Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo

In transit.

Team members joining on a “land-only”, please plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2 no later than 1630, when our services will begin. Briefing. Dinner (not included). Overnight hotel. 

Early morning flight to Nepalgung. Overnight Batika. 

During the flight you can enjoy superb views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiris and of Manaslu before landing on the unsurfaced runway at Juphal (2,250m). 3–hour trek to Dunai, where you camp for the night at 2,140m. 

You will enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park and trek to Chhepka via Suligard. At Suligard you head north and trek alongside the Suli Khola, through pine and fir trees, mostly quite close to the river, to a campsite at Chhepka. 6 – 7 hours. Overnight camp. 

The trail continues beside the Phoksundo Khola, with several bridge crossings before you reach your camp at Renje (6 hours). From Renje you climb up through the forest to the high alpine meadows of Ringmo, after 6 hours. 

The trail continues beside the Phoksundo Khola, with several bridge crossings before you reach your camp at Renje (6 hours). From Renje you climb up through the forest to the high alpine meadows of Ringmo, after 6 hours. 

You’ll climb steeply above the valley for superb views of the lake. Return to Ringmo. Overnight camp. 

Above Ringmo you enter Inner (Upper) Dolpo. The trail skirts around the western side of the lake, then climbs up to above 4,000m before dropping down again with a night spent at 3,600m (6 hours). From here, you head north, wading across the river in places (Teva style sandals required) to eventually enter a steep-sided valley, with impressive rock walls. You’ll arrive at a campsite below the Kang La pass. This is a very remote and exposed campsite in a stunning situation (7 hours). 

Above Ringmo you enter Inner (Upper) Dolpo. The trail skirts around the western side of the lake, then climbs up to above 4,000m before dropping down again with a night spent at 3,600m (6 hours). From here, you head north, wading across the river in places (Teva style sandals required) to eventually enter a steep-sided valley, with impressive rock walls. You’ll arrive at a campsite below the Kang La pass. This is a very remote and exposed campsite in a stunning situation (7 hours). 

It takes around 3 hours to climb up to the top of the pass, the final section being quite steep. The trail is on scree and can be snow-covered. From the top there are incredible views into Snow Leopard country, before the steep descent down the far side into an open valley. After a further 3 hours you arrive at Shey Gompa ( 6 – 7 hours). 

You’ll have a whole day to enjoy Shey Gompa (the ‘Crystal Monastery’ was built in the 11th century) and surroundings, with its colourful Tibetan murals. 

Spare day

Return trek to Julphal via Dunai

Overnight hotel.

A chance to explore the bustling capital, with its beautiful temples and bustling markets. Overnight hotel.

Airport transfer. Service ends. For those joining “land-only”, you should book your flight home today.