Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek

Best Time

The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is in the rain-shadow area, which is why the climate is unique. The most suitable seasons for the trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

The time is ideal in spring, in the Dolpo valley, where wildflowers bloom, days are mild, and the high valleys are mostly covered by snow, thus making the Dolpo valley ideal to execute the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek. Autumn weather is cool, has clear skies, and the Himalayas are well visible to improve the trekking experience.

Summer (June-August) can also be considered, since Dolpo does not get much rain; the routes are less green, and the number of trekkers is also less, but the slopes can be muddy.

The period during winter (December-February) is ruthless, with the cold weather being extremely cold and lots of snowfall. Trekking through the Dolpo Shey Gompa Upper Valley is highly difficult.

The Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is also unpredictable in terms of mountain weather throughout the year. It is usually hot and sunny during the day, windy in the afternoon, and cold at night, with temperatures above 4,000 meters that can drop below -10 °C.

Multitasking outfits are necessary to deal with such conditions, and hikers are to check the local predictions daily. The action of being prepared will guarantee a pleasant trip via the desolate, alpine terrain of the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, no matter the time of the year.

Trek Difficulty

The Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is ranked among the most difficult high-altitude treks in Nepal. The trekkers are exposed to lengthy days of hiking, usually 5-7 hours through jagged mountain ranges, steep hiking trails, gorges, and narrow cliff trails.

Several passes are above 5,000 meters, including Kang La and Jeng La, across which there is thin air, which contributes to the physical strain.

Previous experience in trekking at high altitudes is highly demanded, and sufficient cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength of the legs are also required. Camping in remote regions, where the facilities are simple, further increases the adventure and challenge.

The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek adventure involves being mentally strong since the area is remote and there is a lack of routes to get out. The itinerary will be provided to enable safe adjustment of the trekkers through the aid of acclimatisation days, as well as gradual ascents.

Even seasoned trekkers are not spared by stream crossings, rocky footing, and a little snow or ice now and then. The trek is not impossible with sufficient preparation, such as uphill hikes, jogging, and strength exercises before the trek, and under the supervision of a team of experienced trek guides.

Although the trek has been completed by first-time trekkers who are very fit, the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is typically designed to attract individuals who have tried high-altitude trekking before and want to make a memorable experience in some of the furthest parts of the Himalayas.

Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

The Ultimate Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek followed a large portion of its trail past the altitude of 3,000 – 3,500 m, and thus, altitude sickness (AMS) became a matter of concern. The itinerary will be fully planned in order to ensure maximum acclimatization, and you will rest at Phoksundo Lake (~3,611m) and Shey Gompa (~4,320m) so that your body can adapt.

The daily ascents are moderate to avoid an abrupt increase in elevation. Some of the common mild symptoms are headache, fatigue, insomnia, and shortness of breath. It is necessary to inform your guide in case such instances happen.

To avoid AMS in the Dolpo Shey Gompa Upper Dolpo Trek, adopt gradual and consistent movement, take 3-4 litres of water per day, and avoid alcoholism or smoking. Other trekkers take Diamox (acetazolamide) with the physician’s advice.

It has guides who come with first aid kits and are trained to recognise and manage symptoms of AMS. In case of serious symptoms like intense headache, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it is very important to go down as quickly as possible.

The trek is quite remote, and thus, the evacuation is possible but weather-dependent and expensive. Therefore, prevention is an important factor. The majority of trekkers acclimatise successfully using the plan.

By listening to your body and getting rest when you need it, you are guaranteed a safe and enjoyable trek on the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, being able to fully experience the breathtaking Himalayan sceneries and the cultural diversity.

Food and drinks

When undertaking the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, Trekkers receive three meals per day in order to sustain them through the days of long hours in the backcountry.

In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, food is served in hotels or restaurants that serve different types of cuisine. Meals during the trek are less complicated but still hearty, providing you with the energy needed to carry on with the trek.

In the country lodges and teahouses, you can have Nepali favourites, such as dal bhat (rice and lentil soup with vegetables), noodles, buckwheat pancakes, potatoes, and, in some places, Tibetan bread or eggs as breakfast.

Boiled potatoes with curry, fried rice, or instant noodles with vegetables are also common as lunches. Drinks are served at night, such as soups, stews, and momos (dumplings), and, occasionally, cheese or canned meat.

Being vegetarian is not very difficult to organize, as most of the Dolpo food is vegetarian. Boiled or filtered water, tea, coffee, or hot lemon drinks are served as drinks at the camps. Trekkers need to have a filter bottle or purifier pills and must not drink untreated river water. Alcohol is not recommended because it increases symptoms of dehydration and altitude.

Our group takes care of all the nutritious and safe food they consume throughout the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, but you can carry snacks or energy bars as additional sources of energy when trekking.

Visa and Permits

In the case of the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, tourists should have a Nepal Tourist Visa and special trekking permission. The majority of visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport with passport photos and the corresponding fee of 15, 30, or 90 days.

More than this, the trek goes into an area that is restricted, and it is necessary to obtain the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit. This permit will now cost approximately USD $ 500 on the initial 10 days and approximately USD 50 on the extra days per person, which will be compulsory for all trekkers in the 21-day Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek.

There is also a need to have a Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (approximately NPR 3,000 or USD $25). Similar to the other treks, one is not required to use a TIMS card, since a restricted permit and licensed trekking agency present the tracking. Individual walkers are required to either walk with a group or pay the phantom second-person fee to comply with the requirements.

Guiding services must be done using licensed guides, and Morning Star Treks takes care of all the documents, where the police or army need to be registered at the gates, like Dunai and Phoksundo. All you need to do is send copies of passports, photos, and visa information beforehand.

You are free to enjoy the excellent scenery and culture of the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek without worrying about being on time and validating permits.

Health and safety

Your health and safety are at the top priority list during the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek. Morning Star Treks offers a professional guide with wilderness first aid and altitude awareness training, who will be carrying a first aid kit in case of minor ailments such as headaches, cuts, or other light symptoms of altitude. Personal medicines, blister care, and pain relievers should be brought in by trekkers.

In Dolpo, the health care facilities are very minuscule, and the closest clinics are in Dunai or Dho Tarap, so prevention is necessary. The water is always boiled or filtered to supply good drinking water, and food is well-cooked to prevent food-borne diseases.

The guides lead trekkers on difficult routes, foot trails, and daily activities. The attraction is taken at a slow rate to avoid overstrain.

In the event of the necessity of emergency evacuation by helicopter, it is essential to be insured in terms of altitude trekking. In remote regions, it is aided by local and satellite telephones.
Climatic conditions are particularly observed over high places passed only be passed when the weather is favorable, and itineraries can be changed to suit the passing.

Dolpo is a very safe place as far as crime is concerned; the locals are honest and helpful. Dangers on the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek are mostly natural; they include altitude, harsh weather resistance, and rugged terrain. A secure and fun trekking experience is achieved by being prepared, guided, and insured.

Language & Communication

The Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is an adventure into remote Nepal villages with their own unique languages and ways of life. The official language of Nepal is Nepali, and both your guide and crew are conversant in English and Nepali.

In Dolpo, people mostly use a Tibetan dialect, which is commonly referred to as the Dolpo-pa language, as they are very much related to Tibetan culture.

They speak a different language from normal Nepali, but your guide will translate wherever you want to communicate. It is pleasant and can be welcomed to learn a few Nepali greetings, which include “Namaste,” or simple Tibetan expressions.

The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek has very limited communication with the outside world. The mobile networks are patchy towards Juphal or Dunai, but when you get into the mountains, you cannot access the coverage.

Internet cafes or Wi-Fi hotspots are not available on the way or anywhere in Dho Tarap and Saldang. It is a great opportunity that trekkers can utilise to disconnect and get to know nature and the local culture quite well. The team has a satellite phone in case of emergencies.

The families are to be told that communication can be shut down for approximately two weeks. Connection again is made possible after getting back to Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.

Being an isolated place with language barriers, our crew provides the flow of information without disruptions, and the warmth and hospitality of the Dolpo-pa people make the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek a highly human and memorable experience.

Don’ts on this trek

When doing the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek, it is necessary to respect the local culture, religion, and the environment. Do not disrespect monasteries, gompas, and chortens: take off your shoes, keep quiet, and make a clockwise walk around stupas and prayer wheels.

Always take permission before capturing pictures in monasteries or sacred activities, and always ask people, especially the elders or monks, before taking pictures of villagers. Wear long clothes in villages, and cover shoulders and knees with clothes, but a trail outfit may be more relaxed.

No littering, collect all rubbish till it can be disposed of in a proper way. Alternatively, avoid a single use of plastics, which are difficult to manage in Dolpo, and go with refillable water bottles instead.

Do not disrupt wildlife (bluesheep, marmots, etc.) or fish or hunt in the national park: it is against the local tradition and sacred practices. You should never go out on the high passes or at night alone, and it is essential to always remain with the group and notify guides before leaving the camps.

Do not give children money or sweets. Contribute to the local schools or health posts with your guide (or not), should you feel the inclination to do so.

Adhering to these don’ts will see you become a responsible traveller who will leave Dolpo with its unique culture, sacred traditions, and pristine environment to be enjoyed by future generations. The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is an ethical adventure, a safe, and memorable experience that has become this thanks to respect and mindfulness.

Photography & Drone Rules

The Trek of the Dolpo Shey Gompa Upper is spectacular and ideal for taking photos. You will be able to take the turquoise water of Phoksando lake, pass covered with prayer flags, and the Himalayan ranges.

Nevertheless, one should seek permission when taking pictures of natives or places of worship. A good number of Dolpo-pa are timid but receptive to kind demands. Religious rituals and monasteries might prohibit photography or flash- take orders of monks to adhere to the conventions.

In Nepal, the use of drones is strictly regulated. Special permissions to fly a drone in limited governments or national parks, such as Dolpo, need special permits from the Civil Aviation Authority and the park authorities.

The illegal drones may also cause disturbances to livestock, offence to residents, and penalties or seizure. Regions around the Tibetan border are particularly sensitive, and thus, we highly recommend against carrying drones unless all the licenses are obtained.

Normal cameras or smartphones suffice for most trekkers. Bring along spare batteries and carry spare memory cards, as no one sells them there in Dolpo. Take whatever pleases; however, observe and act well when near individuals and places of worship.

It is observable that by these guidelines, your experience with photography on the Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek will remain safe, respectful, and rewarding so that you can leave some memories in mind without interfering with the local culture and the environment.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is a memorable introduction to the Himalayan wilderness, whether it is your first one to explore the Himalayas.

Physical preparation is key. Being in good shape, cardio training, hiking with a backpack, and walking in hilly areas are all necessary. Trekking fitness will make sure that you wake up to each and every day without causing unnecessary fatigue.

You should take in a pair of worn trekking shoes, a variety of different outfits depending on the season, a nice sleeping bag (at least -15 °C or even below), and a down jacket in the cold seasons.

It is better to keep your daypack light, with water, snacks, a camera, and a jacket. Porters can carry your heavier stuff, but there is a flight-to-flight limit on weight.

Dolpo is a remote location, and as such, flights are prone to delay and have a tendency to change. Make it a slow ride, have fun on the way, and laugh at it.

Wear enough clothes and keep yourself dry. Take lots of water, wear a hat, sunscreen, and glasses.

Engage with local culture. Get to know how to say greetings such as Tashi Delek, taste yak butter tea or chang, and know how to deal with villagers in a better way.

Respect the environment. Waste your garbage and adopt biodegradable goods.

Lastly, relax and explore the scenery, nature, and peaceful monasteries. These tips would make your Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek safe, culture-rich, and filled with immense rewards that will stay with you forever.