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Phoksundo Lake Trek

About the trek

Dolpo is a vast, high-altitude wilderness located in the rain-shadow area of the Dhaulagiri massif. Because the giant mountains block the heavy monsoon clouds, the region stays dry, sun-baked, and beautifully barren for most of the year. This geographical isolation has kept Dolpo remarkably untouched by the modern world. The entire trekking route sits inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is Nepal's largest and most remote national park. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for rare, high-altitude wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, and musk deer. Culturally, the region is one of the last remaining strongholds of Bonpo, an ancient, pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion. The local people, known as Dolpo-pas, still live in traditional stone-walled villages, wear hand-woven clothing, and practice a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries. The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a journey into Lower Dolpo, a hidden and beautifully preserved mountain sanctuary in western Nepal. It is widely considered one of the most exotic short trekking destinations in the country, celebrated for its raw, dramatic landscapes and deep spiritual heritage. Walking this trail feels like stepping directly into a living museum; the route traces ancient salt-trade paths, wandering through deep river gorges and lush pine forests before opening up into the vast, arid, desert-like hills that mirror the Tibetan plateau.

Key Highlights

Phoksundo Lake: Stand at the edge of Nepal's deepest and most beautiful alpine lake, famous for its brilliant, crystal-clear emerald and turquoise hues.
Suligad Waterfall: Witness one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Nepal, plunging over 167 meters down a massive rocky gorge.
Ancient Bonpo Culture: Explore Ringmo village and visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa to experience Bonpo, an ancient, pre-Buddhist Tibetan religion rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Shey Phoksundo National Park: Trek safely through Nepal's largest national park, which provides a protected sanctuary for rare wildlife like the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, and musk deer.
Scenic Mountain Flights: Enjoy two thrilling, unforgettable flights—first to the plains of Nepalgunj, followed by a dramatic mountain flight into the hillside airstrip at Juphal.
Ringmo Village: Stay in a traditional, authentic Tibetan-style village built entirely out of stone, where you can connect with locals and see their ancient mountain lifestyle firsthand.
The Blue Bheri River: Follow the winding trails right alongside the roaring, pristine waters of the Bheri and Phoksundo rivers for most of your walking journey.

Duration

11 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Max Elevation

3,640 m

Trail Distance

70 km

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Starting Altitude

1,400 m

Private group departures only.

Flexible dates available, and pricing provided upon request based on group size. Contact for more details.

Chat on Line

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Itinerary

11 days

Upon arriving in Kathmandu connect your flight to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai close to the Indian border and doorway to the Western region of Nepal.
Today, take a 30-35 min flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal at 2500 meters. From Jhuphal, trek down short 30 minute hike to Sulighat, the entrance point for the Phoksundo National Park.
Start from Sulighat, then proceed to the Shey Phoksundo National Park check-out. Trek through Serpentine River Suli Ghad, hemp trees, and a tropical forest to Kageni. Reach Shyanth village at 2515 meters, surrounded by prayer flags, waterfalls, and greenery. A 1.5-hour climb leads to Chhepka, a village at 2660 meters.
Morning trek to Jharana Waterfall through cedar forest. Reach Jharana Hotel (3370 meters) for the night. Stunning view of 330-meter waterfall and distant Phoksundo Lake.
Ascend to Ringmo (3460 meters) via birch trees along the Phoksundo River. Head north to the Phoksundo Lake ranger station, then reach the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bons town. Overnight stay at lodge in Ringmo Village.
Explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Visit the 900-year-old Tshowa Gompa, a Bon monastery. The lake is sacred in Buddhism and Bon, with turquoise waters and stunning glaciers.
Return to Chhepka from Phoksundo Lake. Follow the river towards Sulighad, passing Renji village and fire and larch forests along Sulighat River. Reach Chhepka at 2600 meters.
Follow the path to Juphal after breakfast through splendid forests, fields, and villages.
Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu in the morning. Rest at the hotel or enjoy a sightseeing tour in the evening.
Optional city tour or relax and explore shops and cafes in Thamel.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Cost Details

Package

What's Included

One government-certified and experienced English-speaking local guide for the entire trip.
One porter shared between two clients to carry your main backpack (weight limit: 10 kg per trekker).
An assistant guide will be provided if the group size exceeds six participants.
Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Juphal–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu.
All necessary trekking permits.
All local taxes, VAT, office service charges, and domestic airport taxes.
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Accommodation during the trek on a twin/double-sharing basis (please note: better hotels and attached bathrooms may not be available in some trekking areas).
Night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Complimentary use of a sleeping bag and duffle bag during the trek (to be returned after the trek).

Extras

Not Included

All bar bills and beverages, including soft drinks such as Coke, Fanta, and bottled mineral water.
Personal travel insurance, internet usage, telephone calls, and laundry services.
Expenses related to emergency rescue operations, if required.
All meals throughout the trip.
Gratuities and tips for guides and porters.
Personal trekking equipment.
Charges for hot showers, battery charging, and hot drinking water during the trek.