Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek - 11 Days
The Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a fantastic option for those seeking a relatively easy and rewarding trek in Nepal. Nestled amidst the dramatic Dolpo region, this stunning turquoise lake is a sight to behold.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek
Price: USD $1850-
Price per person
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2-4 pax$1850
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5-7 pax$1800
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8-13 pax$1750
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14+ pax$1650
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Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Facts
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Highlights
- Witness the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake
- Explore this ancient Bon-Po monastery
- Trek through Himalayan forests, rivers, and mountains
- A moderate trek suitable for adventurous travelers.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Overview
Shey Phoksundo Lake standard itinerary is designed for an 10-day journey from Kathmandu, but we can customize it to fit your preferred pace. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, we'll help you plan a trip that suits your fitness level and time constraints.
Experience the magic of the Himalayas as you trek through diverse landscapes, encounter unique Tibetan culture, and witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Contact us today to learn more about our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek packages and start planning your dream adventure!
Nestled in the northwest of Nepal of Dolpo district, the lake is located within Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepa -, established way back in 1984.
For the local people, who follow the Bon-Po religion, Phoksundo Lake holds deep spiritual significance. This adds a unique cultural dimension to your trek, allowing you to experience the region's rich heritage.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this trek is the Thashung Monastery, a remarkable site that dates back a staggering 900 years! Located near the lake, this monastery is steeped in history and follows the Bon-Po religion, an ancient belief system that many believe laid the foundation for Tibetan Buddhism. It's a truly unique opportunity to experience this rich cultural heritage.
The lake itself is simply breathtaking! Imagine its turquoise waters reflecting the majestic Kanjirowa massif – it's a truly awe-inspiring sight. And that's just the beginning! The trek offers a diverse range of stunning scenery, from lush forests to rugged mountain peaks.
Did you know that Shey Phoksundo Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal, spanning a massive 494 hectares? That's a lot of water! And it's no wonder Dolpo is famous for this incredible lake – its turquoise color is simply mesmerizing. It's truly one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire region.
Perched at a lofty 3611 meters above sea level, Shey Phoksundo Lake offers a sense of tranquility that's hard to find anywhere else. It truly feels like a piece of paradise on Earth – a place where you can simply relax and soak in the serenity.
Imagine trekking through breathtaking scenery! You'll be rewarded with stunning views of snow-capped giants like Kanjiroba. Plus, you'll enjoy exciting walks along the Thulo Bheri and Suligad rivers.
But that's not all! This trek takes you through beautiful mixed forests, where you might spot majestic blue pines, vibrant rhododendrons, and towering firs. And if you're lucky, you might even encounter some incredible wildlife, like elusive musk deer, agile Himalayan Thar, or even a majestic Himalayan Black Bear! It's an adventure for all your senses.
Shey Phoksundo National Park, where Phoksundo Lake resides, is a true treasure trove of nature. It's home to a remarkable variety of plants and animals, including many valuable medicinal herbs.
This makes the Phoksundo Lake Trek a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in botany. Imagine exploring this unique ecosystem, discovering rare plants, and learning about their medicinal properties. It's a truly enriching experience for nature lovers and aspiring botanists alike.
How to get to Shey Phoksundo Lake trek?
First, you'll need to reach Nepalgunj, a city in far-western Nepal.
- Fly High: You can take a quick flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It's a short trip, usually around 55 minutes.
- Road Trip: For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus. Be prepared for a longer journey, typically over 16 hours.
From Nepalgunj, you have two options:
- Trekking Adventure: Embark on a challenging 4-day trek from Nepalgunj to Dunai, the gateway to the lake.
- Fly & Hike: Opt for a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (about 35 minutes). From Juphal, it's a moderate 3-hour hike to Dunai.
Dunai is your starting point for the incredible Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek!
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we'll be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel.
Later that evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with members of our team. This is a great opportunity to meet your trekking team. They'll provide a comprehensive briefing on the trek, covering important details and answering any questions you may have.
We'll depart from the hotel based on your flight schedule.
Our destination is Nepalgunj, the gateway to the western region of Nepal. After a scenic flight of approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Kathmandu, we'll arrive in Nepalgunj.
Get ready for an exciting flight from Nepalgunj Airport to Juphal! This scenic flight takes approximately 35-45 minutes.
Our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek officially begins from Juphal. We'll descend into the beautiful Thulo Bheri valley, enjoying views of terraced farms and charming villages nestled along the south bank of the Bheri River.
Along the way, we'll pass by interesting sights like Roop Ghar (traditional houses) and water mills. After a scenic walk through these picturesque farmlands, we'll reach Dunai, where we'll spend our first night.
After a delicious breakfast at our guesthouse in Dunai, we'll head towards the Bheri River. We'll cross a suspension bridge and begin our ascent into a beautiful pine forest, enjoying the scenic beauty of western Nepal.
The trail leads us to another suspension bridge, this time crossing the mighty Thuli Bheri River. As we cross, we'll officially enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
We'll continue our trek, passing through a dramatic gorge and the small settlement of Byasgad. The landscape gradually changes as we ascend further along the river. We'll encounter different types of trees, see traditional stone houses, and eventually reach the charming village of Chhepka.
After a hearty breakfast in Chhepka, we'll continue our trek. Today's highlight is a visit to a stunning waterfall (Jharana).
The trail then leads us through pastures, where we'll encounter the winter settlements of the Ringmo villagers.
We'll enjoy the ever-changing scenery, navigating gentle ups and downs along the way. Finally, we'll reach Jharana Hotel, where we'll spend the night.
Today, we're heading towards our main destination: the mesmerizing Ringmo village at Phoksundo Lake.
The trek takes about six hours from Jharana Hotel. We'll walk along the banks of the lake, following a trail lined with beautiful birch trees.
As we approach Ringmo, we'll be greeted by stunning views of the lake and meadows dotted with grazing yaks.
Ringmo, often referred to as the "Tibetan Bons Town," welcomes us with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear lake.
We'll spend two days in Ringmo, enjoying the beauty of this incredible destination.
After a delicious breakfast at our guesthouse, we'll spend some time exploring the shores of Phoksundo Lake. You'll have ample time to soak in the breathtaking views.
We'll also visit the historic Tshow Gompa, a significant religious site in the region.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Ringmo, we'll begin our trek back.
The trail takes us through a diverse landscape, with a mix of forests, meadows, terraced fields, and rolling hills. We'll navigate a combination of ascents and descents as we make our way towards Shyanta.
Our Shey Phoksundo Lake trek comes to an end as we reach Juphal from Shyanta.
Along the way, we'll pass by charming villages with traditional stone-roofed houses, experience the remote lifestyle of the local people, and enjoy views of the fertile farmlands and the majestic Thuli Bheri River.
We'll stay near the Juphal Airport, making it easy for us to catch our flight back to Nepalgunj the next day.
Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj (150m) – 35 to 45 minutes & catch connecting flight to Kathmandu (1,350m) – 45 minutes to 1 Hours.
We'll head to the Juphal Airport based on the flight schedule.
After our scenic flight back to Nepalgunj, we'll connect a flight back to Kathmandu.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, we'll drop you at your hotel.
Note: Please add 1 day extra incase of mountain flights cancel due to bad weather
Based on your flight schedule, we'll drop at the airport for your departure.
This marks the end of our unforgettable Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek. We hope you cherish the memories of this incredible journey!
Package Includes
- Private vehicle for pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport.
- Two nights' stay in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
- Roundtrip airfare from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal.
- One night's stay in a comfortable hotel in Nepalgunj.
- All-inclusive accommodation in lodges during the trek, with twin-sharing rooms (private rooms available upon request).
- Daily meals throughout the trip, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with tea or coffee served.
- All necessary permits required for trekking in the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Experienced and licensed trekking guide and a strong porter (one porter for every two trekkers).
- Accommodation, meals, salaries, and insurance coverage for the guide and porter.
- All applicable government taxes are included in the price.
Package Excludes
- Your personal travel and trekking insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and personal expenses not explicitly mentioned.
- Wi-Fi access (where available), hot showers (where available), and battery charging facilities (where available).
- Tips for the guide and porters are at your discretion.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek Map
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek - Useful Information
Our Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek typically begins in Juphal (2475m). From here, we descend to Dunai (2140m) for our first night's stay.
Dunai is a well-known starting point for many treks in the Dolpo region, including our adventure to Phoksundo Lake.
From Dunai, we continue our trek, ascending to Chhekpa (2678m) for the second night and then to Chunuwar (3110m) for the third.
Throughout this part of the trek, we'll be walking alongside the impressive Thuli Bheri and Suligad Rivers (also known as the Phoksundo River).
The highlight of our trek is reaching the magnificent Phoksundo Lake (3611m). We'll spend two nights here, exploring the charming Ringmo village, visiting the historic Thashung Monastery, and hiking to a viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the lake, snow-capped mountains, and the surrounding landscape.
For the return journey, we retrace our steps. We'll spend a night at Shyanta (2520m) and another night at Juphal (2475m) before flying back to Nepalgunj and ultimately returning to Kathmandu.
What are the Shey Phoksundo Lake trek permits and fees?
To do the Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, you'll need to obtain a couple of essential permits:
- TIMS Card: This card is issued by the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS). The cost varies:
- Organized Trekkers: USD 10 per person
- Independent Trekkers: USD 20 per person
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Entrance Fee: This fee is typically 3000 Nepalese Rupees per person.
