Shey Gompa & the Inner Dolpo Camping Trek, 26 Days
The region of western Nepal has only been open since 1988, and has been widely acclaimed as one of Nepal's best trekking regions. We have previously organized many different treks in the area and in 1997 we retraced the core elements of Peter Matthiessen's journey, made famous in his book “The Snow Leopard”. It is one of the more challenging treks which allow you to explore the remote and sparsely populated areas of Nepal. Dolpo is where the movie 'Himalaya' way shot by Eric Valli. First we fly to Juphal, west of Dhaulagiri, Trekking north we enter Phoksundo National Park and after a rest continuous on Matthiessen's original trail, crossing the Khang La 17320ft/5279m, to reach the very remote monastery of Shey Gompa. On the way we pass the mystical crystal mountain. In Matthiessen's world's … “high to the west a white pyramid sails on the sky”. Shey Gompa was established in the eleventh century and little has changed here since then. This is a special trek in one of Nepal's restricted areas and as such we have to pay the same levels of permit fees as for Mustang. However it is ideal for the keen walker who would like a wild experience away from the main trekking routs.
Itinerary in details
Day 1; Arrive Kathmandu. We are met by our guide or SNFT representative and transfer to the group in hotel. Welcome drink and short briefing about trek, relax.
Day 2; Morning free. Afternoon flight to Nepalgunj and transfer to group in hotel.
Day 3; Morning flight to Jhupal in Lower Dolpo and trek easily along the Thulo Bheri river to Dunai. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 4; We start the trek to Inner Dolpo following the Suli Gaad river north to Chepka (2670m/8760ft.). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 5; Continue along the river through a steep sided gorge to reach Renje and our overnight halt at 3010m/9876ft. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 6; Following the Phoksumdo Khola through more ravines we enter the National Park before crossing a ridge and descending to Ringmo and Phoksumdo Lake (3620m/11,877ft.). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 7; A day for acclimatistion at the lake. There are opportunities fior day hikes here and a visit to Ringmo is highly recommended. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 8; We continue north on an exciting trail above the lake, and ascend the valley beyond to reach Chunembra (3639m/11,910ft.). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 9; Leaving the main valley we follow the route of Peter Matthiessen heading north up a narrow trackless valley to 'Snowfields' camp at around 4400m/14,400ft. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 10; Today we cross the Kang La (5375m/17,635ft.) and descend to Inner Dolpo. We follow the winding river valley to Shey Gompa and set up camp close to the monastery. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 11; A rest day. There is much to do and see here. Besides Shey Gompa itself, a visit to Tsa Kang monastery is perched on a ledge of a cliff-face, is highly recommended. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 12; Turning east we cross the Shey La pass with tremendous views of Tibet and Mustang and descend to pastures at Namgung (4430m/14,535ft.). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 13; A morning's easy trekking to the major Inner Dolpo settlement of Saldang. The afternoon is free to explore the village, a true insight into the ways of Dolpo. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 14; Heading south now we follow the river to Sibu. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 15; An easy start following the river, then a climb to a grazing area below the Jeng La (ca.4600m/15,000ft). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 16; Today we cross the Jeng La (5110m/16,766ft.) and descend to the Tarap Valley where we camp close to the monastery at Tokyu (4180m/13,715ft). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 17; Descend the upper Tarap valley to Dho (4080m/13,386ft.) where we set up camp close to this picturesque Dolpo village. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 18; Contingency day. This is a spare day in case we have encountered any difficulties with our trekking schedule. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 19; We cross and re-cross the Tarap Chu on a variety of bridges old and new to reach grassy meadows where we make camp (ca.3500m/11,484ft.). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 20; An interesting day of trekking through gorges of the Tarap Chu to Kanigaon (2540m/8333ft). Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 21; Descend following the river to Tarakot. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 22; We complete our trekking circuit today following the Thulo Bheri river to Dunai. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 23; A pleasant walk beside the river and a last climb to reach the airstrip at Jhupal. Stay overnight at tented Camp.
Day 24; Fly via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu where we check into our hotel.
Day 25; A free day in Kathmandu. Optional city tour. The group's final evening together. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 26; Depending on flight schedules the morning is free. Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the homeward flight.
Our Tour Package Includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at Standard hotel in Kathmandu.
* Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
* 22 nights camping accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and 1 helper, 1 sherpa (tents), porters (1 porter for 2
peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
* Trekking camping equipments (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
* All domestic flights and airport tax.
* Dolpo Restricted Area permit.
* All necessary permits.
* All transportation by private car.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Tourist service charge,
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.
Our Tour Package doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and
strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Nepal Family Trekking & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
Grade:
(Strenuous) [ Explain ]
Price
USD
EUR
SFr
USD
EUR
SFr
4,166.00
3,332.80
3,787.27
Trip Dates
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TOUR CANCELLATION:
There will be a cancellation fee of 25% for any cancellation three weeks prior to Tour departure date, 50% two weeks prior to Tour departure date and no refund thereafter. No refund for no shows & delay arrivals whatsoever reason.