Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek via Shey Gompa

Summary

Dolpo to Rara Trek is one of the superb segments of the great Himalaya trail that brings you to the barren landscapes of Dolpa via Shey Gompa into the vast, thick alpine forests around Rara Lake. The trail in Dolpo to Rara Lake takes you by two stunning lakes, the emerald green Phoksundo Lake and pristine Rara Lake—known as the fairy of paradise in Nepali proverb.

En route, we will trek through Shey Gompa, often considered the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. The mythical site located at the base of Crystal Mountain is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year who make kora (circumambulation) around the mountain. We like to consider it as Dolpo’s own version of Mount Kailash.

The Dolpa to Rara Trek is a demanding trek with four high mountain passes; all of them are above 5,000 m: Nagdalo La (5350 m), the Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563 m), the Yala La (5414 m), and the Chyargo La (5150 m). On top of that, the trail lingers above 4000 meters for quite a while, causing very cold nights. It is said the impressive landscapes, the views from the passes, and the rare insight into a preserved culture make it all meaningful value of it.
Though there are some basic tea houses along the way, Wilderness Excursion arranges  this trek as a fully supported camping trek.

Outline itinerary

Day 01: Get permits and catch a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu.
Day 02: Flight Nepalgunj - Juphal (2475 m), trek to Shyanta (2520 m) 5-6 hrs,
Day 03: Trek to Chhepka (2838 m) - Chunuwar near Amchi Hospital (3110 m) 6-7 hrs.
Day 04:  Trek to Ringmo village near Phoksundo Lake (3641 m) 3 hrs.
Day 05: Rest day at Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake, excursion Bon Gompa.
Day 06: Trek to Forest Camp beyond Sallaghari (3730 m) 6 hrs.
Day 07: Forest Camp (3730 m) - Kang La Low Camp (4400 m) 6-7 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Shey Gompa (4310 m) via Nagdalo-La (Kang La) pass (5350 m) 6-7 hrs.
Day 09: Rest day at Shey Gompa. Discover surrounding beauty. 
Day 10: Trek to Bhijer Gaon (3850 m) 8 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Pho (4087 m) via Yambur La pass (4813 m) 9 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Pung Kharka (4650 m) via Nyingma Gyanzen La pass (5563 m) 9 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Chyandi Khola (4830 m) via Yala La (5414 m) 6 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Takla Khola (3785 m) 7 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Thajuchaur (4050 m) via Chyargo La pass (5150 m) 7 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Shilenchaura Kharka (2945 m) 6 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Tiyar (2418 m) 3-4 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Mangri (1950 m) 4 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Gamgadhi (2095 m) 4 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Rara Lake (2990 m) 4 hrs.
Day 21: Rest day beside Rara Lake. Enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Day 22: Walk to Talcha Airport (2200 m) 2-3 hrs - flight to Nepalgunj/Surkhet - Kathmandu

Key Features of the Dolpo to Rara Lake Trek via Shey Gompa: 

• Trek through barren Himalayan landscapes, alpine forests.
• Shey Phoksundo Lake, Rara Lake—the biggest lake in Nepal.
• Preserved Dolpo culture, monasteries, Manis, Kanis, and isolated villages.
• Shey Gompa is the spiritual center of Dolpos.
• Cross four mountain high passes, which are all above 5000 meters. 
• 21 nights and 22 days inclusive fully supported trekking in the highlands of Nepal and the Himalaya.