Dolpo located in the far western region of Nepal, the land of Dolpo and its fabled Crystal mountain were the focus of Peter Matthiessen’s classic book ‘The snow Leopard’. In 1988, the southern valleys leading to Dolpo’s Shey-Phoksundo National park were de-restricted.

The visit to Shey Gompa and the rest of the huge park covering 1,373 sq. km above Phoksundo Lake is still restricted and special trek permit is required from Kathmandu to enter the region. The trekking into this remote and agriculturally impoverished landscape requires a mindset to endure hardships and all foods and camping equipment to be carried from Kathmandu. There are several approach routes to Dolpo from Pokhara, and Jumla.