Shay Festival Background
The Shay Festival (Shelri Dugdra) in Dolpa is a captivating event, especially in 2024 as it marks the 67th occurrence. Trek to Dolpa for the Dragon Year Festival Starting on September 1, this week-long festival takes place at the foot of Crystal Mountain, a revered site believed to be the brother of Kailash, located on the Nepal-Tibet border.
A significant highlight of this festival is the circumambulation, or Kora, of Crystal Mountain, which occurs every 12 years in the Year of the Dragon. This ritual is performed to pray for peace, well-being, cleansing of negative karma, and accumulation of good merits. The tradition has a rich history spanning over 900 years.
The festival showcases the cultural heritage of the highland peoples of Nepal and Tibet, featuring folk programs, Chodpa dances, horse riding, archery, and more. Local people from Dolpa and surrounding districts actively participate, making significant efforts to earn merits by circumambulating the mountain gods.
Dolpa, located in the western part of Nepal, is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, preserved culture, and unique lifestyle. However, despite these attractions, the region remains underdeveloped.
Dolpa, often referred to as a hidden gem itself, offers several lesser-known treasures that make it a unique and fascinating destination.
Hidden Gems in Dolpo
Shey Phoksundo Lake
– One of the most stunning and pristine lakes in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Located within Shey Phoksundo National Park, the lake is considered sacred by Buddhists and adherents of the Bonpo religion.
Shey Gompa (Shey Monastery)
– This ancient monastery, situated near Crystal Mountain, is a significant pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Bonpo followers. The monastery is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and offers insights into the region’s spiritual traditions.
Crystal Mountain (Shelri Dungdkar)
– Known as the brother of Mount Kailash, this sacred mountain is a major pilgrimage site. The circumambulation of Crystal Mountain during the Shay Festival is a profound spiritual experience for many devotees.
Bon Culture and Monasteries
– Dolpa is a stronghold of the ancient Bon religion. Visiting Bon monasteries such as the Tapriza Monastery offers a glimpse into this pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition that continues to thrive in the region.
Rara Lake
– Although located just outside Dolpa, Rara Lake is accessible from the region and is the largest lake in Nepal. It offers stunning scenery and tranquility, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks.
Unique Wildlife
– Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, and various birds. Wildlife enthusiasts will find the park a paradise for spotting these elusive creatures.
Traditional Villages
– Dolpa’s remote villages, like Dho Tarap and Ringmo, offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the highland communities. These villages maintain centuries-old customs, architecture, and ways of life.
Dolpo’s Nomadic Culture
– The semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Dolpo people is fascinating. Their seasonal migration with yak caravans and traditional practices offer a unique cultural experience.
Scenic Treks
– Dolpa offers some of the most scenic and less-trodden trekking routes in Nepal, including the Lower Dolpo Trek and Upper Dolpo Trek. These treks take you through remote landscapes, high mountain passes, and picturesque valleys.
Traditional Handicrafts
– The region is known for its traditional handicrafts, including intricately woven textiles, carpets, and handmade jewelry. These crafts reflect the rich cultural heritage of Dolpa’s people.
Exploring these hidden gems in Dolpa provides a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance.
Detailed Itinerary Shey Gompa Festival
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Activities:
– Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
– Transfer to your hotel.
– Rest and prepare for your journey to Dolpa.
– Optional: Explore Kathmandu’s cultural sites if time permits (e.g., Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple).
Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj
Activities:
– Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in the western part of Nepal.
– Check into a hotel in Nepalgunj.
– Rest and prepare for the next day’s flight to Juphal.
Day 3: Flight to Juphal and Trek to Dunai
Activities:
– Early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, the starting point of your trek.
– Begin the trek from Juphal to Dunai (2,140 meters).
– The trek takes about 2-3 hours.
– Overnight stay in Dunai.
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka
Activities:
– Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,670 meters).
– The trek takes about 6-7 hours.
– Pass through beautiful landscapes, forests, and small villages.
– Overnight stay in Chhepka.
Day 5: Trek to Jharana Hotel
Activities:
– Trek from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel (3,110 meters).
– The trek takes about 6-7 hours.
– Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
– Overnight stay at Jharana Hotel.
Day 6: Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake
Activities:
– Trek from Jharana Hotel to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611 meters).
– The trek takes about 4-5 hours.
– Explore the pristine and sacred Shey Phoksundo Lake.
– Overnight stay near the lake.
Day 7: Trek to Ringmo Village
Activities:
– Short trek from Shey Phoksundo Lake to Ringmo Village.
– Explore the village and interact with the local people.
– Prepare for the festival activities.
– Overnight stay in Ringmo Village.
Day 8: Trek to Shey Gompa
Activities:
– Trek from Ringmo Village to Shey Gompa (4,126 meters).
– The trek takes about 7-8 hours.
– Arrive at Shey Gompa, the festival site.
– Set up camp and prepare for the festival.
– Overnight stay near Shey Gompa.
Days 9-14: Participate in the Shey Gompa Festival
Activities:
– Participate in the week-long Shey Gompa Festival.
– Witness and take part in the cultural programs, Chodpa dances, horse riding, archery, and other traditional activities.
– Participate in the circumambulation (Kora) of Crystal Mountain.
– Interact with pilgrims and locals, and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
– Overnight stay near Shey Gompa each night.
Day 15: Trek back to Ringmo Village
Activities:
– Trek back from Shey Gompa to Ringmo Village.
– The trek takes about 7-8 hours.
– Overnight stay in Ringmo Village.
Day 16: Trek to Chhepka
Activities:
– Trek from Ringmo Village to Chhepka.
– The trek takes about 6-7 hours.
– Overnight stay in Chhepka.
Day 17: Trek to Juphal
Activities:
– Trek from Chhepka to Juphal.
– The trek takes about 6-7 hours.
– Overnight stay in Juphal.
Day 18: Flight to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Activities:
– Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj.
– Connect with a flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
– Check into a hotel in Kathmandu.
– Rest and relax after the long journey.
Day 19: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Activities:
– Enjoy a leisure day in Kathmandu.
– Optional: Explore more cultural sites, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax.
– Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 20: Departure
Activities:
– Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.
– Say goodbye to Nepal, taking home unforgettable memories of the Shey Gompa Festival and Dolpa.
Trekking map of Dolpa to Mustang
This itinerary provides a comprehensive experience of the Shey Gompa Festival, allowing ample time for acclimatization, exploration, and participation in the festival’s activities. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and the specific schedule of the festival events.
