Festival Starting date: 1st of September 2024 to 4th of September 2024
The Shey Festival is a significant event that occurs every 12 years according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar, usually in the month of Dragon. Celebrated at an altitude of 4200m, it features various rituals, activities, and cultural programs. The highlight of the festival is the pilgrimage to Crystal Mountain, where participants circumambulate the mountain through its three phases: inner, middle, and outer Kora. Crystal Mountain is revered as the younger brother of Kalash Mountain in Tibet.
When the Shey Festival coincides with a Dragon Year, it holds special significance. In Tibetan astrology, the Dragon Year is considered auspicious, symbolizing power, wisdom, and good fortune. This alignment often attracts more participants and intensifies the spiritual fervor of the festival. Locals engage in elaborate rituals, dances, and ceremonies with enthusiasm, believing that the auspicious energies of the Dragon Year enhance the spiritual merit of their actions. Specific observances or rituals associated with the Dragon Year, such as offerings to dragon deities or prayers for prosperity and protection, may also be included.
The festival's historical roots trace back to a legend from 1000 years ago when the Buddhist ascetic Drikung Kyobpa Jigten Gonpo dispatched his disciple, Druptop Shinge Yeshe, to Shey. Yeshe conquered a fierce mountain spirit and transformed it into the pure Crystal Mountain. Annual kora pilgrimages around Crystal Mountain remain a central aspect of the festival. Shey is home to three ancient monasteries—Shel Sumdho, Gommoche, and Tsakhang—each holding its own significance. Gommoche is particularly revered as the site where Druptop Shinge Yeshe meditated and attained enlightenment, with his relics preserved in a cave there.
Why Dolpo Shey Festival Trek?
The Dolpo Shey Festival Trek is a journey into the heart of Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Unlike other treks, this adventure offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, spiritual immersion, and cultural exploration. Held every 12 years, the Shey Festival is a sacred gathering where monks, pilgrims, and locals converge at Shey Gompa, the “Crystal Monastery,” to celebrate ancient Buddhist traditions. Witnessing vibrant mask dances, prayer ceremonies, and the spiritual devotion of pilgrims circling the sacred Crystal Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beyond the festival, the trek takes you through the untouched landscapes of Upper Dolpo, home to turquoise lakes, dramatic cliffs, and serene high-altitude passes. The journey isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about connecting with the resilient Dolpo-pa people, exploring their Tibetan-influenced culture, and experiencing life in one of the world's most remote corners.
Best Time to Trek Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek
The best time to trek the Dolpo Shey Gompa Trek is during the spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for traversing high-altitude trails and enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In spring, the landscapes come alive with blooming rhododendrons and vibrant wildflowers, while autumn boasts crisp air and excellent visibility. If you would like to see the Shey Festival, plan your trek according to the 12-year cycle so that you may catch the once-a-generation cultural and spiritual events of the people (next in 2036). While summer (monsoon season) makes trails challenging due to rain, it can also be a quieter time to explore the region’s pristine beauty. However, winter treks are not recommended due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall at higher altitudes.
