Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Shey Phoksundo lake lies in the Dolpo region of Nepal. It is situated inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park territory at an altitude of 3611 m above sea level. This lake is an alpine freshwater lake and offers a wonderful experience for travelers. 

Designated as a Ramsar site in 2007, Shey Phoksundo lake has been one of the most beautiful places and a perfect bucket choice for remote explorers. The Ringmo village, at the southern end of the lake, boasts an amazing array of Tibetan culture and practices that are highly influenced by Buddhism and the Bonpo religion.

Visiting Shey Phoksundo lake is in itself a rare privilege. It is comparatively difficult and arid and offers mind-blowing experiences. There are so many activities that you can do. From camping to exploring the culture and nature, this alpine oligotrophic lake is one of the best places to be in the remote mountain area of Nepal. Some of the major attractions of the Shey Phoksundo lake trek are:- 

• A waterfall that is over 164 m tall. 

• More than 20 stupas in the southern belt. 

• One Gompa on the eastern side. 

• Shey Phoksundo National Park. 

• Snowy environment. 

• Tibetan culture and practices. 

• Remote Ringmo Village. 

• Excellent Floral and Faunal spectrums. 

• Mind-Blowing natural beauty. Etc.

Phoksundo lake is an amazing place in the trans mountain region of Nepal. The only way to get there is via trekking and it offers a wide range of experiences throughout your journey. A government-registered guide and porter will assist you to complete your adventure. 

The trekking to Phoksundo lake begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Another flight from Nepalgunj will take you to Juphal, which is also the trek starting point of Phoksundo Lake Trek. 

Exploring the astonishing atmosphere and off the beaten paths, moving through the villages such as Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana, Ringmo villages, you will reach Shey Phoksundo. Most of the parts in this trekking area lie in the Shey Phoksundo National Park territory. And the returning trail also follows the villages Ringmo, Chhepka, Dunai and finally takes you back to Juphal. A flight from Jupal will take you back to Nepalgunj and another connecting flight will take you back to the Kathmandu valley.

Related Article: Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek for Nepali 

The trial can be completed within the duration of 11 days. Here is the detailed itinerary for your information. One can customize the given itinerary with us while booking time. 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the hotel in Thamel. You will explore the beautiful Thamel in the evening time. A representative from Altitude Himalaya will greet you and brief you about the Trek. 

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj

Early in the morning, after breakfast, You can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Garden of Dreams. Looking after the flight time, you will be escorted to the Airport to fly to Nepalgunj in the midwestern region of Nepal. Nepalgunj lies in the Terai region of Nepal and is a major city in the midwestern region. It is near the India Border. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj. 

Day 3: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai

Looking after the Airport time, you will fly in another flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. Juphal is also the trek starting point of the Shey Phoksundo lake trek. It is situated at 8210 feet above sea level. After reaching Juphal from the flight, you will begin your trekking towards Dunai. It takes around three hours of trek to reach Dunai from Juphal. The trail follows Thulo Bheri Valley, Kaladhunga, Bheri River, Roop Ghar, and finally takes you to the beautiful Dunai Village. It lies at an altitude of 7025 feet. Overnight stay in Dunai.

Day 4: Trek to Chhepka village

A descending trek from Dunai crossing the Bheri River takes you to Sulighat. The further trek takes you to the northern end of Shey Phoksundo National Park check post. Trailing further the Suli Ghad River (Phoksundo Khola) and Kageni through the walnut and maple forest exploring the excellent Tibetan culture, you will reach Chhepka village. Chhepka village is situated at an altitude of 2660 m above sea level. It takes around 7-8 hours of trek to reach Chhepka from Dunai. Overnight stay in Chhepka. 

Day 5: Trek to Jharna Waterfall

This is a wonderful day as you will get a sight of amazing Shey Phoksundo and get to explore the Jhara Waterfall. It is Nepal’s one of the highest waterfalls and offers a thrilling experience. Trekking through the cedar forest will take you to Jharana allowing you to explore the 1083 foot tall waterfall. The spectacular glimpses of mountains and valleys and Shey Phoksundo lake afar is amazing. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Jharana Waterfall. Overnight stay in Jharana. 

Day 6: Trek to the Tibetan Ringmo village

Today, you will be exploring the amazing Tibetan village of Ringmo. You will begin trekking from Jharana crossing over the bridge and passing by the Ranger office, you will reach Ringmo village in the northern end of Phoksundo lake. You can explore the culture and traditions of the local people and know about the lifestyle and practices. Overnight stay at Ringmo Village. 

Day 7: Explore sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa

Early in the morning, you will explore the beautiful Ringmo village. After strolling around the village, you will go to visit Tshowa Gompa near Phoksundo lake. Tshowa Gompa is a 900-year-old Bon monastery and offers a very spiritual ambience. The spectacular scenery and beautiful freshwater lake Phoksundo is the major highlight of the day. According to the belief of the Buddhists, it is said that there lies an underwater palace in the Shey Phoksundo lake and thus sacred to the followers. You will stay in Ringmo village today.

Day 8: Trek to Chhepka Village

After exploring the beauty of Shey Phoksundo lake, you will trek back to Chhepka village via Sulighad and Renji village. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Chhepka village. Overnight stay in Chhepka. 

Day 9: Trek to Juphal

Early in the morning, you will begin your trekking towards Juphal where the Airport lies. The beautiful farm fields and villages and various cultural groups are the major highlights of the day. It takes around 6-7 hours of trekking to reach Juphal. Overnight stay in Juphal. 

Day 10: Fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu

On the morning flight, you will have a return flight to Nepalgunj and another flight will connect you to Kathmandu valley.

Related Article: Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek

The trekking is comparatively difficult as it is an off the beaten path trek. However, the trails are well defined, making it easier to trek in the lower Dolpo area. There is a chance of Acute mountain sickness, however, it's situated at an altitude of 3611 m above sea level, which generally does not take acclimatization left to adapt. You will be gaining 500-600 m altitude every day on average, which is not so difficult. 

In terms of health, trekkers should be fit enough to climb uphill mountains. Also, there is less accessibility in the Dolpo area, so getting prepared for the uncertainty is a good choice.

Trekking to Shey Phoksundo Lake does not require heavy trekking gear. Some essential gears and other gears as per the need of a trekker are enough for trekking. Some of the essential gears for trekking are:- 

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Backpack
• Refillable water bottles
• Good quality, super-warm 4-season sleeping bag (these can be rented from local vendors)
• Hand towel,
• Energy Bars
• Wet wipes
• Toiletries
• Frontal torch and flashlight with spare batteries
• Sunblock and high SPF lip balm
• Guidebook
• Map
• Compass
• Penknife
• Washbag (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items)
• Sewing Kit
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag
• Duffel Bag

For Clothing, you may just add the following clothes to your backpack. 

• Anorak/parka with hood (waterproof) x 1
• Down jacket x 1
• Fleece x 1
• Thermal top x 2
• T-shirts x 3, long sleeve shirts x 2-3
• Waterproof trousers x 1
• Warm trousers x 2
• Hiking shorts/trousers x 1
• Long thermal pants x 1
• Thermal underwear
• Socks thin and thick x 6
• Hiking boots
• Gaiters
• Comfortable closed shoes (for around camp)
• Mittens and ski gloves
• Balaclava and woolen hat
• Scarf

It is very important to carry a First Aid kit while trekking in the mountains. Some of the essential medicines and first aid kits are as follows. 

• Small first aid kit
• Sprint Bandage
• Headache tablets
• Imodium (loperamide)

It is good to consult your physician for Acetazolamide (Diamox), a drug that mitigates the effects of altitude, headache, diarrhoea & vomiting.

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• Always carry a First Aid Kit while trekking. 
• Do not touch people when they are on the way to temples. 
• Beef is prohibited in Nepal. No female animal is killed for food. 
• You may not be allowed to enter the inner part of temples and stupas. 
• It is better to take permission before using cameras while visiting temples, stupas, and heritage sites. 
• Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders, and backs may not be appreciated in rural villages. So, stay comfortably and decently covered.
• Public display of affection is not entertained nicely in rural parts. 
• If a Nepali lady hesitates to shake hands with you, it is common in rural parts. It is better to greet with ‘Namaste’ by joining both the palms and it is an appreciated gesture. 
• Use a hotel safety box for your valuables. 
• While visiting villages, you may not get all the luxuries and modern amenities. So, expecting modern services in rural villages is futile. 
• If you have any problems, do not hesitate to ask your guide for solutions.
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The best time to trek Shey Phoksundo lake is in the Autumn and Spring season. The months of September, October, November, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions. 

During the Autumn months, Shey Phoksundo Lake is best visited. The months of September, October, and November are the best suitable months for trekking in Nepal. During these months, the weather is calm and the temperature is warm in the daytime and there are high chances of clear visibility. In mid-December, there lies a probability of snowfall, which might make it harder to reach there but it's one of the best experiences as you will enjoy the snowy mountains. 

The Spring months such as March, April, and May are also the best time to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake. The moderate temperature and calm weather make it an amazing experience. The blooming trees and flowers, a wide range of floral varieties, and other sightseeing are best explored during the spring season. Monsoon is not favourable as the road and trail get slippery to trek in the mountains. However, it's doable. To avoid harsh weather and climate, monsoon is best avoided.