Phoksundo Lake Trek
Trip Facts
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
Kathmandu Arrival
Flight to Nepalgunj
Flight to Juphal, Trek to Dunai
Trek to Chhekpa
Trek to Jharana Hotel
Trek to Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Exploration Day
Trek to Chhepka
Trek to Juphal
Flight to Nepalgunj, Flight to Kathmandu
Departure
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
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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.
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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
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All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
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Private transfer or flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj as mentioned in the itinerary.
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Flight transfer from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
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A 3 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Nepalgunj as per the trek itinerary.
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Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
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Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
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All necessary paper works. (National Park Entry Permits and TIMS Card)
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English-speaking licensed trek guide.
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Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 people)
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Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
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One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
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All government and local taxes.
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Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
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Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveler’s insurance company.
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Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
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A farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.
Services Excludes
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Personal expenses.
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Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
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Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)
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International flight ticket.
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Travel health insurance. (Recommended)
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Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.
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Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
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All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
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Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
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Any other expenses which are not mentioned in including section.
Why Travel With Altitude Himalaya?
We believe in the quality services to accommodate our guests 360 degrees need with tour personalization and customization. Our dedicated and experienced team believes not only in arranging trips, but making creating life long memories. Our travel experience within the region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet could make a memorable trip of yours.
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