Phoksundo Teahouse Trek (11 Days)

Dolpo is the largest territorial district in Nepal. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and splendid place. The exotic sites and natural sceneries lures people all over the world , thus making it a must visit destination. Dolpo has been captured beautifully on film by the renowned director Eric Valli in his movie “Caravan”.

Dolpo’s Phoksundo Lake is regarded as one of the most scenic and beautiful natural tourist destination in Nepal. Mirroring the snowy Kanjiroba massif , the turquoise lake waters look heavenly. No wonder this lake is regarded sacred by Buddhists and followers of Bon-po religion.

The Phoksundo Teahouse Trek is Dolpo’s one and only teahouse trek. This trek is fairly easy as no high passes are involved. The trek starts from Juphal, where the only airstrip in Dolpo is located. The trail passes through wonderful Himalayan forests and picturesque traditional villages. The rivers and waterfalls on the trail are some of Nepal’s most magnificent. In addition to natural beauty, the trekking area also is rich in wildlife. One may get to see some endangered species like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr etc. Within the Shey Phoksundo National Park lies our destination Phoksundo Lake.

This trek is less expensive and follows a shorter route. We will be staying in tea houses or lodges throughout the trek. We shall take our meals at tea-houses. The food will be simple and nutritious. Back packers can also do this trek. The company will provide a local guide. But in case you don’t need a guide, then the company will take out the trekking permit for you for a fee. We plan your trip with a high level of efficiency , so that you may have the most memorable experience.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2

Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (by bus or flight)

Day 3

Fly Nepalgunj- Juphal / Trek Juphal- Dunai (2150m)

Day 4

Dunai- Chhepka (2670m)/ Hotel
Day 5

Chhepka – Jharana Hotel

Day 6 Jharana Hotel – Phoksundo Lake
Day 7

Phoksundo- Rest day, Nature Treks»

Day 8 Phoksundo – Sangta
Day 9 Sangta – Juphal
Day 10 Juphal – Nepalgunj- Kathmandu 
Day 11

Depart Kathmandu

TRIP FACTS

Trip duration :

11 Days

Grade :

Moderate

Activity

:

Sightseeing and trekking

Starts in : Kathmandu
Ends in : Kathmandu
Trek type :

TH

Accommodation :

Hotel and Lodge

Meals :

HHotel/ tea house

Transportation :

Flight/tourist bus


Detailed itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2 Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (by bus or flight)

From Kathmandu we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj , a town in the western Terai , is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight at hotel or lodge.

Day 3 Fly Nepalgunj- Juphal / Trek Juphal- Dunai (2150m)

Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal .The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai(2150m).Dunai has a village school, police check post and some government offices. It is also the administrative capital of Dolpo. We stay overnight in Dunai at Pala Guest House.

Day 4 Dunai- Chhepka (2670m)

From Dunai we trek to Chhepka , which has few houses and lodge.We will stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 5 Chhepka – Jharana Hotel

We rise early in the morning and after breakfast make our way towards Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a forest of big cedars and on a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route climbs steadily through open country to an elevation of 3370m. We get a close view of a spectacular 330-metre –high waterfall, the highest in Nepal and a faraway view of Phoksundo lake. We stop for the night at Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.

Day 6 Jharana Hotel – Phoksundo Lake

Today as we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, we make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo khola. We cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. We continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo khola(river) flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 metres deep.

Day 7 Phoksundo- Rest day

Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, which looks like a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are many monasteries (Gompas )and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. Thashung Gompa located near Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Day 8 Phoksundo – Sangta

After an enjoyable and insightful visit we trek to Sangta. We stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Sangta – Juphal

We trek through Sangta to Juphal. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.

Day 10 Juphal – Nepalgunj- Kathmandu

We take a flight from Juphal to Nepalganj and from Nepalgunj we fly to Kathmandu.

Day 11 Depart Kathmandu

Our representative will drive you to the airport for your flight home.