What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for first 10 days, USD 50 per additional day), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5360m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Upper Dolpo Itineraries Shey Gompa Time Guide.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes, Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Lower Dolpo Trek Camping Gear.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for first 10 days, USD 50 per additional day), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 5360m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Upper Dolpo Itineraries Shey Gompa Time Guide.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes, Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Lower Dolpo Trek Camping Gear.

Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 8
Maximum Altitude
5360
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May), Summer (June to September - rain shadow region), and Autumn (October to November) all offer good trekking. Summer monsoon months are ideal as these regions lie in the Himalayan rain shadow. Winter (December to February) is extremely cold with snow-blocked passes.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for first 10 days, USD 50 per additional day), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card.
Destinations
Dolpo Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude, Wilderness Camping
Difficulty
Hard

Map

The Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is a 24-day hard-grade wilderness trek to the ancient Shey Gompa monastery and the sacred Crystal Mountain in Nepal’s most remote region. Made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard, Upper Dolpo is one of the last enclaves of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, Bon (pre-Buddhist) religious traditions, and caravan traders who still cross high passes with yaks. The trek begins with flights to Juphal, then crosses multiple 5,000m+ passes including Kang La (5,360m), Saldang La (5,200m), and Jeng La (5,090m), visiting the ancient monasteries of Shey Gompa, Saldang, and Yangier Gompa. Full-service camping is required for most nights as the region has very limited tea houses. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 5,360m at Kang La.

Highlights

Visit the ancient Shey Gompa monastery, founded in the 11th century.
Circumambulate the sacred Crystal Mountain (Shey Ribo Drukta).
Cross multiple 5,000m+ passes: Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng La.
Visit the traditional Dolpo villages of Saldang and Yangier, unchanged for centuries.
Full-service wilderness camping in one of Earth's most remote regions.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing.

Day 02 :

Fly to Nepalgunj

Afternoon flight to Nepalgunj in the western Terai.

Day 03 :

Fly to Juphal & Trek to Dunai

Morning flight to Juphal, then trek to Dunai.

Day 04 :

Trek to Tarakot

Continue up the Thuli Bheri river to Tarakot.

Day 05 :

Trek to Lainiwaur

Enter the gorge of the Tarap Khola.

Day 06 :

Trek to Nawarpani

Continue through the dramatic gorge.

Day 07 :

Trek to Do Tarap

Reach the high-altitude valley of Do Tarap.

Day 08 :

Acclimatization in Do Tarap

Rest day with village exploration and monastery visits.

Day 09 :

Cross Nangdala Pass to Sumdo

Early start for the Nangdala Pass (5,360m) crossing. Descend to Sumdo.

Day 10 :

Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La

Cross the Kang La (5,360m) to reach the ancient Shey Gompa monastery.

Day 11 :

Rest Day at Shey Gompa

Rest day with monastery visit, circumambulation of Crystal Mountain, and meditation.

Day 12 :

Trek to Namduna via Saldang La

Cross the Saldang La (5,200m) to reach the small settlement of Namduna.

Day 13 :

Trek to Saldang

Continue to Saldang, the largest village in Upper Dolpo, with its 6 monasteries.

Day 14 :

Rest Day in Saldang

Rest day with village exploration, monastery visits, and cultural immersion.

Day 15 :

Trek to Yangier Gompa

Continue to the remote Yangier Gompa, an ancient meditation retreat.

Day 16 :

Cross Jeng La to Tokyu

Cross the Jeng La (5,090m) with panoramic mountain views. Descend to Tokyu.

Day 17 :

Trek to Do Tarap

Continue descending to Do Tarap.

Day 18 :

Trek to Nawarpani

Begin the long descent through the Tarap gorge.

Day 19 :

Trek to Lainiwaur

Continue descending.

Day 20 :

Trek to Tarakot

Continue to Tarakot.

Day 21 :

Trek to Dunai

Final trekking day to Dunai. Celebration dinner.

Day 22 :

Trek to Juphal

Short final trek to Juphal.

Day 23 :

Fly to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu

Morning flight to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.

Day 24 :

Final Departure

Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.

Things to Carry for Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves
1x expedition mittens for passes above 5,000m

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 4-season sleeping bag rated to -20C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)
1x inflatable sleeping pad

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 5360m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Lower Dolpo Trek Camping Gear, Rupina La Trek Gear List Remote, Tamang Heritage Trail Packing List Spring Autumn, Pathibhara Trek Packing List.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek Information

Trip Name: Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek – 24 Days
Duration: 24 days
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum Altitude: 5360m
Group Size: Max 8

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Hard. Hard treks involve 6-8+ hours of walking daily at high altitude. Previous high-altitude experience strongly recommended. The maximum altitude is 5360m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Upper Dolpo Lower Dolpo Duration Difficulty, Upper Mustang Vs Upper Dolpo Difficulty Average Hiker.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May), Summer (June to September – rain shadow region), and Autumn (October to November) all offer good trekking. Summer monsoon months are ideal as these regions lie in the Himalayan rain shadow. Winter (December to February) is extremely cold with snow-blocked passes.

Read our seasonal guides: Best Season Photograph Phoksundo Lake Dolpo Landscapes, Upper Dolpo Trek Cancellation Terms Flights Weather.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Camping. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Upper Dolpo Trek Operators Remote Camping Logistics, What Is A Realistic Upper Dolpo Trek Cost Breakdown Including Camping Logistics.

Transportation

Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Shey Phoksundo Trek Days With Transport Buffer, Shey Phoksundo Juphal Flight Road Delay Impact.

Required Permits

Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for first 10 days, USD 50 per additional day), Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,390), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Upper Dolpo Itineraries Shey Gompa Time Guide, Guided Upper Dolpo Trek Cost Permits Camping.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 5360m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes, Upper Dolpo Itinerary Acclimatization High Passes.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Info Prepare Before Lower Dolpo Trek Quote, Details Prepare Mustang Dolpo Custom Itinerary.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 5360m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: What Cancellation Terms And Travel Insurance Details Matter Before Booking A Ren, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Insurance Needed.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Limi Valley Vs Upper Dolpo Culture, Upper Mustang Vs Upper Dolpo Culture Scenery Solitude.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.