Shey Gompa Festival Held Once Every 12 Years in Upper Dolpo

The Shey Festival is a rare and sacred event that takes place once every 12 years in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Held at the ancient Shey Gompa monastery, this spiritually rich festival unfolds deep within the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo, inside the protected area of Shey Phoksundo National Park. People celebrated the most recent Shey Festival from August 18 to 20, 2024, during the Year of the Dragon, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. As a deeply revered Buddhist celebration, the Shey Festival holds great spiritual significance for both residents and pilgrims. The next Shey Festival will take place in the Year of the Dragon again, in 2036.

Celebrated in the Year of the Dragon, according to the Buddhist lunar calendar, this summer festival in Nepal attracts hundreds of monks, pilgrims, and travelers from across the Himalayas. Usually held in August, though sometimes observed in late July depending on the lunar cycle, the Shey Festival is a significant highlight in both religious and cultural spheres of life in Inner Dolpo.

The Sacred Heart: Shey Gompa and Crystal Mountain

At the center of the Shey Festival lies the legendary Shey Monastery (Shey Gompa), perched at an altitude of 4,200 meters in the wild terrain of Dolpa District. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and guarded by the sacred Crystal Mountain, this ancient Buddhist monastery has stood as a beacon of spiritual power for centuries. During the Shey Festival, pilgrims perform a ritual kora (pilgrimage circuit) around Crystal Mountain, revered as the “Kailash of Dolpo,” to cleanse their sins and gain spiritual merit.

This kora is not just a physical trek around the holy peak; it’s a journey into the core of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. As pilgrims make their way around the mountain, they engage in meditation and prayer, chanting mantras and turning prayer wheels with every step.

Roots in Tibetan Buddhism and the Bön Tradition

Tibetan Buddhism deeply influences the spiritual landscape of Upper Dolpo. However, the region also preserves aspects of the ancient Bön tradition, which predates Buddhism and continues to coexist harmoniously. The Shey Festival beautifully showcases this confluence, as monks and lamas perform teachings, rituals, and masked dances with profound devotion.

During the festival, Buddhist lamas conduct a series of sacred ceremonies. These monk gatherings include chants, meditations, and symbolic reenactments of spiritual battles. In particular, masked dances—rich in symbolic imagery—play a central role. These dances, often performed by monks, represent the triumph of wisdom over ignorance and good over evil.

Pilgrimage of a Lifetime

For many Dolpo-pa people, nomadic herders, and Tibetan-speaking communities, the Shey Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Buddhist pilgrimage. Entire families undertake the difficult journey to Shey Gompa, often traveling for days through rugged terrain. Despite the harsh landscapes and high altitudes, they come with joy and devotion in their hearts.

Their journey isn’t just about attending a festival—it’s a spiritual transformation, a reunion with their cultural roots, and a reconnection with divine teachings. Pilgrims and devotees bring with them offerings, prayer flags, and ceremonial objects, turning the barren valleys into a vibrant field of color and sound.

Cultural Exchange and Living Heritage

One of the most profound aspects of the Shey Festival is the cultural exchange it fosters. People from across Dolpo, including Lower Dolpo and neighboring Tibetan regions, as well as from Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang, converge in celebration, sharing stories, songs, and spiritual philosophies. Traditional music and dance resonate through the mountain air, echoing centuries-old customs passed down through generations.

Despite the geographic isolation, the festival becomes a vibrant melting pot of spiritual beliefs, linguistic diversity, and artistic expression. Pilgrims and visitors from different corners of the Himalayan region of Nepal gather at Shey Gompa, enriching the event with their presence and practices. Travelers lucky enough to witness it find themselves immersed in a unique, living culture that has remained remarkably intact for centuries.

Shey Phoksundo National Park: Gateway to the Festival

Accessing the Shey Festival requires an adventurous spirit. Located within Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest and most remote protected area, Upper Dolpo remains largely untouched by modernization. The park itself is home to spectacular biodiversity, including rare blue sheep, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves.

Trekkers often begin their journey from Juphal or Dunai and pass through Inner Dolpo, crossing high passes like Kang La (5,360m) before arriving at Shey Monastery. The demanding route rewards travelers with breathtaking vistas and heartfelt encounters with the warm Dolpo-pa people, who live in traditional stone houses and uphold their ancient way of life.

Spiritual Festivities and Sacred Symbolism

The Shey Festival lasts for several days and includes sacred lama rituals, theatrical reenactments of Buddhist legends, and moments of deep meditation and prayer. Every aspect of the festival is saturated with symbolic meaning. Offerings are made, butter lamps lit, and chants recited as part of a spiritual effort to purify oneself and gain merit.

The Chorten circumambulation, where devotees circle sacred stupas, is another vital element. Each circuit around a chorten or mountain is done with reverence and intention. The act represents the Buddhist path of life: a continuous journey toward enlightenment.

Community Gathering and Nomadic Life

The Shey Festival is also an essential social event. For nomadic herders who spend much of the year moving between seasonal pastures, this is a rare chance to reunite with relatives and friends. They share food, stories, and laughter in the shadow of Crystal Mountain, rekindling ties that stretch across the vast Dolpo landscape.

Such gatherings are crucial for maintaining the cohesion of the Tibetan-speaking communities who inhabit the highlands of Dolpo. It’s a time to trade goods, exchange knowledge, and make arrangements for the future, all amidst the sacred atmosphere of the festival.

Preserving the Festival and Its Future

In recent years, the Shey Festival has garnered attention from trekkers, anthropologists, and spiritual seekers. While tourism can offer economic support to local communities, it is essential that the authenticity and sanctity of the festival are preserved.

Organizations working in the Dolpa District have begun promoting responsible travel and cultural conservation. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, avoid littering, and participate with genuine intent. The goal is to ensure that this extraordinary event continues to thrive for generations without compromising its soul.

When and How to Witness the Shey Festival

The Shey Festival is held in the Year of the Dragon, which comes around once every 12 years in the Buddhist lunar calendar. The most recent celebrations took place in 2012 and 2024, with the next expected in 2036.

Because of the remote location and limited infrastructure, attending the Shey Festival requires careful planning. Trekkers should be physically prepared for high-altitude hiking and mentally ready for basic living conditions. Most tours take at least 25–30 days round-trip from Kathmandu, including flights, acclimatization, and the trek itself.

Experienced trekking companies like Nepal Wilderness Trekking offer well-organized Shey Festival treks that combine adventure with authentic cultural immersion. These journeys typically include stops at Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo village, and Saldang, offering a deeper look into Inner Dolpo’s heritage.

A Rare Glimpse into the Soul of the Himalayas

In a rapidly changing world, the Shey Festival remains a rare and precious celebration—a reminder of spiritual values, cultural identity, and the harmony between humans and nature. It is not just a festival but a window into the timeless soul of Upper Dolpo, a place where traditions live on and sacred mountains still speak.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or an adventurous traveler, witnessing the Shey Festival will leave you forever changed. In the chants of the monks, the spin of prayer wheels, and the smile of a passing Dolpo-pa herder, you’ll find something truly eternal.