Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa trek traverses into the mystic monastery made famous by author Peter Matthiessen in his book “The Snow Leopard”.  A remote region of austere beauty, its unforgiving land supports a hardy people doing sustenance farming and travel in yak “caravans” to Tibet on an ardous journey to trade in salt, butter, tea, sugar and other essential provisions.

This area of stark beauty and remotely placed trail is infused in traditions that date to the Bon Po religious practice that pre date Buddhism.

The trek visits Phoksumdo lake noted for its stunning waterfall and the small farming community at the edge of this lake made famous in the film “Caravans”.  The trail goes over terrain of ancient rocky cliffs and passes through small farming villages.