty of it's structure of formation.
Your guide and kitchen team will find a suitable place for the lunch. Immerse yourself with the amazing landscape while have a lunch. After the lunch, resume your trek towards the Nawarpani.
The trial will offer you the experience of being in remoteness at some point. You will be totally out of connection of service for this day.
Reach to the final destination and settle down your belongings in the tent and prepare your bed. Free time for relaxation and if you have any issue with altitude sickness symptoms, kindly inform the guide.
Overnight at Nawarpani and be mindful of reaching Dho Tarap in the following day.
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Day 7 - Aug 25: Nawarpani to Dho Tarap (3950m)/ 5 - 6 hrs Trek
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
Have a hearty breakfast at the camp and prepared yourself mentally. You will start the hike gradual uphill for first few hours and then, it's a gradual walk which is considered as the easiest trail of the day.
Make sure you have sufficient drinking water for the day. You will experience the beautiful sound of the Trap Khola.
You will be hiking in real dry desert part of the Dolpo. There might be possibilities of spotting some chinese bike along the hike.
Dho Tarap is considered as the hidden gem of the Dolpo as most of the trader lives there due to the facilities they get from the structure of the landscape over there.
Reach to the camp and rest to boost your energy back in your body for the following days.
You will experience the wider range of the view from there. The landscape of this village is absolutely stunning.
Overnight at Dho Tarap and prepared for the following days exploration.
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Day 8 - Aug 26: Dho Tarap to Jyanta la B.C (4542m) 6/7hrs
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
You will be hiking through the pasture land along the day on gradually gaining of elevation.
Your guide & kitchen team will find the suitable place for the lunch break along the trail. Enjoy the hearty lunch and immerse into the stunning picturesque landscape of Lower Dolpo.
Resume the trek towards the Jayanta La B.C after the lunch. You will now experience the the dry landscape.
Make sure you share difficulties during the hike with your guide. It is very essential to discuss so that you will have better experience of being there.
Overnight at Jyantala B.C and be mindful of following day hike.
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Day 09 - Aug 27: Jyanta la B.C to Yak Kharka (4160m) 5/6hrs
You will served the wake up tea by the sherpa (Assistant guide). Right Away have your washing bowl for the cleaning. Once you are done with hygen, you will need to do all the packing of your belongings for the mules.
Enjoy the hearty breakfast with the wider range picturesques landscape. Assistant guide (Sherpa) will take a look at your tent and dismash the tent and packed for the mules.
Make sure you have sufficient supplies of drinking water for the day and packed all the necessary supplies for the day.
Once you are done with breakfast, you will start the day with gradual uphill.
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Day 10 - Aug 28: Yak Kharka to Cha Gaon (3840m) 5/6hrs
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Day 11 - Aug 29: Cha Gaon to Saldang (3770m) 3/4hrs
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Day 12 - Aug 30: Saldang to Namgung Gomba (4360m) 3/4hrs
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Day 13 - Aug 31: Namgung to Shey Gomba via crossing Sela Pass (4343m) 7/8hrs
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Day 14 - Sep 01: 1st day of Festival (Opening Ceremony)
1st Day- September 01st 2024- Opening Ceremony of the 67th Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival 2024 in the presence of Chief Guest Rt.honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal- Prachanda, Special Guests and other guests. The opening ceremony will further go on with ritual and cultural events.
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Day 15 - Sep 02: 2nd day of Festival - New Moon (Crystal Mountain Kora)
2nd Day- September 2nd 2024 - Circumambulation(KORA) of the Shelri Dugdra(Crystal Mountain ) in the morning, His Holiness Kyaje Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche will perform Phowa( Transference of Consciousness) in the evening.
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Day 16 - Sep 03: 3rd day of Festival
3rd Say- September 3rd 2024 - His Eminent Kyapje Menri Ponlop Rinpoche and H.E. Kyabje Gyangkhang Khentul Rinpoche lead the ritual events, teachings and sermons. Afternoon, cultural and religious events, Amchi and Doctors will conduct medical camps, Horse Race, Archery and others make the event more colorful.
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Day 17 - 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.
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Day 18 - Sep 05: Shey Gomba to Nandala H.C (Kangla) via Crossing Nandala Pass (4500m) 6/7hrs
Start your day early in Shey gompa. Have a nutritious breakfast and ensure you have all the necessary supplies for the day. Begin your trek from Shey Gompa, following the trail that leads towards Nangdala H.C. The trail may involve ascending and little bit of descending sections as you traverse the rugged terrain and scenic landscapes.
Maintain a steady pace, and take short breaks whenever needed to rest and hydrate. Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you and take in the panoramic views of the mountains. Find a suitable spot around midday for a rest and enjoy a packed lunch. Take time to refuel, relax, and soak in the serenity of the mountains. Ensure you stay hydrated and take into account the weather conditions. Resume your trek after the midday break, continuing towards Nangdala H.C. Embrace the changing vistas and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Arrival at Nangdala H.C. (Approximately 4,600m/15,091ft) A high-altitude camping site in the Himalayas, in the late afternoon or early evening. Set up your camping equipment and take in the breathtaking views that surround you. Spend some time exploring the area and absorbing the peaceful ambiance. Take photographs, relax, and appreciate the solitude of the mountains. Early dinner, off to bed. -
Day 19 - Sep 06: Nandala H.C to Sallaghari (3594) 5/6hrs
Start your day early at Nangdala H.C. Have a hearty breakfast and ensuring you have all the essential supplies for the day. Begin your trek from Nangdala H.C., following the trail that leads towards Sallaghari via Nangdala Pass. The trail may involve steep ascents, rocky terrain, and possible exposure to the elements. Pace yourself and take regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching Nangdala Pass, take a moment to celebrate your achievement and marvel at the panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Capture the incredible scenery and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
Begin your descent from Nangdala Pass towards Sallaghari. The trail will lead you through a mix of steep descents and more gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views as you make your way down. Find a suitable spot around midday for a rest and have a packed lunch. Take time to refuel, relax, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Keep an eye on the weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly. Continue the trek towards Sallaghari. Take caution while descending, especially on rocky or uneven terrain. Use trekking poles for stability and maintain a controlled pace. Take time to explore the area, set up your campsite, or find suitable accommodation if available. Enjoy the serene ambiance and soak in the natural surroundings.
Setup the camp, enjoy the tea or coffee. Our kitchen team will be cooking dinner. Early dinner and off for sleep. -
Day 20 - Sep 07: Sallaghari to Phoksundo (3640m) 5/6hrs
Start your day early at Sallaghari. Have a nourishing breakfast and ensure you have all the necessary supplies for the day. Begin your trek from Sallaghari, following the trail that leads towards Phoksundo Lakeside Village. The trail may involve a combination of ascents, descents, and traversing through diverse landscapes. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings, including lush forests, rugged terrain, and panoramic views of the mountains. Find a suitable spot around midday for a rest and enjoy a packed lunch. Take time to refuel, relax, and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. Consider the weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.
Resume your trek after the midday break, continuing towards Phoksundo Lakeside Village. Follow the trail, keeping an eye out for trail markers and signs indicating the direction to the village. Arrive at Phoksundo Lakeside Village in the late afternoon or early evening. Phoksundo is renowned for its stunning turquoise lake and traditional Tibetan-style houses. Take some time to explore the village, interact with the locals, and appreciate the unique culture and architecture. Enjoy the serene ambiance and the views of the surrounding mountains. Our team will set up camp at lakeside. Enjoy the embracing the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on the day's trekking experience. Enjoy the dinner and early off for sleep. -
Day 21 - Sep 08: Phoksundo to Chhepka (2720m) 5/6hrs
Start your day early in Rigmo. Have a hearty breakfast and make sure you have all the necessary supplies for the day. Begin your trek from Rigmo Village, following the trail that leads towards Chhepka Village. The trail may involve a mix of ascents, descents, and traversing through diverse landscapes. Enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you, including picturesque valleys, meandering rivers, and traditional villages along the way. Lunch at a suitable spot village called Rechi. Take time to
refuel, relax, and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. Consider the weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly. Resume your trek after the midday break, continuing towards Chhepka Village. Follow the well-marked trail, keeping an eye out for signs indicating the direction to the village. Arrive at Chhepka Village in the late afternoon or early evening. Chhepka is a charming traditional village nestled amidst the mountains and is known for its warm hospitality. Our team will settle down the camp in the middle of village so you have stunning view of village at night. They will start cooking. Take some time to explore the village, interact with the friendly locals, and appreciate the unique culture and architecture. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this remote Himalayan village. Early dinner with warm ambiance of the small village. Early, off to bed. -
Day 22 - Sep 09: Chhepka to Juphal (2475m) 5/6hrs
Start your day early in Chhepka Village. Have a hearty breakfast and ensure you have all your belongings ready for the journey. Begin your trek from Chhepka Village towards Suligad Ghat. Follow the trail that leads you through scenic landscapes, crossing rivers and forests. Enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and keep an eye out for wildlife and bird species that may inhabit the area. Reach Suligad Ghat, which is located on the banks of a Beri river. This is the point where you will transition from trekking to a jeep ride. Take a break to rest, refresh, and prepare for the jeep ride. Board a jeep at Suligad Ghat and embark on a scenic drive towards Jhupal. The journey will take you through picturesque landscapes, passing through villages and valleys. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. Reach Jhupal, a small town located in the Dolpa district. This serves as the gateway to the remote Dolpo region of Nepal. Take some time to explore Jhupal, visit the local markets, and soak in the atmosphere of this Himalayan town.
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Day 23 - Sep 10: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (13450m)
Early wake up, arrive to the Jhupal airport and check-in for your flight. Board the flight to Nepalgunj, which is closest major city with an airport. The flight will take you to Nepalgunj in 35 minutes. Arrive Nepalgunj, procced to the domestic terminal and complete any necessary transfer procedures. Take a time to rest, grab some snack, or explore the facilities while waiting for connecting flight. Check-in for your connecting flight to Kathmandu. Board the flight and enjoy the stunning view as you make your way back to the capital city Kathmandu. The flight duration will be 1hour approximately. Arrive at airport in Kathmandu, receive your luggage and exit the airport. Our personal driver will drive you to the hotel and free time afterwards.
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Day 24 - Sep 11: Buffer Day
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Day 25 - Sep 12: Departure
Price Includes
services provided during the trek.- 3-star Hotel night in Nepalgunj and Kathmandu on a BB basis. Airport pick-up and drop
- 1 night at Nepalgunj https://nepalgunj.siddharthahospitality.com/
- 2 nights at Kathmandu: http://www.pemaboutiquehotel.com/
- Crew members:
- Transportation:
- Trekking 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, DOP- KEP-KTM
- Trekking permits: Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo, 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
Booking Form
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If you wish to discuss any aspect of our trips for your suitability, please contact us by Telephone or Email.
- Baudha - 6, Kathmandu, Nepal
- 98510 25066, 9801025066, 977-4481831, 977-4482308
- enquiry@exploredolpotrekking.com, raju@exploredolpotrekking.com, jitendrajhakri@exploredolpotrekking.com
- PO BOX No 20734