Shey Gompa and Upper Dolpo

Shey Gompa lies beyond the Kang La pass north of Phoksundo, beneath Crystal Mountain, around which pilgrims walk in a sacred circuit. Founded in the 11th century, it was the destination of Peter Matthiessen and George Schaller's 1973 journey in search of the snow leopard.

Upper Dolpo is one of the highest inhabited regions on earth: barley fields, yak caravans, Bon and Buddhist monasteries and villages little changed for centuries. It is a restricted area with an expensive permit, and treks are long, fully supported camping expeditions.