Snow Leopard Trek to Shey Gompa

Isolated from the outside world by high passes and closed off by snow much of the year, the remote Dolpo region of Nepal is a mystical corner of the Himalaya. The people of Dolpo are ethnic Tibetans with an ancient way of life, wearing homespun wool robes and Tibetan boots. Many practice Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion that all but disappeared from Nepal in the 7th century. The unique culture of Dolpo was beautifully portrayed in Eric Valli's film Himalaya and Peter Matthiessen’ classic work, The Snow Leopard. We invite you to join veteran WT Trip Leader Hashmat Singh for a high-altitude trekking expedition to Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Dolpo and a revered  11th century monastery where Tibetans come to make their sacred kora or circuit of the “Crystal Peak.” While the trek is a strenuous one with a crossing of several high passes (including the Kang La at 18,040 feet), it also a  rare opportunity to visit an incredible Himalayan inner sanctum with one of our most beloved Trip Leaders.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Kathmandu / Nepalgunj

Explore fabled Kathmandu, the ancient past lingers in a maze of narrow streets, then fly to the town  Transfer to the airport for the flight from Kathmandu to the town of Nepalgunj in Nepal’s lowlands on Day 3.

Days 4-9
Juphal / Lahini / Dho Tarap

We fly to Juphal (7,872'),  meet our trekking crew. and being our Dolpo adventure/ We hike through small Nepali-Hindu villages as we make our way up river gorges and through forests, crossing the Tarap River to reach the hamlet of Lahini (10,332'). Continuing above treeline up to the alpine zone, we reach Dho Tarap (13,251'), where we have an Exploration Day. We are now in Upper Dolpo area

Days 10-13
Tokyu High Camp /Khyung La / Shey La / Shey Gompa

We pass beautifully decorated chortens (shrines) and mani (carved prayer stones) walls and visit Tshering Monastery, then climb higher, crossing the Khyung La (16,934') and Langmosia La (16,846') to descend to Shey Gompa (15,252') and camp nearby.

Days 14-20
Phijor / Samling / Kang La / Phoksundo Lake

We should see blue sheep and marmots up in this high alpine zone as we head to the beautiful Phijor Valley, with its Naser Monastery, then onward to  Samling Bon Buddhist Gompa (12,792'), a Bon center. On Day 18, we cross our highest pass, the Kang La (18.040'), with stunning views of the summits of the Kanjiroba Range. From Phoolbari Glacier Camp, we descend to mystical Shey Phoksundo Lake, where we have an exploration day.

Days 21-26
Suligad / Juphal / Kathmandu

Bidding farewell to the high country, our last trekking days bring us through the lush middle hills, with its welcoming greenery and orchards. From Juphal, we fly back to Kathmandu on Day 24 and have time to explore before departing on Day 26.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 6+, Very Strenuous. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 16,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is the Kyang La at 18,040 feet. We camp at altitudes of 14,000-15,00 feet on seven days of the trek, and we cross three passes at over 16,000 feet. Trip members carry only a daypack with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 6 to 10 miles per day (4-8 hours of hiking). There are two rest or Exploration Days. Trail conditions can be primitive, and the trails are steep (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). Extremely cold conditions are normally encountered in the highest altitude areas.

Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—you should be in excellent physical condition. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip. There are also dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident or sickness without access to the means of rapid evacuation. The availability of medical supplies or the adequacy of medical attention, once provided, cannot be guaranteed and cannot be expected to measure up to western standards. Each trek is an expedition. Although we are accompanied by a support crew staffed by experienced veterans of the Nepal Himalaya, it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.

ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION
Please also note that individuals vary widely in both their physical response to high altitude and the ability to acclimatize and, since physical fitness does not confer any protection or facilitate acclimatization, it is impossible to predict how you will adapt to the altitude. The greatest protection is avoiding rapid ascents and allowing time for acclimatization. Your body can adapt to altitude if given time. We feel this itinerary specifically provides that option, but you must individually pace yourself to go slowly and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Do not push too hard regardless of how physically fit you may be or feel.

Early symptoms of high altitude sickness include: headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, vomiting, dry cough, irregular breathing, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of ankles and eyelids. It is not uncommon to experience some of these symptoms when you first arrive at high altitude and then to have them decrease in severity within a few days. It is important that you inform your Trip Leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that they can help you monitor the situation. Please be aware that remaining at high altitude in spite of alarm signals from your body may result in serious illness or even death.

Medical conditions that are aggravated or complicated by high altitude include heart diseases, lung diseases, pregnancy, anemia, and sickle cell disease. It is imperative that anyone with any of these conditions consult their physician in detail before attempting this trekking expedition..

Explanation of Trip Levels