Phoksundo Lake Trek

5/5

Dolpo Region

Fully Customizable Trip

Duration

12 Days

Max. Altitude

3500 m.

Activity

Trekking

Stay

Camping

Group Size

Min 2-Max 18

Trip Date

Flexible

Private Trip

Available

Group Trip

Available

The Phoksundo Lake Trek is a mesmerizing trekking route in the Dolpo region of Nepal that takes you to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, one of the deepest and most beautiful alpine lakes in the country. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and remote wilderness.

Explore the magnificent Dolpo region of Nepal. This lonely region, made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s ‘The Snow Leopard,’ has been accessible to hikers only since 1989. Its most appealing attraction, Phoksundo Lake, is revered by Buddhists and Bonpo believers. This reasonably straightforward trip traverses Himalayan forests and traditional Tibetan communities without crossing any high passes.

Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights

Dolpo Shey Phoksundo, or Phoksumdo as it is more commonly known, is a magnificent lake beneath the Kanjiralwa Himalayas. The entire region of Dolpa is rich with enchanted vistas, and the gorgeous places, people, and elements (Mountains, Lakes, Hills) will astound any traveler who ventures to this wonderful land. This region is located in the western portion of Nepal. Here are some of the highlights of the Phoksundo Lake Trek.

Phoksundo Lake: The centerpiece of the trek, Phoksundo Lake is a crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. Its unique color and pristine setting make it one of the most captivating lakes in Nepal.

Dolpo Region: The Dolpo region is remote and untouched by modern development, allowing you to experience traditional lifestyles and cultures that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

Shey Phoksundo National Park: The trek passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including blue sheep, snow leopards, and unique high-altitude ecosystems.

Cultural Encounters: Along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local inhabitants, who are primarily of Tibetan origin. You can observe their customs, traditions, and unique way of life.

Shey Gompa: The ancient Shey Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, is a cultural and spiritual highlight of the trek. It holds religious significance for both local people and trekkers.

Unique Landscapes: The landscapes vary from lush forests to arid and barren landscapes. The contrast between the turquoise lake, snow-covered peaks, and rugged terrains is visually captivating.

High Passes: The trek involves crossing high passes, such as the Kagmara La Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Less Crowded: The remote nature of the Dolpo region results in fewer trekkers on the trail, providing a quieter and more peaceful trekking experience.

Challenging and Adventurous: The Phoksundo Lake Trek is considered challenging and is suitable for trekkers with prior experience and a good level of fitness.

The Best time for Phoksundo Lake Trek

The best time for the Phoksundo Lake Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora, lush landscapes, and blooming flowers, while autumn provides clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and cultural experiences.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.:

When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city’s attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu’s many adventure supply stores. We’ll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.

Day 2 - Fly to Nepalgunj.:

Leaving the metropolis of Kathmandu behind, we fly to Nepalgunj while enjoying the gorgeous trip. Due to its location in western Nepal, close to the Indian border, Nepalgunj is an important business hub for several regions. Later in the evening, we can stroll through Nepalgunj’s bustling markets.

Day 3 - Fly From Nepalgunj To Juphal, Trek To Dunai(2,150m), 3 Hours..:

Today, we take a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. As soon as we touch down in the Juphal, our trek begins. We reach the Bheri River by descending via local settlements and terraced fields. The walk continues along the riverbank and passes past the Roop Ghar with water mill before reaching Dunai.

Day 4 - Trek to Chhepka Village (2670m).:

Descend the streets of Dunai and cross the Bheri River on the bridge. Follow the river’s northern bank until Sulighat, then head north to the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. The rocky path ascends over the serpentine Suli Ghad River through a series of hemp trees to Kageni, and then through a tropical walnut and maple forest, where Tibetan culture begins to emerge. On the route to the 8,268-foot-high village of Shyanta, take in the sights of fluttering prayer flags, flowing waterfalls, and lush flora. Another hour and a half of walking uphill on the narrow trail will get you to the Chhepka town.

Day 5 - Trek to Jharana (3,352m).:

Ascent to Jharana Waterfall requires an early start. The trail ascends through a cedar forest to a winter encampment utilized by Ringmo village residents. Jharana, where we will spend the night, is located at an elevation of 3,352 meters (11,056 feet) after a steady ascent through open terrain. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a close-up view of the breathtaking Jharana Waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal, and a distant vista of Phoksundo Lake..

Day 6 - Trek to Ringmo Village (3500m).:

You will through birch woodlands to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River as you make your way to Ringmo at 3,500 meters altitude. Cross a bridge and follow the trail north to the Phoksundo Lake ranger station. After a final push through the Phoksundo River gorge, you will emerge onto the yak-filled meadows of the Tibetan Bon town of Ringmo, where you will spend the night.

Day 7 - Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa.:

You will tour the region surrounding the lovely Phoksundo Lake today. Explore Ringmo hamlet before proceeding to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery perched atop a ridge overlooking the lake. Along the steep-sided cliffs, descend to the lake. Buddhists and devotees of the Bonpo faith view Phoksundo Lake as sacred because they think it contains an underwater palace and a tantric mandala of spirits. The lake is renowned for its beautiful turquoise hue and breathtaking surroundings. Numerous gorgeous glaciers can be discovered close and above the lake.

Day 8 - Trek back to Chhepka village.:

Today, you will return to Chhepkat. Follow a stream emanating from the lake in the direction of Sulighad. Before reaching Chhepka at 8,268 feet, you will pass through the settlement of Renje and fir and larch forests along the Sulighat river.

Day 9 - Trek back to Juphal.:

We leave Chhepka and travel to Juphal via the villages of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we travel into the jungle to reach the Shey Phoksundo National Park checkpoint. Then, we cross the metal suspension bridge over Dhim Khola and hike to Juphal via a narrow trail and magnificent barley and wheat fields.

Day 10 - Fly From Juphal To Nepalgunj; Return Trip To Kathmandu In The Afternoon..:

We take an early morning beautiful flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. When we reach Nepalgunj, we board the next flight to Kathmandu. You are transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, you can dine at one of the local restaurants in the capital city.

Day 11 - Weather-Related Flight Delay And Cancellation Buffer Day.:

We reserve one additional day in case the flight is canceled due to bad weather or delayed for other reasons. Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu for the night.

Day 12 - Departure from Nepal.:

Today we will take you to the airport to catch your flight out of Nepal. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay longer, we may make additional travel arrangements to assist you continue your Nepal experience.

What's included