The Shey Phoksundo Trek is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich trekking routes in western Nepal. Located in the remote Dolpo region, this trek leads to the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake, famous for its deep turquoise color and dramatic surrounding cliffs. The trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, Tibetan culture, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
“Overview of Shey Phoksundo Trek”
Shey Phoksundo lies within Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park. The trek starts from Juphal, near Dunai, after a short flight from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Compared to Upper Dolpo treks, Shey Phoksundo is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to trekkers seeking remote Himalayan scenery without extreme high passes.
Overview
Shey Phoksundo Trek. This captivating trekking route offers adventurers an unparalleled journey through untouched landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the raw beauty of nature. Named after the majestic Phoksundo Lake, the trek presents a mesmerizing blend of alpine forests, rugged cliffs, and pristine waterfalls, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and avid trekkers alike.
Trip Highlights
- Chance to see wildlife such as blue sheep, musk deer, and Himalayan birds.
- Part of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Dramatic landscapes, cliffs, and alpine forests.
- Spectacular Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m).
- Nepal’s highest waterfall near Ringmo village.
- Traditional Ringmo village with Tibetan-influenced culture.
- Ancient monasteries and Bon religious sites.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Everest Alpine Trekking representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.
Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago. Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of the airport and take a flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and to Bardiya National Park. It is a major transport focal point for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Following the morning breakfast at the hotel, we will again be transferred to the Airport in Nepalgunj from where you will take a 35-minute flight to Juphal, where our trek begins.
The trail descends and winds through local villages. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar 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 and the headquarters of Dolpa district. We stay overnight at a guesthouse in Dunai.
We will wake up early in the morning and have breakfast and tea at the guest house. Our trek then starts from Dunai and we trek until Chhapka, which has a few houses and a lodge. We will stay overnight at the local lodge.
After breakfast at the local lodge, we climb early in the morning and 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 gradually throughout 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.
After breakfast at hotel in the morning, we make our way to Phoksundo Lake, 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 river flows out of the lake. Phoksundo Lake is 4.8 km long, 1.8 km wide and is said to be 650 meters deep. Overnight stay at a homestay.
After breakfast at the hotel, we head out to explore the area around the glorious Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its outstanding turquoise color and amazing scenery. Phoksundo is the deepest lake in Nepal and its beauty is almost unmatched. Ringmo village, which is a typical Tibetan village, is scenically nestled in the area. There are many monasteries (Gompas) and Bon religious sites in the park and we spend our time visiting some of them. The most famous, Shey Gompa was established in the 11th Century. We explore about the nature & their life style during our visit. Overnight.
After an enjoyable and insightful visit to the Shey Phoksundo Lake, we then start our return tour by trekking to Sangta. It will take around four to five hours to reach Sangta, where we will stay overnight at a hotel.
On the ninth day of the itinerary package, we will trek through Sangta to Juphal, the place from where our journey had started a week ago. Following the completion of the lake tour, we return back to Jhuphal. Overnight stay at a hotel or lodge.
The next day, we will take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, we will catch another flight to Kathmandu and return to the capital city by evening. We'll have a celebratory dinner! Overnight stay at a hotel.
The last day of the tour package, you will be transferred to the International Airport in Kathmandu from where you will catch a flight back to your home country or your next destination. Hope to see you again soon!
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (international and domestic).
- All ground transportation as per itinerary.
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – return, if included in the package).
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
- TIMS Card.
- Government-licensed and experienced trekking guide.
- Assistant guide (depending on group size).
- Porters to carry personal luggage (as per weight limit).
- Guide and porter salary, insurance, food, accommodation, and equipment.
- Accmmodation during the trek (teahouse and/or camping as per itinerary).
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, if full-board package).
- Tea, coffee, and hot drinking water during the trek.
- First aid medical kit.
- Trek planning, logistics, and route briefing.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory, including helicopter evacuation).
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (can be rented if needed).
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, charging batteries, Wi-Fi).
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled beverages.
- Extra meals and accommodation in Kathmandu beyond the itinerary.
- Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory).
- Costs due to flight delays, weather conditions, illness, or natural disasters.
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered by personal insurance).
- Any services not mentioned in the Cost Includes section.
FAQS
Travelers get an opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity of National park. Variety of plant, birds and animal species like red panda, musk deer, blue sheep, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr etc. Beside that Phoksundo Lake, Kanjiroba Himal, Bon Po monasteries, practice of Tibetan Buddhism ant and wildness of the Himalayas.
The main reason to undertake Phoksundo Lake trek are stunning scenery, cultural immersion, birds and wildlife spotting, religious significance. it is moderate level trek beginners to experience hiker can complete within short time frame.
Shey Phoksundo Lake located in Karnali Province, Dolpa District of Nepal at an elevation of 3,641 meters /11,945 feet above sea level. Crystal-clear Phoksundo Lake is a feature highlights of Shey Phoksundo National Park. It is one of the deepest lakes in Nepal surrounded by snow-capped mountains of Himalayas.
Shey Phoksundo national park permit and the Lower Dolpo special permit are essential permits to visit this area. Lower dolpo area permit fee USD 20 per person/ week and afterwards USD 5 per person /day. Phoksundo national park permit fee NPR 3000 per person per entry.
Combination of Flight, Drive and trekking are the main ways to reach Shey Phoksundo lake from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Flight to Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal then hiking to Phoksundo lake. Alternatively drive all the way from Kathmandu to Juphal then trek to the Lake. The trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, forests and alpine meadows. There are two different route to reach the Shey Phoksundo lake from juphal you can select walking trail as per your preferences and time availability.
The best time to visit Shey Phoksundo Lake is in spring or fall months (March to May and September to December). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant and sunny, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures to enjoy the trip.
Exact distance of Shey Phoksundo lake trek can vary depend on route you follow, starting and ending points. However, common route covers 85 to 108 kilometers in total. Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake begin from Juphal and usually takes around 7-10 days, depend on your pace, itinerary and weather condition etc.
The difficulty level of Shey Phoksundo Lake trek is moderate type. Hikers must be in good physical condition, mental preparation to complete it. The highest point that you reach during this journey is 3641 meters / 11945 feet (Ringmo view point). Shey Phoksundo Lake is a popular trekking destination, requires a high level of altitude acclimatization to minimize the risk.
Shey Phoksundo Lake trek cost of basic package start from US$1,100 to US$2,500 per person. it is an estimates, actual cost of the trek may vary depends on length of trek, group size, level of luxury, transportation and the time of year you travel.
Tea house facility available in this route till to the Phoksundi lake of lower Dolpa. Local lodges / tea houses offer verity of local as well as western foods as per guest’s preferences. They do provide neat and clean room with bed, blanket and pillow to spend the night.
Shey Phoksundo Lake holds deep religious significance for the local Dolpo people. It is believed to have spiritual significance, associated with various Buddhist deities, spiritual practices and Bon rituals. Local Buddhist community organize ceremonies, prayers, and offerings time to time in this sacred site. Devotees walk around the lake in a clockwise direction, chanting mantras and prayers. This practice is believed to accumulate merit and purify the mind and body. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the lake’s waters can cleanse their sins and bring spiritual blessings.
Shey Phoksundo Lake is also surrounded by a rich tapestry of myths and legends. Turquoise Phoksundo Lake is a deepest lake in Nepal, with a maximum depth of 145 meters (476 feet). The lake is fed by several glaciers and streams, and its water drains into the Suligad River.
No, swimming is not allowed in Phoksundo Lake because of its holy status and for safety concerns. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful lake and popular destination for tourists and locals of Nepal.
Juphal or Dunai are the trip start and end point of Shey Phoksundo trek. Walking trail is well-maintained but need to ascend and descent through variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, river and alpine valleys etc.
Shey Phoksundo Trek Map
