Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle & Flight
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: Ringmo Village (3611 m)

Highlights

  • Spot Phoksundo Lake, sacred in the Bonpo religion
  • Massive cultural exploration 
  • Explore Ringmo village rich in Tibetan culture
  • Spectacular Jharana Waterfall 
  • Ancient Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery
  • Walk along the dramatic landscape of Trans Himalayan mountains
  • Explore the pristine and azure lake of Shey Phoksundo
  • Insights on unique Bon Po religion
  • Experience rural Nepal. Nepal's highest waterfall – Suligad waterfall
  • Encounter unique species of flora and fauna.
  • Shey Phoksundo National park.
     

Description

Wild rivers all the while with spectacular views of beautiful snow-capped mountains are always waiting for your presence. The highlight of Shey Phoksundo Trek is the mesmerizing deep-blue and emerald hues of the deepest lake in Nepal, Shey Phoksundo Lake. It is one of the most beautiful natural tourist destinations in Nepal. 

Dolpo is the largest territorial district in Nepal. One of the most beautiful and splendid places in the country. You can spot the Dolpo region on film by the renowned director Eric Valli in his movie "Caravan".

There are more than 20 stupas in the southern belt, and one gompa in the eastern side of the lake, where annual prayers and worship are carried out. You can experience amazing trans Himalayan culture during Shey Phoksundo trek.

You can find traditional Tibetan culture in Upper Dolpo; Buddhism and Bon still exist in lower Dolpo, including Ringmo village. Shey Phoksundo trek offers great cultural insights.
 
Phoksundo Lake is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in Nepal's Shey Phoksundo National Park, located at an elevation of 3,611.5 m above sea level. 

What are you waiting for?  Don't you want to experience this glorious terrain of Shey Phoksundo Trek? If you have flexible time, it's worth spending a day or two wandering the views and exploring the lake and surrounding areas. Showa monastery on the east bank of Phoksundo Lake where worship still takes place, cannot be missed.

You can find Ringmo village on the southern bank. You can spot the unseen images of traditional Bonpo culture over here. Snowy Kanjiroba massif, the turquoise lake waters can take your breath.

Itinerary

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As you fly from Kathmandu, the magnificent views of snow-capped mountain ranges greet you. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai. Nepalgunj is very close to the Indian border and Bardia National Park. It is a highly populated area near borders and significant transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of the country.

Flight Duration: 45 minutes 

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Place: Nepalgunj
  • Altitude: 150 m

Today, again we take a short flight to Juphal. Our Trek starts today from here. As we begin the walk, the trail ascends southeast above Thulo Bheri Valley. It may take us about an hour-long walk crossing maize fields to reach the village of Kalagaunda. As we ascend forward by the southern bank of Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar along with the watermill. After some hours of walking, we finally reach the village of Dunai (2145m).

Trekking Duration: 3 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Dunai
  • Altitude: 2145 m

Early in the morning after having our breakfast, we begin our walk descending through the streets of Dunai. We cross the Bheri river bridge. Walking forward on the Northan bank of the river, we reach sunlight. Ascending ahead it the same direction we reach Shey Phoksundo National Park check post.

As terrains stretch through the hemp tree, we arrive kageni. We further walk through the tropical forest to reach the village of shyanta (2520mtr). After another one and a half hour of walking in the uphill from Shyanta we reach Chhepka.

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Chhepka
  • Altitude: 2670 m

We wake up early in the morning and have our breakfast and begin our walk towards Jharana hotel. As we walk our trails ascend with a climb through a forest of big cedars. People of Ringo village also use these cedars during the winter.

As we walk further, we need to maintain a gentle walk. We will be walking over the elevation of 3370 meters. As we ascend, we spot a magnificent 330mtr high waterfall (Jharana waterfall). It is one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. We can see the faraway view of Shey Phoksundo lake. We stop overnight in Jharana hotel.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Jharana Hotel
  • Altitude: 3110 m

After having morning breakfast at Hotel Kharana, we further descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola. As we ascend forward, we pass via a bridge and follow north terrain. We continue our walk alongside the shores of the lake near the point where phoksundo Khola (river) flows out of the lake.

Moving forward we emerge to the yak filled meadows of Ringmo, a famous Bon village in the region. Overnight we stay in Ringmo.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ringmo
  • Altitude: 3460 m

Today is the most awaited day of the entire Shey phoksundo trek. Today we explore the area around the Ringmo and magnificent phoksundo lake. We wake up early in the morning and explore around Ringmo Village and move towards the show (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). Ringmo village provides us with a glimpse of a typical Tibetan village.

Exploring Bon Monastery is a fascinating and magnificent experience. Then we move downwards to Shey phoksundo lake. The phoksundo lake is very famous for its spectacular turquoise color and scenery. We can see many glaciers near the lake and above the lake area. Ringmo village is a perfect village to explore Monasteries (Gompas).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Ringmo
  • Altitude: 3460 m

After an enjoyable and insightful teahouse trek to Phoksundo Lake, we trek along the retracing trail to Chhepka.

Since we need to walk long hours today, we wake up early in the morning. After having our breakfast, we ascend downwards to Chhepka. Since we are descending terrain may remain secure than before.

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Chhepka
  • Altitude: 2520 m

Since we are getting back from the same route. We can take it slow and accessible and be careful if we have missed anything before. Early morning after having breakfast, we continue our walkthrough retracing terrain, which brings us to Juphal. Overnight we stay in Juphal.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Juphal
  • Altitude: 2475 m

Today is the last day of our Shey Phoksundo lake trek. We need to take a short walk to Juphal airport and then fly back to Kathmandu. So we start early in the morning. We reach Nepaljung airport via Kalagaunda. 

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1320 m
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What to Expect

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Round Trip Flight Ticket (Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jhuphal)
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • Porter with Insurance, Transportation, Food, and Accommodation
  • All Necessary Trekking Permits (Upper Dolpo Special Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park)
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local taxes
  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (Wifi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Useful Information

The Major Attraction of Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo Lake lies inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, so when you trek to the lake, you pass via the gorge. Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest and the only trans-Himalayan national park in the country. The elevation of the National park ranges from 2,130 meters in the southeast to 6,883 meters at the summit of Kanjiroba Himal.

Kanjimaro Himal is the southern edge of the Tibetan plateau. The National park also has 268 species of ethnobotanical importance. Park is the home for many endangered animals like the grey wolf, musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep. 

Trans Himalayas Culture

If you're someone who wants to explore trans Himalaya culture than Shey phoksundo lake trek is perfect for you. You can spot the fantastic ancient Tibetan culture and some glimpse of Bon culture in this region. 

The cultural village Ringmo can give you diverse knowledge about trans Himalaya culture and Buddhism. You can find many ancient monasteries around Ringmo village.

Trekking Season for Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek

Spring (March-May)

Shey phoksundo lake trek can be done anytime during the year. Spring is the best season for Shey Phuksundo trek. Apart from the best climates, spring season also offers sightseeing of colorful rhododendrons blossoming. During this season, the temperature remains moderate, and the weather is perfect for walking. You can get unobstructed views of mesmerizing Dhaulagiri and other mountains.

Summer (June-August)

Since you're trekking long distances, make sure you select the right decision. June - August is the rainy season of Nepal. The season starts with scorching sun, and gradually monsoon takes over in a short period. 

Due to the heavy rainfall path becomes muddy and slippery. Often trails may remain unfavorable for trekking. So, Shey Phoksundo lake trek during summer may not be very suitable.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is another best season for Shey phoksundo lake trekking. In Autumn, the temperature remains moderate; the weather is calm and friendly. Days are usually bright, which gives you unobstructed views of excellent mountains and the delightful forest of Pines and Rhododendrons.

Winter (December–February)

Weather in Nepal in high altitudes may get harsh during the winter months. Shey phoksundo lies at an elevation of 3,611.5mtr. Since it is not very high altitudes with little preparation beforehand, we can trek in the phoksundo region. Shey phoksundo lake trek is very much possible even in winter.

Are there any Chances of High altitude sickness in Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

Shey Phuksundo trek is located above 3000mtr. Trekkers might suffer from high while they are out for trekking in top altitude regions. Are you scared of altitude sickness during Shey phoksundo lake trek? 

Don't you worry about it, we can work beforehand for prevention. There might be various reasons for high altitude sickness. Lack of your body endurance or lack of proper acclimatization may be the cause of altitude sickness. Since you're trekking above 3000 meters, you should be more careful about acclimatization. You can prepare yourself before Trek physically and mentally, with some practice of short Trek and exercises. 

How Difficult is Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek?

There are no such difficulties in Shey phoksundo lake trek. Since the highest elevation point of the trek is not more than 3800mtr, the chances of altitude sickness can be reduced beforehand. Usual trekking preparation can help a lot. Shey phoksundo lake trek does not have extreme weather.

Final words 

Shey phoksundo lake trek is one of the best Trek to the most isolated region of the country. Located in one of the largest districts of Nepal Dolpo is a less explored region with magnificent natural beauties. You can explore the unseen images of Himalayan ranges through the local eyes.
Shey phoksundo lake trek is an exclusive trek with the most significant trans Himalayan culture.