Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy trip to one of Nepal’s largest and most spectacular lakes. It’s a 7-day trip from Kathmandu, but it could be longer or shorter depending on how many hours you want to walk a day.

Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the Dolpo region. In addition, this is the most significant territorial district among many beautiful places in Nepal.

The adherents of Bon-Po religious sects also know the Phoksundo Lake as sacred. It thus makes the trek a beautiful blend of nature and culture. Moreover, Phoksundo Lake is splendid due to the reflecting backdrop of the Kanjirowa massif. Besides, it offers a wide range of spectacular and beautiful landscapes.

Phoksundo Lake is the most important place of nature and lies within the Shey Phoksundo national park. The park is also a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Thus, Shey Phoksundo National Park is also famous for its medicinal herbs. As a result, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is ideal for those who study botanical science.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek: Highlights

Explore the most iconic Phoksundo Lake and the holiest land of Bonpo.
Take part in the culture of Tibetan in the Ringmo village.

The crystal clear Jarana waterfall witness.
Explore the 800-year-old monastery of Tshowa Gompa.

 

Phoksundo National Park Trek at Glance
Duration Nine days
Max. Altitude 3660 meters
Trek starts/ends Juphal
Difficulty Easy
Accommodation Tea houses/lodges
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Map

Trek to Phoksundo Lake Brief Itinerary

Days Itinerary Overnights Trekking Distance
1. Fly to Nepalgunj, a doorway to the Far West Nepalgunj 055
2. Fly to Juphal then trek to Dunai Dunai 3h00
3. Trek to Chhepka Chhepka 6h00
4. Tsepka to Jharana Hotel Chunuwar 7h00
5. Trek to Ringmo Ringmo village 4h00
6. Explore sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa Ringmo
7. Trek to Tsepka Chhepka village 6h00
8. Ysepka to Jufal Jufal 5h30
9. Fly to Nepalgunj, then a connecting flight to KTM.

 

Best time to visit Shey Phoksundo, National Park.

Spring (Mar to May): The trekkers say spring is the best Shey Phuksundo Lake Trek season. In addition to the best climatic conditions, the best views of spectacular and colorful rhododendrons bloom this season. The temperature is moderate during this season, and the weather is perfect. The fascinating aspect of Dhaulagiri and other mountains are visible during this period.

Autumn (September to November): Because of the lovely weather and moderate temperatures, autumn is the best trekking season. So, days are usually sunny, which allows you to look at the superb view of the mountains and the beautiful landscapes. The autumn season is also perfect for the Phoksundo lakes trek too.

Winter (December to February): Winter is always hard in Nepal, and especially in the higher altitudes, it gets even hard. Shey Phuksundo Lake is 3,600 meters high, so it won’t get challenging since the trek isn’t at higher altitudes. It will be cold, but Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is still feasible.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the rainy season since it brings hot, humid weather, with most trekking areas seeing cloudy skies and rain. At this time of year, choose a trek in the “rain shadow,” such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, or Nar Phu. The Yarthung Horse Festival takes place either in Manang or Mustang in June.

As a result, the best seasons for a trek to Phoksundo Lake are spring and autumn.

If you seek less crowded yet exciting spots, the Dolpo region trekking is ideal to avoid the most popular trekking trails such as Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Permit Cost

Like all other restricted Area treks in Nepal, exploring the Shey Phoksundo National Park requires specific entry permits such as Lower Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park. Remember that Shey Phoksundo National Park covers Upper Dolpo Trek too. The Lower Dolpo Permit cost is US$ 20 per person per week, whereas the Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee is US$30 per person.

So, are you set for this magical Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek with Himalayan Exploration Treks? A short trek to Phoksundo Lake is suitable for visiting the Dolpo region with a few time limits. Your travel begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, one of the warmest towns near the Indian border. After the trip, you get to Juphal by another plane, where your real journey begins. The trail goes through the places such as Suligad, Chhepka, and Amchi Hospital to Shey Phoksundo Lake. You wander around the lake and spend time applauding the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and Mount Kanjirowa. After having enough appreciation, you trace back to Kathmandu via the same route.

1

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.

When you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll welcome the views of snow-capped mountain peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel. If you still have time, visit Thamel, Nepal’s tourist city, or shop for rare trinkets and sightseeing around Boudhanath Stupa and Basantapur Durbar Square in the afternoon.
2

Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj

You may wander Thamel’s streets in the morning or visit Dreams Garden, a lush and serene oasis in busy Kathmandu. Today you’ll be heading to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai close to the Indian border and doorway to the Western region of Nepal.
3

Day 3: Fly to Juphal then trek to Dunai

Today, at 2500 meters, you’ll fly to Juphal, the starting point for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trail goes southeast up the valley of Thulo Bheri and winds to the village of Kalagaunda through the maize fields. Follow the South Bank of the Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar, a traditional water mill, before reaching Dunai at 2145 meters.
Trek Duration: 3h00
4

Day 4: Trek to Chhepka

Go down Dunai’s streets and cross the Bheri River Bridge. Follow the northern riverbank towards Sulighat before heading north to the check-out point for Shey Phoksundo National Park. The rocky trail goes up the Serpentine River Suli Ghad to Kageni through hemp trees and then to the tropical forest of walnuts and maples, where you begin to see insights into the culture of Tibet. Next, take on the way to Shyanth village, 8268 feet in view from fluttering prayer flags, waterfalls, and lush greenery. A further hour and a half climb up the narrow way lead you to Chhepka, a village 2660 meters.
Trek Duration: 6-7h00
5

Day 5: Trek to Jarana Hotel

Taking the Jharana waterfall early in the morning. The trail goes up to a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village through a cedar forest. The route continues through open fields at Jharana Hotel, at 3370 meters, whereas our stop is for the night. A close-up view of the 330 meters stunning Jharana Waterfall–one of the highest in Nepal–will pay you off your efforts with the farthest view of Phoksundo Lake.
Trek Duration: 6h00
6

Day 6: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo Lake

You’ll walk up to the top of the Phoksundo River through birch trees as you reach Ringmo at 3460 meters. Follow the trail north towards the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. Finally, you will push toward the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bons town, where you will stay overnight.
Trek Duration: 4h00
7

Day 7: Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa

Today, you’re going to explore the area around the splendid Phoksundo Lake. Visit the village of Ringmo before heading to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old monastery in Bon on a slope above the lake. Phoksundo Lake is considered sacred by Buddhists and adherents of the Bon religion, who believe the lake comprises an underwater palace and a tantric spirit mandala. The lake is famous for its iconic turquoise color and spectacular scenery. In addition, there are many beautiful glaciers located near and above the lake area.
8

Day 8: Trek back to Chhepka

Today, head back to Chhepka. Follow a river from the lake towards Sulighad. You cross the village of Renji and the forests of fires and larches along the Sulighat River before you reach Chhepka at 2600 meters.
Trek Duration: 7h00
9

Day 9: Trek to Juphal

Follow the path to Juphal after breakfast through splendid forests, fields, and villages.
Trek Duration: 6h00
10

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

You will fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj early in the morning and then to Kathmandu, where you will take your way to the hotel. In the evening, there is free to enjoy a sightseeing tour or rest in the hotel.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Kathmandu International Airport
DEPARTURE TIME Please, arrive at least 3 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED
All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer
Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast
All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks
All necessary documentation and permits
All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)
Professional guide and porters
A First Aid Kits
Applicable Government Taxes
NOT INCLUDED
International Airfare
Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)
Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
Travel Insurance
Tips for Guide and Porter.

Prices are quoted in US$ dollars and payable in convertible currencies. All prices published on our website are set as low as possible. The prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. However, we guarantee our prices, which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.

Is the water at Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Phoksundo Lake. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.

Yes, we only provide insurance to our staff. We recommend that you purchase insurance in your home country. Note: Insurance should cover medical and emergency evacuation.

No. The trails are well-known. You will not need crampons if you are not traveling in the mid-winter. Instead of the crampons, bring non-technical, lightweight spikes, are less costly and suit any shoe size.

No, we do not need tents or mattresses. There are tea houses along the trek.

When you forget something, it may be complicated to find something here. Check here for a detailed packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you’re not a regular hiker, you can rent most of Nepal’s trekking equipment upon your arrival.

Anything you do not want for the trip can leave at our office or your hotel. We recommend that you make sure your bag is lockable.

Generally, we use local guides. Our guides have been numerous times on each trek to the relevant areas. All are qualified, competent, versatile, and certified licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.

If you use a porter, there are two advantages:
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.

A porter can carry an average of 20 kg with his or her bag so that they can carry up to 16 kg of your equipment and gears. But we provide a backpack for them.

Yes, of course. We ensure that our staff is well insured.
Phoksundo Lake Trek
Trek to Phoksundo Lake
Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek
Shey Phoksundo National Park Trek
Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake

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