Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo
In Nepali: शे गुम्बा र माथिल्लो डोल्पा · Also known as: Crystal Mountain · Upper Dolpo · शे गुम्बा
Shey Gompa lies beyond the Kang La pass north of Phoksundo, beneath Crystal Mountain, around which pilgrims walk in a sacred circuit. Founded in the 11th century, it was the destination of Peter Matthiessen and George Schaller's 1973 journey in search of the snow leopard.
Upper Dolpo is one of the highest inhabited regions on earth: barley fields, yak caravans, Bon and Buddhist monasteries and villages little changed for centuries. It is a restricted area with an expensive permit, and treks are long, fully supported camping expeditions.
What to see and do
Visit the monastery and walk the pilgrim circuit around Crystal Mountain, with its layered rock and fossil beds. Nearby Tsakang hermitage clings to a cliff. The route passes Upper Dolpo villages such as Saldang, Namgung and Dho Tarap, with monasteries, yak caravans and barley fields.
Good to know
Upper Dolpo's restricted-area permit is expensive and must be arranged through an agency with a licensed guide. Treks last 3–4 weeks with camping. The best season is summer, when the high passes are clear.
Quick answers
- Where is Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo is in Dolpa district, Karnali Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- About 4,390 m (14,404 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- For a 22-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 335,500 (≈ US$2,485) per person on a budget, or NPR 367,500 (≈ US$2,720) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 86,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- Plan 20 nights there for the trek; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 22 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$500 per person per 10 days, issued only through a licensed trekking agency. You also pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter Shey Phoksundo National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- June–September (rain-shadow summer)
- How do I get to Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo?
- Several days' trek beyond Phoksundo over the Kang La (5,360 m). It is about 170 km (straight line) from Pokhara, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo called in Nepali?
- शे गुम्बा र माथिल्लो डोल्पा
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