Phoksundo Lake Trek

A blue-green lake of the Dolpo region.

Trip Facts

duration Duration 11 days
trip-difficulty Trip Difficulty Moderate
trip-difficulty Highest Point 3640m
Average Group Size 8-12 Pax
trip-code Trip Code PLTAH
trip-code Area Dolpo Region
trip-code Start Point Kathmandu
trip-start-point Trip End Point Kathmandu
trip-accomodation Accomodation As Mentioned
trip-meals Meals As Mentioned
transportation Transportation On Private Basis

Trip Highlights

  • Exploring Isolated Tibetan villages.
  • Crossing deserted rain shadow areas of Lower Dolpo.
  • High suspension bridges, authentic trails to Ringmo village.
  • Diverse Flora and Fauna in the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Nepal.
  • Snow-capped Kanjirowa Massif (6,612 m).
  • Gompas and monasteries like Shey Gompa, Thasung Gompa and Tshowa Monastery.

Trip Overview

Shey Phoksundo lake trek offers the most wonderful experiences in its pristine and beautiful land. Phoksundo lake trek en route through dense forest including oaks, pines, fir trees, high suspension bridges and traditional villages. The lake is surrounded by Tshowa monastery in the north and Ringmo village in the south. Bon-Po cultures are also followed in Ringmo village. Moreover, trekkers can explore several monasteries like Shey Gompa, Thasung Gompa, etc. 

Phoksundo lake lies in Dolpa, the biggest district of Nepal. Phoksundo is the deepest oligotrophic lake that lies at an elevation of 3,611 m. This lake is popular as a holy and sacred lake for Buddhists and the Bon-Po religion. It is certainly the scenic and beautiful natural tourist spot of Nepal.

The lake lies in the periphery of Shey Phoksundo national park. Also, The national park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It offers a diversity of spectacular and beautiful landscapes. The highest elevation of the trek is Phoksundo Lake itself situated at an elevation of 3,640 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, to enter this area certain Permits are mandatory for the trekkers. 

The region around Phoksundo Lake is one of the most isolated and undeveloped regions in Nepal. Because of that the local teahouse and the lodges provide the basic accommodation facilities for the trekkers traveling to Phoksundo Lake.

Phoksundo lake trek is one of the shortest trekking trails in the far western part of Nepal. With our Phoksundo Lake Trek itinerary, you can complete it easily within a week with the help of our expert trekking leader. This is one of the moderate difficulty levels of the trek and beginners with normal fitness levels can join the trek.

Autumn is the best time for trekking in Nepal. September, October, and November are seen as the best months for Phoksundo Lake Trek. During this month of the year, the temperature is warm in the daytime as well as chill in the morning and during the evening. Due to the high visibility eye-appealing view of the Phoksundo Lake can be seen along with the valleys. There are chances of snowfall during Mid December. During this month of the year, the temperature is cold but offers a jaw-dropping reward. 

Spring (March, April, and May) are the best seasons for trekking to Phoksundo Lake. During these seasons, the weather is perfect and the temperature is moderate. So, trekkers can enjoy the best sightseeing of blooming rhododendrons, magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and other ranges. Monsoon (June to August) is not favorable because of harsh weather, coldness, and muddy-slippery roads. 

Summary of Phoksundo Lake Trek

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is one of the popular treks in the western part of Nepal. Meanwhile, situated at an elevation of 3,640 meters above sea level, Shey Phoksundo is also one of the most popular lakes of Nepal. Trekking in the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Nepal is an amazing experience. You will get to witness some of the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna along with the beautiful lake, waterfall, valley, and many more throughout the trek.

In addition, this trek provides you with an opportunity to explore remote areas. Crossing the ancient salt trade route, view of yak caravans, and crystal clear views of Kanjirowa Himal on the oligotrophic Phoksundo makes your trip memorable. Trekkers will ascend and descend through traditional villages like Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana Hotel and Santa. During the trip, trekkers will see the beautiful 167 meters waterfall. Several endangered species like Musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, etc. are found in this region.

A scenic flight will take you to the trek starting point. Similarly, you will fly back to Kathmandu from the same point after trekking for a week in the western part of Nepal. Jhupal is the trek starting point and can be reached after a scenic flight from Nepalgunj. The residents of upper Dolpo follow Tibetan culture whereas lower Dolpo residents follow Buddhism. Some of them also follow the Bon-Po religion. The Bon-PO followers round the monasteries in an anti-clockwise direction.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest as well as the only trans Himalayan national park in Nepal. It is located in the Dolpa and Mugu district in the mid-western part of Nepal. Meanwhile, the total area of Shey Phoksundo National Park is 3,555 square kilometers. Snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear and jackal are some of the popular wild animals found inside this national park. Shey Phoksundo National Park is also home to many Buddhist monasteries. Some of the popular monasteries inside Shey Phoksundo National Park include Shey Gompa and Thashung Gompa.

Phoksundo Lake

This blue-green lake of the Dolpo region is considered as the sacred lake by the Buddhist monk. Situated at an elevation of 3,640 meters above sea level, Shey Phoksundo Lake is visited by more than 2,000 visitors every year. Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of Nepal and also is one of the untouched and unexplored trekking trails of Nepal. The maximum length of Phoksundo Lake is 5.15 square kilometers and the maximum width is 800 meters. Similarly, the maximum depth of the lake is 145 meters. There are more than 2o stupas in the southern belt of the lake and one in the eastern belt. Annual prayers and worship are carried out during some of the special days of the year.

If our trip itinerary doesn’t suit your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary then feel free to inbox us. We want our valuable guests to enjoy their travel according to their needs and wills. We provide a variety of packages for student groups/family groups/corporate teams and many more. Every travel package is different according to the group size and the demand of the guests. We are also more than happy if you combine it with any travel plans, please let us know and we’ll create a tailor-made itinerary, designed especially for your travel group.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. At 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you on the details of your trek program.

*Optionally you can add one additional night stay in Kathmandu to cover cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu as well for your trek preparation shopping.

duration 30 Minutes
duration 10 Km
ascent 1350m
trip-accomodation Kathmandu Eco Home
trip-meals N/A
transportation On Private Basis
Day 02

Flight to Nepalgunj

At 09:00 AM: This day we will prepare the paperwork for the restricted area trekking.  In the afternoon we will be flying to the Nepalgunj on the southwestern side of Nepal which is also considered as the gateway to the far west.

duration 1 Hour
descent 150m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 03

Flight to Juphal, Trek to Dunai

At 06:00 AM: Today early morning we will take the flight to Juphal which is on the northern side of Nepalgunj. The small aircraft will take us to the beautiful airport in Juphal. The view of mighty snow-capped peaks is visible throughout the flight. Juphal is our starting point of the trek and from here we will start our first day of the trek. The trail mostly goes from the bank of the Bheri river, passes through the beautiful villages and maize fields. The trail today is mostly descending down to the Dunai village. Overnight at Dunai.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 11 Km
ascent 2150m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 04

Trek to Chhekpa

At 07:30 AM: After breakfast, we will leave behind Dunai village and continue to descend down to cross the Bheri river and continue our trail to the northern bank of the river. The trail then takes us to the Sunlight which is followed by Shey Phoksundo national park check post. The trail ascends up from here and passes through the hemp fields before reaching Kageni village. The view of magnificent waterfalls, lush vegetation, and the tropical forest is throughout the trail reaching Chhepka. Overnight at Chhepka teahouse.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 15 Km
ascent 2670m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 05

Trek to Jharana Hotel

At 07:30 AM: After breakfast, we will start our trek towards the Jharana hotel. Today we will get the first view of Phoksundo lake from the distance. The trail today passes through the wide meadows and forests. The George of Phoksundo is just below us when we pass through the meadows. After the climb, we will see one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls. Overnight at Jharna hotel.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 10 Km
ascent 2950m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 06

Trek to Phoksundo Lake

At 07:30 AM: After breakfast, we will be leaving the Jharana hotel and then continue toward the Ringmo village which is the bank of the Phoksundo lake. The trail first passes descending down inside the birch forest and then ascends up to reach the Phoksundo Khola. After crossing the bridge we will be heading towards the north to reach the ranger station at Phoksundo lake. Overnight at Ringmo.

duration 4-6 Hours
duration 6 Km
ascent 3640m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 07

Phoksundo Exploration Day

At 07:30 AM: Today we will explore the Ringmo village., Phoksundo lake, surrounding areas, and monasteries. Phoksundo Lake is an alpine turquoise-colored freshwater lake and the deepest lake of Nepal at 3,600 m. We will visit a 900-year-old Bon monastery,  Tshowa Gompa. The lake is famous for its striking turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Overnight at Ringmo.

duration 4-6 Hours
duration 8 Km
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 08

Trek to Chhepka

At 07:30 AM: After breakfast, we will start to descend back towards the Chhepka village. The trail passes through the lush green vegetation, birch forest, tropical forest Phoksundo Khola, Bheri river and various wildlife. The trail is at the bank of the river and the soothing sound of flowing water doesn’t leave us throughout the trail. Overnight at Chhepka village.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 17 Km
descent 2670m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 09

Trek to Juphal

At 07:30 AM: The last day of our trek starts after breakfast. We will be heading towards Dunai town and then further to Juphal village. Today’s trail is a rocky trail alongside the Bheri river. We will leave the Shey Phoksundo national park and head towards the Juphal. Overnight at Juphal village.

duration 6-8 Hours
duration 18 Km
descent 2475m
trip-accomodation Local Lodge
trip-meals B,L,D
Day 10

Flight to Nepalgunj, Flight to Kathmandu

At 06:30 AM: today we will take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. After reaching Nepalgunj we then further fly back to Kathmandu and celebrate our final dinner together. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

duration 2 Hours
descent 1350m
trip-accomodation Kathmandu Eco Home
trip-meals B,D
transportation On Private Basis
Day 11

Departure

You will be free until your flight time; we will drop you at Kathmandu Airport 3 hours before your flight.

duration 30 Minutes
trip-meals B
transportation On Private Basis

Trip Guide

The information about the Phoksundo Lake Trek is in-depth; feel free to contact us 24/7. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to the customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How difficult is Phoksundo lake trek?

    This is a moderate-level trek. One must walk uphill during trek time. A physically fit and mentally calm person can complete the trek easily.

  • Where is Phoksundo Lake?

    Phoksundo lake is located in the north west part of Nepal in the Dolpa district at the elevation of 3612m above sea level.

Services Includes

  • All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.

  • Private transfer or flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Flight transfer from Nepalgunj to Juphal.

  • A 3 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Nepalgunj as per the trek itinerary.

  • Daily breakfast throughout the trip.

  • Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.

  • All necessary paper works. (National Park Entry Permits and TIMS Card)

  • English-speaking licensed trek guide.

  • Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 people)

  • Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.

  • One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.

  • All government and local taxes.

  • Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.

  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveler’s insurance company.

  • Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.

  • A farewell Nepali dinner on your last night. 

Services Excludes

  • Personal expenses.

  • Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.

  • Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)

  • International flight ticket.

  • Travel health insurance. (Recommended)

  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.

  • Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.

  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.

  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

11 Days from US$ 2445
USD 2320 / Person

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