Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

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Trip Facts
Trip Grade: Easy
Country: Nepal

Shey Phoksundo Lake, is sacred to Buddhists and followers of the Bonpo religion. This relatively easy trek involves no high passes, and winds through Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan villages.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy trek. It is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake, which is located at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters/11,849 ft. in the Dolpa District. Our trek start from kathmandu and end in kathmandu. Normally it is 9 days trek from Kathmandu to kathmandu, but it could be longer or shorter depending on the number of hours you choose to walk a day. Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the most iconic and exotic tourist destinations in the Dolpo region. It is the most significant territorial district, among other many beautiful places in Nepal. We can experience the privilege of traditional Tibetan culture in upper Dolpa and in lower Dolpa, there are Buddhism and Bon including the Ringmo Village.

The adherents of Bon-Po religious sects also know the Phoksundo Lake as sacred. It thus makes the trek into a beautiful blend of nature and culture. 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 a wide range of 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.

Best season to trek Phoksundo Lake 

Spring (March-May)
As per the trekkers, Spring is the best season to choose for trekking in Shey Phuksundo. Apart from the best climates, this season also offers some best sightseeing of beautiful and colorful rhododendrons blossoming. During this season, the temperature is moderate, and the weather is perfect. You will get to witness the mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri and other mountains.

Summer (June-August)
It is the rainy season of Nepal. The season starts with scorching sun and gradually monsoon takes over. With the arrival of monsoon, heavy rainfall comes making it very difficult for going on trekking. The path becomes muddy and slippery making it more challenging and unfavorable to trek. So, trekking during this season of Nepal isn’t very wise.

Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is another best season for trekking. In Autumn, the temperature is moderate, the weather is nice and days are usually clear which gives you an opportunity of look at the excellent mountain view and the delightful forest of pine, rhododendrons and other floras.

Winter (December–February)
Winter is always harsh in Nepal, and especially in the higher altitude regions, it becomes even more bitter. Shey Phuksundo is at an elevation of 3,611.5 meters/11,849 ft, so it won’t be harsh as the trek isn’t in higher altitude region. Winter is the ideal season for trekking in lower elevation regions.

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Itinerary Overview and Route Map

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu [ 1350M/ 4428Ft ]
Day 2:Fly to Nepalgunj, gateway to the far west region of Nepal
Day 3:Fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj and Trek to Dunai
Day 4:Trek to Chhepka Village
Day 5:Trek to Jharana Waterfall
Day 6:Trek to Ringmo - Tibetan village
Day 7:Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa
Day 8:Trek to Chhepka Village
Day 9:Trek back to Juphal
Day 10:Juphal to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu
Day 11:Final departure of join other trek or village tour

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu [ 1350M/ 4428Ft ]

As you fly into Kathmandu Nepal, amazing view of snow peak mountains will greet you. On arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel. Evening free to explore around Thamel. Sightseeing around Basantapur Durbar Square and local market if time left. 

Max Altitude: 1,350m (4,429ft)
Meals: welcome dinner
Accommodation: Standard hotel basis
Day 2

Fly to Nepalgunj, gateway to the far west region of Nepal

Breakfast in the morning and explore the streets of Thamel before transfer to airport. Today you will fly to Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai near the Indian border and gateway to the Far West Region of Nepal.

Max Altitude: 150m (492ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Standard hotel basis
Day 3

Fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj and Trek to Dunai

Today you will fly to Juphal 8,200 feet / 2,499 m the starting point for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trail ascends southeast, high above Thulo Bheri Valley, then winds through maize fields to the village of Kalagaunda. You will follow the southern bank of the Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar, where you can see a traditional water mill, before finally reaching the village of Dunai at 2,000 M / 6,562 ft.

Trekking Time: about 3 hours

Max Altitude: 2,000m (6,561ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Duration: 3 hours
Accommodation: Local mountain lodge
Day 4

Trek to Chhepka Village

Descend through the streets of Dunai and cross the bridge over the Bheri River. Follow the northern bank of the river to Sulighat before heading north to Shey Phoksundo National Park check-post. The rock-strewn trail climbs above the serpentine Suli Ghad River through a series of hemp trees to Kageni and then through a tropical walnut and maple forest, where you will begin to see glimpses of Tibetan culture. Savor the views of fluttering prayer flags, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation on the way to Shyanta village located at 8,268 feet. Another about 1 hour walk uphill along the narrow trail brings you to the village of Chhepka at 2670 m / 8760 ft

Trekking Time: about 7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,670m (8,759ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Duration: 7 hrs
Accommodation: Local mountain lodge
Day 5

Trek to Jharana Waterfall

we start early to make our way to Jharana hotel. The trail climbs through a cedar forest to a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The route then ascends steadily through open country to an elevation of 11,056 ft / 3370 m. 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.

Trekking Time: about 6 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Duration: 6 hrs
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Day 6

Trek to Ringmo - Tibetan village

After breakfast, we make our way to Ringmo village 11,350 ft / 3460 m. We make a steep descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo river. 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. After a final push through the Phoksundo River gully, you will emerge onto the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bon village, where you will stay the night.

Trekking Time: about 5–6 hours

Max Altitude: 11,350m (37,237ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Duration: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Day 7

Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa

Today we explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. Early morning we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa Gompa / Monastery on a ridge about the lake. The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is 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, is 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Day 8

Trek to Chhepka Village

Today you will trek back to Chhepka. Head towards Sulighad, following a stream originating from the lake. You will pass through the village of Renje, and fir and larch forests along the Sulighat river before reaching Chhepka at 8,268 feet.

Trekking Time: about 7 hours

Duration: 7 hours
Day 9

Trek back to Juphal

After breakfast, retrace the trail to Juphal through beautiful forests, fields, and villages.

Trekking Time: about 7 hours

Duration: about 7 hours
Day 10

Juphal to Nepalgunj and then take a connecting flight to Kathmandu

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 Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the time is free time.

Day 11

Final departure of join other trek or village tour

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 or join our homestay tour to riepe village to experience local culture and lifestyle in country side of Nepal

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Cost Details

Includes

  • All airport pick up and drop off.
  • Standard hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights with breakfast.
  • All necessary paper work and permits (Lower Dolpa Restricted Area Permit )
  • Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Juphal to Nepalgunj and back to kathmandu.
  • Accommodation in Nepalgunj as per itinerary.
  • All meals (breakfast,lunch and dinner with tea / coffee) during the trek.
  • All mountain accommodation in local tea house / tented camp.
  • An experienced english-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide
  • Sherpa porters to carry luggage (1 porter between two trekkers). 
  • Guide and support staff salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
  • Trekking equipment such as sleeping bag, walking poles, trekking map and duffel bag.
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Excludes

  • Nepal visa and International flight
  • Meals in Kathmandu except breakfast at hotel.
  • Guided sightseeing and monuments entrance fees while on sightseeing.
  • Alcoholic drinks, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
  • Personal expenses such as toiletries,laundry bar bills during the trek
  • Personal travel insurance, rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Tips and gratitude for guide and porters.
  • All other extra expenses which is not mentioned on cost include section.