10 %

US $5480 per person

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All inclusive price 25 Days

  • Group & Early Booking Discount Available
  • Every Day is a Guaranteed Departure
  • Trek with Local Professional Guides
  • Safe Trip & Professional Services
  • Private & Group Departure

Activities

Trekking and Festival trip

Difficulty

Strenuous

Room

Hotels/Tented Camps

Max Elevation

5220m/17121ft

Group Size

2+

Best Month

March-May & August -November

Oveview


Journey to a Rare Celebration: The Shey Festival in Upper Dolpo
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan trek of Upper Dolpo, Nepal, lies a hidden gem called the Shey Festival. This once-in-twelve-year’s event, celebrated only in the Year of the Dragon, is a captivating blend of cultural immersion, spiritual devotion, and breathtaking landscapes.

During the festival time, the followers circumambulate the crystal mountain and pray for a good being and happy life in the vicinity. Since the 12th century, a festival honouring his triumph over evil has been held every 12 years during the Year of the Dragon, drawing visitors from near and far to the Shey.

Key points
* Significance: Deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist and Bon Po traditions, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.
* Location: Held at the revered Shey Gompa (monastery) in the remote region of Upper Dolpo.
* Frequency: Occurs every 12 years during the Year of the Dragon. In 2024, it will be held from August 18th.

 Highlights
* Opening ceremony with prayers, blessings, and cultural performances.
* The main event on the full moon day, involving a sacred pilgrimage (kora) around the Crystal Mountain, believed to be blessed by Buddhist masters.
* Local performances, games, and archery competitions.

Beyond the festival, Upper Dolpo offers
* Stunning Himalayan scenery for the adventurous traveler.
* Ancient monasteries steeped in history and religious significance.
* A glimpse into the unique lives and traditions of the local people.

The Shey Festival is a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant heart of Upper Dolpo. It's a journey for those seeking cultural immersion, spiritual connection, and a taste of a hidden world.

Itinerary


Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After your Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and then you will be taken tothe traveller’s recommended hotel, Hotel Blue horizon or similar standard hotel. Our tour operator will explain briefly about the program about your upcoming Mustang Trek with us and introduce our trekking guide. Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore "Thamel". In the evening we host welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with local music and ethnic dance.O/N Kathmandu. 

Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing 
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Sightseeing tour
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast we depart for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “City of Temples” to Visit Durbar Square (place of Palace) with the Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar (Home of Living Goddess), Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. Afterwards, we will take you to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world and also be said as a monkey temple, which is located at top of the hill from where one can have a great view of Kathmandu Valley.

We will drive towards Pashupatinath, which is one of the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. After exploring the Pashupatinath temple, we move towards Bouddhanath Temple, Bouddhanath is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. O/N Kathmandu.

Day 03 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Altitude: 150m/490ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: One hour Fly to Nepalgunj 
Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character.

Day 04 Fly to Juphal  and Trek to Dunai 
Altitude: Juphal (2,475m/8118ft and Dunai: 2,140m / 7,250ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 45minutes flight & 3 - 4 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to airport for the 45-minute flight to Juphal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staffs will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days. Here at Juphal a short 2-3 hrs walk from the airstrip leads to our overnight camp at Dunai village. Our first day adventure begins with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital and it is administrating headquarter of the Dolpo region. Here we have ample time for leisure walk around the village. Overnight stay in Dunai.

Day 05 Dunai to Tarakot
Altitude: 2450m/8036ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll start your trek to Tarakot. Today, you will follow the upstream trail through the Bheri River banks. Today’s trek is very pleasant as you’ll trek along the leveled path occupied by beautiful landscapes in the neighborhood. During the trek, the trail most of the times flanks the river closely and at other time it climbs over the hill or around the ridge. The trek continues through the Baijibara village a small settlement holds a Bon Monastery. After a short uphill trek further, dry stone walls and cultivating fields indicate the arrival of famous mid-hill settlement of western Nepal, Tarakot, a small settlement that nestles high above Thuli Bheri River was once a famous trading point as it was the capital of ancient independent kingdom Tichorung. Most of the natives of the village belong to Magar tribe and the most of them practice Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 06 Tarakot to Laina Odar
Altitude: 3350m/10988ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, the trek begins today by hiking along the trail that lies on the southern bank of Bheri River. An hour-long trek brings you to the open valley created by Bharbung Khola. This part of trek brings you closer to Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal. The trail beyond Bharbang Khola chases the easy steps that eventually bring us to Laisicap. Now you cross the main river and begin to trek along the west bank of Tarap Khola. You’ll head north until we arrive to Khanigaon. Khanigaon is the winter residence of the Dho-Tarap people. Here you can see the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley from Khanigaon. The final push on the steep uphill trail finally brings you to Laina Odar, which is a wonderful camping site with a beautiful waterfall nearby.

Day 07 Laina Odar to Nawarpani
Altitude: 3650m/11972ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, today’s trek begins along the spectacular trail. Today, the trail goes through the deep gorges with scary cliffs above them. After couple of hours of trek to the north from LainaOdar, the trail begins to become relatively open. A little bit of effort put to make the trail easier can be seen. You now trek on the easy trail paved with wooden planks and flat stones that leads us to Chhyugar. Chhyugar lies at the bank of small stream which we cross and begin to trek along its western bank to Nawarpani.

Day 08 Nawarpani to Dho Tarap
Altitude: 4100m/13448ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 7 - 8 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

Today the trek most of the times run along the bank of Tarap Khola switching sides frequently. On the first part of the trek your hike along the northwest bank of Tarap Khola to Ghyamghar, a small settlement with a monastery. At Ghyamghar, you’ll cross the river and begin to trek along the eastern bank to Sisaul. At Sisaul once again you’ll cross the river to its western bank and begin to trek along the lonely valley. As you arrive to Langa, you’ll once again cross the river and follow its eastern bank that climbs to a small arid hill. The last part of today’s inner Dolpo Trek slides down from this small hill to Dho Tarap (3944m). Dho Tarap is a fascinating settlement that manifests the real attributes of Dolpo. This famous settlement of Dolpo nestles high above a wide valley and was a famous trading point to the traders of Tibet and Mustang in the ancient days. We will settle down our camps at DhoTarap for the overnight stay. There are plenty of places to see around Dho Tarap. In fact, Dho Tarap is a highland settlement dotted with monasteries. Evening we explore around around the village.

Day 09 Dho Tarap to Jyantha Banjyang Base Camp
Altitude: 4542m/14897ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 6 - 7 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, you’ll begin the trek along a gentle uphill trail from Dho Tarap. Nearly an hour-long uphill climb brings us to Crystal Mountain School and Health Post. Schools and health posts are very rarely seen in Dolpo. En-route to Jyanta La Base Camp you’ll trek along the easy trail that reaches to Tokyu Village. Tokyu is also a delightful place for a photographer on a bright sunlight. From Tokyu, you’ll take another route to Jyanta La instead of route of Numa La Base Camp as it is straight forward. After couple of hours of walking you’ll reach Jyanta La Base Camp, a camping site below Jyanta La.

Day 10 Jyantha Banjyang Base Camp to Yak Kharka 
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 7 - 8 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, today you’ll hike up to Jyanta La (5220m) by ascending from Jyanta Bhanjyang. It takes 7 to 8 hours of extensive time in order to accomplish the trek and arrive in the camp at Yak Kharka for overnight.

Day 11 Yak Kharka to Cha Gaon 
Altitude: 3840m/12595ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

Today after breakfast we start our day from Yak Kharka to Cha Gaon. A shorter day today, beginning with a brilliant traverse. Cha Gaon is really a beautiful valley settlement in Inner Dolpo. We set up camp in time for lunch and have the afternoon free to explore.

Day 12 Cha Gaon to Saldang 
Altitude: 3770m/12365ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 3 - 4 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, we start our trek to Saldang village. The trail passes through a steep slope along the barren mountains. We arrive at the Saldang Village on a plateau above the Namga Khola stream. Evening we explore the village and overnight.

Day 13 Saldang to Namgang Gompa 
Altitude: 4360m/14300ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 3 - 4 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at camp, you’ll trek to Namgung Village. Today you’ll descend steep slopes from Saldang village situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala and the biggest villages of lower Dolpo area. Evening explore Namgang Gompa and village itself. 

Day 14 Namgang Gompa to Shey Gompa 
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 7 - 8 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at camp, today you’ll cross Saldang La (5200m/17056ft) over forest leading to a rocky canyon. You walk through a meandering trail to reach the top of Saldang-La Pass. Shey Festival is commenced every 12 years Tibetan lunar calendar. In the year of Dragon (Druklho), Shey Festival takes place in Shey Gompa Upper Dolpo. Evening we are exploring the area and overnight.

Day 15 Shey Gompa-Festival
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at camp, today we are exploring the Shey Gompa. The festival starts from today  and we are observing the opening ceremony and many pujas and blessing speeches will be delivered by different renowned Lama and Rinpoches. There will be dance, singing, and, drama performances from the other schools of Upper Dolpo. On the 18th there will be a performance of villagers, games, archery and many more. Overnight.

Day 16 Shey Gompa-Festival
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Today is the full moon day, also the main day and most auspicious day for the Shey Festival. On this particular day, the people make rounds (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 of the oldest Gompa in Dolpo. The Gompa is built on the rock wall. Still, Gomchen (Meditator ) stays here and practices Buddhism and prays for world peace. Also you can participate in food festival, local handicraft exhibition with demonstration and ritual performances. Overnight.

Day 17 Shey Gompa-Festival
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Tent

On third day, Shey Ribo drugta circumambulation will happen. The Gompa and the festival 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. Overnight.

Day 18 Shey Gompa-Festival
Altitude: 4160m/13644ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Tent

On fourth day, mask dance in the morning and Dolpo cultural show in the evening will be shown. Visiting Gompa and the local culture in during our journey is the exploration and spiritual immersion. Gompa has gained attention from trekkers and adventure enthusiasts seeking the real experiences. Evening we interact with the locals and enjoy the festival. 

Day 19 Shey Gompa to Kang Base Camp 
Altitude: 4500m/14760ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 6 - 7 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at camp, today you’ll ascend gradually up for about 2 hours to reach High Camp of Kang La Pass following rock valley. From there, you’ll ascent to the Kang La Pass (5350m/17387ft) which will take about 3 further hours. From the Kang La Pass, you’ll view Crystal Mountain, range of Mount Dhaulagiri and Kanjirowa Himal etc. From the pass, now you’ll descent to reach our today’s camp.

Day 20 Trek to Phoksundo North Camp 
Altitude: 3610/11840ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast at camp, today we start our day hike to Phoksundo North Camp. On the way we are enjoying the vies of valley and mountains to reach the camp. 

Day 21 Trek to Phoksundo Lake 
Altitude: 3600m/11808ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 7 - 8 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

Today After breakfast we start our trek to Phoksundo Lake When we reach there we have a Lunch after that we spend time exploring the lake, the major attraction of this package. Along with the exploration of the Ringmo village, we will also pay a visit to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery) which is situated on the top of a ridge above the turquoise lake. This monastery is more than 900 years old and is quite remarkable. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.

The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Besides that, we will also explore some settlements with Bon-Po culture and local traditions involving the Dolpo people.

Day 22 Phoksundo to Chhepka 
Altitude: 2720m/8921ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 7 - 8 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tent

Today early morning we explore the Phoksundo Lake. After breakfast at camp, you’ll descent to Chhekpa village all the way down through forest and villages. Evening we explore the area and overnight.

Day 23 Chhepka to Juphal 
Altitude: 2475m/8118ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 6 - 7 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After breakfast at camp, today you’ll finish off your trekking. The trail starts with about 3 hours descent till Sulighat and then you’ll trek about 3 hours ascent to reach Juphal. Enjoy your last night in mountain and farewell the team of porters and assistance leaders.

Day 24  Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: 45minutes flight to Nepalgunj & 1 hour flight to Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Today we will have the one last view of the wonderful region. After an early breakfast, we will board on an earliest flight to Nepalgunj from Jumla. Once we land at Nepalgunj, we will board another flight to Kathmandu. You will have a free time to explore the Kathmandu or relax before a farewell dinner.

Day 25  Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Departure

Today is free or last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
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Includes / Excludes

Cost Includes:

  • Airport picks up/ transfer
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu with breakfast as per itinerary
  • 1 night twin sharing accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast as per itinerary
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant
  • Upper Dolpo Special permit/TIMS Card- Trekkers Security Card
  • Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal & Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu flight, airport tax and transfer
  • Upper Dolpo Shey festival trek on full bard of meals (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • One Advance Adventures Trek Leader ( Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), required assistance leader as per the group size, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance
  • Entire porterage cost
  • All the Gov and local taxes
  • AA duffle bag and T- shirt
  • Down jacket and sleeping bags
  • Group medicine kit box
  • Departure transfer

Cost not Includes:

  • Nepal Visa, in/out flight to Kathmandu
  • Your meals at Kathmandu, except provided dinner and breakfast
  • Entire beverages, mineral water, beer etc. while on trek
  • Travel insurance(Must include Helicopter evacuation and trip cancellation)
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Tips 
  • Any extending trips

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