Trip Overview
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is a short and relatively easy trip to one of Nepal’s largest and most spectacular lakes. It’s a 7-day trip from Kathmandu, but it could be longer or shorter depending on the number of hours you choose to walk a day. Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of the most iconic and exotic, among other many beautiful places in Nepal.
The adherents of tourist destinations in the Dolpo region. It is the most significant territorial district Bon-Po religious sects also know the Phoksundo Lake as sacred. It thus makes the trek into a beautiful blend of nature and culture. Phoksundo Lake is splendid due to the reflecting backdrop of the Kanjirowa massif. Besides, it offers a wide range of spectacular and beautiful landscapes.
Phoksundo Lake is the most important place of nature and lies within the Shey Phoksundo national park. The park is also a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Thus, Shey Phoksundo National Park is also famous for its medicinal herbs. As a result, the Phoksundo Lake Trek is ideal for those who study botanical science.
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek: Highlights
- Explore the most iconic Phoksundo Lake and the holiest land of Bonpo.
- Take part in the culture of Tibetan in the Ringmo village.
- The witness of the crystal clear Jarana waterfall.
- Explore the 800-year old monastery of Tshowa Gompa.
Details of the Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
When you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll welcome the views of snow-capped mountain peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel. If you still have time, then visit Thamel, Nepal’s tourist city, or shop for rare trinkets and sightseeing around Boudhanath Stupa and Basantapur Durbar Square in the afternoon.
Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj
You may wander Thamel’s streets in the morning or visit Dreams Garden, a lush and serene oasis in busy Kathmandu. Today you’ll be heading to Nepalgunj, a city in the western Terai close to the Indian border and doorway to the Western region of Nepal.
Day 3: Fly to Juphal then trek to Dunai
Today, at 2500 meters, you’ll fly to Juphal, the starting point for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trail goes southeast up the valley of Thulo Bheri and winds to the village of Kalagaunda through the maize fields. Follow the South Bank of the Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar, a traditional water mill, before reaching Dunai at 2145 meters.
Trek Duration: 3h00
Day 4: Trek to Chhepka
Go down Dunai’s streets and cross the Bheri River Bridge. Follow the northern riverbank towards Sulighat before heading north to the check-out point for Shey Phoksundo National Park. The rocky trail goes up the Serpentine River Suli Ghad to Kageni through hemp trees and then to the tropical forest of walnuts and maples, where you begin to see insights into the culture of Tibet. Take on the way to Shyanth village, 8268 feet in the view from fluttering prayer flags, waterfalls, and lush greenery. A further hour and a half climb up the narrow way lead you to Chhepka, a village 2660 meters.
Trek Duration: 6-7h00
Day 5: Trek to Jarana Hotel
Taking the Jharana waterfall early in the morning. The trail goes up to a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village through a cedar forest. The route then continues through open fields at Jharana hotel, an altitude of 3370 meters, whereas our stop for the night. A close-up view of the 330 meters stunning Jharana Waterfall–one of the highest in Nepal–will pay you off your efforts with the farthest view of Phoksundo Lake.
Trek Duration: 6h00
Day 6: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo Lake
You’ll walk up to the top of the Phoksundo River through birch trees as you reach Ringmo at 3460 meters. Follow the trail north towards the ranger station at Phoksundo Lake. You will push toward the yak-filled meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bons town, where you will stay overnight.
Trek Duration: 4h00
Day 7: Explore Sacred Phoksundo Lake and Tshowa Gompa
Today you’re going to explore the area around the splendid Phoksundo Lake. Visit the village of Ringmo before heading to Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old monastery in Bon on a slope above the lake. Phoksundo Lake is considered sacred by Buddhists and adherents of Bonpo religion, who believe the lake comprises an underwater palace and a tantric spirit mandala. The lake is famous for its iconic turquoise color and spectacular scenery. There are many beautiful glaciers located near and above the lake area.
Day 8: Trek back to Chhepka
Today, head back to Chhepka. Follow a river from the lake towards Sulighad. You cross the village of Renji and the forests of fires and larches along the Sulighat River before you reach Chhepka at 2600 meters.
Trek Duration: 7h00
Day 9: Trek to Juphal
Follow the path to Juphal after breakfast through splendid forest, fields, and villages.
Trek Duration: 6h00
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
You will fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj early in the morning and then to Kathmandu, where you will take your way to the hotel. In the evening there is free to enjoy a sightseeing tour or rest in the hotel.
INCLUDED
- All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer
- Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks
- All necessary documentation and permits
- All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)
- Professional guide and porters
- A First Aid Kits
- Applicable Government Taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- International Airfare
- Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)
- Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
- Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
- Travel Insurance
Best time to visit Shey Phoksundo National Park
Spring (Mar to May): According to the trekkers, spring is the best season for the Shey Phuksundo Lake Trek. In addition to the best climatic conditions, the best views of spectacular and colorful rhododendrons bloom in this season. The temperature is moderate during this season, and the weather is perfect. The fascinating aspect of Dhaulagiri and other mountains are visible during this period.
Autumn (September to November): Because of the lovely weather and moderate temperatures, autumn is the best trekking season. So, days are usually sunny, which allows you to look at the superb view of the mountains and the beautiful landscapes. The autumn season is also perfect for the Phoksundo lakes trek too.
Winter (December to February): Winter is always hard in Nepal, and especially in the higher altitudes, it gets even harder. Shey Phuksundo Lake is 3,600 meters high, and so it’s not going to get challenging since the trek isn’t at higher altitudes. It will even be cold, but Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek is still feasible.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the rainy season since it brings hot, humid weather, with most trekking areas seeing cloudy skies and rain. At this time of year, choose a trek in the “rain shadow” such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, or Nar Phu. The Yarthung Horse Festival takes place either in Manang or Mustang in June.
As a result, the best seasons for a trek to Phoksundo Lake are in spring and autumn.
If you seek less crowded yet exciting spots, the Dolpo region trekking is ideal to avoid the most popular trekking trails such as Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang.