Phoksundo Lake | Garry Weare

Group crossing high pass to Shey | Garry Weare

High camp Ngangda La | Garry Weare

Waterfall below Phoksundo Lake | Garry Weare

Shey Gompa Kora | Garry Weare

Trail below Phoksundo Lake | Garry Weare

Shey Gompa | Garry Weare

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Dolpo Crystal Mountain Trek

Trek to the sacred Crystal Mountain in the spiritual heart of Dolpo

Nepal

20 Days from

$7390 USD

Trip Code: ZCT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement ZCT

$460 USD

Duration

20 Days

Activities

15 day Trek

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

4 nights Hotel
15 nights Wilderness Camping

Meals

Valued at USD$750

18 Dinners
17 Lunches
19 Breakfasts

Flights

Valued at USD$735

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Trip highlights

Trek to the sacred Crystal Mountain in the spiritual heart of Dolpo
Follow in the footsteps of Peter Matthiessen through the landscapes of The Snow Leopard
Complete the sacred Crystal Mountain Kora, one of the Himalaya's most revered pilgrimages
Walk beside the turquoise waters of spectacular Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest alpine lake
Visit ancient monasteries and experience the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon culture

Overview

The Dolpo Crystal Mountain Trek explores one of Nepal's most remote Himalayan regions, following ancient trails through the spectacular landscapes of Shey Phoksundo National Park to the sacred Crystal Mountain (Shey Riwo). Revered by both Tibetan Buddhists and Bon practitioners, Crystal Mountain is one of the Himalaya's most important pilgrimage sites and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.

Beginning with a flight to Juphal, the trek passes through traditional villages, deep river gorges and alpine valleys before reaching the striking turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest alpine lake. Continuing north into the historic Kingdom of Shey, the route visits ancient monasteries and follows the initial stages of the Crystal Mountain kora, offering an insight into the region's enduring spiritual traditions and Tibetan cultural heritage.

Made famous by Peter Matthiessen's classic The Snow Leopard, Dolpo remains one of the least-visited trekking regions in Nepal. Its dramatic mountain scenery, centuries-old monasteries and well-preserved culture combine to create a rewarding trek through one of the country's last great wilderness areas.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will attend a pre-trek briefing where your guide will outline the adventure ahead and distribute your trek pack. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know your group before the trek begins. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: D

This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj, located in Nepal's lowland Terai region near the Indian border. As you descend, the landscape transforms from rugged mountain terrain to subtropical plains, offering a striking contrast in scenery. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will have time to relax before the next stage of your journey. Spend the evening at leisure as you prepare for your onward adventure. Accommodation: Hotel Nepalgunj

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft), enjoying spectacular views as you enter the remote mountain landscapes of Dolpo. From Juphal, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Rupghat, passing through traditional villages and scenic river valleys. At Rupghat, meet your trekking crew before setting off on a gentle walk to Sulighat, following a well-defined trail into the remote wilderness of western Nepal. The day ends at our riverside campsite at Sulighat. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, begin trekking along the river valley towards the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. After permits are checked, the trail continues through forested hillsides and traditional villages as you gradually gain altitude. Keep an eye on the surrounding slopes, where bharal (blue sheep) are sometimes seen grazing. Arrive at Chhekpa (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where camp is set for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, follow the Suli Gad River, passing through small settlements and crossing several suspension bridges. The trail climbs gradually through forests of blue pine and cedar, with occasional open sections offering views into the Suli Gad Gorge and the surrounding peaks. Arrive at Necha (3,110 m / 10,203 ft), where camp is set for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, ascend out of the gorge towards Phoksundo Lake, following the valley to the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola. Passing through small settlements, including Samjhana, the trail climbs steadily on a series of switchbacks towards Ringmo. As you gain elevation, enjoy views of the impressive waterfall flowing from Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding peaks. Arrive at Ringmo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a traditional village overlooking the lake. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an acclimatisation day at Ringmo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft) on the shores of Phoksundo Lake. Surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks, you explore the area and take a short hike to a nearby Bon monastery, reflecting the region's ancient spiritual traditions. Renowned for its striking turquoise waters and cultural significance, Phoksundo Lake is one of Nepal's most beautiful alpine lakes. Return to camp at Ringmo for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Ringmo, follow the shoreline of Phoksundo Lake, with uninterrupted views across its striking turquoise waters. A steady climb leads to a high crest above the lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail then descends through birch forest to alpine meadows at the northern end of the lake. Arrive at Chholupu (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), where camp is set beside the lake. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, follow the Phoksundo Khola upstream through a broad alpine valley, passing the side gorge that leads towards Ngadra La. The trail continues along the valley floor before climbing gradually onto grassy ridges, with increasingly expansive views of the surrounding mountains as you gain altitude. Arrive at Lar Tsa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where camp is set for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, continue ascending into the high valleys of Dolpo, following a steady climb to a ridge above camp. From the crest, the trail descends gently across open alpine terrain, with views of high mountain pastures and the rugged peaks that surround the valley. Arrive at Mendok Ding (4,620 m / 15,157 ft), where camp is set for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today, ascend to Sehu La (5,120 m / 16,798 ft), entering the remote high mountain landscapes of Inner Dolpo. From the pass, enjoy expansive views across the surrounding Himalayan ranges before continuing along part of the sacred circuit around Crystal Mountain (Shey Riwo). The trail crosses several smaller passes before descending into the Tar Valley, passing Tsakang Gompa en route. By late afternoon, arrive at Shey Gompa (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), one of Dolpo's oldest and most important monasteries, where camp is set in a broad alpine meadow. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), one of Dolpo's oldest and most important monasteries, set beneath the sacred Crystal Mountain (Shey Riwo). Spend time exploring the monastery and the surrounding valley, or take an optional walk to nearby viewpoints for impressive views of the surrounding peaks and alpine landscape. Return to camp at Shey Gompa for the night. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Shey Gompa (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), follow the stream that flows from Nagdalo La, gradually ascending through a broad alpine valley and across an extensive moraine field. The final climb to the pass is the steepest part of the day. From Nagdalo La (5,340 m / 17,520 ft), enjoy sweeping views north towards the rugged peaks and ridgelines that mark the border with Tibet. The trail then descends to the valley floor and continues to High Camp (4,850 m / 15,912 ft), where camp is set beneath the impressive Kanjiroba Range. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

From camp, we make a long descent over scree slopes, crossing several small streams before reaching the valley floor. The trail then follows the Phuksumdo Khola through birch forest and across open alpine meadows to our peaceful campsite beside Phuksumdo Lake (3,650 m / 11,975 ft). Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today's walk begins with a steady climb to a viewpoint overlooking Ringmo Village, set beneath the snow-capped peaks that form the natural divide between Upper and Lower Dolpo. The trail then descends along a broad path traditionally used by yak caravans, passing through woodland and open alpine pastures where local villagers graze their yaks. The final hour follows the shoreline of Phoksundo Lake before arriving back at Ringmo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft). Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Ringmo, the trail descends past the impressive waterfall flowing from Phoksundo Lake before reaching the highest settlements in the area near Sunduwa, where we stop for tea. Continue through a series of traditional farming villages and small settlements before arriving at Chekpa (2,720 m / 8,924 ft). Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, follow the trail from Sulighat to Rupghat, where you bid farewell to your trekking crew. From here, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Juphal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft), passing through traditional villages and scenic river valleys. The remainder of the day is at leisure before your flight to Nepalgunj the following morning. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

A short walk brings us to Juphal Airport for our scenic flight to Nepalgunj, with views over the forested foothills of western Nepal. On arrival, connect with your 45–50 minute flight to Kathmandu (1,330 m / 4,364 ft). If flights operate on schedule, you will arrive in Kathmandu by late morning, where a hot shower and the comforts of the Radisson Hotel Kathmandu provide a welcome end to the trek. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a contingency day in Kathmandu (1,330 m / 4,364 ft), providing flexibility in the event of flight delays from Dolpo. If everything has operated on schedule, you are free to explore the city at your own pace. You may wish to visit Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath Stupa, wander the bustling streets and markets of Thamel, or simply relax at the hotel. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B

After breakfast, you are transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your trip concludes in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

19 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners including all meals on trek (valued at US$800)
Accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu and in fully serviced wilderness campsites
Use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and down or fibre-fill jacket (valued at US$500)
Internal flights Kathmandu/Nepalganj/Juphal and Kathmandu
Expert bilingual guide
Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 20, or if you have prebooked accommodation at the Radisson Hotel through us
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
World Expeditions Souvenir kit bag
Safety equipment including satellite phone, portable high altitude chamber and expedition medical kit
Porters to carry all personal and group equipment, including porter insurance

Not included

International flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
Tips and gratuities
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses such as laundry etc.
Any items not listed as included