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Phoksundo Lake Trek (A Journey to Nepal’s Deepest Blue)

Phoksundo Lake Trek (A Journey to Nepal’s Deepest Blue)

Region

Dolpo

Trip Grade

Easy, Soft

Accommodation

Hotel

Durations

12 Days

Max. Altitude

3660m

Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, Snacks & dinner

Group Size

9

Best Season

Any season

Transportation

Flight

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Trip Highlights

Shey Phoksundo Lake: A breathtaking turquoise lake nestled in the remote Dolpo region, Shey Phoksundo is Nepal’s deepest lake and one of its most mesmerizing natural wonders. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, alpine forests, and ancient Tibetan culture, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

Immerse yourself in the ancient Bon culture and spiritual heritage of Dolpo, one of the most remote and mystical regions of Nepal. With deep-rooted traditions predating Buddhism, Bon offers a rare glimpse into centuries-old rituals, unique architecture, and a way of life shaped by the harsh beauty of the Himalayas.

Dunai Bazaar, the historic heart of the Dolpo region, is a charming old market town nestled along the banks of the Thuli Bheri River. As the administrative and cultural hub of Dolpo, it blends traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture with the vibrant daily life of locals. A gateway for trekkers and traders alike, Dunai offers a glimpse into the enduring spirit of mountain communities.

Reach the breathtaking viewpoint of Shey Phoksundo Lake at an elevation of 4,000 meters, where the turquoise waters stretch out beneath towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks. This panoramic spot offers a stunning perspective of Nepal’s deepest lake an unforgettable reward for those who venture into the heart of Dolpo.

Trip Overview

Dolpo is the largest territorial district in Nepal. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and splendid places. The exotic sites and natural sceneries lure 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 destinations in Nepal. Mirroring the snowy Kanjiroba massif, the turquoise lake waters look heavenly. No wonder this lake is regarded as sacred by Buddhists and followers of the Bon-Po religion.

The Phoksundo Teahouse Trek is Dolpo’s 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 is also 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. Backpackers 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.

Detailed Itinerary

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.

Altitude:1350m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Hotel

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

Altitude:150m
Duration:55 minutes
Accommodation:Hotel

Today we take a 35-minute long flight to Juphal- the trek starting point to Phoksundo Lake. As we begin the trek, the trail ascends southeast high above Thulo Bheri Valley followed by an hour-long walk through maize fields to reach the village of Kalagaunda. We trek by the southern bank of the Bheri River past Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the village of Dunai (2145m). Dunai is quite a big mountainous town with schools, health posts, government offices, police stations, and tourist class lodges. We will stay overnight in one of the lodges in Dunai. Probably at Pala Guest House.

Altitude:2141m
Duration:3 to 4 hours
Accommodation:Hotel

Today we begin the trek descending down through the streets of Dunai Town to cross the bridge over Bheri River. Then we chase the northern bank of the river for an hour to reach Sulighat. Then we head north to reach Shey Phoksundo National Park Check Post. Beyond the checkpost, we gradually climb up along the rock-strewn trail that lies above the serpentine Suli Ghad Khola. As the trail stretches higher through the series of hemp trees we arrive at Kageni. Further trekking through a beautiful tropical forest dominated by walnut and maple trees, we begin to see the first glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savoring the views of fluttering prayer flags, floral and faunal biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation we arrive at the village of Shyanta 2520m. Almost ninety minutes of uphill trek from Shyanta along the narrow trail brings us to Chhepka 2670m. Overnight in a lodge at Chhepka..

Altitude:2720m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation: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–meter–high waterfall, the highest in Nepal, and a faraway view of Phoksundo Lake. We stopped for the night at the Jharana (waterfall) Hotel.

Altitude:3175m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Lodge

Today as we make our way to Ringmo, we make a steep descent 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. The final push through the Phoksundo River gully, we emerge to the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a popular Bon Village in the region. Ringmo has a few lodges/homestays, where we are going to settle down for the night.

Altitude:3641m
Duration:5 hours
Accommodation:Hotel

Today we explore the area around Ringmo’s magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is a fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, has a scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. 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. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Altitude:3641m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Hotel

After an enjoyable and insightful teahouse trek to Phoksundo Lake, we trek along the retracing trail to Chhepka. We stayed overnight at the hotel.

Altitude:2720m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Hotel

After breakfast, we continue the trek along the retracing trail that brings us to Juphal. After 6-7 hrs of pleasant walk through a culturally and naturally diverse trail, we arrive at Juphal. Overnight in a lodge at Juphal.

Altitude:2475m
Duration:6 hours
Accommodation:Hotel

Early morning, we walk to the airport in Juphal from where we fly to the airport in Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, we board a plane that directly connects us to Kathmandu. On arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the time is free time.

Altitude:1350m
Duration:35 minutes & 55 minutes
Accommodation:Hotel

Today is a buffer day in Kathmandu, set aside in case of flight delays or cancellations, common in mountain regions. It’s a great chance to relax and prepare for departure if everything runs smoothly. Spend the morning enjoying a slow breakfast, organising your bags, and wrapping up any last-minute tasks. In the afternoon, explore the markets of Thamel or Patan for souvenirs like pashmina shawls, singing bowls, and prayer flags. End the day with a rooftop dinner, reflecting on your journey and soaking in your final views of Nepal.

Altitude:1350m
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:Hotle

Today, we will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule back home. We will see you off pleasantly. Have a safe flight back home.

Altitude:N/A
Duration:N/A
Accommodation:N/A

Cost Includes

  • Service during the trek. 
  • Hotel: Standard 3-star Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights  & a 4-star standard hotel in Nepalgunj for 1 night in BB Plan.
  • Airport Shuttle.
  • Crew Member: Experienced trekking guide, a porter for every 2 trekkers (if the group size is at maximum, then there will be a mule driver with Mules)
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Lodges, Homestay, etc (possible to have a tent only on special request)
  • Transport: Porters or mules depend on the group size
  • Food: Standard 3 times meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) based on availability at the destinations.
  • Drink: Choice of Tea or coffee
  • Airfare: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Dolpo, Dolpo to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
  • Permits: Special Lower Dolpo Permit & Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International flight
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj 
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal gears
  • Extra nights at Nepalgunj and Kathmandu due to early return or cancellation of flight due to weather
  • Extra payment for extra weight ( above 15 kg at the Airport) 
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, 
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) 
  • What’s not included in the includes

Additional Info

Flights out and in might be affected by the region’s weather conditions. This may cause the flight to the destination to be cancelled.

In case of such a situation, there are alternative ways to complete the trek, that is, either waiting for the next day or using the roadway to save time on the trek.

Internet access is available in most locations along the trekking route. As this is a tea house trek, you will have access to Wi-Fi at the accommodations wherever it is available. Please note that connectivity may vary depending on the location and weather conditions.

Charging facilities for batteries and power banks are available at nearly all locations along the trekking route. In most cases, this service is provided free of charge. However, some tea houses or hotels may apply a nominal fee for access to charging points. It is advisable to carry a power bank for added convenience.

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Most Common FAQs

Phoksundo Lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour, and the spectacular scenery ranks it among the most scenic mountain parks in the world. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area, and the lake offers different colours depending on the sunlight of the day. It's also very popular for its shape that is considered the Y alphabate.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy, and soft trek to Nepal's deepest and most spectacular lakes. It's the shortest trek possible to organise in the Dolpo region, that is 7 days from Kathmandu to Kathmanud but it can be organzie longer and shorter depending on traveller's timeframe.

Phoksundo Lake is located in the Dolpo district of Nepal, specifically within the Shey Phoksundo National Park of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality. It is situated in the remote village called Ringmo at an elevation of 3641m.

To reach Phoksundo Lake from Kathmandu, you will be using the most common route, that are flight for safety and comfort. But there are alternative means of transport to get there, such as the roadway. But from Dunai or Sulighat, you will be required to hike day by day, and it will takea  minimum of 3 days to get there at Shey Phosksundo Lake (Ringmo village). For your reference: Consult with the Explore Dolpo as they are well know and well-established trekking company that offers the best service at a reasonable price. Here is the program for reference. ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel & prepare for the permits and self-preparation.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj/ flight
Day 03: Nepalgunj to Juphal/ (2475m) and Juphal to Dunai (2145m)/ 3hrs Trek
Day 04: Dunai to Chhepka (2670m)/ 6-7 hrs trek
Day 05: Chhepka to Jharana Hotel/ 5-6 hrs Trek
Day 06: Jharana Hotel to Ringmo (3460m)/ 5-6 hrs Trek
Day 07: Explore around Phoksundo Lake
Day 08: Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka (2520m)/ 6-7 hrs trek
Day 09: Chhepka to Juphal
Day 10: Juphal to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu
Day 11: Departure
 

Shey Phoksundo Lake is considered the second largest lake of Nepal and first deepest lake of Nepal with an elevation of 3641m.
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